Turn on the lights of the Christmas Tree Lange Voorhout

An old, beloved tradition in the heart of The Hague

The lights of the Swedish Christmas tree on the Lange Voorhout will be festively lit again this year. The Lucia festival is also celebrated around the Christmas tree ceremony, the festival of lights that marks the start of the Christmas season in Sweden. In front of Museum Escher in the Palace on the Lange Voorhout there are free performances by choirs and you can get into the Christmas spirit while enjoying mulled wine and hot chocolate. 

Ceremony
The Christmas tree on Lange Voorhout in The Hague is traditionally a gift from Sweden. The Embassy of Sweden, Association Neighbourhood Centre 2005 and Museum Escher in Het Paleis invite everyone to celebrate the annual lighting of the lights. This year, the tree will be lit at around 6.30 p.m. by, among others, Ambassador H.E. Mr Julius Liljeström, Mayor Jan van Zanen and Theo Heere, chairperson of Buurtschap2005.

Lucia party 
The Lucia festival is a typical Swedish festival of lights that is celebrated on December 13, Saint Lucia's name day. The tradition stems from the ancient midwinter light festival. Early in the morning, girls in white clothes and with candles on their heads wake up the family and the elderly, singing special Lucia songs. In the 20th century, the Lucia festival has spread to the rest of Sweden and neighboring countries. In Sweden, the Lucia festival now marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

Programme

• 6:00 p.m. Gathering and outdoor serving of Swedish ‘Glögg’
• 6:30 p.m. Speeches and lighting of the Swedish Christmas tree
• 6:45 p.m.: Performance by the Lucia choir
• 7:00 p.m.: End of the programme