The Arts

The Sybil Carter Indian Lace Association

When Sybil Carter started her first lace-making classes at the White Earth Reservation, she set the stage for a major economic enterprise. In 1904, friends of Carter organized the Sybil Carter Indian Lace Association to help ship and market lace made by women on reservations to East Coast consumers. The association provided a good source of income to Indian women. However, the association also held negative views of Indian women and excluded them from leadership roles.

Anton Armstrong

St. Olaf alum and current festival director, Anton Armstrong.

Kenneth Jennings

Kenneth Jennings served as the festival director from 1968-1990.

Olaf Christiansen

Olaf Christiansen was the festival's director from 1943-1968 and was the son of F. Melius Christiansen.

F. Melius Christiansen

F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the festival.

Hoyme Memorial Chapel

Hoyme Memorial Chapel was the location of the Christmas Festival for the first ten years.

St. Olaf Christmas Festival Performance

St. Olaf Christmas Festival

The St. Olaf Christmas Festival is an annual music celebration that began in 1912 and has been performed regularly since then by St. Olaf College students. Widely broadcast and telecast, it is regarded as one of the premier choral events in the world.