JuleFest is Elk Horn’s annual celebration of the holiday season, blending traditional Danish Christmas customs with the warmth of a small Midwestern town. Held each year in late November, it transforms the community into a festive market town, drawing visitors who come for the seasonal atmosphere, handcrafted gifts, and authentic holiday foods.
Origins and Cultural Significance
The word “Jule” comes from the old Scandinavian term for Christmas, and in Denmark, the holiday season is marked by rich traditions that combine Christian observances with pre-Christian winter celebrations. JuleFest in Elk Horn was created to share these customs with the wider public, allowing residents and visitors to experience a Danish-style Christmas without leaving the United States.
Atmosphere and Decorations
During JuleFest, Elk Horn is dressed for the season. Storefronts and heritage buildings are decorated with evergreen garlands, lights, and red-and-white Danish flags. The streets fill with the scent of fresh baking and mulled drinks, while music—both traditional carols and Danish holiday songs—sets the tone for the weekend. The overall effect is reminiscent of the Christmas markets found in European towns, with a focus on handmade goods and cultural authenticity.
Holiday Market and Artisan Crafts
One of the main draws of JuleFest is the holiday market. Local and regional artisans sell handcrafted gifts ranging from wooden toys and textiles to pottery and jewelry. Traditional Danish crafts, such as woven paper hearts and straw ornaments, are also on display. Many visitors take home decorations that become part of their own holiday traditions.
Seasonal Foods and Treats
Food is central to JuleFest, with many dishes prepared from recipes passed down through generations. Aebleskiver—round Danish pancakes served with powdered sugar and jam—are a staple, along with kringle pastries, butter cookies, and marzipan confections. Savory options include open-faced sandwiches, meatballs, and holiday roasts.
Some venues offer cooking demonstrations, allowing visitors to see how these dishes are prepared in a traditional Danish kitchen setting. Sampling is encouraged, and many festival-goers plan their visits around specific food stops.
Heritage Attractions and Special Programs
Elk Horn’s major heritage sites participate fully in JuleFest. The Danish Windmill is decorated and open for tours, the Museum of Danish America offers special exhibits and extended hours, and Bedstemor’s House is adorned in period-appropriate Christmas décor, giving visitors a glimpse of how the holiday might have been celebrated in a Danish-American home over a century ago.
VikingHjem, the reconstructed Viking-age dwelling, also opens its doors, with fires burning and craftspeople demonstrating ancient skills in a winter setting.
Music, Dance, and Entertainment
JuleFest features live music and dance performances throughout the weekend. Danish folk dancers, carolers, and instrumental groups perform both indoors and outdoors, creating a lively backdrop for shopping and exploring. Visitors are often encouraged to join in for traditional dances and sing-alongs.
A Tradition That Brings People Together
For Elk Horn residents, JuleFest is more than a tourist event—it is a community gathering that marks the start of the holiday season. Families come together to prepare foods, decorate, and volunteer at heritage sites. For visitors, it offers a unique way to experience the warmth of Danish Christmas traditions in an authentic setting.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
JuleFest has become a fixture in Elk Horn’s cultural calendar. By keeping its focus on heritage, handcrafted goods, and seasonal hospitality, it preserves the character of a Danish Christmas while adapting to the rhythms of modern community life. Each year, the festival renews its role as both a cultural celebration and a heartfelt welcome to the holiday season.