JULEBYEN (pronounced YOOL-eh-BE-en) means "Christmas Village".

Julebyen is a centuries-old Nordic tradition celebrated with ethnic foods, crafts, holiday decorations, and music. Julebyen is hosted by the non-profit Knife River Recreation Council for the benefit of the community. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Saturday DEC. 7, 2024

?9:00am - 4:00pm Lefse and Krumkake Demos (in the Gnome Dome tent)

Come to the Gnome Dome tent for continuous baking demonstrations of these delectable Scandinavian delicacies!

9:00am - 12:00pm Steve Sokela (At-large)

Multi-talented and FUN musician roaming the grounds. Keep an eye out for him.

9:30am Julebyen Express Train (at the Duluth Depot)

Board the Julebyen Express train at the Duluth Depot, arrive in Knife River at 10:40 and board to return at 2:00pm.

9:30-10:00am Flag Celebration (Julebyen Grounds)

Listen to anthems of our international flag nations.

10:00 Hiking Viking (on the Julebyen Outdoor Stage)

Come see the theatrical exploits of the Hiking Viking!

11-11:45 Troll Train to Troll Canyon (at the Knife River Train Depot)

Come aboard the Troll Train as we journey with our story teller to visit the grouchy troll living under the bridge in a nearby canyon. Purchase tickets from 9:30-1:00pm at the Knife River Train Depot: Adults - $15, Children 4-12 - $8, Children 3 and under - FREE.

11:00-11:45 VIKEN Dancers ( on the Gnome Dome Festival Stage)

Don't miss this! The VIKEN dancers bring excitement to the outdoor stage.

11:45 Knife River Ringers ( on the Gnome Dome Festival Stage)

Listen to songs of the season performed by the Knife River Ringers bell choir.

12:00pm Blacksmithing Demonstration (in Troll Village)

Watch ironsmith Ben Fiasher-Merritt as he creates beautiful and unique iron pieces on his portable, hand-cranked coal forge!

12-12:45 Troll Train to Troll Canyon (at the Knife River Train Depot)

Come aboard the Troll Train as we journey with our story teller to visit the grouchy troll living under the bridge in a nearby canyon. Purchase tickets from 9:30-1:00pm at the Knife River Train Depot: Adults - $15, Children 4-12 - $8, Children 3 and under - FREE.

1:00 - 2:00 John Agacki ( Gnome Dome indoor stage)

John’s music ranges from folk and Americana to country and semi-classical. He is a former 1st Place winner on the A Prairie Home Companion Talent Show.

1:00-1:45 Troll Train to Troll Canyon ( at the Knife River Train Depot)

Come aboard the Troll Train as we journey with our story teller to visit the grouchy troll living under the bridge in a nearby canyon. Purchase tickets from 9:30-1:00pm at the Knife River Train Depot: Adults - $15, Children 4-12 - $8, Children 3 and under - FREE.

2:00 Blacksmithing Demonstration (in Troll Village)

Watch ironsmith Ben Fiasher-Merritt as he creates beautiful and unique iron pieces on his portable, hand-cranked coal forge!

2:00 Julebyen Express Train (at the Knife River Depot)

Board the Julebyen Express train for the ride back to the Duluth Depot. Ticket required

2-3pm Sterling Dancers (Julebyen outdoor stage)

The Sterling Dancers liven up the afternoon with music and energy.

2-3pm Airfiddle (Gnome Dome indoor stage)

Come and find out what the Airfiddle ukelele duet is all about.

3-4pm Puppet Show (on the Julebyen Outdoor Stage)

Join the fun as puppets take over the festival stage!

Sunday DEC. 8, 2024

9:30am Julebyen Express Train (at the Duluth Depot)

Board the Julebyen Express train at the Duluth Depot, arrive in Knife River at 10:40 and board to return at 1:00pm.

10:00 - 3:00pm Lefse Demonstrations (in the Gnome Dome tent)

Come to the Gnome Dome tent for continuous lefse baking demonstrations!

10:00 - 3:00pm Steve Solkela

Multi-talented and FUN musician roaming the grounds. Keep an eye out for him.

10:00 - 10:30 Flag Celebration (Julebyen Grounds)

Listen to the anthems of our international flag countries.

10:30am Live Nativity and Carolers (on the Julebyen Outdoor Stage)

Bring your family for this favorite event. A live nativity scene with animals and festive music of the season by the JOYFUL community choir.

11-11:45 Troll Train to Troll Canyon (at the Knife River Train Depot)

Come aboard the Troll Train as we journey with our story teller to visit the grouchy troll living under the bridge in a nearby canyon. Purchase tickets from 9:30-noon at the Knife River Train Depot: Adults - $15, Children 4-12 - $8, Children 3 and under - FREE.

11:00-2:00 Krumkake Demonstrations (in the Gnome Dome tent)

Come to the Gnome Dome tent for continuous krumkake baking demonstrations.

11:00-12:00 VIKEN Dancers ( on the Julebyen Outdoor Stage)

Don't miss this! The VIKEN dancers bring excitement to the outdoor stage.

12:00pm Blacksmithing Demonstration (in Troll Village)

Watch ironsmith Ben Fiasher-Merritt as he creates beautiful and unique iron pieces on his portable, hand-cranked coal forge!

12-12:45 Troll Train to Troll Canyon (at the Knife River Train Depot)

Come aboard the Troll Train as we journey with our story teller to visit the grouchy troll living under the bridge in a nearby canyon. Purchase tickets from 9:30-noon at the Knife River Train Depot: Adults - $15, Children 4-12 - $8, Children 3 and under - FREE.

12:00-2:00 THUG (on the Gnome Dome Indoor Stage)

Listen to the amazing Two Harbors Ukulele Group (THUG) performing in the Gnome Dome.

1:00 Julebyen Express Train (at the Knife River Depot)

Board the Julebyen Express train for the ride back to the Duluth Depot. Ticket required

2:00 Blacksmithing Demonstration (in Troll Village)

Watch ironsmith Ben Fiasher-Merritt as he creates beautiful and unique iron pieces on his portable, hand-cranked coal forge!

2:00-3:00pm Puppet Show (on the Julebyen Outdoor Stage)

Join the fun as puppets take over the festival stage!

Date: December 7 - 8, 2024

Time: 

Saturday: 9am - 4pm

Sunday: 10am - 3pm

Location: Knife River Recreation Center

199 Alger Smith Rd, Knife River, MN 55609

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