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.

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?

The Norwegian American 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Auction (Open now until 11/25)

Join The Norwegian American for their annual Holiday Gift Guide Auction featuring exclusive experiences and exciting items from select Nordic vendors and supporters. The Norwegian American, a unique print and online publication, is North America’s oldest and only Norwegian newspaper, in existence since May 17, 1889. Their mission is to serve the greater Norwegian-American community, connecting Norwegian Americans to their heritage and building bridges to Norway today. Subscribe now (print plus digital access or online-only options available) if you aren’t already a subscriber!

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?

Welcome back to monthly posts of Nordic events happening virtually and in Southern California. Even though it’s not officially fall yet, it still feels like that as students of all ages begin to return to school.

Southern California readers, have you taken advantage of some of what the Los Angeles area has to offer during summertime? Many events continue into the fall. Also coming up soon is the family friendly Vista Viking Festival. California’s premiere Viking festival and Norse heritage event takes place September 21 and 22 just north of San Diego at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista. Festival tickets are already available.

Come see Vikings in their camps and get a glimpse of Viking life. Listen to live music from local favorites. Browse the vendor village, enjoy food from food merchants, and wash everything down with libations of mead and ale from the Beer Garden. Try your hand at ax-throwing, archery, and spear flinging on the Weapons Range. Enjoy Norwegian and Viking cultural demonstrations, competitions, and battles! And back by popular demand is an exclusive tasting event with Viking Spirits. This special limited seating event will feature wine and spirits along with Scandinavian delicacies. Each of the four daily seatings is limited to 25 participants so get your tasting tickets early to secure your seat and time slot.

Online book clubs have selected their fall reads. Check out Nordic Book Club Meetings to see what is being read when. Does anything look interesting to you?

What’s on your calendar for September?

ASI Nordic Table Event: Apples in the Nordic Kitchen with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 9/5, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Time to go wild for apples! In this virtual class, Kristi Bissell of the blog True North Kitchen will demonstrate several apple recipes, taking inspiration from Nordic ingredients and traditional dishes. From breakfast to fika to dessert, this class will cover a range of ways to incorporate diverse apple flavors and textures into our fall kitchens. The demonstration will include a simple apple compote, Danish apple trifle, and Swedish apple cake.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Wool Embroidery Intro with Laura Berlage (Fridays, 9/13-9/27, 2:00 p.m. CT)

Embroidering with wool has captivated imaginations since at least the Viking Age, offering beautiful and textured means for stitched expression. Dive into this world with textile artist Laura Berlage and learn about its many iterations over the centuries with this immersive introductory class, while stitching your own floral piece. During the course, students will learn 14 different stitches, how best to utilize them in a design, and good process discipline while stitching—skills and concepts that you can apply to any number of future embroidery endeavors. Great for beginners or those with some embroidery experience who are looking to master the finer points of decorative stitching with wool. Suitable for ages 16+.

Intro to Swedish with Jean Hanslin (Saturday, 9/14, 9:30 a.m. CT)

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.

FamilieTid with Vesterheim: Norwegian Folk Stories (Sunday, 9/15, 1:00 p.m. CT, free)

Join Vesterheim and celebrated Norwegian storyteller Johan Einar Bjerkem to hear folktales and sing some songs from Norway. You will meet trolls, princesses, and maybe even the character Askeladden! Bjerkem will also share the history of the stories and tales he tells.

Cooking Class: Breakfast Variations (Monday, 9/16, 4:00 p.m. CT)

In the online cooking classes hosted by Swedish American Museum in Chicago, IL, you are guided through Swedish recipes. In September, Sweden celebrates Brunch Day so in honor of that students will make Frukost Varianter – Breakfast Variations.

Embroidered Mittens with Steph Anderson (Friday & Saturday, 9/20 & 9/21, 5:30 p.m. PT)

Journey back to the Viking Era or earlier Iron Age and learn the same techniques those before us have used in decorating and embroidering their socks, mittens, and other nålbinding garments. In this class, you will be adding embroidery to your mittens. You will learn to add a little structure to the fabric of the nålbinding mitten, plan a design to embroider either using a pattern that is in your kit or making your own pattern, and learning embroidery stitches and techniques to make a mitten that has some beautiful embellishments. No embroidery experience needed. You will need to supply your own mittens by either purchasing or making your own nålbinding mittens.

Genealogy Session: The Viking Ship and the “Discovery” of America with Timothy Boyce (Saturday, 9/28, 10:00 a.m. CT)

Delve into ancestry and history at one of Swedish American Museum’s genealogy sessions. Timothy Boyce will tell the story of the Viking Ship, its amazing transatlantic voyage in 1893, its reception in the New World, and its subsequent history.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Design and Weave a Repp Band with Kerstin Neumüller (Saturday & Sunday, 9/28 & 9/29, 10:00 a.m. CT)

Join Swedish textile artist and educator Kerstin Neumüller for two online sessions to design and start weaving a repp band on a small rigid heddle style band weaving loom. The first session will focus on how to create different patterns in woven repp bands, a style in which warp threads tightly cover the weft threads. Kerstin will share a variety of possible patterns, giving students a starting place for designing their own band. Students will then use any small rigid heddle style loom they have on hand and their own yarn to prepare the warp and weft for weaving a repp band in the second class. This virtual class is an excellent option for students who need a refresher on band weaving, or for anyone who owns Kerstin’s book Simple Weave but wants to work alongside her live. Wide ranging discussion of project options on small looms, materials, and tips for weaving bands will fill in during work time. Suitable for ages 12+.

The Rise of Aquavit in the U.S. (Sunday, 9/29, 11:00 a.m. CT, free)

For a long time, the only aquavit an American could get was imported from either Denmark, Norway, or Sweden. In the mid 2000s, there was a surge of American distillers who began making the classic Scandinavian spirit for the American market. With this new batch of distillers came a new outlook of how aquavit could be enjoyed. No longer limited to drinking it straight with traditional meals, bartenders and spirit enthusiasts began playing with the use of aquavit in cocktails. Join co-founder and CEO of Vikre Distillery, Emily Vikre, as she shares the story of aquavit’s rise in popularity, as well the story of Vikre Distillery’s founding and its early life making a name for itself in the world of spirits.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Fanciful Paper Cutting with Torben Jarlstrøm Clausen (Sunday, 9/29, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Join Danish paper-cutting artist Torben Jarlstrøm Clausen live from his home in Odense, Denmark, to explore the universe of fanciful paper-cut beings. Working in the tradition of storyteller and paper cut artist Hans Christian Andersen (who was also from Torben’s hometown of Odense), students will work alongside Torben to release their own fantastic people from a piece of paper using only a pair of scissors. In just 90 minutes, students will experience the very best moment of cutting paper – when the paper is unfolded, the magic occurs, and your happy paper-cut person emerges! This workshop welcomes paper cutters of all levels who want creative prompts as well as a historic and contemporary look at paper cutting in Denmark and beyond. All experience levels are welcome; suitable for ages 16+.

LOOKING AHEAD

(Spots still available as of publication date.)

ASI Nordic Table Event: Danish Rugbrød with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 10/3, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Hearty Danish rye bread (rugbrød) is one of the classic Scandinavian breads, often used for open faced sandwiches. While this bread can be hard to find outside of Scandinavia, it’s actually quite simple to make at home, even for novice bakers. Join Kristi Bissell, creator of the blog True North Kitchen, in this virtual class to see a demonstration of all the steps of her yeasted Easy Overnight Danish Rye Bread. She’ll discuss pan options, sourcing ingredients, and even share some tips on a sourdough variation.

Introduction to Spoon Carving (Friday, Oct. 4, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Learn how to carve a spoon from a fresh-cut tree using traditional Nordic carving techniques. Over Zoom, Jess Hirsch will lead students through the process of carving a spoon, using a prepared wooden blank. We will cover tree anatomy, axing out a blank (roughed out spoon shape), knife holds for the hook and sloyd knife, drying, and finishing – from tree to spoon! This class is great for the beginner or the person wanting to learn sloyd-style carving. Together, students will go through safe knife holds and the steps to carve their very own cooking spoon! Carving is just as safe as cooking at home – students only need good hand strength and flexibility to carve their own spoon. Please wear pants and close-toed shoes. This class includes a kit of materials.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Wool Embroidered Coin Purse (Thursdays, 10/10-10/24, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Embroidery is a beautiful way to make an everyday object feel special. Inspired by traditional Nordic embroidery designs, explore the world of wool-on-wool embroidery with a variety of stitches and learn how to transform the fabric and liner into a miniature purse, along with attaching the kiss clasp like a pro. All the steps and techniques featured in this course are great skills to learn if you are considering making a full-scale traditional purse in the future; and we’ll explore beautiful examples from across history and regions as we go. Finished coin purses will be approximately 4.5”x 4” wide. Students will have the option to select from a variety of wool fabric colors for their project kit and use embroidery yarns from the instructor’s own sheep. This class is a great way to explore wool-on-wool embroidery for both beginners and those with some embroidery experience. Suitable for ages 16+.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Needle Felted Fall Landscapes (Thursday, 10/17, 6:30 p.m. CT)

Enjoy the relaxing art of needle felting while making a textile as pretty as a painting! Using a piece of felt as your canvas and wool roving as your paint, you’ll work alongside artist Kayla Ann to create an autumnal landscape you’ll be proud to display. You’ll come away with the skills and tools to keep needle felting beyond the online workshop. While the entire class will work on the same fall-inspired vista, Kayla will also discuss how to adapt other images into 2-D felted pictures and where to find supplies to do more needle felting on your own. Suitable for ages 14+.

Which events or experiences look interesting to you?

Welcome to the summer edition of the monthly events posts which includes a sneak peak at in-person fall events in Southern California. Once again, I’m combining virtual events for June, July, and August into one post and will update as new events come on my radar. Make sure to check back occasionally during the summer.

Are you a reader? Consider joining other readers to discuss Nordic books this summer. Visit Nordic Book Club Meetings: Summer 2024 to see details about book selections and meeting dates. Or you can join me and my 2024 Nordic Literature Reading Challenge.

And finally, since I won’t be returning with a monthly events post until September, Southern California readers should take notice of three special in-person events happening in the fall.

Vista Viking Festival — September 21 & 22 at Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista, Northern San Diego County (As of date of publication, Super Early Bird Tickets available through June 15 or until they sell out).

Newport Beach Film Fest’s Swedish Spotlight — October 22 in Newport Beach, Orange County (Follow NBFFSwedish on Instagram for details!)

Aurora Live in Concert — November 21 in Los Angeles (Shrine Auditorium) and November 23 in San Francisco (Bill Graham Civic Auditorium)

What will you add to your summer calendar?

(Vesterheim’s online folk art courses sell out quickly. To see what’s coming up in later months and sign up before it’s too late, visit Vesterheim: Online Folk Art Courses.)

JUNE

Sweden and Swedish for Travelers (Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 4-13)

Traveling to Sweden soon or just thinking about it? Want to know the essential phrases to use with your friends and relatives? Have some questions about what to see and where to go once you get there? This language and travel course taught by Gregg White will get the traveler to Sweden off on the right foot. This course is helpful for those not ready to commit to a full language course but want a brief introduction to Swedish and the lovely country where it is spoken. This class meets twice a week for two weeks.

History of the Swedish Language (Wednesdays, June 5-19)

This three-part lecture, held in English by instructor Ingela Haaland, takes participants on a journey of how Swedish developed from the first century to modern day Swedish. Which languages were the strongest influences upon Swedish, and why? How did the complex grammar structure that once dominated the language settle into a two-article language of “den” and “det” words? Where do we still see remnants of older Swedish in today’s language, and where is the language headed today in a globalized world? Materials provided by the instructor. Välkommen.

Swedish Literature in Translation: 1880s – 1940s (Thursdays, June 6-July 18)

Immense social, economic, and political change occurred in Sweden as the country evolved from an impoverished agrarian backwater to a social democratic industrial powerhouse. Who were the leading writers of this significant era of Swedish authorship and how did they reflect Swedish society? In this class, taught by instructor Gregg White, students will read excerpts from the writings of a dozen Swedish authors, each representing one of the major movements in Swedish literature in these six important and creative decades. All readings are in English and course materials will be emailed prior to class.

Vesterheim Filmprat: Stolen (Wednesday, June 12, Free)

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. June’s discussion is a twist on the usual format and features a discussion of Netflix’s new film adaptation of Ann-Helén Laestadius’s novel Stolen. This spellbinding Swedish story follows a young indigenous woman as she struggles to defend her family’s reindeer herd and culture amidst xenophobia, climate change, and a devious hunter whose targeted kills are considered mere theft in the eyes of the law. Based on real events, Ann-Helén Laestadius’s award-winning novel Stolen has been adapted into a film by Netflix that is part coming-of-age story, part love song to a disappearing natural world, and part electrifying countdown to a dramatic resolution—a searing depiction of a forgotten part of Sweden.

Back From the Ashes: Restoring and Rejuvenating Norwegian Sølje (Saturday, June 15, Free)

Join Goldsmith Liz Bucheit for a story of an almost lost sølje that was restored through tireless work and artistry. From a house fire to the workshop, learn about the process that a master goldsmith had to go through to help bring the beloved family heirloom of Norwegian silver jewelry back from the ashes to its rejuvenated beauty. Liz will tell a story of trials and tribulations, as well as elbow grease. She’ll show photos of the piece and process as it was restored from charred remnants to the cherished family heirloom that it once was.

Knowing Karin Larsson (Tuesday, June 18)

Welcome to a lecture on Karin Larsson – an artist and interior designer who was married to the artist Carl Larsson. This lecture, hosted by Liz Stopka, will cover Karin Larsson’s accomplished life, with a focus on her contributions to interior design and clothing fashion. The virtual slide presentation will be conducted in English and is intended to complement the ongoing exhibit at ASI, Karin Larsson: Let the Hand be Seen (on display June 8 – October 27, 2024).

ASI Nordic Table: Scandinavian Strawberry Cream Cake (Thursday, June 20)

Ready to tackle a showstopper of a summer dessert that is secretly easier than it looks? Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen is here to walk you through each element of the classic strawberry cream cake, a must-have for early summer celebrations across Scandinavia. Kristi will demonstrate every step, from baking a vanilla cake to mixing a pastry cream, from mashing up a fresh strawberry filling to finally assembling and decorating, taking questions, and sharing her tips along the way. Students will leave with a full recipe to try on their own just in time for Midsommar.

Small-Group Cook-Along: Ode to the Midnight Sun: A Midsummer Cocktail Celebration (Friday, June 21)

Let there be light! Revel in the enchanting Nordic Midsummer with two handcrafted cocktails and a refreshing alcohol-free option. This class will discuss the history and traditions of Sankthans, the Norwegian celebration of the summer solstice, and incorporate ingredients that will bring the magic of the season to your homes and palates. 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.

JULY

The Danish Secret to Happy Kids: Virtual Book Talk with Helen Russell (Tuesday, July 9, Free)

Join Scandinavia House for a virtual book talk with author Helen Russell to celebrate the launch of The Danish Secret to Happy Kids. This book shares what Russell has learned first-hand and through talking to Nordic psychologists, sociologists and teachers about rearing well-balanced children. In doing so, she dives into the parenting culture of Denmark and other Nordic nations, from parental leave to school structure to screen time. Combining intellectual curiosity and research with observation, this is a positive, thought-provoking parenting book for readers curious about cultural differences.

Small-Group Cook-Along: New Recipes for Nordic Pizza (Thursday, July 11)

How does immigration influence the pizzas served in Norway and Sweden? Join Vesterheim and Patrice Johnson for an evening of surprising tastes and fun twists on Nordic pizza. We’ll make our own dough, and then top it with the modern flavors of sweet corn and shrimp, white sauce with caviar, and Flygande Jakob (Flying Jacob). We’ll also toss a traditional pizza salad and shake up a couple of New Nordic-inspired beverages.

Using Arts and Culture to Imagine the Future (Saturday, July 13, Free)

Join Vesterheim and Anne Beate Hovind, Chairwoman of The Future Library Trust, for this webinar in which Hovind will share her learnings from a project whose outcome will unfold far beyond our lives. Learn about emotional design, linear vs. explorative design, long-term thinking vs. short-termism, and much more.

Introduction to Loom Beading: Red Bookmark (Saturdays, July 13-August 3)

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 for making your own sparkly beaded bookmark. Learn about the historic use of loom beading and how a remarkably simple process can transform seed beads into delightful designs.

The Basics of Rosemaling (Mondays, July 15-August 12)

Have you heard the saying: You have to learn to walk before you can run? That thought is the same for rosemaling. Before you paint, you can learn a few things to help you on your rosemaling journey. Join others for five evenings of learning some basic, yet helpful concepts. This class is a mixture of discussion and hands-on experiences to reinforce the learning. Topic will include styles of rosemaling, woodenware, oils vs acrylics, brushes, and basic paint palettes. This class is intended for first-time rosemalers; no previous experience is needed.

Family Handcraft at Home: Rosemaling Rocks (Registration Deadline: July 16)

In August, join beloved rosemaling instructor Lise Lorentzen to explore basic rosemaling techniques and paint rocks that you can use in your garden or give to friends! Inspired both by a painted rock in Vesterheim’s collection and by the groups that paint rocks to hide in nature, this class is the perfect way to explore the traditional handcraft of rosemaling as a family. This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. The $30-per-family price covers the cost of a special folk art class kit designed for two participants to explore rosemaling.

ASI Nordic Table Event: Dill in the Nordic Kitchen (Thursday, July 18)

Let the garden lead the way in this virtual cooking demo that celebrates all things dill! Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen will zip through a handful of easy recipes that highlight this essential Scandinavian herb. Classically paired with seafood, dill also brightens many dishes in Scandinavian cuisine and is a core flavor in the Nordic kitchen, going far beyond the simple garnish. From super salads to make-ahead sauces, and of course Kristi’s take on the quick pickle, this class will give anyone with a bursting garden or love of farmers’ markets a good reason to highlight the freshness that dill brings to any dish. Kristi will also share lots of great ideas for making use of these recipes for easy, low or no-cook lunches and dinners at the height of summer.

AUGUST

Swedish Folklore and Superstition (Wednesdays, August 7-28)

This four-part class, held in English, describes common creatures belonging to Swedish folklore and the historical context in which they were formed. Students will read about superstitions that went hand-in-hand with folklore and remnants of both folklore and superstitions still seen in Swedish culture today. This class will also take a look at how folklore has left its mark on today’s Swedish language. Students will have a chance to read short folklore stories (in translation) to see the typical folklore characteristics. Materials provided by instructor Ingela Haaland. Välkommen.

ASI Nordic Table Event: Tomatoes in the Nordic Kitchen (Thursday, August 15)

Tomatoes might not be the most typical Nordic ingredient you think of, but they are treasured by northern gardeners with long summer days. Allow Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen to take the tomato on a little Nordic spin, including a rustic rye tart perfect for late summer dinners, some fantastic smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), and a hearty salad. Participants will leave this virtual class bursting with ideas for taking advantage of this iconic summer produce.

Aquavit Garden Party (Friday, August 23)

Join instructor Hannah Garry (owner and manager of Blazing Star Cafe in Decorah, Iowa) at a virtual garden party celebrating seasonal produce, Nordic flavors, and aquavit. In the class, you’ll make three refreshing craft cocktails featuring the traditional Scandinavian spirit, aquavit, with fresh herbs that highlight aquavit’s unique flavor profile. You’ll also make a creamy dill dip, perfect for serving alongside cut vegetables or for creating a smørrebrød platter for the whole party to enjoy.

Which events or experiences will you add to your summer calendar?

It’s a short and sweet list of online activities and events for March! However, Nordic enthusiasts in Southern California have a couple of big events they can look forward to in the next couple of months.

On Saturday, April 20, the Daughters of Norway, Turid Jespersen Lodge #44, will host the Scandinavian Heritage Fair in Mission Viejo. There will be demonstrations of traditional crafts such as rosemaling, spinning, weaving, wood carvers, and wood burners, as well as a genealogy booth. Watch the preparation of traditional foods such as aebleskiver, krumkake, lefse, and Norwegian waffles. Enjoy open-faced sandwiches, rømmegrøt, soups, kransekake, and other Scandinavian desserts. The fair will also feature products from Norrdesign T-Shirts, Norwegian Seamen’s Church, Karlsson’s Scandinavian Designs, and Joan Johnson Watercolor Cards. Admission is free. See their flier for details.

Then on the weekend of May 18 & 19, the Scandinavian Festival in Thousand Oaks returns for its 50th anniversary. Tickets are already on sale. Early bird pricing ($15) is available through March 31. Children 12 and under are free and parking is always free. Consider volunteering at the festival. For your time, you will receive an official festival t-shirt and complimentary admission. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities for adults, college students, and high school students. They need your skills to assist with children’s crafts, family activities, head wreath station, and gate entrances. Interested or have questions? Reach out to scanfestvolunteers@gmail.com.

What’s on your calendar for March?

VIRTUAL EVENTS in MARCH

Online book clubs continue to meet. Visit Nordic Book Club Meetings: March 2024 to see details about book selections and meeting dates.

Intro to Swedish (Sat., Mar. 2, 1:00 p.m. CT)

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.

Intro to Finnish (Sun., Mar. 3, 1:00 p.m. CT)

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.

Nordic Spirit Second Friday: History of Scandinavia Leading to the Viking Age (Fri., Mar. 8, 7:30 p.m. PT, Free)

Join the Scandinavian American Cultural & Historical Foundation for a Zoom video presentation to learn about Scandinavian history from the end of the Ice Age leading up to Viking Age. Topics include Nordic Bronze Age and amber, thriving long-distance trade and expansion, kings and longhouses, diffusion of metallurgy, bog iron and Nordic Iron Age, regional warlords viable, replacing elite of the Bronze Age, Hjortspring boat c. 350 BC, Clinker-built connection with Viking ships 1200 years later. Email nordicspiritclassics@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link.

Webinar: Exploring Numedal Style Rosemaling with Patti Goke (Thurs., Mar. 14, 7:00 p.m. CT, Free)

Come and explore with Patti Goke, Vesterheim Gold Medalist, the different looks of the painted items from Numedal Valley. 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. Patti Goke has traveled twice to the valley known as the “Valley of the Middle Ages,” both times with Vesterheim on Folk Art Study Tours. She has also done individual study of the style and painters. Registration required for this free event.

Genealogy Session with the Swedish American Museum: Cemeteries (Sat., Mar. 23, 10:00 a.m. CT)

Delve into ancestry and history with the Swedish American Museum at one of their educational Genealogy sessions! The topic for March is cemeteries. Genealogists love cemeteries, and headstones make a good source material. This lecture explains some important differences in burial traditions between Sweden and the U.S. and how you can use resources online to search for gravesites in Sweden.

ASI Nordic Table Event: Open Faced Sandwiches for Spring (Thurs., Mar. 28, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Nordic open-faced sandwiches are a wonderful way to highlight seasonal ingredients. Known by various names including smörgås in Swedish and smørrebrød in Danish, open faced sandwiches are often eaten singly or in combination for a light lunch or as a part of a celebratory buffet. Join Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen for this demo which will take us right into spring flavors—from fresh and colorful produce to favorite Easter ingredients—with assemblages of simple components that make for impressive sandwiches. Kristi will share her philosophy for building beautiful and interesting sandwiches, including tips for prepping components ahead for spring gatherings such as Easter, Mothers Day, and graduations. This class is designed as a demonstration, so students can watch the entire process and ask questions before tackling the dishes at home at a later date.

Meet the Author and Bake Along with Nichole Accettola, Scandinavian from Scratch (Sat., Mar. 30, 2:00 p.m. PT)

Join the National Nordic Museum for a special edition of Meet the Author, a bake along with Kantine chef (a Scandinavian-inspired eatery in San Francisco) and author Nichole Accettola. You’re invited to bake hazelnut cookies with Accettola from her cookbook Scandinavian from Scratch: A Love Letter to the Baking of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The cookbook brings to the page an assortment of baked goods and simple morning and midday meals rooted in Scandinavian cuisine.

ASI Nordic Table Event: Barley in the Nordic Kitchen (Thurs., Apr. 11, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Barley is one of the earliest cultivated grains in the Nordic region, and thousands of years later, it still deserves our attention! Low in gluten and high in fiber, barley was historically used for bread baking as well as brewing. In this virtual demo, Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen will help us decode the different types of whole barley available, and also share why this is one of her favorite flours to keep on hand. Kristi will demo a delicious scone, a fresh salad perfect for spring, and discuss how she incorporates it into other dishes from breakfast to dinner. Healthy, delicious, and accommodating, barley might become your new favorite grain! This class is designed as a demonstration, so students can watch the entire process and ask questions before tackling the dishes at home at a later date.

Which events or experiences look interesting to you?

February brings an interesting mix of in-person events for Nordic enthusiasts in Los Angeles, Seattle, and New York City and online events for everyone.

Of special interest this month is Sámi National Day on February 6, an ethnic national day celebrated by the indigenous Sámi people across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Kola Peninsula in Russia. It is always on February 6, the date of the first Sámi congress in 1917 in Trondheim, Norway, when Sámi from Norway and Sweden met to discuss common issues. For more information on the history and culture of the Sámi, visit Life in Norway’s “The Sami People”.

If you or friends are in the New York City or Seattle areas, the 6th Annual Sámi Film Festival takes place in person February 9 and 10. Otherwise virtual screenings will be available nationwide from February 8-11. The program will include a variety of contemporary and historical Sámi features, documentaries, and short films curated by Liselotte Wajstedt, an award-winning Stockholm-based Sámi multimedia artist from Kiruna, Sweden.

This month also features the annual Nordic Spirit Symposium on February 9 and 10 at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA. This year’s topic is “Vikings: New Technology, New Discoveries.” Experts from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden will join for an in-person symposium on recent exciting Viking Age discoveries. A top scholar from the Netherlands will embellish the program with a presentation about the Vikings in the Low Countries. Please note lunch and dinner must be ordered in advance. Registration for dinner ends February 1 and lunch ends February 4. For more details and registration information, visit the website or view the brochure.

Save the date for the Scandinavian Heritage Fair in Mission Viejo hosted by the Daughters of Norway, Turid Jespersen Lodge #44, on Saturday, April 20. There will be demonstrations of rosemaling, spinning, weaving, wood carvers, and wood burners, as well as a genealogy booth. Watch the preparation of foods such as aebleskiver, krumkake, lefse, and Norwegian waffles. Enjoy open-faced sandwiches, rømmegrøt, soups, kransekake, and other Scandinavian desserts. The fair will also feature products from Norrdesign T-Shirts, Norwegian Seamen’s Church, Karlsson’s Scandinavian Designs, and Joan Johnson Watercolor Cards. Admission is free.  See their flier for details.

What’s on your calendar for February?

VIRTUAL EVENTS in FEBRUARY

Online book clubs continue to meet. Visit Nordic Book Club Meetings: February 2024 to see details about book selections and meeting dates.

Introduction to Norwegian Genealogy (Thurs., Feb. 1 & Fri., Feb. 2)

Join the Norwegian American Genealogical Center in Madison, Wisconsin, for this online class. It is for those who are familiar with genealogy basics, but haven’t dug into Norwegian genealogical research yet. The class will focus on Norwegian naming traditions, history and geography along with strategies for reading old handwriting and finding where in Norway your ancestor may have originated. This class also includes a copy of their “Research Guide for Norwegian Genealogy: For Beginning and Experienced Genealogists.” This class is two days with different material presented each day.

Intro to Northern Sámi (Sunday, Feb. 4, 2:00 p.m. CT)

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 are welcome!

Religion and Norwegian-American Quilts (Tuesday, Feb. 6, 7:00 p.m. CT)

Can you imagine a time and place without quilts? It may be hard to believe, but few Norwegians in the nineteenth century had ever seen quilts. Immigrants to the United States needed quilts for warmth and to help their homes look more American. Quilts from Vesterheim’s Textile Collection tell the story of the immigrant experience between 1860 and 1940. Join Vesterheim Chief Curator Laurann Gilbertson and the Northeast Iowa Quilters Guild for this presentation.

ASI Nordic Table: Scandinavian Chocolate Treats with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, Feb. 8, 1:00 p.m. CT)

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 let’s join Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen for an overview of their favorite classic chocolate bakes! From kladdkaka (chocolate gooey cake) to a few beloved cookies, and even an oven free chocolate treat, the chokladboll, Kristi will share tips and tricks for working with cocoa and chocolate to create satisfying and easy treats perfect for dessert or fika.

Virtual Sámi Film Festival (Feb. 8-11)

The 6th Annual Sámi Film Festival is a partnership between the National Nordic Museum in Seattle and Scandinavia House in New York City with virtual screenings available February 8-11. Virtual selections in the lineup include seven short films, with narrative and documentary subjects spanning topics ranging from traditional ways of life and cultural practices, historical traumas and conflicts in the present day, to alternative universes.

Ædnan Virtual Book Talk with Linnea Axelsson (Tuesday, Feb. 13, 11:00 a.m. ET)

Join Scandinavia House for a virtual book talk with Sámi-Swedish author Linnea Axelsson on Ædnan, her epic, August Prize-winning multigenerational novel-in-verse about two Sámi families and their quest to stay together across a century of migration, violence, and colonial trauma. The author will be joined by moderator Matilde Augusta Huseby for a talk about the writing of the novel. This event will be followed by a related online book club meeting at 6:00 p.m. ET (details).

Knife Skills in the Nordic Kitchen with Kristi Bissell (Saturday, Feb. 17)

If you’ve ever watched a cooking show and marveled at the speed that the ingredients get prepped, this class is for you! Instructor Kristi Bissell will share tips and tricks for slicing, dicing, chopping, and mincing quickly and safely and discuss how to care for your knives. Best of all, at the end of the class, you’ll have a delicious Nordic soup and salad prepped and ready for dinner! Enrollment deadline: Feb. 3 (spots available as of publication date).

Family Handcraft at Home: Wet Felting with Laura Berlage (Registration deadline Feb. 16)

Begins March 1, available all month! Using hand-dyed wool from the instructor’s sheep, learn how to both wet and needle felt over a bar of soap. Felted soaps are beautiful, and they will help your bar of soap last much longer too! Great for all ages. The kit comes with everything you need. This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. Through a detailed video tutorial, Laura will take you step-by-step through the process from start to finish, with plenty of pro tips and invitations for personalizing your bar of soap. Roll up your sleeves, prepare to get sudsy, and enjoy this tactile-rich experience!

Intro to Sámi Knitting with Laura Ricketts (Sunday, Feb. 18, 10:00 a.m. PT)

The Sámi are Scandinavia’s only UN-recognized indigenous people and have a culture rich with fiber traditions. In this virtual Introduction to Sámi Knitting class, students will be introduced to traditional Sámi knitting, which was almost exclusively used to produce hand garments. Students will view many images of mittens from the instructor’s trips to northern Scandinavia and learn about the four characteristics that set Sámi mittens apart: cuffs, thumbs, decreases, and braids (with and without tassels). Students will create a sample swatch by practicing each of these elements and leave with the knowledge to translate their skills into a full-sized pair of mittens. Click here to learn more and view the class level and required materials list.

FamilieTid: Family Cook Along – Nordic Tacos (Sunday, Feb. 18, 11:00 a.m. CT, Free)

Join chef Patrice Johnson for this fun and delicious way to experience Scandinavian food culture. Tacos are a long favored Friday evening meal across the region, and families who love this tradition are finding ways to vary their beloved tacos. In class, students will dabble in traditional Nordic tacos and an Icelandic Skúffukaka (chocolate brownie cake topped with coconut).

Vesterheim Folk Art School Registration for Summer Classes Opens (Tuesday, Feb. 20, 12:00 p.m. CT)

Registration for online and in-person summer classes (April-September 2024) opens Tuesday, February 20. Get ready to register by checking out this PDF catalog of classes. You will find classes in Rosemaling and Painting, Fiber Arts, Design and Inspiration, Heritage and Language, Music, Weaving, Nordic Cooking, Knifemaking and Metalwork, Woodworking, Youth and Family, and Jewelry.

Scandinavian Flat Plane Figure Carving: One Blank to Rule Them All with Charlie Banks (Saturday, Feb. 24, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Join carving instructor and Vesterheim Gold Medalist Charles Banks for a lecture on Scandinavian flat plane figure carving and his creative process. In this webinar, Charles Banks will talk about the different figures and characters he has made all with the same starting blank, and what that means for the development of his creative process. He will discuss how he has used this simple blank to push himself to try out new character designs and poses. Come learn about how starting with one blank, a whole menagerie of characters can be made. Leave with the inspiration to start carving yourself!

Which events or experiences look interesting to you?

Happy December and all that this month brings! This month I share both virtual events available to all and a few special events happening in the Los Angeles area that might be of interest to local readers.

Last month I shared the news of the arrival of Thomas Dambo TROLLS: Save the Humans to South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and since then, I’ve seen them for myself and the experience didn’t disappoint. Danish artist Thomas Dambo is considered the world’s leading recycle artist and is known internationally for his larger-than-life, folklore-inspired, whimsical troll sculptures made from reclaimed materials. I’ve been fascinated by Dambo’s work found around the world and was thrilled to be able to see it for myself now here in Southern California. I highly recommend a visit to see the collection of trolls on display through January 14, 2024.

On Saturday, December 2, the SWEA Los Angeles Christmas Fair returns after a few years’ hiatus, this time to Santa Monica, to celebrate Swedish heritage and Swedish food. Highlights include a diverse selection of Swedish vendors, Santa Claus ready to spread festive joy and listen to holiday wishes, Saint Lucia Celebrations, and Swedish delicacies such as Swedish pancakes, glögg, and baked goods.

The Norwegian Church in San Pedro hosts many Christmas events this time of year, the first of which is their annual Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday, December 5 (registration required). Visit their Facebook page for updates on Christmas events.

And finally, have you marked your calendars for the 25th anniversary of the Scandinavian Film Festival LA with BalticFilmExpo@SFFLA? The festival will be back at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills for two weekends in January 2024 (January 13 & 14 and 20 & 21) with films from Scandinavia and their Nordic neighbors. Details about the programming will be released soon.

Online book clubs continue to meet. Visit Nordic Book Club Meetings: December 2023 to see details about book selections and meeting dates for this month and into the new year.

What’s on your calendar for December?

Norwegian Television Julekalender: Snøfall (Premieres December 1)

Does your family understand Norwegian? Tune in to this Norwegian julekalender, a TV series doled out daily in 24 short episodes leading up to Christmas. Start with Season 1: “A wonderland full of magic and love. An orphan girl in a sad world. A secret portal separates them. Can Selma find the way?” Or jump ahead to Season 2: “Noah is 10 years old and has a very important Christmas wish, but what if the letter to Santa doesn’t arrive?”

Hallmark Christmas Movie: My Norwegian Holiday (Premieres December 1)

Hallmark Channel’s original Christmas movie My Norwegian Holiday premieres December 1. Grieving her grandmother’s death, JJ seeks dissertation inspiration. Henrik, drawn to her troll figurine, invites her to Bergen, Norway, to trace its origins.

Mindekirken’s Norwegian Language & Culture Program Winter Registration Opens (December 1)

Registration for Mindekirken’s Norwegian Language & Culture Program for the next trimester of classes (January – March 2024) is now ope. Each trimester, they offer a range of Norwegian classes for beginning learners to those that are more advanced, many of them online. Culture classes are designed to expand learners’ knowledge of traditional and contemporary Norwegian culture.

Scandinavian Fest: Virtual Holiday Market (Friday & Saturday, Dec. 1 & 2)

Scandinavian Fest: Virtual Holiday Market returns Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2, on Facebook. Scandinavian Fest brings Nordic shops and businesses from around the globe together in one online location. Join the Virtual Holiday Market to discover unique Nordic products, take advantage of discounts, and win giveaways. To participate, mark that you are “Going” or “Interested” in the event and then follow the Discussion tab on the event page for products, discounts and giveaways and shop Nordic by visiting or contacting the businesses. For more information, visit their website.

Exploring Møre og Romsdal Style Rosemaling (Sunday, Dec. 3, 1:00 p.m. CT, Free)

Come learn about the various examples of rosemaling from the area known as Mǿre og Romsdal Fylke (County) in Western Norway! Join Nancy Odalen, Vesterheim Gold Medalist and a recipient of one of the 2022-2023 Folk Art Residency grants, for a lively discussion about the rosemaling that was created within the county of Mǿre og Romsdal. Odalen will have examples from the Vesterheim Collection and from the museum in Romsdal.

A Swedish Meatball Dinner with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, Dec. 7, 1:00 p.m. CT)

A Swedish meatball dinner ticks every box for a winter meal: cozy and comforting, balanced and delicious! Join Kristi Bissell of the True North Kitchen blog for an afternoon demonstration of her dream meatball dinner menu – Swedish meatballs with a creamy gravy and lingonberries, an elegant celery root puree, and essential pickled cucumbers. Plus, learn the secrets of Kristi’s truly satisfying vegetarian meatball recipe, too! Whether you tackle the whole menu at once, or pull just a few of the recipes straight to your Christmas smörgåsbord, these are classic, fail safe recipes that will impress your loved ones this holiday season.

Norwegian Christmas Cookies Workshop (Saturday, Dec. 9, 1:00 p.m. ET)

Join Sunny Gandara of Arctic Grub to bake some of the most popular Norwegian Christmas cookies and to learn about the cookie evolution in Norway from the old times until today. Get your apron on and get in the Christmas spirit with this baking class! (And yes, you’ll be making krumkaker!) After registering and a few days ahead of the class, you will receive an email with the recipes so you can prepare if you’d like to bake along.

Online Cooking Class: Holiday Food (Monday, Dec. 11, 4:00 p.m. CT)

Join the Swedish American Museum for an online cooking class to learn how to make holiday food. You will receive the recipe in advance. You can then either cook alongside or watch and try later. This is an interactive Zoom so you will be able to ask questions.

Family Book Adventure: Now That Night is Near by Astrid Lindgren (Register by Dec. 16)

Beginning January 1 and available all month, join Vesterheim for this family-fun reading and outdoor adventure! Your family can be any combination of folks as long as there’s at least one adult to help navigate the online portion. Decorah schools librarian Shannon Horton will get you reading, thinking, creating, and even up and moving – indoors and out! A kit delivered right to your home contains supplies for book-reading, a fun craft, a snack, and a scavenger-hunt-type adventure.

Knit a Norwegian-Inspired Hat (Four Saturdays, January 6-27, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CT)

Register by December 21 to join this online knitting class for intermediate knitters. Join 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. Yarn is provided.  Students may choose to provide their own yarn to swap out with the yarn that is sent in the kit. A kit of materials including Strikkegarn yarn (a $40 value included in the cost of registration) will be shipped to your home. Enrollment Deadline: December 21.

Knitting Selbu Mittens (Three Sundays, January 7-21, 12:00-1:30 p.m. CT)

Register by December 21 to join this online knitting class for intermediate knitters. Dating back to 1857, Selbu mittens are one of the most iconic Norwegian garments. They have existed as currency, as souvenirs, and as a source of financial independence for women who had few options. In this intermediate knitting class, you will make a pair of Selbu mittens with live demonstrations as well as a prerecorded tutorial to reference on your own time. The instructor will discuss history, tips and tricks, and easy modifications as you knit a pattern inspired by pieces in the Vesterheim collection.

Which events or experiences look interesting to you?