Swedish Christmas Magic in the USA – SWEA’s Christmas Markets Spread Tradition and Joy
Since the late 1970s, SWEA has been a key player in spreading Swedish culture and traditions worldwide. One of the most cherished traditions is SWEA’s Christmas markets, which draw thousands of visitors every year.
SWEA’s Christmas markets are among the most popular Swedish cultural events in the USA. Each year, SWEA organizes around 20 Swedish Christmas markets across the country. These markets attract anywhere from hundreds to several thousand visitors and provide a unique opportunity to experience Swedish Christmas traditions far from home.
The Swedish markets are held in various locations across the USA, including New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Atlanta, Washington DC, Texas, Arizona, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Orange County.
The markets are very popular, with San Francisco being particularly noteworthy, attracting nearly 3,000 visitors every year. Los Angeles hosts SWEA’s oldest and most prestigious Christmas market, which dates back to the late 1970s. Over the years, these markets have evolved into beloved gatherings, where visitors can experience Swedish Christmas traditions in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
Lotta Rigby Fors, President of SWEA International:
“The Christmas markets are much more than just a tradition; they play a vital role in keeping Swedish culture alive. We are excited to see how our Christmas markets spread Swedish traditions and Christmas spirit, while also allowing us, through their earnings, to support important causes through Swedish-related donations and scholarships.”
Imagine the scent of mulled wine (glögg) and freshly baked gingerbread, the sound of Lucia songs, and the sight of handmade Christmas goats and gnomes – all this, far from Sweden. SWEA’s beloved Christmas markets, held from coast to coast, offer visitors a taste of Sweden during the holiday season.
Background Information
The first Swedish Christmas market in the USA was organized in the late 1970s by SWEA’s founder Agneta Nilsson. The market was an immediate success, becoming a gathering place for Swedes and Swedish Americans, united by their love for Swedish traditions. It was here that the idea of SWEA as an organization was born – a global network for Swedish and Swedish-speaking women abroad. Following the first market in Los Angeles, Swedish Christmas markets organized by SWEA quickly spread to other cities across the USA.
SWEA International is a global network for Swedish and Swedish-speaking women who live – or have lived – abroad. With approximately 6,000 members in around 70 chapters worldwide, SWEA is the largest nonprofit organization promoting Sweden outside of Sweden. Every year, SWEA awards scholarships and donations totaling more than 2 million SEK.
Media Contact
Marita Holmkvist Lendenfelt
media@swea.org
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