99th Annual St. Lucia Swedish Festival

In Sweden the Christmas season begins with St. Lucia Day (pronounced, Santa Lou-see-ah), honoring a 4th century female saint who is said to have brought light, food and hope to others. This year marks the 99th St. Lucia Festival at Emanuel Lutheran Church on Capitol Avenue in Hartford. The young people of Emanuel dress in Scandanavian costumes and perform a traditional St. Lucia Pageant, singing holiday songs in Swedish by candlelight. Swedish inspired crafts and refreshments are available after each performance. All are welcome to begin the Christmas season with this year's beautiful celebration!

Performances are on Friday, December 7 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford (311 Capitol Avenue, www.emanuelhartford.org). Tickets can be purchased at the door: $5 for adults and $2 for children. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to Hands on Hartford 's MANNA Program.

Free parking is available behind the church via Hungerford Street and in the large state lot a half-block to the east on the corner of Capitol and Oak Streets, across from the Legislative Office Building.