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?
Here’s a chance to see Sweden’s submission to the Oscars for Best International Feature, 
Catch the North American premiere of 
From 
Learn about the history of different types and styles of Norwegian sweaters, including Setesdal, Fana, Marius, and Olympic from textile expert and Vesterheim Chief Curator Laurann Gilbertson. Laurann will also discuss the symbolism behind some of the patterns and colors on sweaters made today. This is an open online meeting of Sons of Norway Lodge 1-001 Nidaros, from the Minneapolis, Minnesota, West Area. Laurann will join the meeting remotely to share the presentation. Visitors wishing to attend the meeting may sign up for the Zoom link 
This is the first of a three-part lecture series held on the third Wednesdays of January, February, and March over Zoom. The Sámi are the only recognized Indigenous people in Europe, whose lands, Sápmi, are claimed and divided by the Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Russian nation-states. Despite the central roles they’ve played in Fennoscandia, the Sámi are commonly rendered as marginal, ahistorical wildlings whose lands are a mismanaged frontier, ripe for the taking. This lecture series illuminates how untrue those renderings are. In this first lecture, students will learn about Sámi oral and archaeological histories, diversity, and land tenure.
Create your own stamps and print a tea towel in just an evening. Kayla will guide students through the process of carving a simple stamp or two, then printing a tea towel right at home. These skills will work for all kinds of future printing projects on paper or fabric, plus you’ll keep your reusable stamps and all the tools you need to keep printing. Suitable for ages 18+.
Join Kristi Bissell of the 
Explore the beauty and fun of beading on a loom in the Scandinavian tradition! Inspired by designs from Nordic bandweaving, this class will take you from start to finish to make your own red and gold beaded bookmark. Learn about the historic use of loom beading and how a remarkably simple process can transform glass seed beads into delightful designs. Over the four sessions, students will practice warping their own loom, reading a chart, and various finishing options; they should also plan to work on their projects outside of class. Suitable for ages 16+.
Artist Arna Rennan will give a presentation about emigration from central Norway featuring songs, images, and anecdotes that she collected in Bøverdalen, Norway. Between 1900 and 1920, half of the population of Bøverdalen immigrated to the United States. Another portion of the population left around 1950 to join relatives who had settled in the United States. Economic and social conditions were among the primary reasons for leaving. Arna takes a closer look at the existing class system found in Norway at the time and how the rural communities dealt with poverty. She will share some of these stories to bring the immigrant experience to life. This is a hybrid presentation. Watch from home on Zoom as Arna presents at Vesterheim.
When you hear of the style of painting that comes from Numedal, Norway, what image comes to mind? It is hard for even experts in rosemaling to think of a typical Numedal piece. That is because it had so many influences from Hallingdal and Telemark painters. Come and explore with Patti Goke, Vesterheim Gold Medalist, the different looks of the painted items from Numedal Valley. She has traveled twice to the valley known as the “Valley of the Middle Ages,” both times with Vesterheim on Folk Art Study Tours.
In 2024, the National Nordic Museum is prioritizing their personal well-being! Join health psychologist Kari Leibowitz, PhD in this one-hour interactive workshop to learn about the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv; the psychological and health benefits of getting outside, connecting with nature, and practicing friluftsliv; and how you can incorporate the practice into your own life to make the most out of the winter.
Very few of us can say no to a chocolate treat, and Scandinavians regularly end up on the list of top 10 countries for chocolate consumption per capita—so join Kristi Bissell of 
The 6th Annual Sámi Film Festival returns to the National Nordic Museum this February. Presented as a partnership between the 
Join Vesterheim and Bodil Petterssen Meleney for an online presentation about beloved dollmaker Rønnaug Petterssen. Petterssen’s dolls are featured in Vesterheim’s exhibition, 
Learn the basics of weaving through the use of humble materials and step-by-step instruction. A common picture frame, with glass and backing removed, becomes the ultimate structure with which to create upon. Learn how to wind it with cotton thread to create your warp, and build up your piece weft by weft with a variety of yarns. Discover how color blocking, thread patterns, and textured effects can yield endless possibilities!
Are you curious about the state of handweaving in Sweden today? Weaver Christine Novotny of CAN Goods traveled through the Nordic countries summer 2022 as part of North House Folk’s Artisan Development Program and is here to report on her trip! In particular, Christine has takeaways from visiting the new generation of weavers coming out of Sweden’s largest craft education schools, Handarbetets Vänner in Stockholm and Sätergläntan Institute for Craft in Dalarna. She will share the stories of some of the younger weavers she met, the work they are doing, and how they are both pushing the boundaries of traditional Swedish weaving as well as preserving knowledge of techniques and materials. Christine will also share some of her other favorite travel highlights (textiles and beyond) from her time in Stockholm and Dalarna.
Need some fun ideas for simple, creative weeknight dinners? Look to the Swedes for some unique flavors that are easy to pull together even on those busy nights. You’ll make an American version of västerbottensostpaj (cheese pie), embrace the Swedish motto “Tacos, not just for Friday’s anymore” with taco paj, and you’ll dive into the oddly delicious Swedish hotdish called flygande jakob. Menu will include signature cocktails that every age can enjoy.
Join the Sons of Norway Washington D.C. lodge and Vesterheim Chief Curator Laurann Gilbertson for this online presentation on Norway’s contributions to the Scandinavian Modern Design movement. There were many, but the artists and products were not as well known as their Danish, Swedish, and Finnish counterparts. During the presentation, Laurann will introduce some of the most important designers of the mid-twentieth century and learn about their work in furniture, textiles, silver, glass, ceramics, and enamel.
Get ready for våffeldagen (Waffle Day) on March 25 by watching how Kristi Bissell of 
Gather the family and join Kristi Bissell of 
Across Scandinavia, Easter/Påske fare includes all of the familiar suspects: chocolate, eggs, chocolate eggs, and chocolate bunnies. There is also påskeøl (Easter beer) and egg hunts in the garden. But other traditions look a little more like Halloween, especially as Swedish children dress up like witches and go door to door asking for treats. Join Patrice Johnson and learn about these traditions while whipping up a Påskebord (Easter table) that includes Not-so-devilish eggs, gjetost cider soup with rye croutons, trout with horseradish butter and mushrooms, an orange-almond dessert, and a signature cocktail/mocktail.
Southward, a tapestry of swans and maidens with shimmering threads from the famous Art Nouveau artist Frida Hansen, was an important, often-displayed monumental tapestry, so when the curators for the blockbuster show, Scandinavian Design in the United States, 1890-1980, sought key textiles, Frida Hansen’s tapestry was top of mind. But where was this 11’ x 10’ weaving now? Only a few grainy black-and-white photos and many glowing descriptions remained. In January, 2021, nearly ninety years after Southward was last displayed publicly, noted rug dealer Peter Pap opened a Tupperware container in a storage building in Maine. He unfolded a woven treasure in dusty, but pristine condition, and with a quick google search, he learned it was a long-lost Frida Hansen tapestry. Join Robbie LaFleur for this timely webinar to celebrate the life and work of Frida Hansen, and especially to hear about the Southward tapestry mystery as it unfolded.
In April, join Scandinavia House for a virtual discussion with bestselling Norwegian author Erika Fatland (The Border and Sovietistan) on her epic new book High: A Journey Across the Himalaya, Through Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Nepal, and China, out now from Pegasus Books. The Himalaya weaves through five very different countries, where the world religions of Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism are mixed with ancient shamanic religions. Countless languages and vastly different cultures live in the secluded mountain valleys; modernity and tradition collide, and great powers fight for influence. Fatland will discuss this captivating new travelogue, which invites us into her close encounters with the many peoples of the region while also taking us on a dizzying, high-altitude trip through incredible landscapes and their dramatic, unknown histories.
Join Vesterheim and carver Charles Banks as he guides you through the creation of your very own flat plane figure. A Scandinavian classic, a stylized old man with cap and cane will be the character you create. Following the tradition of flat plane figure carving, students will use only a single knife to carve out this character. Students 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 their 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. A complete kit of materials (blanks, a knife, safety gloves, a strop and stropping compound, try sticks, and a sweet treat from Vesterheim) is included and will be mailed to you.
Join Liz Bucheit, a Minnesota silversmith and recent recipient of an American Scandinavian Foundation fellowship to study Sámi silverwork in Norway, to hear more about her spring 2022 trip. As one of the pre-eminent American silversmiths working in the Norwegian bunad tradition, Liz has also held a long and deep interest in Sámi silverwork; she has studied both forms along traditional jewelers in Norway and maintains close ties with Norwegian and Sámi colleagues. Her 2022 trip allowed her to broaden her knowledge of historic and contemporary Sámi silverwork design, tools, and techniques in the context of her studies of Scandinavian ornament traditions. In this hour lecture, Liz will share stories and lessons from her journey through northern Norway that enrich our understanding of Sámi silverwork and its place in historic Scandinavian folk culture as well as its vibrant present.
Join Scandinavia House for a virtual talk with Barbara Sjoholm on From Lapland to Sápmi, out in March 2023 from University of Minnesota Press. She’ll discuss the book’s exploration of the cultural history of Sápmi and the Nordic countries as told through objects and artifacts. Material objects—things made, used, and treasured—tell the story of a people and place. So it is for the Indigenous Sámi living in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, whose story unfolds across borders and centuries, in museums and private collections. The objects created by the Sámi for daily and ceremonial use were purchased and taken by Scandinavians and foreign travelers in Lapland from the 17th century to the present, and the collections described in From Lapland to Sápmi map a complex history that is gradually shifting to a renaissance of Sámi culture and craft, along with the return of many historical objects to Sápmi, the Sámi homeland.
Christmas cookies are an important part of a Norwegian Christmas. The baking starts early and long standing tradition calls for syv slag, or seven varieties. The number seven was believed to bring luck and is an important religious number often symbolizing completion or perfection. The seven types are chosen based family preferences. Norwegian Christmas cookies all generally have the same basic ingredients (butter, flour, sugar, eggs) and are either baked, fried, or made with a special tool. My favorite type is 
A popular food during Christmastime is risengrynsgrøt or rice porridge. It is served with butter, cinnamon, and sugar on top, and during Christmastime, it is traditional to hide a peeled almond in it. The person who finds it receives a marzipan pig as a prize (though my family is not a fan of marzipan so we have Norwegian chocolate as prizes instead). You can 
Paper heart baskets are popular not only in Norway but also in Denmark and Sweden. During Christmas time, they are used as decorations on trees or in garlands and may even hold candies and small treats. They can be simple and extremely complex. All you need is paper, scissors, and a little tape for the handle. Single color wrapping paper and construction paper work fine for this. 
Join Vesterheim and the Slooper Society of America for this free 75-minute webinar, open to the public. Norwegian storyteller Anne Elisebeth Skogen will join the webinar from Ryfylkemuseet at Sand, Norway, to tell the story The Way Further the West. This story is the sequel to the program 
Join Vesterheim and Kristi Bissell of 
Join Vesterheim and instructor Hannah Garry in making a delicious grain bowl featuring traditional Nordic ingredients like barley, dill, and beets that makes for the perfect dinner party offering or lunch on the go. Use fresh vegetables that are in season in your region to top the bowl. Each participant’s meal will be a beautiful reflection of their own local food web. Class participants will also learn to make a creamy, vegan, herb-packed dressing that can be used on just about anything, as well as a Nordic-inspired apple cocktail (or mocktail) perfect for early fall.
Join the 
Join author Nancy Marie Brown in virtual conversation with filmmaker Sara Dosa, as she discusses her book, Looking for the Hidden Folk: How Iceland’s Elves Can Save the Earth. In exploring how Icelanders interact with nature—and their idea that elves live among us—Brown shows us how altering our perceptions of the environment can be a crucial first step toward saving it.
Apples, squash, and warm spices—what more do you need for fabulous fall treats? Join American Swedish Institute and Kristi Bissell of 
Slightly sweet and aromatic limpa bread is a familiar Swedish-American standby. Simply the word for “loaf” in Swedish, it makes a great accompaniment to soups, a yummy sandwich base and excellent toast. The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, MN, invites you to tune in to watch Erin Swenson-Klatt walk through this loaf from start to finish in an hour. This is a live virtual class taught over Zoom. The recipe packet will be provided via email one day before class with login information. This workshop will be recorded and available to all registrants after class to watch later.
Are you curious about the Finnish language, but not yet ready to commit to a multi-date class? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited about a new language? This two-hour introductory workshop offered by the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, MN, 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.
Join Vesterheim in Decorah, IA, as they celebrate Scandinavian heritage, share family stories, and make memories in the kitchen together. In this live, family-led cooking demonstration, you’ll learn about traditional Nordic holiday recipes, passed down from one generation to the next. Upon registration, you will receive a list of ingredients and equipment needed, a recipe, and the Zoom link for the event. This event is free.
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 offered by the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, MN, 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.
Dr. Maren Johnson, Luther College’s Associate Professor of Nordic Studies and Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies Director, facilitates a monthly bokprat discussing Scandinavian authors and Scandinavian life. Join her in January to discuss the classic Growth of the Soil by Knut Hamsun.
The Nordic Book Club at Scandinavia House in New York, NY, selects novels from some of the best Nordic literary voices. At this meeting, they’ll be discussing the book A Drop of Midnight by world-renowned hip-hop artist Jason “Timbuktu” Diakité, who joined Scandinavia House last fall for the online panel “Equity, Inclusion, and Immigration in the Nordic Countries,” available to stream 
Tackle a unique knitting project from the Faroe Islands while learning new skills in this multi-session virtual class. Skóleistar are the woolen soft shoe liners from the Faroe Islands, traditionally worn inside wooden clogs or rain shoes, but also doubling as a cozy house slipper. In this class offered by American Swedish Institute, explore some of the knitting traditions of the Faroe Islands and choose among two charted designs to make our own pair of skóleistar. For skill, materials, and registration information, visit the ASI’s 
Dumplings are common across many cultures, but few are as imposing as the Swedish versions: whether klimp, kroppkakor or palt, Swedish potato dumplings are not for the faint of heart. Patrice Johnson will lighten up the foreboding kroppkakor to suit modern tastes, preparing students to tackle this hearty winter meal on their own. This class offered by American Swedish Institute is designed as a demonstration so students can see several recipes and prepare them later.
Kaffe (coffee) has long been used as an ingredient in spirits and cocktails, and it has a special place in the hearts of Norwegians and Norwegian-Americans. Participants in this class will learn how to make three coffee cocktails at home: a Hot Maple Whiskey Coffee, a Chocolate Espresso Martini, and a Norwegian Snow, a variation on the White Russian. Class participants will learn a bit of the history behind these classic coffee cocktails, as well as how to make your own coffee liqueur with cold brew you make at home using Impact Coffee (roasted in Decorah, IA). Cost of class includes a kit shipped to your home. No special equipment is necessary. Registration deadline is January 11.
Join Vesterheim in February for some family fun and learn some Norwegian language along the way! The February adventure will focus on eventyr, or fairy tales. Through hands-on activities, fun crafts, light-hearted games, and short videos, you and your family will learn and practice your new Norwegian skills. A kit will be delivered right to your home containing supplies for these language activities, a helpful reference sheet for all the new words and expressions you will be learning, a fun craft, and a yummy treat. Gather your family to share in the fun as you gain a new understanding of the Norwegian language and Norwegian culture. Enrollment deadline is January 22.
Join Vesterheim as they celebrate Scandinavian heritage, share family stories, and make memories in the kitchen together. In this live, family-led cooking demonstration, you’ll learn about traditional Nordic holiday recipes, passed down from one generation to the next. Upon registration, you will receive a list of ingredients and equipment needed, a recipe, and the Zoom link for the event. This event is free.
American-Scandinavian Foundation invites you to a virtual panel discussion on Tove Ditlevsen’s The Copenhagen Trilogy, in celebration of its publication in English translation by Tiina Nunnally and Michael Favala Goldman. In this event, translator Michael Favala Goldman and authors Morten Høi Jensen (A Difficult Death), Rachel Kushner (The Mars Room), and Ben Lerner (The Topeka School) will discuss this courageous and honest trilogy from literary icon Tove Ditlevsen, a pioneer in the field of genre-bending confessional writing, explores themes of family, sex, motherhood, abortion, addiction, and being an artist. The panel will take place as a Zoom webinar. More information and to register, 
Learn to create your own silver- and gold-washed earrings in this short class designed to introduce you to the beauty of Scandinavian silverwork. Ever wonder why sølje pins have those shiny dangles with silver disc drops? These discs are called “spoons” or “shells” in Norwegian. Silver has long been a protective element against evil and abduction by the hulder folk in Scandinavia. Legend has it that should you run into the devil while wearing your sparkling sølje, he would see his own reflection and run away! A complete kit of supplies for two pairs of earrings is included in the cost of enrollment. Enrollment deadline is January 14.
Join the American Swedish Institute as they, in partnership with Cooks of Crocus Hill, welcome back acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson with an evening celebrating his newest book, The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food. In the first of the two programs at 6 p.m. CT, Marcus will join the team at Cooks of Crocus Hill in a cook-along live from his kitchen. Then at 7 p.m. CT, Marcus will join former Star Tribune Taste Editor Lee Dean for a virtual conversation on his new book The Rise. For registration details, visit ASI’s 
