Ballard’s favorite holiday tradition is back! The National Nordic Museum invites the whole family to step into a winter wonderland at Julefest: A Nordic Holiday Celebration, from Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22, 2026 — an authentic Nordic holiday experience filled with unique treats, handcrafted gifts and community spirit in the heart of Seattle.
The highlight is the outdoor Nordic Christmas market, where more than 40 local vendors gather under cozy lights with handcrafted gifts, traditional foods and cozy Scandinavian apparel. Dozens of volunteer bakers spend weeks preparing thousands of homemade holiday cookies — krumkake, rosettes and princess gems — a beloved selection that regularly sells out by mid-afternoon. Another Julefest classic returns on Saturday and Sunday only: fluffy Danish æbleskiver pancake balls served with lingonberry sauce, powdered sugar and whipped cream.
The celebration opens Friday, November 20 with a 21+ Night Market from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., whose ticket includes full weekend access. On Saturday and Sunday the festival runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with live performances by Nordic performers and a festive beer garden serving glögg and mead for guests 21 and over. Saturday and Sunday admission is $12 in advance ($16 onsite) for adults and $5 for youth, children under 12 enter free, and museum members enjoy free admission all weekend.
Julefest takes place at the National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market Street in Ballard. Parking is very limited during the festival — the museum lot will be closed — so taking transit or rideshare is the happiest way to arrive. Come celebrate the season the Nordic way!
Photo: National Nordic Museum
