What date is St. Lucia's Day celebrated in Sweden?

St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated in Sweden on December 13.

The feast honors Lucia of Syracuse, an early Christian martyr traditionally dated to the early fourth century. Her name is associated with light, and her legend describes her bringing food to Christians hiding in the catacombs while wearing a candlelit wreath so her hands remained free.

Swedish celebrations developed into a festival of light during the dark Advent season. A girl portraying Lucia usually leads a procession dressed in a white gown with a red sash and a crown or wreath of candles. Other participants may include star boys, Christmas elves and gingerbread figures.

Schools, churches, workplaces and community groups often mark the morning with singing, candlelight and saffron buns called lussekatter, along with gingerbread cookies. The Swedish celebration is not the same as Christmas Day on December 25, nor is it St. Nicholas Day on December 6. Although the Scandinavian form became especially popular in Sweden during the 20th century, the Christian feast itself is observed on December 13 across several countries.