2016 is the 38^th anniversary of the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa’s Christmas celebration called Julefest 2016 on November 25^th and 26^th.  The important elements of a Danish Christmas – good food, warm hospitality, flickering candles and other decorations – will all be a part of this weekend.  There are unique shops, specialty stores, a winery, museums, Christmas exhibits and craft fairs for early holiday shopping, as well as food establishments serving pastries, breads, candies, Danish open faced sandwiches and some Danish specialties.   There are over 15 locations offering exquisite one-of-a-kind gifts.  Watch out for all the live entertainment on the streets of the Danish Villages.

Again this year, The Annual Naughty or Nisse 5k Polar Run will be held on Saturday at 9 a.m. and running from the Little Mermaid in Kimballton to the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn. Runners will be dressed up in Nisse (Elf) Costumes, ugly sweaters, or other silly costumes of their choice for chances to win prizes.

Don’t miss Santa Claus roaming around the Danish Villages as well.

The museums and historic structures welcome visitors with special events and decorations.  Come tour the Museum of Danish America and view their new exhibits and the Museum Design Store stocked with tastefully designed merchandise and discounted items. There is also a Lego play area for kids of all ages and complimentary refreshments will be served. The Genealogy Center will be open both Friday and Saturday with Free Admission! Discover how to research and collect information on your Danish family history. Christmas activities will also be available and Pebernødder and wassail will be served. The historic 168 year old Danish Windmill will serve glögg and Danish cheese to visitors and have an old fashion Julemarket.  Bedstemor’s House – Danish for Grandmother’s House – will welcome visitors with a warm fire.  The parlor’s Christmas tree will be decorated with homemade paper ornaments like Julehjerte, chains, fish, and roses.

The Elk Horn Town Hall features Iowa Homespun Crafters at the 21^st Annual “Main Street Country Boutique.” There you will find many unique items, including candles, re-purposed furniture, signs, quilts, handmade wooden furniture, scarves jewelry, baked goods and much more! The Cottonwood Barn’s “Cottonwood Christmas” will be full of vendors, offering a variety of handcrafted items, baked goods, quilts, jewelry, and plenty more. Enjoy the specialty Shops, Winery and Restaurants in the Villages– they’re sure to get you in the holiday spirit and help fill your Christmas list! Unusual and unexpected accessories, decorations, gifts, furniture, and more!

Both Villages will be decorated for Christmas and the streets lined with Danish and American flags.  To really get you into the Christmas spirit attend the free, annual Christmas concert, at 7 p.m. followed by traditional dancing and singing around the Christmas tree at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church on Saturday evening.

Julefest is a great way for these proud Danes to show off their Danish heritage to their welcomed guests and to celebrate the opening of the Christmas season in the Danish Villages.  Pick up a brochure with a map of the local merchants and happenings at any of the Danish Villages businesses. Contact the Danish Windmill at (800) 451-7960 or visit www.danishvillages.com for an electronic copy of the brochure and more information.

Elk Horn and Kimballton are located in southwest Iowa, off I-80, 6 and 9 miles north of Exit 54 and no passport is required and Jul Love It!

(Press Release)