Illuminated Windows in Rydal

The giant Advent calendar lights up the windows of the factory building in December. The factory building in Rydal brightens the winter darkness throughout the month. 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 illuminated one by one in December, like an Advent calendar. They can be viewed from outside after dark, and it is free. This festive season in Rydal begins on 29 November. The first window is lit, and various participants in Rydal offer activities such as visits from Santa, a Christmas market, Christmas crafts and Christmas refreshments. 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: The opening of Illuminated Windows is held on the first Sunday of Advent, 29 November, at 15:00. 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, when a total of 24 windows will be illuminated. Once lit, each window stays illuminated every day from 15:00 to 00:00 and from 05:00 to 09:00, through 6 January. Illuminated Windows in Rydal is not dependent on the museum’s opening hours. The windows are lit every day after dark, and are switched off for only a few hours overnight. Visitors view the windows from outside, and it is free.