About St Lucia's Day (Lucia)
St Lucia's Day, celebrated on December 13, is one of the most luminous events of the Nordic winter, honouring Saint Lucy of Syracuse, a young fourth-century Christian martyr whose name means "light". In the old Julian calendar her feast fell on what was then the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, and the festival has come to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness as the Christmas season begins in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.
The heart of the celebration is the Lucia procession. A girl chosen as Lucia leads the way in a long white gown tied with a red sash and a crown of candles in her hair, followed by white-robed attendants and star boys, all singing the haunting "Sankta Lucia" carol. Processions wind through churches, schools, workplaces and town squares in the early-morning dark. Saffron buns called lussekatter, ginger biscuits and warm glögg are shared throughout the day.
St Lucia's Day always falls on December 13, so the live counter above simply counts down to the next one. As one of the first big dates of the Nordic Christmas season, it makes a beautiful milestone to count toward. Add St Lucia's Day to your own countdown page to track the days until the candle-lit processions fill the winter morning with song.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Sunday, December 13, 2026next |
| 2027 | Monday, December 13, 2027 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, December 13, 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday, December 13, 2029 |
| 2030 | Friday, December 13, 2030 |
FAQ
When is St Lucia's Day?
St Lucia's Day is on December 13 every year. The countdown above shows the exact days, hours and minutes until the next one.
Why is St Lucia's Day celebrated?
It honours Saint Lucy of Syracuse, an early Christian martyr associated with light, and once fell on the winter solstice — so it celebrates light returning during the darkest part of the year.
How is St Lucia's Day celebrated?
With candle-lit processions led by a girl wearing a crown of candles and a white gown, choirs singing "Sankta Lucia", and saffron lussekatter buns, ginger biscuits and glögg.
What are lussekatter?
Lussekatter are golden, S-shaped saffron buns dotted with raisins, baked and eaten across Sweden on St Lucia's Day and throughout the Christmas season.