Welcome to this year’s roundup of Scandinavian holiday events happening virtually and in-and-around Southern California. Highlights include a brand-new Norwegian Christmas series to stream, festive Scandinavian Christmas fairs, introductory Nordic language classes, and plenty of holiday craft and food classes. Schedules get busy and classes fill up, so don’t delay making your plans.
~ Streaming Highlight ~
Netflix’s Home for Christmas, Season 3 — Premieres December 12
I absolutely loved Seasons 1 and 2 of Home for Christmas–a fun, cozy rom-com set in a picture-perfect Norwegian winter wonderland–and am eagerly awaiting Season 3. The new season picks up five years later and follows Johanne as she navigates life, work, and the dating scene after a breakup. Will you watch Season 3?
(For more holiday viewing ideas, see my post Cheers to a holiday full of Norwegian Christmas streaming! with shows that are all still available.)
~ Southern California Christmas Events ~
Norwegian Julebasar — November 14-23, San Pedro
The Norwegian Church in San Pedro will be filled with Christmas cheer and Norwegian goods from Friday, November 14, through Sunday, November 23 (open daily 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Sundays 12:00-4:00 p.m.). Enjoy sandwiches and hot Norwegian food Friday through Sunday, and of course, there will be raffle tickets for sale with wonderful prizes.
Danish Julemarked — November 29, Yorba Linda
The Danish Lutheran Church and Cultural Center of Southern California will host its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 29, 10:00-3:00 p.m. Browse crafts, décor, ornaments, and gifts while sampling Danish favorites like æbleskiver, gløgg, and smørrebrød.
SWEA Los Angeles Christmas Fair — December 6, Hawthorne
Celebrate Swedish heritage and food at the SWEA Los Angeles Christmas Fair at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawthorne. Indulge in Swedish favorites like pancakes, baked goods, glögg, and hot dogs while exploring a range of artisan vendors. Highlights include visits from Santa Claus and Saint Lucia celebrations. Buy tickets in advance; limited availability at the door.
SCAN Julebord at Nansen Field — December 6, Rolling Hills Estates
Celebrate the holidays Scandinavian style at the SCAN Julebord/Christmas Party at the Scandinavian Center at Nansen Field. After a social hour, enjoy a dinner of traditional Scandinavian cuisine, followed by dancing and singing of favorite Norwegian and American Christmas carols around the Christmas tree. Attire is semi-formal and reservations are required by December 4 ($60 per person, no host social hour). See flyer for details.
Solvang Julefest: Experience the Julehygge — November 28-January 4
Visit Solvang from November 28 through January 4 for their annual monthlong Danish-style holiday celebration! Attend special events such as the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Julefest Parade, Maker’s Markets, and New Year’s Eve Copenhagen Countdown; ongoing happenings such as Light & Music Shows, Nisser Adventures, and Santa’s Village; or unique Julefest Tours.
~ Virtual Events ~
Online Nordic Book Club Meetings
Join Nordic book clubs from around the country that meet virtually to discuss contemporary and historical fiction, crime novels, memoirs, short stories, and more. See the full list of upcoming titles here: Nordic Book Club Meetings. Anything catch your eye?
Virtual Screenings – New York Baltic Film Festival (11/10-11/16)
The 8th Annual NYBFF, presented by Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America, returns, continuing its tradition of bringing the best new films from the Baltic region to New York audiences. This year, the 2025 virtual offerings comprise a selection of picks from past festivals, bringing back Baltic films that have not had a chance to screen in the United States since their release. Virtual films in the festival will be available to viewers all across the U.S. via the Elevent streaming platform November 10-16. View the virtual schedule here.
Nordic Spirit Classics’ Second Friday Series: The Dynamic Bronze Age of Finland (Friday, 11/14, Free)
Join the Scandinavian American Cultural & Historical Foundation for this month’s Nordic Spirit Classics program, part of the 2025 Nordic Spirit Symposium: Before the Vikings – The Extraordinary Nordic Bronze Age. In this talk, Dr. Janne Ikäheimo, lecturer in archaeology from the University of Oulu, Finland, explores how the Bronze Age in Finland was a transformative era of dynamic cultural exchange and trade. To receive the Zoom link, reach out to nordicspiritclassics@gmail.com.
ASI Introductory Language Classes Event: Swedish (Sunday, 11/16)
Are you curious about the Swedish 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 Sweden? This two-hour introductory workshop taught by Jean Hanslin 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.
ASI Introductory Language Classes Event: Finnish (Sunday, 11/16)
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 taught by Joona Sundström 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.
ASI Food Programs Event: Modern Scandinavian Holiday Sides with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 11/20)
Collect a new set of go-to recipes with Kristi Bissell from the blog True North Kitchen, just in time for the holiday entertaining season! Kristi will share some updated seasonal side dishes inspired by Scandinavian holiday classics. Learn to adapt Jansson’s Temptation for the vegetarians at your table, brighten your table with tangy red beet salad, and prep a make-ahead kale salad that will balance rich holiday mains. You might find a new family favorite or even a go-to weeknight side among these versatile recipes. As always, Kristi will share tips and tricks that make cooking at home even easier and more enjoyable.
Vesterheim Cooking Class: St. Lucia Buns with Kristi Bissell (Saturday, 12/6)
Celebrate the light during the darkest time of year with a cozy and festive baking class featuring St. Lucia Buns (lussekatter), the golden, saffron-scented pastries traditionally served on December 13 for St. Lucia Day. In this online hands-on class with Kristi Bissell from the blog True North Kitchen, you’ll explore the story behind the St. Lucia celebration and learn how to make these beautifully shaped yeasted buns from scratch, complete with their signature “S” shape and raisin garnish. You’ll master the art of working with saffron dough, shaping the buns with confidence and baking them to soft, fragrant perfection. Sold out but request to be added to the waitlist.
Vesterheim Folk Art Course: Introduction to Himmeli (Saturdays 12/6 and 12/13)
Himmeli-making is a Nordic tradition brought to the U.S. by immigrants from Nordic and European countries. 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. You will gain experience working with natural material (straw) as you 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: 11/22
ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Sølje Spoon Earrings with Liz Bucheit (Wednesday, 12/10)
Spend an evening exploring Scandinavian silver work through the creation of your own silver and gold-washed earrings. Ever wonder why sølje pins have those shiny dangles with silver disc drops? These discs are called “spoons” or “shells” in Norwegian. Historically, silver has long been seen as a protective element against evil and abduction by the hulder folk (hidden folk) in Scandinavian folklore. Legend has it that should you run into the devil wearing your sparkling sølje, he would see his own reflection and run away! Don’t run away from a chance to create your own earrings in this short class designed to introduce you to the beauty of Scandinavian silver work. Students will assemble up to two pairs of earrings using multiple disc elements suspended from sterling silver French hook ear wires.
Vesterheim Folk Art Course: Wool Embroidered Heart Ornament Laura Berlage (Wednesday, 12/10)
Make a cozy and cute heart embroidered with wool yarn and stitched onto a piece of curly sheepskin from the instructor’s flock. Learn how to work satin and stem stitch “in the hand” on washed wool fabric, as well as how to assemble the finished ornament. The finished piece is approximately 3.5 inches wide. This class includes a kit shipped to your home with wool fabric, stitch guide, hand-dyed wool embroidery yarn, red ribbon, white roving for stuffing, sheepskin heart for the back, embroidery needle, glover’s needles, and faux sinew for stitching, plus a PDF photo essay for additional instructions (a $70 value). Enrollment Deadline: 11/26
ASI Food Programs Event: Classic Nordic Holiday Cookies with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 12/11)
Gather tips and tricks from Kristi Bissell as she shares three classic Nordic cookie recipes from her blog True North Kitchen just in time for holiday baking. Kristi will demonstrate krumkake, a Norwegian waffle cookie; madelmusslor or sandbakkels, an almond cookie baked in a tart tin; and a chewy pepparkakor, or Swedish ginger cookie. From baking experts to newbies, students will get a look at each recipe step-by-step and find new inspiration and maybe a favorite cookie recipe from this virtual demo.
ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Felted Ornaments and Gift Toppers (Thursday, 12/11)
Create a festive ornament using needle felting techniques alongside teaching artist Kayla Ann. This fun project utilizes cookie cutters you may already have at home to create a felted ornament and/or gift topper with clean lines, even shape, and adorable details. This class is ideal for beginners looking to learn more about needle felting and Nordic culture. These delightful ornaments and gift toppers are the perfect way to step up your gift-giving or decorate your home. You will leave with both a finished project and the knowledge to continue needle felting outside of class. Registration for this kit-based class closes on 11/24.
ASI Introductory Language Classes Event: Icelandic (Thursday, 12/11)
Are you curious about the Icelandic language? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Iceland? This two-hour introductory workshop taught by Dan Haataja is the perfect way to get a feel for Icelandic, pick up a bit of grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic conversation.
ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Wool Embroidered Heart Ornament with Laura Berlage (Saturday, 12/13)
Make a cozy and cute heart embroidered with wool yarn and stitched onto a piece of curly sheepskin from the instructor’s own flock. Learn how to work satin and stem stitch “in the hand” on washed wool fabric, as well as how to assemble the finished ornament. The heart is approximately 3.5” wide and perfect for hanging up on a tree, doorknob, or as a gift for the holiday season. Registration for this kit-based class closes on 11/28.
Vesterheim Cooking Class: Holiday Smörgås with Patrice Johnson (Saturday, 12/13)
The holidays aren’t just about meatballs, lutefisk, and lefse! In this class, you’ll prep for the season with a beautiful and scrumptious variety of holiday-inspired open-faced sandwiches. A signature cocktail and non-alcoholic beverage will also be included in the menu. This Vesterheim cooking class is designed as a small-group cook-along, and we invite exchange between the instructor and students in order to build community around food traditions. Enrollment Deadline: 11/29
Vesterheim Cultural Connections: Norwegian Spoon Carving (Sunday, 12/14, Free)
Join artist and instructor Liesl Chatman for the first in a series of three cross-cultural webinars exploring spoon carving techniques from around the world. The Cultural Connections series of webinars fosters perspective about the way Norwegian and Scandinavian handcrafts are part of a global community. Cultural Connections: Norwegian Spoon Carving will explore the art and cultural significance of Norwegian spoon carving, using examples from the Vesterheim collection. Enrollment Deadline: 11/30
Vesterheim TVprat: The Commoner (Wednesday, 12/17, Free)
In a twist on Vesterheim’s monthly bokprat discussions, join Vesterheim in December for a discussion of the Norwegian television series The Commoner, available on Amazon Prime. The Commoner is a four‑episode historical drama based on the true story of Crown Prince Harald of Norway and Sonja Haraldsen, a middle‑class woman. Set in 1960s Norway, the series follows their nine‑year courtship as they navigate strict royal traditions, intense media attention, and political challenges that threaten to keep them apart. Harald’s unwavering commitment to marry Sonja places the monarchy under pressure, forcing King Olav V to confront a choice that could alter the future of the royal family. With meticulous attention to historical detail, the series tells a powerful story of love, perseverance, and change within the confines of tradition. Enrollment Deadline: 12/3
Vesterheim Family Handcraft at Home: Kroting (Enrollment Deadline 1/17, Begins 2/1/26)
Plan now for this family experience that starts February 1 and will be available all month. Join woodcarving instructor and Vesterheim Gold Medalist Rebecca Hanna in exploring the art of kroting, cutting lines into wood after it has been painted or stained. Inspired by work in the Vesterheim Folk Art School as well as the instructor’s personal work, students will be taught how to start kroting and given a simple design to try themselves. Note: This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. There is no live Zoom event and no scheduled class time – your family can participate anytime during the month when it works for your schedule! On the first of the month, you will receive an email with the links and information about how to access. Kit includes all folk art materials needed, some images as inspiration from the Vesterheim collection, and a treat.
Which events or experiences look interesting to you?
Extended into October, while supplies last! Join the global virtual challenge that blends fitness, fun, and the Nordic spirit! Chart your own course (5K, 10K, or half-marathon), choose how you want to move (walk, run, hike, row, skateboard – it’s up to you!), and receive a custom participant t-shirt featuring a Viking longship crewed by herring!
A recording of this event will soon be available at 
Just in time for Sweden’s Kanelbullensdag (Cinnamon Bun Day) on October 4, take a page from Nichole Accettola’s recent cookbook 
In this auction, you’ll have the opportunity to bid on a tremendous selection of rosemaling (Norwegian decorative painting), weavings, Norwegian clothing, and creative woodworking items. Included in the auction is the chance to bid on a Viking 8-day European River Cruise for two as well. Proceeds from the auction benefit Vesterheim’s Folk Art School, which has provided classes since 1967 in fiber arts, woodworking, painting, cooking, jewelry, blacksmithing, knifemaking, and more.
While not as popular as it once was in Sweden, a Thursday dinner of yellow pea soup and Swedish pancakes is still a great cold-weather meal. Join Kristi Bissell to demo these two classic dishes from her blog, 
This experience starts November 1 and is available all month. Join artist Derek Brabender in an exploration of birchbark weaving using recycled Vesterheim Folk Art School catalogues. Inspired by Nordic folk art, as well as the re-use of materials, this program will show families how we can still continue the folk art tradition using recycled materials. Note: This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. There is no live Zoom event and no scheduled class time – your family can participate anytime during the month when it works for your schedule! On the first of the month, you will receive an email with the links and information about how to access.
Maree Hampton is a knitting instructor for Vesterheim Folk Art School and one of the first recipients of a research grant from Vesterheim to study Norwegian knitting in Norway. While in Norway in the fall of 2024, Maree visited textile and folk art museums, attended a three-day knitting festival in Bergen, toured Norway’s long-standing yarn factories, and met everyday Norwegian knitters in the areas where she traveled. She will share what she learned in her month-long study in Norway, show images from her travels, highlight current trends in Norwegian knitting, and show how the experience has inspired her knitting, teaching, and more.
Join Kristi Bissell, founder of 
Raise a glass to the gods with this fun, history-infused class inspired by Norse mythology and Viking-era drinking traditions. We’ll create imaginative cocktails using ingredients like mead, herbs, and smoke, each paired with a mythological figure or story – from a thunderous drink for Thor to a mysterious one for Loki. This class is equal parts storytelling and hands-on cocktail creation, designed to bring ancient legends to life in a glass. This Vesterheim cooking class is designed as a small-group cook-along and we invite exchange between the instructor and students in order to build community around food traditions.
Join celebrated cook and author 
Join carver Charles Banks as he guides you through the creation of your very own flat plane ornament. This class will center around the creation of some festive stylized ornaments. Following the tradition of flat plane figure carving, you will use only a single knife to carve. You will receive an overview of the history and traditions of this style of carving, be introduced to the cuts and techniques of the reductive carving process, and learn finishing techniques – all culminating in your very own carving. Live instruction and video tutorials will be utilized as educational tools. This is a beginner friendly class. Enrollment deadline: October 22
“Crepe cakes” have been all the rage for a few years now. Join us to create two Nordic versions of this fun celebratory treat. We’ll make one savory version and one sweet, with plenty of creative ideas to get your entire family into the kitchen. This Vesterheim cooking class is designed as a small-group cook-along, and we invite exchange between the instructor and students in order to build community around food traditions. Enrollment Deadline: October 31
Try needle felting while making sweet spring-themed ornaments for a Swedish påskris or Easter tree. In this virtual class, students will work alongside Seattle-based artist Kayla Ann and practice forming 3D objects and adding miniature details using the materials from the provided kit. Students will leave class with fundamental needle felting skills and a handful of colorful ornaments to celebrate spring.
Salmon is a staple of Nordic cuisine, and in this one-hour demo, Kristi will share some favorite ways to serve it from her blog, 
Create the cutest spring rabbit in this afternoon-long class! Students will follow instructor Laura’s step-by-step instructions to transform hand-dyed wool from her family’s own sheep into a felted rabbit that will fit in the palm of your hand. Needle felting is fun, easy, and therapeutic, and as your wooly friend comes to life, you’ll enjoy conversation with other students and learn more about wool and the sheep who produced your kit materials! Kits ($32 value) are included in the class fee.
Take a page from Nichole Accettola’s recent cookbook 
Swedish smörgåsbord has a fun and fascinating history, and we’ll cover both the history, etiquette, and some of the classic dishes typically served at this vast buffet. As we talk, we’ll prepare a light five-course tasting menu with each course representing the progression of tables in a smörgåsbord.
Join Swedish writer and filmmaker Maja Hagerman for a compelling discussion on her extensive research on the spread of racial theories in academic communities in the Nordic countries between 1910 and 1935, with a focus on Swedish race biologist Herman Lundborg. Hagerman’s research formed the basis of her documentary film, to be screened virtually at a later date. Presented in conjunction with 
Gather some tips and tricks for building a smörgåstårta, or Swedish sandwich cake, at home. This savory centerpiece uses sandwich fillings of all varieties to feed a large group with style. Kristi Bissell of 
Join Vesterheim Gold Medalist Charles Banks as he guides you through the creation of your very own flat plane figure carving. For this class, we will carve a Scandinavian classic, a stylized Nordic Fjords Man. Following the tradition of flat plane figure carving, you will use only a single knife to carve out this character. You will receive an overview of the history and traditions of this style of carving, be introduced to the cuts and techniques of the reductive carving process, and learn finishing techniques – all culminating in your very own carving. Live instruction and video tutorials will be utilized as educational tools, as well as practice sticks, a unique “head study,” and printed imagery of your character. Enrollment deadline: April 16.
Learn to tackle a classic Swedish princesstårta in this virtual demo with Kristi of 
If you’ve ever thought about trying rosemaling, here’s a great opportunity to take the brush in hand! Rosemaling is the wonderful folk art of Norway that is based on the flowing scrolls and flowers that are made up of “C” and “S” strokes. This class introduces students to these basic strokes that are the foundation of rosemaling, as well as the detailed line work that completes a rosemaling project. The class will include demonstrations and plenty of hands-on practice. Students will practice strokes and complete a project on board. The class will be taught using acrylic paint. If you’ve painted with oil, this would be a good opportunity to explore acrylics. A complete kit of supplies (a $45 value) is included in the cost of enrollment. Enrollment deadline: May 9.
Curious about how tapestries are made and ready to try your hand at pictorial weaving? This most ancient form of textile creation is rich with history and an invitation for creative expression. Master weaver Laura Berlage will take you on a multi-week journey into the magical world of tapestry, where you will learn to transform warp and weft into a peaceful sunset landscape, measuring approximately 10 x 10 inches. Starting with a simple frame loom, focus will be given to establishing good tapestry technique and learning the process for horizontal and angled forms – beginning with foundational geometrics and building into more naturalistic forms. Fundamentals of cartoon creation and shading will also be covered, and we’ll explore tapestry pieces from Vesterheim’s collection along the way. Enrollment deadline: May 12.
Open up those cupboards and freezers and dig out some pantry staples to whip up cozy snacks for cold winter days! Kristi Bissell of 
Join celebrated Norwegian Arctic cultural presenter and preserver Stina Fagertun to hear folktales from north of the Arctic Circle. Gather the family together to listen to Stina and be brought to the Arctic Circle with some ancient stories and folktales. The stories will delight the children and whoever else in the family loves a good story.
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 taught by Áila O’Loughlin 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!
Sámi author and journalist Elin Anna Labba will discuss her latest publication