East - Nordstjernan

2011 Juldans in New Jersey

2011 Juldans in New Jersey
The JulDans at New Jersey Vasa Park roared back to life this year after a quiet 2010. A capacity crowd filled Viking Hall as Scandinavians from across the northeastern United States made their way to Budd Lake for the 14th Annual Scandinavian Christmas celebration.
More info: JulDans

Photography: Roy Groething

JulDans Lucia 2011, Lily Radel, with her entourage. ENLARGE IMAGE »

Young Lily Radel was wearing the same Lucia gown worn by her farmor Kerstin when she was a child in Sweden. Here they are preparing the Lucia crown. Lilly's mother Ginny (left) has also been one of the rocks on the JulDans committee for the past ten years. ENLARGE IMAGE »

Jeanne Eriksson Widman Andersen leading the traditional dance around the Christmas tree ENLARGE IMAGE »

Christmas is a magic time for all... ENLARGE IMAGE »

But while much of the tradition for adults center around food the time of the year is truly magic for the young children. ENLARGE IMAGE »

Santa, Steve Boyle has been Santa at JulDans for the last four years and his wife, Carol, is secretary on the board of trustees at Vasa Park. ENLARGE IMAGE »

What is there not to be mesmerized by... ENLARGE IMAGE »

..especially when, on top of the Queen of Light there's a real Santa. ENLARGE IMAGE »

Santa's beard is real. Steve Boyle shaves it off after Christmas every year and by summer it's well on its way to being ready for Christmas again. ENLARGE IMAGE »