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Lucia & Christmas Market
Bundle up in your winter clothes and visit the American Swedish Historical Museum (ASHM) to experience the special atmosphere of a Julmarknad, or Swedish Christmas Market here in South Philadelphia! The outdoor Christmas Market in our heated tent features a large selection of Scandinavian food, gifts, holiday decorations, and handmade items from craft vendors. Find something one-of-a-kind at the Mormor’s Attic secondhand sale or take home some fresh baked goods from the SWEA Philadelphia bakery. The Swedish Christmas Café will be selling lunch foods and sweets for your refreshment, and folk duo Last Chance will perform live holiday music throughout the event. Tickets also include Museum admission for the regular galleries and ASHM’s special 2026 100th anniversary exhibits From Taste to Tech: 100 Years of Nordic Innovation & Impact and A Century in the Making: 100 Years of ASHM.
During the market, shoppers can experience the Lucia children’s program twice each day. Light, warmth, and Christmas songs have been hallmarks of the Lucia celebration at ASHM since the 1930s. December 13th is St. Lucia Day in Sweden, a holiday marked by Lucia celebrations all over the country from private homes to entire towns. ASHM’s Lucia performances during our market include Swedish songs and dances performed by children dressed as Christmas tomtar (gnomes), pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies), folk dancers, star boys, and Lucia with her attendants. Don’t miss out on this magical holiday experience!
