Imagine a candlelit courtyard in Los Angeles, where the air is thick with the scent of pine and the soft glow of tradition. This is where Swedish stars, including Kelly Gale, Joel Kinnaman, Dolph Lundgren, and Eddie Mitsou, gathered to celebrate St. Lucia’s Day 2025—a night that seamlessly blended Scandinavian heritage with Hollywood glamour. But here’s where it gets intriguing: how does a centuries-old tradition find new life in the heart of LA? And what does it mean for Nordic culture in a globalized world?**
For the third consecutive year, Los Angeles’ Swedish community—many of them Vogue Scandinavia alumni—converged at the Cara Hotel, a design-centric haven, to reimagine the beloved Scandinavian holiday. Organized by the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce and produced by Second Home PR, the evening was nothing short of magical. Guests were greeted by a whimsical scene: toy soldiers standing guard, snow angels on stilts (a family troupe with a résumé boasting performances for Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor), and tables adorned with the latest December-January issue of Vogue Scandinavia. And this is the part most people miss: the event wasn’t just a celebration—it was a statement about preserving culture in a foreign land.
This year’s Lucia, the multifaceted Eddie Mitsou, put a modern spin on tradition. She graced the event in a flowing ivory gown, her makeup luminous thanks to Idun Minerals, and her feet adorned with silver Shepherd of Sweden boots. Crowning her ensemble was a velvet headpiece threaded with deep burgundy candles—a nod to the classic Lucia crown. Controversial interpretation alert: Is this fusion of tradition and modernity a celebration of cultural evolution, or does it risk diluting the essence of St. Lucia’s Day? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Before dinner, the Swedish Church’s Santa Monica Choir and operatic sensation Nicholas Hylander set the tone with performances that bridged worlds. The guest list was a who’s who of Swedish talent, including Kelly Gale, who recently launched her skincare line Chandra Beauti alongside husband Joel Kinnaman, author Sigge Eklund, Hollywood trainer Magnus Lygdbäck, and photographer Daniella Midenge. But here’s the real question: Can events like these truly keep Nordic traditions alive, or are they merely glamorous gatherings for the elite?
Vogue Scandinavia alum Dolph Lundgren attended with daughters Ida and Greta, who will soon star alongside him in the SVT series Dolph and the Lundgrens. Later, Lundgren took on a surprising role—hosting the after-party and personally serving his new vodka, Hard Cut, from behind the bar. Talk about a celebrity moment!
‘Lucia has always been a school tradition back home,’ shared Caroline Thunstedt, CEO of Idun Minerals. ‘But in Los Angeles, it takes on a new life. It becomes a platform for Nordic brands to shine in a beautiful, unexpected context.’ And this is where it gets thought-provoking: Are such events a genuine celebration of heritage, or are they primarily marketing opportunities for Nordic brands?
As the night unfolded, it was clear that St. Lucia’s Day in LA was more than just a party—it was a cultural exchange, a blending of old and new, and a testament to the enduring power of tradition. But we want to hear from you: Does this fusion honor Scandinavian culture, or does it risk losing its authenticity? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out the stunning photos from the evening—they’re a feast for the eyes!
