(Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa) – Getting into the holiday spirit is easy in the Danish Villages (Of Elk Horn and Kimballton). Celebrated the weekend after Thanksgiving, the 44th Julefest offers visitors a way to kick start the Christmas season. For forty four years, this magical festival has warmed hearts and provided a way to celebrate all things Danish. Julefest promises an array of traditional Danish food and tasty treats such as pastries, wine, glögg, and pebbernødder. Search for unique Christmas presents and decorations at craft fairs, gift shops and specialty stores, in both towns.

Drink a glass of wine at Danish Countryside Vines and Wines and dine at Julefest sponsored restaurants such as The Kringle Man, Grace on Main and Norse Tavern and new this year come brunch with Santa Friday morning 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elk Horn Fire station and enjoy the traditional ӕbleskiver and medisterpølse.  Make the most of a winter’s day – tour the 1848 Danish Windmill, enjoy the latest exhibits at the Museum of Danish America and go back in time at the 1908 Bedstemor’s House. 

Saturday morning cheer on the Naughty or Nisse 5 k Polar Runners from the Mermaid to the Windmill. Enjoy the annual Julefest Concert and dancing around the Christmas tree Saturday evening at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church. Relish in the festive atmosphere of the villages – both towns will be decorated for Christmas and the streets lined with Danish and American flags. Pick up a brochure with a map of the local merchants and happenings at any of the Danish Villages businesses. Schedules will be subject to change.

This year’s Julefest® celebration means the fabulous craft fairs are back! The Main Street Country Boutique will be at the Elk Horn Town Hall on Friday, November 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 26th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be vendors and crafters from all over Iowa set up with their specialties. Some of the items offered at this craft fair will be woven rugs, homemade candies and baked goods, stockings, angels, snowmen, wooden furniture and items and much more. You’ll find something for everyone on your Christmas list or add to your own collections.

A Hometown Christmas, the annual boutique and quilt sale will once again occupy the Kimballton Town Hall on Friday, November 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Folk artists will provide an array of homemade giftware and Jeanne’s famous candies and cookies and so much more. This is the place to start your own traditions! Take yourself to the country and visit Rustic Rooster/Two Chicks located 1 mile west of Kimballton on highway 44 and 1/4mile north. They are open Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They will be featuring vintage Christmas such as antiques, Christmas décor and taking orders for your Christmas baking (call 515-229-0078). They invite you for cider and good cheer.

For more information about these or any events happening Thanksgiving weekend during the 44th Danish celebration of Julefest®, please call the Danish Windmill at 800-451-7960 or visit www.Danishvillages.com. A brochure with all vendors and events can be picked up from any local Elk Horn or Kimballton business. To visit the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa, take Exit 54 from Interstate 80 and drive six and nine miles north.