St. Lucia Festival of Lights

Photo courtesy of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce

Celebrate the beautiful Swedish tradition of St. Lucia Day at the Swedish American Museum in the Andersonville neighborhood. The annual candlelit procession down Clark Street will take place on December 13, 2024.

Starting at sunset around 4:45 pm, specially selected St. Lucia girls” wearing long white robes and wreaths of candles on their heads will march from the Swedish American Museum down Clark St. Singing the lilting melody of the traditional Lucia song, the girls will walk to the Christmas tree on Catalpa Avenue at 1500 W. Catalpa and perform an outdoor concert.

Photo courtesy of Swedish Museum

The girls proceed to Ebenezer Lutheran Church at 1650 W. Foster Ave., where they perform more songs and give readings about St. Lucia at 7 pm. St. Lucia was an Italian saint who was noted for feeding the homeless and poor around 284 AD in Sicily.

Her legend came to Sweden during the 18th century and celebrations honoring her started in Stockholm during the 1920s. The traditional Swedish festivities continue all weekend with Breakfast with Tomten (Santa) on December 14 and 15 at 9 am. Tickets in advance are $20. 

There’s also a Swedish language class and children’s songs, Svenska Skolan & Bullerbyn on December 15 at 10 am. Admission is $5 per child.

St. Lucia Festival of Lights

Swedish American Museum, 52111 W. Clark St.

December 13, 2024, 4:45 pm

Free

Breakfast with Tomten

December 14-15, 2024, 9 am

$20