When the switch is flipped for the 8,000 lights on the Christmas tree at Union Station on November 30, it is only part of the fairytale. With elements ranging from trolls to idols, at venues across the capital area, this festival aims at spreading some “juleglede” (Christmas joy) to the public.
“Norwegian Christmas at Union Station is a three-week festival with a wide range of holiday events designed to celebrate the very best of Norway; our traditions, our people, and our culture,” says Knut Vollebaek, Norway’s Ambassador to the U.S.
The show gets on the road – or rather, it gets on track – with the opening of the giant model train in Union Station’s West Hall. The train, one of the largest in the world, begins its journey through the rugged landskape of Norway on November 24, and as always the official opening coincides with the launch of the Marines Reserve’s Toys for Tots collection. As an added bonus, this event will feature lively storytelling by the Norwegian actor Rolf Stang.
“The Embassy is very pleased to support the U.S. Marine Corp’s Toys for Tots program,” says Ambassador Vollebaek. “This initiative has for many years brought joy to children that really deserve a little extra attention during the holidays.”
There’s something for everyone at this year’s Norwegian Christmas at Union Station. How about a piece of Norwegian smoked salmon? Or a jazz concert at the Kennedy Center with the velvet-voiced Silje Nergaard? Tempted by the idea of a voyage through the world of the Sami reindeer herders of Northern Norway? And let’s not forget the World Idol, Kurt Nilsen, who will be performing live at an exclusive concert at the Birchmere.
So join Ambassador Vollebaek, the Norwegian Embassy and Union Station in creating some holiday gladness this year.
The events are listed here.
For more information, please contact:
Media spokesperson Susan Roth, 301-330-2587 (office); 202-997-5672 (cell); prsue@aol.com
The Royal Norwegian Embassy: Christian Hansson, 202-944-8930; cha@mfa.no