For the third year in a row, LondonSwedes are hosting a set of unique Christmas concerts in the amazing Asylum Chapel, celebrating one of Sweden’s most beloved traditions – Lucia.

In December, Lucia is honoured all over Sweden with candlelight processions that brighten up the dark winter days. These spectacular events feature the chosen Lucia wearing a crown of lights, and girls and boys in white gowns take place in schools, at work, in town squares or churches. They sing festive songs and spread warmth in the community. Lucia and her entourage have now made their way to London where they will share their magic and Christmas spirit.

About the tradition

The original name of this special day is Saint Lucy’s Day, however, in Sweden, we simply call it Lucia. Swedes have been celebrating Lucia for 400 years. The Queen of Light herself is an ancient mythical figure with an abiding role as a bearer of light in the dark Swedish winter. Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred, killed for her faith, in 304. Back then the persecuted Christians in Rome were hiding in the catacombs under the city. She would secretly bring them food but had to wear candles on her head for her hands to be free. The story was told by Monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden.

The main celebration takes place on December 13th, while there are candlelight processions the week before as well. On Lucia’s day, you will see thousands of young girls and boys emerge from the darkness, gently silencing the crowds with a procession of light and beautiful singing. Today the action usually begins before dawn in schools, churches and offices. The procession is led by the girl picked to be Lucia, dressed in a long white gown with a red sash and a crown of lights.

She is joined by girls wearing similar outfits as her ( tärnor ), and boys wearing tall pointed hats and star wands (stjärngossar). Most Swedes feast on a special version of mulled wine (glögg) and saffron-flavoured buns (lussekatter) during the week of Lucia.

LondonSwedes’ Lucia Nights

Featuring a stunning Lucia choir of 20 girls led by professional singer Cecilia Stalin, Lucia Nights is one of LondonSwedes’ most popular events. This year the choir will also be joined by award-winning Swedish singer-songwriter Miriam Bryant for the Sunday shows. The enchanting venue of Asylum Chapel in Peckham makes for the perfect setting for these intimate shows, where spectators are treated to traditional Christmas songs as well as Swedish delicacies.

LondonSwedes are hosting 7 shows held over 5 days, with a capacity of 1400 guests in total. During the break of each 2×30 minute concert guests will be able to enjoy typical Swedish Christmas nibbles and beverages, such as saffron buns, gingerbread biscuits and meatball sandwiches, along with Swedish beer and of course “glögg”. Raffle tickets will be sold at the venue, giving guests a chance to win prizes and Christmas gifts.