Russ and I went to one of those outdoor Christmas villages for this first time last weekend. It was in Knife River, which is about 20 miles north of us along the shore of Lake Superior. The village is called Julebyen (pronounced YOOL-eh-BE-en), which (appropriately) means Christmas village in Norwegian. The quaint former fishing village that it’s located in has Norwegian roots. Proceeds from the event support the community.
Julebyen features ethnic foods (like lefse and krumkake), crafts, holiday decorations, and music. There are also food trucks from local eateries. A train brings visitors up from Duluth and Christmas-themed buses travel from the Twin Cities. We quickly learned that the event is HUGE. Lots of people and lots of fun. Shopping takes place in outdoor stalls and indoors under a couple of large tents. There are candles, pottery, clothing, teas, notecards, wooden sleds, fish, wreaths, honey, jewelry, mittens and honey.
My favorite thing, however, were the trolls. Two men in costume posed for photos and make troll-like comments and jokes with passersby. As you can see, I took advantage of the photo op. In Scandinavian folklore, trolls are supernatural creatures who are dangerous, evil, and hostile to humans. These ones weren’t, though. Trolls are thought to be able to transform themselves, offer prophesies, and steal human maidens. When exposed to sunlight, they explode or turn to stone. This is helpful to know if you ever meet one. Also helpful to know is that lightning kills them instantly.
The village also offered a sledding hill, but there wasn’t enough snow yet for that. I’m glad we got to enjoy Julebyen and get into the holiday spirit. I think it’s helping us through some hard times. I just learned by happenstance that my friend Yooper Duane died this year, on my birthday, no less. He was a special soul. We met on Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior when I was in college and corresponded for years. I’d make a point of visiting him when I traveled across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The last time we touched base was by phone when I was on Isle Royale a couple of years ago. He was impressed by the phone call, since such contact was not technologically possible when we both worked on the island. Duane died at the ripe old age of 80. I’ll miss him!
Also, this week a family member was hospitalized. That’s all I’ll say about it to preserve this person’s privacy. But it’s a stressful situation that’s difficult for everyone.
Be sure to give your loved ones a hug this holiday season. You never know what the future holds.
Marie's Meanderings 
Julebyen sounds like fun, trolls or no trolls. 😊 We’re not having a white Christmas this year, either. Sending warm wishes for a recovery for your family member.
Thank you, Eilene! Well, there’s still some time before Christmas, maybe you’ll get some snow after all? We recently received a few inches.
So sorry to hear of the death of you old friend…and the worries about your family member…but very glad that you could decompress with the trolls!
Thank you, Helen. Yes, trolls seem to make everything better.
Yes, this is a poignant time of year regarding our loved ones. As we get older, we realize this more and more.
So true. I was recently looking through a box of old letters and was dismayed by how many of the correspondents were dead!
What a cool tradition!
Yes. I’m not sure how long the festival has been going on, but it seems to have quite the following.
Sorry about the loss of your friend. I will keep your family member in my thoughts. I went to the Julebyen on Saturday, and enjoyed it very much. The first time I went, which was two or three years ago, it was bitter cold.
Thank you, Vickie. I’m glad to hear that you made it out to Julebyen, too! The temps were great for it this year. And thank you for the email you sent me. I hope to be able to respond to it soon!
Sorry for your grief and the empty spot that leaves!
This town looks like a great spot for as Northern road trip ramble!
What a fun and different festival. May it go well for your family member and those involved. Hospitalizations at the holidays make it even more stressful. Fun photo of you and the trolls!
Thank you, Jo Nell. Yup, this is the worst time of year to be in the hospital. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
I love the trolls! It looks like a fun place to visit. I am so sorry to hear about Duane. He sounds like one of those special people who will live forever in your memories. And I’m also sorry to hear your family member in the hospital. I wish the best to you and your family.
Thanks. Duane was a salt-of-the-earth kind of person, plus literate. I always enjoyed our correspondences. I appreciate your good wishes and hope you and your sister have good holidays, too!
What a fun Christmas village! I’m so sorry about your friend Duanne, though, and I hope your family member is doing better. Take care!
Thanks, Ann. Our family member got out of the hospital yesterday. Yay!
Julebyen Christmas market looks a great place to visit. I’m reading this post on New Year’s eve (31/12/24) and from miles away (the Orchard County in Northern Ireland). Wishing you a very happy 2025!
Thank you for commenting, Ashley! My husband’s ancestors are from County Armagh. We had a chance to visit there last summer. Read about our adventure here: https://mariezhuikov.wordpress.com/2024/08/03/ireland-day-3-an-ancestral-tour/. Happy Irish New Year to you!
Oh my! Goodness. Whilst my ancestry is not from Ireland but from northern England, I was actually born in Armagh. I will follow the link and look forward to reading about your visit to this part of Ireland. Happy Northern Irish New Year to you!
Thank you for reading about our trip, Ashley!