Skip to main content
DSC02836

In-person

Julefest: A Nordic Holiday Celebration

Date

November 18 & 19, 2023

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Admission

Members: Free

Non-Members: $10.00

Youth (12-18): $5.00

Children (Under 12): Free

Note: Julefest is a ticketed event. Pre-purchasing tickets is HIGHLY encouraged in order to enter the event as quickly as possible. Although Members attend for free, we very much recommend reserving tickets in advance to take advantage of our Fast Pass lane and avoid admission delays.

The National Nordic Museum invites you to experience its 46th Annual Julefest! Enjoy an authentic Nordic holiday experience, right in the heart of Ballard. Modeled after the traditional outdoor Christmas markets found in the Nordic countries, this community favorite features all the fun and goodies associated with the Nordic holidays, with a Pacific Northwest twist!

Please select the date(s) you would like to attend at the registration button above. Members and children attend for free! Find out more about becoming a Member of the National Nordic Museum here

Click here to download a map of Julefest!
About
During Julefest, visitors are immersed in a variety of Nordic holiday traditions. Guests can expect to discover a modern spin on a traditional market as they can shop from 40+ local artists, taste traditional holiday fare, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the grounds. Stay tuned for additional festival program details!
Valhalla Mug Club - SOLD OUT
21+ guests: be a part of our very first Valhalla Mug Club! Each Mug Club ticket comes with one (1) 20z limited edition Valhalla Mug, your first two (2) beers on us, one (1) free pretzel at Skål Beer Hall, and, of course, eternal glory! Purchasers will pick up their exclusive mugs in Valhalla (Osberg Great Hall) during the weekend of Julefest.
Julefest After Dark
Skal! Julefest After Dark is back for another year of after-hours festivities. Julefest at the National Nordic Museum closes at 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 18, but that doesn’t mean the party ends there! Head up the street to our friends at Skål Beer Hall (5429 Ballard Avenue) and keep your Nordic spirits alive. Show staff your Julefest ticket for a free pretzel with an additional purchase. Enjoy a full kitchen and bar with aquavits, Nordic and local beer, and mead. Feeling brave? Challenge the shot sword! Look forward to the release of gløgg, served in Viking tankards for the holiday season! For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.skalballard.com.
Goodies2Go - Learn More
Goodies2Go is back for another year! Our iconic bakesale is volunteer led and features heaps of traditional Nordic treats, baked with love by our dedicate Goodies2Go bakers. Get here early both days—goodies have been known to sell out FAST!
Vendors and Performers - Learn More
Browse through our full list of Julefest vendors! Featuring artists, handcrafted goods, jewelry, dining options, and much more. Plus, peruse festival musicians and a performance schedule.
Pet Policy - Learn More
We love your pets! Unfortunately, due to the nature of this event and the fact that part of it occurs inside the Museum building, dogs and other pets are not allowed at Julefest. Service animals are always welcome. We appreciate your understanding!
Parking & Transportation
Parking within the vicinity of Julefest is limited, and there is no on-site parking available. We advise that attendees please plan accordingly. Public transportation and/or rideshare options are highly encouraged. For more information about bus routes, please click here.
  • If you do plan to park in Ballard for Julefest, we recommend arriving early and exploring the neighborhood before Julefest opens at 10:00 am. For free parking, we recommend finding a spot on the street in the neighborhood to the north of the National Nordic Museum. Head north on 28th Ave NW and look for an open spot.
  • For other parking options please use the following resources:
  • Visit Ballard - set the filter to “parking”. You’ll need to unselect all other options to bring up options.
  • Parkopedia

Sponsors


Level Two Sponsors

  • Icelandair-Logo_Print_2022
  • The_Seattle_Times_logo tiny_0