In December, 2008, the nation’s capital gets a taste of Norwegian food, culture, and music, at the 12th annual Norwegian Christmas at Union Station. Complete program to be announced in October, 2008.
9/25/2008 :: 
KICK-OFF
Toys for Tots Kick-off and Model Train Launch
The start of the Norwegian model train at Union Station also marks the regional kick-off for the 2008 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. The giant Norwegian model train has enchanted visitors every December for 11 years, as it winds through the mountains and fjords of Norway. Each train is hand-crafted by our expert model builder and is a replica of a current or historic Norwegian train.
When: November 25, 2008
Where: Union Station, West Hall, 50 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C.
Admission: FREE, no tickets
OPENING CEREMONY
Tree Lighting
Norway is pleased to present a 32-foot tall Christmas tree as a gift to the people of Washington, D.C. The tree is a symbol of friendship between the United States and Norway. It also expresses Norway’s gratitude for assistance received from the United States during and after World War II.
When: November 25, 2008
Where: Union Station, Main Hall, 50 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C.
Admission: FREE, no tickets
BAZAAR
Norwegian-American Holiday Bazaar
Norwegian-American organizations host a shopping extravaganza featuring traditional crafts from Norway, including hand made items, jewelry, calendars, trolls, dolls, holiday ornaments, pewter items, sweaters, and food.
When: Dates to be announced
Where: Union Station, Main Hall, 50 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C.
CONCERTS
Eivind Opsvik and Håkon Kornstad
The Norwegian jazz musicians team up for their performance in Washington D.C.
When: December 10th
Where: The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
Music of the Sea: A Norwegian Christmas
Operatic excerpts and classsical song repertoire emblematic of Norway with a Christmas theme, sung by a host of talented opera singers. A collaboration between the New York Opera Society and Oslo-based Kulturentusiastene.
When: Dec. 14, 6:30 pm
Where: National Gallery of Art
The annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony draws hundreds of people to Union Station's Main Hall.
Photo by Tom Williams / Roll Call Photos