Winter in the Nordic countries is long and dark, but that does not stop Danes and Norwegians from throwing parties, particularly when it comes to music and movies.
Winter Jazz Festival, January 26 – February 4, 2007: multiple cities in Denmark
As part of the 7th annual Winter Jazz Festival (Vinterjazz), musicians will play in cities all over Denmark. In Copenhagen, look for shows at the Copenhagen Jazz House and a performance by the Bass Desires Orchestra at the Copenhagen Opera House on February 2. Toots Thielemans and the Danish piano player Niels Lan Doky will perform on the island of Bornholm. Visit their website for a full program schedule.
January 16 – 21, 2007: Tromsø International Film Festival andJanuary 22 – 28, 2007: Tromsø Northern Lights Festival
The month of December brings the northern city of Tromsø, Norway into complete darkness. The city celebrates the gradual return of the light in early January with a film festival and a music festival, with national and international musical acts performing jazz, pop, classical, folk, and everything in between. During the festival, the MS Trollfjord will be docking in Tromsø. The ship will leave Bergen on January 22 and arrive in Tromsø on January 26. The onboard program will feature Norwegian food, culture, and music. If you are lucky, you might be able to see the northern lights. Visit their website for prices and details.