By Elizabeth Stark and Brian Campbell
December 22, 2014; 9:59 AM ET
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© ARCTIC IMAGES / AlamyYule Lads
If you've always felt like Santa Claus didn't engage in enough petty crime during his visits, maybe it's time to celebrate the holiday with Iceland's Yule Lads. These 13 troll-like figures visit in the days leading up to Christmas, and each has a name that describes his particular brand of mischief (Pan Scraper, Meat Hook). Over time, these once-terrifying figures become more benign and now leave small presents in children's shoes. To catch a glimpse of Yule Lads in traditional garb, check out the National Museum in Reykjavík, where they visit daily from December 13-24.
© Kati Molin / AlamyGlögg
Christmas is a time for revelry, and few things get that going like a fragrant pot of glögg-a mulled wine made with red wine, brandy, or aquavit, and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. You'll find glögg across the Nordic world throughout the winter, and pre-made versions are available at many stores. Still, the best place to enjoy glögg is at one of Scandinavia's famous Christmas markets, where it's often for sale.
© Chad Ehlers / AlamySt. Lucia Day
St. Lucia Day (December 13) is a festival of light that kicks the Christmas season into high gear. Traditionally, the celebration involves a girl wearing a white goan and a crown of candles leading a procession of candle-bearing women singing songs about the saint. Prior to the 1700s (when calendar reforms shifted things around a little), St. Lucia's feast day coincided with the winter solstice, hence the association with the coming of light. You can see a St. Lucia procession in many Nordic countries-in big cities like Oslo and Stockholm, there are often several celebrations happening.
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