Norwegian bunads and Christmas songs
Norwegian julefest in Stavanger, IL
Even though there are several churches in the area, and the neighboring church is only three minutes away, Stavanger Lutheran Church stands out. Its congregation continues to grow, even as some members attend other churches or rarely go to services. But there is one Sunday evening each year when the church is filled to capacity: The first Sunday in December. That’s when the Scandinavian Christmas Programme, the Julefest, takes place.
A festive scene
“Oh, aren’t they cute in their bunads?” a woman asks her husband with a curious smile.
In Norway, these outfits would likely be called festdrakter—festive costumes—rather than bunads, the Norwegian bunad police would probably insist. Still, they are embroidered with traditional Norwegian patterns. The girls wear them proudly, paired with shirts and vests. The boys, on the other hand, red sweaters. On this special evening, they are about to do one of the most Norwegian things they know:
Sing "Jeg er så glad hver julekveld"—"I Am So Happy Each Christmas Eve."
Cookies, and Christmas songs
Christmas is a magical time in Stavanger, Illinois, and the annual Julefest at Stavanger Lutheran Church is a highlight of the season. Little girls dressed in Norwegian costumes and boys in festive sweaters bring a sense of tradition and nostalgia to the event. After singing cherished Christmas songs, everyone gathers for a feast of pastries and cookies. Lefse, kringle and krumkaker grace the table alongside an impressive variety of Christmas cookies—more than the seven kinds we are used to in Norway.
The church is packed this Sunday evening. People travel from far and wide to attend the event. However, traces of Denmark and Sweden are minimal here; this celebration is unmistakably Norwegian at its heart.
A celebration of heritage
The Julefest is more than just a holiday gathering—it’s a celebration of cultural heritage and community spirit. From traditional costumes to beloved Christmas songs like “Jeg er så glad hver julekveld,” every detail reflects the pride and joy of preserving Norwegian traditions in America. And with tables laden with lefse and kringle, it’s clear that food plays as central a role as music in this cherished event.
For one evening each year, Stavanger Lutheran Church transforms into a hub of Norwegian-American culture—a place where history comes alive through song, taste, and togetherness.
For a Norwegian like me - going to this event is like traveling in time. In the lyrics they sing, there´s a word not being used in Norwegian for the last 100 years. This experience is like stepping back into a different era, where the echoes of the past are still vibrant, and traditions are not just remembered but lived with enthusiasm. Every bite of kringle and every verse sung unites the community, bridging continents and centuries in a heartfelt tribute to heritage.
