Calgary’s annual Scandinavian Christmas Market and Bake Sale returned to the Calgary Scandinavian Centre this past weekend to celebrate the Christmas culture shared by the Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark.
The market and bake sale featured a wide variety of treats, including Norwegian sandbakkel, one of the many desserts that represent the culinary traditions of each Nordic country.
On top of all the food, there were many hand-made goods, such as cooking mitts, hats, towels, jewelry, decorations, and other household or daily-use items.
Englund adds that all vendors are screened before being allowed to sell their goods at the event, ensuring that customers get the best products.
“We’ve got a lot of grandchildren coming to try and buy gifts for their grandparents, remembering their heritage and all the homemade things that they made,” Englund said.
The entry fee for the Scandinavian Christmas Market and Bake Sale is just $1 per person.
Other festive Christmas events around Calgary, like Zoo Lights, charge $30 to $35 at the gate, while some events at Spruce Meadows, like their Christmas market, charge $20 for adults and $12 for children. The long-standing history of the Calgary Scandinavian Centre and its strong ties to the community make festivals like the Scandinavian Christmas Market and Bake Sale so special.
With affordability and quality being top priorities, the goal is to ensure everyone can experience the culture at its best.
“We purchased the building, actually, 50 years ago. Most of our people are now in their late 80s and 90s, and budget is a concern for most of them. But they still love their quality and their culture, and therefore we keep the cost and quality at an affordable rate,” Englund said.
The event continues to grow year on year as a result. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance has doubled.
Englund says more than 700 people attended the event last year.