Lucia Fest - Gloria Dei - Old Swedes' Church

Lucia Fest - Gloria Dei - Old Swedes' Church The Lucia Fest weaves together a number of Swedish holiday traditions into a colorful musical service.

The heart of the celebration is the Lucia procession in which a young woman is joined by other female members of the household in taking hot coffee and a warm Lucia bun to all the residents of the home. She comes crowned with candles, dressed in white, singing her traditional song, “Sankta Lucia.” In Sweden her day is celebrated in homes before dawn on the 13th of December, which, at one stage of

life with the Julian calendar, marked the winter solstice – the point at which the hours of darkness begin to diminish and the daylight hours begin to lengthen. At Gloria Dei Church the celebration is held within the walls constructed by Swedish settlers in 1699-1700, in the beauty of candlelight, with a large entourage of young girls joining her in song and procession. For many people participation in the Lucia Fest is a unique way of marking the beginning of the holiday season. The celebration is held annually at Gloria Dei in Philadelphia, PA during a weekend in early December.

04/05/2026
Happy Saint Lucia Day!
12/13/2025

Happy Saint Lucia Day!

It’s Lucia weekend! God Jul!
12/06/2025

It’s Lucia weekend! God Jul!

Lucia Fest this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 2:00, 3:30, 5:00.
12/03/2025

Lucia Fest this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 2:00, 3:30, 5:00.

Run….Today is the last day to get your tickets online! Shows are Saturday and Sunday 2:00, 3:30, and 5:00! Shows will se...
12/03/2025

Run….Today is the last day to get your tickets online! Shows are Saturday and Sunday 2:00, 3:30, and 5:00! Shows will sell out. God Jul!

*Update: Saturday at 2:00 and 5:00 are sold out. *

https://tithe.ly/event-registration/ #/10519260

Rehearsals start Sunday! We can’t wait to see you:)
10/29/2025

Rehearsals start Sunday! We can’t wait to see you:)

On June 1st, Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation is hosting a celebration. Stop by for the fun!
05/20/2025

On June 1st, Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation is hosting a celebration. Stop by for the fun!

2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling year at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church in Philadelphia as we proudly celebrate the 325th anniversary of this esteemed National Historic Site!

Join us on Sunday, June 1, 2025, for a day filled with joy and festivities as we commemorate this remarkable milestone with free activities. Here’s what’s in store:

10:00 am – **Celebratory Service**: Gather for a service led by Rev. Dr. Christopher Micklewright, who will reflect on our rich history and guide us in heartfelt prayers of gratitude for our past and hope for what lies ahead.

11:30 am – **Picnic in the Hall and Grounds**: After the service, indulge in a delightful picnic hosted by the Gloria Dei Church community in Riverside Hall and the surrounding grounds.

11:30 am – **Museum Display**: For one hour only, don’t miss the chance to join historian and archivist Jeanette Woehr in Riverside Hall as she unveils our most cherished artifacts, bringing the vibrant history of Gloria Dei to life.

11:30 am – **Wine Raffle and Gift Table**: Take a shot at winning a special bottle of wine in our exciting wine raffle! Plus, explore our gift table featuring beautiful items that support our preservation efforts.

12:00 pm – **Graveyard Tours**: Step into the past as you explore our nearly 350-year-old graveyard, the final resting place of thousands of extraordinary individuals.

1:00 pm – **Scavenger Hunt**: Kids of all ages will love connecting with history during this engaging scavenger hunt. Our graveyard, in continuous use since 1677, is filled with graves adorned with a variety of symbols and carvings from the 18th century to today.

We can't wait to celebrate with you! Come be a part of this unforgettable day!

Happy Lucia Day! “Her coming is the signal for the start of Christmas. May it be felt today, in every language, in every...
12/13/2024

Happy Lucia Day! “Her coming is the signal for the start of Christmas. May it be felt today, in every language, in every locality, in every heart.”

Address

916 S Swanson Street
Philadelphia, PA
19147

Telephone

+12153891513

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