Imagine Santa Lucia with her crown of candles, joined by children bringing song and light into the darkness of winter. Come join us at Mayo Street Arts to bring vibrance to that dream at this beloved holiday tradition! 

In Sweden, Saint Lucia's Day is December’s holiday of light, and MSA is celebrating Scandinavian style with the Boston-based vocal group, Northbound. Northbound’s tight five-part harmonies render seasonal classics and fresh takes on traditional folk tunes from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. This special holiday concert will begin with a beautiful candlelit Lucia procession. 

MSA’s East Bayside neighborhood historically provided a home to immigrant populations of Irish and Scandinavians. In 1898, the Danish Lutherans (who later merged with the Immanuel [Swedish] Lutheran Church) built the St. Ansgar’s church, that is now home to Mayo Street Arts. This celebration honors our building's history and heritage. Thank you for joining us and bringing your light to our halls!

What is St. Lucia's Day?

St. Lucia’s Day is a festival of lights celebrated in Sweden, Norway and the Swedish-speaking areas of Finland on December 13 in honor of Saint Lucia (Saint Lucy).

In Scandinavian countries, each town elects its own St. Lucia. The festival begins with a procession led by the St. Lucia designee, who is followed by young girls dressed in white and wearing lighted wreaths on their heads and boys dressed in white pajama-like costumes singing traditional songs. The festival marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Scandinavia, and it is meant to bring hope and light during the darkest time of the year.

Originally Saint Lucia was celebrated only in Sweden, but during World War II under German occupation, the custom became popular in Norway and Denmark as a way to assert Scandinavian identity, and remains popular all over Scandinavia today. In modern times, Lucia’s crown often features battery operated lights, but MSA’s event will be a rare opportunity to see a procession with real candles and traditional songs from the region sung in the original languages.

All Ages

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Sunday, December 15 at 2:00 PM (doors 1:30 PM), 90-minutes, no intermission

Sunday, December 15 at 5:00 PM (doors 4:30 PM), 90-minutes, no intermission

Tickets are available for $20 in advance, $23 at the door, and $30 for preferred seating (pay-what-you-can available)

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PAY WHAT YOU CAN

No one will be turned away from MSA events for lack of funds; please contact us at 207-879-4629 or info@mayostreetarts.org to learn more and reserve tickets. Our box office staff are also happy to help.

EVENT PARKING

Free on-street parking is available in Mayo Street Arts’ neighborhood.

There is one paid parking lot conveniently located a six-minute walk from the venue: Top of the Old Port Parking (119 Pearl St, Portland ME 04101)

Mayo Street Arts is accessible by Greater Portland Metro bus routes with nearby transfer points 7, 9A & 9B. Click here to learn more.

ACCESSIBILITY

All performances and most other events held at Mayo Street Arts are wheelchair accessible. There are two accessible spots directly in front of our building, however there is not yet a curb cut out at that location.

If you would benefit from additional information or accommodations, we invite you to contact us at info@mayostreetarts.org or 207-879-4629.

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Audience members — in addition to artists, staff & volunteers — who feel sick or exhibit symptoms of illness should stay home out of respect for others.

SEATING POLICY

We will save your reserved seat until showtime, at which point any unclaimed seats may be offered to other people. Please call our box office at 207-879-4629 if you are running late.

CANCELATION POLICY

MSA has a no refund policy for all reservations. In the event that MSA is forced to cancel an event due to weather, illness, etc., refunds will be offered via the Ticket Tailor platform.