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What’s on in Sweden: December 12 – 18

What's on in Sweden: December 12th - 18th. Lucia and Lykke Li in Stockholm; Harlem Gospel and Streetdance in Gothenburg; world class jazz in Malmö

What's on in Sweden: December 12 - 18

STOCKHOLM

Lykke Li

No longer Sweden’s hottest upcoming pop prodigy, retro-chic indie-pop darling Lykke Li is now firmly established on the Swedish and European music scene.

Her debut album Little Bit, released earlier this year was met with seemingly endless critical praise. The year accelerated for Lykke with a US tour and album release in all corners of the globe.

Lykke Li is no pop idol product however, and she is firmly in charge of her destiny. Her music style is broad and is placed by some among the categories occupied by Alicia Keys, Vanessa Paradis and CocoRosie.

Full houses across the globe mean tickets at a small venue like Kägelbanan will be hard to come by – time to call in the favours or get flirting with the bouncers.

Price: 230 kronor

Time: Friday December 12th, 8.30pm

Location: Kägelbanan, Södra Teatern, Mosebacke Torg 3

Tickets: Lykke Li Tickets

More information: Södra Teatern

Sankta Lucia

Emma Johansson of Örkeljunga has been named as this year’s Swedish Lucia.

The festival of Lucia (St. Lucy) will be celebrated officially for the first time in eight years. The age old tradition is to be resurrected in all its pomp and choir with help of some of Sweden’s largest charitable foundations.

On Saturday Sweden’s Lucia will move in procession from Skansen, along Kungsgatan via Sergels torg to the official festivities in Kungsträdgården.

Entertainment in “Kungsan” will begin with Kulturama at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm before the Lucia singsong begins at 5pm.

Why does Sweden celebrate the Italian St. Lucia with pomp and ceremony? – few Swedes seem to really know.

Price: Free of charge

Time: Saturday December 13th, 5pm

Location: Kungsträdgården

More information: Lucia in Kungsträdgården

Skansen – Christmas Market

Skansen has been arranging a Christmas market since 1903 and with two weekends left to Yuletide take the chance to visit the pride of Djurgården and stock up on goodies.

For many Stockholmers a visit to the Christmas Market at Skansen is the traditional start of the festive season. You can find everything from handicrafts, confectionery, delicacies such as reindeer meat, mustards and cheeses, and many other gift items. All in the magical surroundings of Skansen’s grounds with Stockholm’s inner harbour as a backdrop.

There is also of course music, dancing and mulled wine with a hunt for Santa topping off the Christmas experience.

Price: 75 kronor (35 kronor for the children)

Time: Saturday – Sunday December 13th – 14th, 20th-21st, 10am – 4pm

Location: Skansen

More information: Christmas at Skansen

Cirkus Cirkör – Inside Out

Inside Out is a circus show about something as simple as life. The new large scale production is the second part in a circus trilogy which began with 99% Unknown, which premiered in 2004.

Inside out follows three characters, each trapped in their own definition of safety and success. One terrified of failure, one seized by logic and a third doing his best to be hard. Their worlds are turned up side down in a tremendous journey upon meeting a circus company of ugly, monstrous and odd, but also magical, funny, warm and elegant characters.

The show features seven circus artists along with the live rock band Irya’s Playground featuring lead singer Irya Gmeyner (previously with the group URGA) at the helm.

Price: 350 kronor (discounts for those under 26)

Time: Wednesday December 9th – 20th. Tues-Fri 7pm, Sat. at 3pm

Location: Dansens Hus, Barnhusgatan 12-14

More Information: Cirkus Cirkör

GOTHENBURG

Angels in Harlem Gospel Choir

Angels in Harlem Gospel Choir, one of the United States’ most prominent gospel choirs, regularly tour the globe and come to Gothenburg on Wednesday and Thursday.

The choir was formed in 1986 and is immensely popular wherever they perform. In recent years their audience has included the likes of Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela, Elton John and Paul McCartney and they have worked with Diana Ross, Jimmy Cliff, Lyle Lovett and Bono among many others.

Price: 310 kronor

Time: Wednesday December 17th & Thursday December 18th, 7pm

Location: Storan, Kungsparken 1

Tickets:Tickster

More information: Storan

Exile [Anatomic Motion]

Hiphop, breaking, B-boy, house and modern dance meet in this street style nomansland performance at the Pustervik Theatre.

Exile is a newly produced Streetdance performance from the international group Anatomic Motion and presents a meeting between four people and their search for a way to live together without losing touch with their backgrounds or individual integrity.

The group features New Yorker Shannon Mabra, Danish dancer Anna Eileen Jeppesen and Mari Raudsepp and Kwok-Sun Yuen from Sweden.

Price: 140 kronor

Time: Wednesday December 17th, 7pm; Thursday December 18th 10.30am & 7pm; Saturday December 20th, 7pm

Location: Pustervik Theatre, Järntorgsgatan 12

Tickets:Ticnet

More Information: Pustervik Theatre

Lucia – the coronation

Gothenburg’s Lucia will be crowned at Liseberg on Friday evening with choir song and a programme of guest artists.

Time: Friday December 12th, 6pm

Location: Stora Scenen, Liseberg

More Information: Liseberg

MALMÖ

The Five Corners Quintet

Finland’s answer to the post-modern jazz scene and proof that even in the 2000s one can dance to the genre known as jazz.

With a pure modern sound while displaying a keen knowledge of their musical heritage, The Five Corners Quintet are as hip as they are true to their forebears. No machines, no samplers, no Djs…just pure and simple world class jazz.

Price: 120 kronor

Location: Babel, Spångatan 38

Time: Friday December 12th, 7pm

Tickets: Kulturcentralen

More Information: The Five Corners Quintet

Electrohype 2008

Electrohype 2008 is the fifth biennial for computer based and technological art and runs at Malmö Konsthall until January 25th 2009.

The exhibition will give an updated picture of the scene for newly created electronic art by presenting 14 works by 10 international artists.

The featured artists are: Doug Back, Canada; Ralf Baecker, Germany; Kerstin Ergenzinger, Germany; Serina Erfjord, Norway; Jessica Field, Canada; Voldemars Johansons, Latvia; Diane Morin, Canada; Kristoffer Myskja, Norway; Erik Olofsen, Netherlands and Bill Vorn, Canada.

Price: Free of charge

Time: Until January 25th, 11am-5pm

Location: Malmö Konsthall, S:t Johannesgatan 7

More Information: Status Quo

TOURISM

Eight corona-safe events not to miss in Germany in October 2020

Despite the coronavirus and restrictions which followed, there are still several socially distanced events taking place around the country. Here are our top picks.

Eight corona-safe events not to miss in Germany in October 2020
One of the displays at the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival in 2019. Photo: DPA

The coronavirus pandemic has significantly disrupted Germany’s events calendar this year, with staple celebrations such as Oktoberfest being cancelled due to safety concerns.

But despite restrictions, organisers have adapted to the circumstances and put together corona-safe events that can be enjoyed by all (albeit at a safe distance).

Here are some of the most exciting events to look out for in October:

German Unity Day Exhibition: September 5th – October 4th

The commemorative exhibition is running over thirty days to allow social distancing to be maintained. Photo: DPA

The Tag der Deutschen Einheit (German Unity Day) is one of the nine nationwide public holidays in Germany and takes place on October 3rd every year. 

It commemorates the formal completion of the reunification process between the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) after decades of division. 

It is normally celebrated with open air concerts and attractions in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, but due to coronavirus things will look slightly different this year. 

READ ALSO: 10 things you never knew about German Reunification

A special anniversary celebration on October 3rd at Potsdam’s Metropolis will be attended by only 240 guests, six times fewer than originally planned. 

The event, which includes performances from musicians and interviews, will be broadcast for people to watch on television. 

There’s also no need to miss out on celebrating entirely – a special open air exhibition is running in Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg, until October 4th. 

The exhibition has been extended to last thirty days to ensure that a safe distance can be maintained amongst visitors. 

Berlin Leuchtet Illuminations: September 25th – October 4th

The light show at the Brandenburg Gate this year celebrates 30 years of German unity. Photo: DPA

It’s not too late to catch the tail end of Berlin’s spectacular illumination festival. As the darker evenings draw in, many of the city’s landmarks are being lit up with colourful projections, videos and laser shows.

The illuminated buildings are scattered all over the city, with some highlights including Gendarmenmarkt, the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column in Tiergarten. 

It is asked that visitors maintain 1.5 metres distance and the wearing of face masks is recommended. 

Halloween Horror Festival at Movie Park Germany: October 1st – November 8th

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

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Be warned: this event is most definitely not for the faint hearted! Head to Bottrop on North-Rhine Westphalia to test your wits in the horror mazes at Germany’s most popular Halloween Festival.

Various spooky attractions including gut-churning rides, live entertainment and haunted houses await those brave enough to visit, although most are only suited for those above the age of 16.

The park is open every Thursday to Sunday in October, as well as on November 1st and November 6th – 8th. 

Advance booking is essential due to strict capacity limits, and no costumes are allowed – the only masks permitted this year are the mouth-nose coverings that prevent the spread of the virus!

European Month of Photography: October 1st – October 31st

The European Month of Photography has something to offer for everyone. Photo: DPA

This October sees Germany’s largest photography festival return to Berlin. The event has taken place every other year since 2004, and offers a wide range of exhibitions for photography enthusiasts to enjoy. 

For the whole month of October, 100 galleries, photography schools, museums and other cultural institutions will offer the public a chance to see incredible work from 500 artists across Europe.

Exhibitions can be found all across the capital and also in the nearby city of Potsdam.

Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival: August 28th – December 6th 

The festival boasts impressive pumpkin displays and fun-filled activities. Photo: DPA

A trip to Ludwigsburg is an essential for all those in awe of autumn, and makes for a fun day out for the whole family.

This year’s theme is music, with various impressive pumpkin displays paying tribute to famous artists ranging from Elvis to the Rolling Stones.

The programme also boasts an array of other activities: try your hand at pumpkin carving, sample pumpkin flavoured specialties or visit the pumpkin Santa Claus tent to get in the festive mood!

German Mozart Festival Augsburg: October 9th – October 31st

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

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Classical music fans won’t want to miss this celebration of the two of the greatest composers of all time, Beethoven and Mozart.

The German town of Augsburg, birthplace of Leopold Mozart (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s father), is hosting various concerts to celebrate the life and work of these two classical titans. 

Events range from lower-key chamber music recitals to large-scale renditions of their most impressive symphonies, and includes performances from renowned soloists and orchestras. 

READ ALSO: The show must go on: How German orchestras are continuing concerts amid the pandemic

Games Week Berlin: October 28th – October 30th 

The gaming conference may be online this year, but there is still lots on offer. Photo: DPA

This year’s Games Week won’t be held in Berlin’s Kulturbrauerei as normal, but game lovers need not fear – an extensive online programme is available for everyone to enjoy. 

The festival’s three strands – “Play Experience”, “Pro Experience” and “Art Experience” – offer something for everyone, from gaming enthusiasts to industry creatives. 

Live ‘let’s plays’, multiplayer tournaments, interviews with gaming influencers and game development conferences are just some of the events available to those who purchase an online ticket.  

Wine tasting along the Deutsche Weinstraße – Various dates in October

Despite cancellations, there are still plenty of chances to try some German wine. Photo: DPA

September and October marks grape harvesting season in Germany, meaning it is the perfect time to taste some of the best wines the country has to offer. 

Sadly, many of the wine festivals that usually take place along the German Wine Route have been cancelled this year, but there are still ample opportunities that are too good to miss.

Take a weekend trip to the Bacchus Wine Festival in the town of Bad Dürkheim in Rhineland-Palatinate, where you’ll find live music, delicious food and plenty of wine.

Similar delights await visitors in the nearby Weisenheim am Sand, albeit at reduced capacity. The company BottleStops also offers group and private tours to visitors who want to get a taste of local wineries, a majority which are currently open.

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