Scandinavian Christmas Fair

Home
United States
Raleigh, NC
Scandinavian Christmas Fair

Call Directions Website

Christmas event in Raleigh NC features holiday traditions of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland & Iceland This year marks the 30th anniversary of the fair.

The Scandinavian Christmas Fair in Raleigh, NC, is a celebration of the rich traditions of the Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. This old-world celebration is certain to get you into the spirit of the season! It attracts people and families of all nationalities who want to experience the magic of Christmas in Scandinavia. For many it has become an annual holiday tradition. At the Julmarknad you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Scandinavia: homemade Scandinavian food, live Nordic entertainment all day, craft items and imports for sale, a spectacular Lucia Procession and more!

$10 Adults -- Kids 12 and under Free! Event is sponsored by the Carl Larson Lodge of the Vasa Order of America (Scandinavian - American organization).

10/16/2026

TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE! Tickets will also be available at the door on December 5. Cash or credit cards only.

09/30/2026

Preparation is underway for another funfilled Scandinavian Christmas Fair! We thought you would enjoy these pictures from the 2025 fair.

12/06/2025

On Saturday December 5 the Scandinavian Christmas Fair will be at the Kerr Scott building on the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
If you haven't bought tickets yet, you can buy them at the door.

Adults $10 -- Kids 12 and under Free!

Here is a good map to show you where the building is and how to get to it.

We hope to see you there! IT'S GOING TO BE A FABULOUS DAY!

12/02/2025

SAINT LUCIA DAY-- A CHERISHED 400-YEAR-OLD TRADITION

On December 13 Scandinavians enthusiastically celebrate St. Lucia and think of her as the Queen of Lights. According to legend, Lucia brought food to the poor Christians hiding in the catacombs of Rome. To keep her hands free for offering food, she wore a wreath on her head that held candles to light her way in the dark.

The coming of Lucia falls on the night between the 12th and 13th of December. According to the Julian calendar used at the time, this night marked the Winter Solstice -- the longest night of the year. After this night, the days would become longer and the sun would return to winter-weary Scandinavians. To Scandinavians, Lucia and her candles bring the promise of the end of the long, dark Nordic winter.

Today, towns select a Lucia and crown her with a wreath of candles. She then walks around the town with her followers dressed in white and singing traditional Christmas songs. In private homes the family children, dressed in white with Lucia leading the way, bring coffee and pastries to their parents.

The Scandinavian Christmas Fair and the children of area Scandinavian families will celebrate this tradition by presenting a beautiful Lucia procession at 4:00pm on December 6th at the Scandinavian Christmas Fair.

12/01/2025

TREAT YOURSELF TO FIKA!

Swedish fika is the cherished social tradition of taking a break with coffee and a snack, like a pastry, and is considered a vital part of Swedish culture for socializing and recharging. It's more than just a coffee break; it's an intentional pause to slow down, connect with others, and enjoy the moment!

Take a break in our Swedish fika area and enjoy this tradition yourself with a selection of Swedish cinnamon & saffron rolls, gingerbread and other pastries! And, of course, coffee!
You can also take some delicious baked items home with you and have your own fika! Visit Fagers Julehygge, Liisa and Helena, Sara’s Pepparkakor, and the Carl Larsson Lodge bake table.

Then enjoy your fika and say, “Det smakar jättegott!”

11/26/2025

ONLY 9 DAYS LEFT!

It's time to start planning your day!

11/25/2025

A reminder that we are now in the Kerr Scott Building at the NC State Fairgrounds.

Directions to the Scandinavian Christmas Fair, Raleigh, NC, Dec. 6th, 2025
Directions to the N. C. State Fairgrounds
The N. C. State Fairgrounds are easily accessible from the I-440 Beltline, Interstate 40, as well as from Blue Ridge Road, N.C. Highway 54 (Hillsborough Street) and now Edwards Mill Road. Free parking is available on State Fair and Carter-Finley Football Stadium property.

Address

4285 Trinity Road
Raleigh, NC
27607

Opening Hours

10am - 5pm

Telephone

+19196014065

Website

http://www.scanfair.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Scandinavian Christmas Fair posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your establishment to be the top-listed arts & entertainment in Raleigh?