Andersonville Area of Chicago Celebrates Christmas with Swedish Traditions

Andersonville is an area of Chicago that was the home of many Swedish immigrants in the 1800's and early 1900's. The Swedish origins of the neighborhood are still evident. The Swedish American Museum is there, along with many Swedish businesses. Here are some Swedish Christmas events in Andersonville.

Breakfast with Tomten (Santa)
Swedish American Museum
5211 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60640
773-728-8111
Saturday, December 9, 9:00 am
Swedish pancakes will be served at Breakfast with Tomten. A special visit from Tomten will be the highlight of the event, that also includes traditional crafts around the Christmas Tree and dancing. $10.00 members, $12.00 non members. Children under one free. Call the Museum at 773-728-8111 for reservations, which are required.

Lucia Celebration
Swedish American Museum
5211 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60640
773-728-811
Wednesday, December 13: noon at Daley Plaza
Wednesday, December 13, 4:45 pm at the Swedish American Museum
Wednesday, December 13, 7:00 pm at Ebenezer Lutheran Church
The Swedish tradition of the Lucia Celebration will be observed in Chicago. Lucia tradition is that the oldest daughter of the family dresses in a traditional Lucia costume, a long with dress and a crown of seven candles. She serves breakfast of Lucia buns to the family. There are Lucia processions, or parades, observed in Sweden to commemorate St. Lucia. The Lucia procession starts at 4:45 pm from the museum and returns for a 5:00 pm program. At 7:00 pm, an extensive program will be held at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 Foster Avenue in Chicago.

Julmiddag
Old Fashioned Swedish Family Christmas Dinner
Swedish American Museum
5322 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60640
773-728-8111
Sunday, December 17, 4:00 pm
Traditional Swedish dinner will be served at 4:30 pm. At 6:00 pm there will be a Lucia procession, which all children are welcome to participate in. Santa will give presents to all children 12 and under. The evening will be completed with music and dancing around the Christmas Tree. Pre-Paid reservations required. Call 773-728-8222 for reservations.