Enjoy a traditional Swedish Christmas with a Trim-a-Tree event at the Swedish Cabin

If you’re ready to get into the holiday spirit, the folks at the Swedish Cabin are happy to help. This weekend, the Cabin, which is part of the 1600s New Sweden Colony, welcomes all in and around Drexel Hill to join them in a festive gathering.

On Sunday, Dec. 14 from 1 to 3 p.m., those of all ages are invited to the Swedish Cabin to help and decorate the tree. The Trim-a-Tree event will feature food and drink which will be served in a traditional “Julbord Tomte.”

A Julbord is a Christmas Smorgasbord or table filled with foods. It is typically a varied buffet of Swedish dishes, and can run throughout December. Tomte means a “gnome-like being” often dressed in grey with a red cap. Many compare him to today’s Santa.

The Swedish Cabin is the only remaining log cabin of its type, where once several were located. The settlement along Darby Creek was said to be built by Swedish settlers who came to the Drexel Hill area in 1638. The cabin even has a history in film!

“Used by the early Philadelphia filmmaker Sigmund Lubin, as the site for several pre-1910 motion pictures,” said a historical marker at the site.

The holiday event will also include a Tomte search for children, as well as a craft station.

“Tour the cabin and warm yourself by the roaring fires,” said Gillian Lancaster, via the Cabin’s website. “Shop the Butiken for gifts and Cabin merch.”

The Swedish Cabin is located at 9 Creek Road in Drexel Hill. The location is about half-a-mile upstream from the Creek Road 102 Trolley Stop. Suggested parking is available at Gillespie Park, just over the new footbridge in Clifton Heights or at the trolley stop itself. Parking is very limited at the Cabin. Admission for the day is free. The full event is open to the public.