The Scandinavian Christmas Eve service returned to Christ Church in Bangkok in 2025, continuing a long-standing tradition that for years has brought together Nordic communities in the Thai capital on the evening of 24 December.
As in previous years, the historic Christ Church on Convent Road provided the setting for the joint service, which once again attracted a large turnout. More than 150 people attended, filling the church with familiar hymns, candlelight, and the sound of Nordic languages spoken from the pulpit.
The service was led jointly by Danish Pastor Nicolai Stubbe Hørlyck and Swedish Pastor Olof Olsson. There was no Norwegian or Finnish priest or pastor taking part in the service this year.
The Gospel readings reflected the Scandinavian cooperation that has come to characterise the event. The Swedish reading was delivered by Maria Olsson, while the Danish Gospel was read by Martin Hybel Havelykke, Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Danish Embassy.
Music once again played a central role in the evening. Saxophonist Jacob Dinesen provided instrumental accompaniment, while singer Yasmin Kirkegaard contributed vocal performances that added a contemporary musical layer to the traditional Christmas liturgy.
Following the service, many participants remained at the church grounds to continue the afternoon in a more informal setting. The Thai Nordic Association once again served gløgg and æbleskiver, a familiar post-service tradition that proved popular, with long queues forming shortly after the final hymn.
Over the years, the Scandinavian Christmas Eve service at Christ Church has established itself as a fixed point in the Nordic calendar in Bangkok. The 2025 edition followed that well-known format closely, combining Danish and Swedish clergy, lay participation, live music, and a social gathering afterwards — a structure that continues to resonate with the Scandinavian community in Thailand.
