(c) C.A.N. Photography Lucia — Lights and Songs at St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Vienna, Stephansdom — main
About the Event
Attend a concert featuring a Lucia procession at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to celebrate the Swedish Festival of Lights. The choir from Sweden will fill St. Stephen’s Cathedral with the spirit of Christmas.
In mid‐December, Sweden celebrates St. Lucia—one of the country’s most beloved cultural traditions. The Lucia celebration has its roots in a rich blend of pre‐Christmas customs. During what was, according to the old calendar, the longest night of the year, people began to drive away evil and celebrate the return of the long‐awaited light and Saint Lucia. The atmospheric Saint Lucia procession is led by Saint Lucia, with candles in her hair, followed by maids and star boys, all dressed in white. Seeing and hearing the Lucia procession emerge from the darkness and sing in chorus is one of the most quintessentially Swedish experiences.
The Adolf Fredrik Music School in Stockholm is one of the most prestigious music schools for youth choirs in Sweden. The Adolf Fredrik Girls’ Choir enjoys a high international reputation and will return to Vienna in 2026.
Artists
| Conductor: | Lina Sandborh |
|---|---|
| Choir: | Adolf‐Fredriks‐Mädchenchor |
Stephansdom
The Stephansdom (St. Stephen´s Cathedral), constructed in the 12th century, is a Viennese landmark. The present-day building incorporates Romanesque and Gothic styles, and stands on the site of two earlier churches. 23 bells hang in the Stephansdom's towers - the most famous is called 'Pummerin', and is the second-biggest church bell in Europe. One highlight of the Stephansdom is its tiled roof, intricately ornamented in richly-colored mosaics that outline Vienna's coat of arms. Visitors can climb up the North or South Tower to take a closer look at the stunning roof and enjoy the view of the city. The cathedral's catacombs - the resting place of approximately 10000 souls - are another must-see. Classical music frequently adds to the magic of the Stephansdom, with those featuring the music of Vivaldi and Mozart attracting the largest crowds.
Address
Stephansdom, Stephansplatz 1 , Vienna, Austria — Google Maps
