Welcome back to another post of Nordic events happening virtually and in and around Southern California. As the holiday season approaches, you’ll see a lot of Christmas themed events and workshops on the calendar. Before we get to the virtual events, here are some in-person happenings taking place this month that might be of interest to local readers.

Norwegian Christmas Market – November 15-24 in San Pedro

The Norwegian Church’s annual Christmas Market will take place Friday, November 15, through Sunday, November 24, in San Pedro. The church will be filled with Christmas goods and a festive atmosphere. Hours are 11:00 to 4:00 every day except Sundays 12:00-4:00. On the weekends, Norwegian sandwiches and hot food will be served.

Aurora Live in Concert – November 21 in Los Angeles

From her website: “Aurora Aksnes, known simply as AURORA, is a Norwegian singer, songwriter, and producer who has captivated global audiences with her ethereal voice and unique blend of electronic pop and folk influences… Her music is characterized by emotional depth and lyrical complexity, exploring themes of nature, love, and the human experience. Renowned for her dynamic stage presence and captivating live performances, AURORA combines elements of dance and storytelling to create an immersive concert experience. She is also an advocate for environmental and social issues, using her platform to raise awareness about climate change, mental health, and equality.”

SWEA LA Christmas Fair – November 30 in Santa Monica

The SWEA LA Christmas Fair returns to Santa Monica to celebrate Swedish heritage and food. Indulge in traditional flavors – Swedish Swedish pancakes and baked goods along with glögg (traditional spiced wine) and hot dogs – and discover and support a diverse selection of vendors who will bring the essence of Swedish culture and craftsmanship to the fair. Festive highlights include Santa Claus ready to spread festive joy and listen to holiday wishes and Saint Lucia Celebrations. Buy tickets in advance for either the morning or afternoon slot.

Olafur Eliasson: OPEN – On view now through July 6, 2025, at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, DTLA

Thank you to Sarah Bowman of Reasons to Gather for the heads-up about this exhibit. It is a site-specific installation created by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson as part of PST ART: Art & Science Collide, a Southern California art initiative in partnership with museums and institutions across the region that explores the intersections of art and science. “In line with Eliasson’s career-long exploration of light and color, geometry, and environmental awareness, the installation playfully engages with material and immaterial qualities of the museum’s architecture.” This exhibit is high on my list to experience soon.

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Virtual Events for November and a Bit Beyond

Online book clubs continue to meet. Check out Nordic Book Club Meetings to see what is being read this month. Does anything look interesting to you?

Nordic Spirit Classics’ Second Friday Series: Norway’s Peacemaking Role in the Middle East (Friday, 11/8, Free)

Join the Scandinavian American Cultural & Historical Foundation for their next presentation pulled from the archives of their Nordic Spirit Symposia, “Norway’s Peacemaking Role in the Middle East: The Background and Context of the Oslo Accords” by then-Professor Paul Hansen, History Department, California Lutheran University. The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict has been an intractable problem for nearly a century. Perhaps the best chance for a resolution in the past decades occurred as a result of the behind-the-scenes Norwegian mediation that resulted in the Oslo Accords in 1995. Professor Hansen explores the events that led to the famous signing on the White House lawn and reasons its promises were not fulfilled. To receive Zoom link, email nordicspiritclassics@gmail.com.

Koselig Vegetarian Soup Supper with Kristi Bissell (Saturday, 11/9)

Get cozy this fall with a vegetarian soup dinner! Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen will walk you through how to make this hearty main course soup as well as a couple of side dishes and an easy dessert to make a meal of it. Come join Vesterheim in this koselig cooking class to help fend off the coming cold outside. This class is currently sold out but you can be added to the waitlist.

Intro to Northern Sámi (Sunday, 11/10)

Are you curious about the Sámi language and culture? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to the north of Finland, Sweden, or Norway? This two-hour introductory workshop is the perfect way to learn some history of the nine living dialects of Sápmi, get a feel for North Sámi, pick up a bit of grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic greetings. Families welcome!

Roots of Change: The History and Impact of Plant Immigration and Human-Flora Interactions in Iceland (Thursday, 11/14)

Join the National Nordic Museum for a virtual talk on Icelandic flora with Dr. Pawel Wasowicz, senior scientist at the Icelandic Institute of Natural History. In this talk, inspired by the special exhibition Fischersund: Faux Flora, they’ll delve into the rich history of Icelandic flora, tracing the temporal trends in the immigration of non-native plants. They’ll explore the main pathways through which these species have arrived, including intentional and unintentional human-mediated introductions. By highlighting key examples, they’ll examine the history, impacts, and potential future of invasive alien plant species in Iceland. Additionally, they’ll discuss the evolving attitudes of Icelanders towards these non-native plants and their implications for the country’s ecological and cultural landscape. Join for an insightful journey through the dynamic interplay between humans and flora in Iceland.

ASI Nordic Table Event: DIY Holiday Gifts with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 11/14)

Start preparing for the holidays with make-ahead recipes perfect for gifting and entertaining! Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen will demo a savory seed cracker, sturdy cookie, and a DIY glögg (mulled wine or juice) kit in this hour-long virtual class. All these recipes make terrific stocking stuffers, care packages, or gifts for a lucky host, and as a bonus, these recipes keep well and are worth stocking at home for yourself, too! Plenty of other tricks, tips, and further gift ideas from the blog will also be shared, allowing students to get ahead on holiday gifting.

Warm Drinks for Winter (Friday, 11/15)

Light some candles, grab your favorite mug, and join Vesterheim for an evening of warm drinks and good company as we celebrate the coziest time of year! Malina Bickford will guide you in exploring different styles of hot cocktails (mocktails!) incorporating ingredients from the pantry, some unexpected flavors, and plenty of aquavit! Whether you’re an aspiring mixologist or simply looking to unwind with a steamy nightcap, this promises to be a very koselig experience. Enrollment Deadline:  11/4

Kransekake 101 with Patrice Johnson (Saturday, 11/16)

Kransekake is considered the “queen of Norwegian cakes,” and Nordic cooking expert and cookbook author Patrice Johnson will help you construct your own traditional cake tower during this fun interactive baking experience. During this special online cooking class, you will learn how to prepare this almond wreath cake baked in graduated rings. This class is currently sold out but you can be added to the waitlist.

Intro to Swedish (Saturday, 11/16)

Curious about the Swedish language, but not ready yet to commit to a multi-date class? Looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Sweden? This two-hour introductory workshop is the perfect way to get a feel for Swedish, pick up a bit of grammar and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic conversation.

Intro to Finnish (Sunday, 11/17)

Are you curious about the Finnish language, but not ready yet to commit to a multi-date class? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Finland? This two-hour introductory workshop is the perfect way to get a feel for Finnish, pick up a bit of grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic conversation.

Cooking Class with Swedish American Museum (Monday, 11/18)

In this monthly online cooking class, participants are taught Swedish recipes and can cook along with the group and ask questions as they go. In November, the class will be making variations on traditional foods.

Start Reading Swedish: Julen kommer till Mumindalen (Wednesdays, 11/20-12/18)

Are you just starting your Swedish language learning journey, but are already keen to start reading? Are you looking for an opportunity to keep up with your Swedish after the term ends? This class is for you! Read and discuss the winter story Julen kommer till Mumindalen (Christmas Comes to the Mumin Valley) by Tove Jansson and participate in activities to support your reading and vocabulary building. This class is for students with at least one year of Swedish language study or equivalent. Class materials will be provided by the instructor.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Felted Ornaments (Thursday, 11/21)

Create a festive, quick decoration with needle felting this season! This fun project makes use of cookie cutters you may already have at home to make a felted ornament with clean lines, even shape, and adorable details. Students will work alongside instructor Kayla Ann to learn needle felting basics which are applicable to a range of other projects. Once you get started, felted ornaments become an easy project and the perfect gift to decorate a present or tree! Students provide their own materials.

Genealogy Session with Swedish American Museum (Saturday, 11/23)

Delve into ancestry and history at this genealogy session with Sue Schlichting focused on the resource FamilySearch. Explore the power of FamilySearch for your personal family research.  From family trees to original records to the resource WIKI and digitized books, there is a treasure trove of great information to be found on their website. Even if you are already a FamilySearch user, there are so many different ways you can use the site that you’ll likely gain some new tricks and tools to add to your genealogy toolbox.

Knit a Norwegian-Inspired Hat (3 Mondays, 12/2-12/16)

Join Vesterheim and Kate Running to learn how to work with two colors of yarn to make this patterned hat. Work with a Nordic-inspired motif and learn the cultural tradition of stranded knitting. Intermediate level, no colorwork experience necessary but students should know how to knit & purl. A kit of materials (a $40 value) with Strikkegarn yarn is shipped to your home and included in the cost of registration. Enrollment Deadline: 11/11

ASI Nordic Table Event: Scandinavian Holiday Sweets with Nichole Accettola (Thursday, 12/5)

Get a peek into San Francisco chef and baker Nichole Accettola’s kitchen this holiday season! Nichole, who lived and cooked for many years in Denmark, today runs Kantine bakery café in San Francisco and is the author of Scandinavian from Scratch: A Love Letter to the Baking of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. In Scandinavia, making simple candies and confections at home is a beloved holiday tradition, and they are perfect for sharing on the cookie platter or giving as gifts. In this demo, Nichole will share some of her favorite holiday confections and go-to cookie recipes, along with some of her best tips and tricks from her many years as a professional chef and baker and some stories about the Christmases she spent in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Nordic Wafers and Tarts with Kristi Bissell (Saturday, 12/7)

Bake along with Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen as she makes Nordic Lemon Wafers and Scandinavian Almond Tarts (Sandbakkels)! Kristi will also have some fun filling ideas for your almond tarts. This class is just what you need to kick off the holiday baking season! This class is currently sold out but you can be added to the waitlist.

Introduction to Himmeli (Saturdays, 12/7 & 12/14)

Himmeli making is a Nordic tradition brought by Finnish immigrants to northern Minnesota. Traditionally hung above a table or dining area, these geometric straw mobiles are a Christmas tradition with a link to old folk farming beliefs for ensuring a bountiful harvest. Students will gain experience working with natural material (straw) as they construct a medium sized himmeli mobile. Focus will also be on the cultural and historic significance of this craft found in Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Baltic countries, and beyond. Enrollment Deadline: 11/23

December Filmprat: Christmas as Usual (Wednesday, 12/11)

Dr. Maren Johnson, Luther College’s Associate Professor of Nordic Studies and Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies Director, facilitates a regular bokprat (book group), discussing Scandinavian authors and Scandinavian life. December’s discussion is a twist on the usual format and features the film Christmas as Usual available on Netflix. Thea is going to her rural hometown to celebrate a classic Norwegian Christmas with her family, but this year she’s bringing along Jashan, her Indian boyfriend, which will put everyone’s preconceived beliefs and traditions on their heads. Enrollment Deadline: 11/20

ASI Nordic Table Event: A Festive Brunch with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 12/12)

The holidays call for special meals at every time of day! Join Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen and gather a collection of new recipes perfect for holiday breakfasts and brunches. Whether you’re interested in mastering a classic like aebelskiver (Danish filled pancakes) or prefer a make-ahead dish like baked porridge, these Nordic-inspired recipes will make your holidays both memorable and delicious. You’ll be ready for any holiday breakfast or brunch, from a visit from Tomte on Christmas morning to New Year’s Day and beyond.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Needle Felted Reindeer (Friday, 12/20)

Create a felted reindeer ready to take off for the North Pole in this afternoon-long class. Students will follow step-by-step instructions to transform hand dyed wool from instructor Laura Berlage’s own sheep into a felted reindeer complete with antlers and bell! This class builds on basic needle felting skills and is appropriate for students who have previous needle felting experience, such as one of ASI’s other ASI classes. Suitable for ages 16+. Kits ($32 value) are included in the class fee. Each kit includes the tools and materials for one student. Registration closes December 2.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Needle Felted Gnome (Saturday, 12/21)

Create a jolly felted gnome ready to bring home some holiday joy in this afternoon-long class. Students will follow step-by-step instructions to transform hand dyed wool from instructor Laura Berlage’s own sheep into a felted festive gnome (known in Sweden as a tomte or in Norway as a nisse) complete with long cap and beard! Students will get tips for shaping a cheerful face as well as hear stories from Laura’s farm and discuss gnomes in Scandinavian culture and beyond. Suitable for all skill levels, ages 11+. Kits ($32 value) are included in the class fee. Each kit includes the tools and materials for one student. Registration closes December 2.

Which events or experiences look interesting to you?