Events
Annual Events
Several events have become annual traditions at the Scandinavian Cultural Center–Swedish Sankta Lucia Fest, Norwegian Julegudstjeneste (Christmas Service), Nordic Christmas Fest (an elegant holiday banquet), and the Norwegian Heritage Festival, just to name a few. In addition to serving the campus community, the Center is made available to Nordic organizations for banquets, meetings, and events. Learn more about these Annual Traditions Below!
An annual event on the PLU campus since 1975, this event is a blend of spiritual songs and scripture readings that tell the story of Jesus, conducted in Norwegian language. The candlelight service has become a family tradition for many in the Tacoma-Seattle area. The event is hosted by the SCC.
The Sankta Lucia Fest is celebrated in the Swedish tradition and normally takes place in PLU’s SCC. The hour-long program features Swedish music, song and dance, and a very special children’s performance. The celebration marks the beginning of the Christmas season at PLU and is a favorite of children and adults.
The annual Nordic Christmas Fest has been a much-anticipated event in the SCC for over two decades. The SCC is at its loveliest with candlelight and magical holiday decorations. The evening is filled with great conversation, fantastic food, and lively entertainment. Members will receive invitations to this yearly themed event.
When HM King Olav V of Norway visited Pacific Lutheran University in 1975, local Norwegian-Americans staged a Norwegian Heritage Festival in his honor. It was such a huge success that it became an annual tradition. Annually in March, the festival features Norwegian foods, entertainment, vendors, and crafts and demonstrations (e.g., rosemaling, Hardanger embroidery, spinning, and woodcarving).
On May 17, 1814, Norwegian delegates signed a constitution that made Norway a country distinct from Denmark and Sweden. This day is celebrated in Norway annually with parades and speeches, and by many Norwegian-Americans. Pacific Lutheran University has its tradition of gathering students, faculty, and friends in Red Square, where a Norwegian flag proudly waves daily in honor of our Norwegian heritage. On the 17th of May, students raise the Norwegian and U.S. flags in a morning celebration, while singing Ja, vi elsker dette landet and the Star Spangled Banner.
