St. Lucia Day 2026: what people eat

St. Lucia Day is Sunday 13 December 2026.

Also known as Saint Lucy's Day, Santa Lucia, Lucia, Luciadagen, Lussinatten, Lucijino, Sankta Lucia, Lucia Day.

What people eat for St. Lucia Day

Lussekatt (Lucia bun)

Sweden, Norway and Swedish-speaking Finland

A saffron bun, often baked in a reversed S shape, brought on a tray with coffee and candles to the household by whoever plays Lucia. Sweden and Norway use raisins in the dough, and Swedish-speaking Finns bake them too.

Source: Saint Lucy's Day, Saffron bun.

Pepparkaka (ginger snaps)

Sweden

The ginger biscuit baked for the day in Sweden alongside the lussekatt.

Source: Saint Lucy's Day.

Glogg

Sweden and the Nordic countries

Spiced or mulled wine drunk at Lucia in Sweden, part of the Nordic winter and Christmas drinking tradition.

Source: Saint Lucy's Day, Glögg.

Our city guides where it is celebrated

StockholmSwedenGothenburgSwedenOsloNorwayAarhusDenmarkCopenhagenDenmarkHelsinkiFinlandVeniceItalyBolognaItalyVeronaItalyRomeItaly