Luminous Windows in Rydal

The giant Advent calendar lights up in the windows of the factory building in December. The factory building in Rydal shines in the winter darkness throughout December. One by one, the windows are lit during Advent, creating a magical and atmospheric experience that attracts visitors from near and far. Rydals museum invites individuals, associations, businesses, public organisations, village associations and other organisations to design and decorate a window. The window installations are lit one after another during December, like an Advent calendar. They can be viewed from outside after dark, and admission is free.

This festive Christmas atmosphere in Rydal begins on 29 November. The first window is lit, and various activities—including visits from Santa, a Christmas market, Christmas crafts and Christmas refreshments—are offered by the different participants in Rydal. The idea of an Advent calendar is inspired by Saltaire in England, which has organised a Living Advent Calendar since 2006. The collaboration with Saltaire takes several forms, including a window installation by Rydals museum in Saltaire and one by Saltarie in Rydal. The collaboration also takes place digitally and on social media.

Times: On the First Sunday of Advent, 29 November, at 15:00, the opening of Luminous Windows will be held. The first window is lit that day during the Julstämning i Rydal event. From 2 December, a new window is lit each day at 15:00. The final new window is lit on 24 December, bringing the total to 24 illuminated windows. Once lit, each window remains illuminated daily from 15:00 to 00:00 and from 05:00 to 09:00 through 6 January. Luminous Windows in Rydal is not dependent on the museum’s opening hours. The windows are lit every day after dark, and are switched off only for a few hours overnight. Visitors view the windows from outside, and it is free.