Puget Sound area residents can get their holiday season off to a great start at the 41st annual Julefest this weekend at the brand-new Nordic Museum in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood.

The two-day festival features performances by 20 Nordic music and dance groups, Nordic crafts and other gifts, 45 holiday vendors, traditional Nordic foods, a beer garden, and photos with Seattle’s best Santa.

Julefest attendees also get discounted admission to the new Nordic Museum’s permanent exhibitions, so if you haven’t visited the new museum yet, this weekend is a great opportunity to do so.

Julefest – a Nordic Christmas festival

WHERE:          Nordic Museum

2655 NW Market Street

Seattle, WA 98107

WHEN:            10am-5pm, Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18, 2018

WHAT:            20 (about 10 per day) Nordic music and dance performances on the main stage;

45 holiday vendors;

Traditional Nordic food and drink, including æbleskiver, open face sandwiches and pea soup, and fresh baked goods;

Valhalla beer garden (sponsored by Integrated Marine Systems) open 10am-10pm Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday;

Photos with Seattle’s best Santa Claus, 10am-4:30pm Saturday and Sunday;

Discounted admission to the new Nordic Museum’s permanent exhibitions.

COST:              Nordic Museum members: FREE

Non-members: $7 per person – includes admission to Julefest AND admission to the Nordic Museum’s permanent exhibitions.

PARKING:       On-site pay parking lot behind the museum (enter via 28th Avenue NW); free on-street parking