St. Hansel and Gretel on June 23, 2025
There will be an opportunity to purchase drinks and barbecue sausages.
Local singer Heidi Klinge will provide the accompaniment when we sing the Midsummer Carol around the bonfire, which is lit on the small lake by the watermill.
- Point in time: 19:00 - 22:00
- Adress: Kongevej 59, 6270 Tønder
Come and join us for an atmospheric St. John's Eve with a delicious barbecue - all in beautiful surroundings.
The grill will be lit at 6:00 PM!
Price 219 DKK per person / Half price for children under 12 years.
- Point in time: 16:00 - 22:00 approx.
- Adress: Siltoftvej 2, 6280 Højer
The local council of Løgumkloster invites you to St. Hansel and Gretel on the Castle Bed
- Point in time: 19:00-22:00 approx.
- Adress: Tønder Country Road 1,6240 Løgumkloster
Mjolden Citizens' Association invites you to St. Hans on the sports field.
It will be possible to buy grilled sausages, beer, soda, water and candy at the site.
- Point in time: at: 6:00 PM - bonfire is lit at 7:30 PM
- Adress: Præstegårdsvej 4, 6780
- Point in time: at: 5:30 PM
- Adress: Havnebyvej 114 B
We start at 18:30 where there is the opportunity to get a free barbecue sausage and beer, water, coffee, and cake can be purchased. At 20:15 there will be a bonfire speech by Karin Lorenzen and the bonfire will be lit at approximately 20:30.
- Point in time: at: 6:30 PM
- Adress: Noergade 50A,6240
Everyone is welcome, you can bring your own food or buy barbecue food at the site.
Bonfire sermon at 7:00 PM from the local priest.
- Point in time: at: 7:00 PM
- Adress: Stationsvej 5, 6261 Bredebro
- Point in time: at: 5:00 PM the site opens, at 7:00 PM the bonfire is lit.
- Adress: Tved 2a, 6270
Bring the whole family for a floating bonfire, bonfire talk, community singing and a big concert with Steffen Schulz.
Free bouncy castle and much more.
- Point in time: at: 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
- Adress: Ostergade 63,6270
There is FREE admission!! Everyone is welcome.
At the event there will be an opportunity to purchase:
Grilled sausage with potato salad or bread
Beer and water
Coffee and cake
Everything at reasonable prices... From 6:00 PM!!
- Point in time: at: 5:30 PM - Bonfire lit at 7:00 PM
- Adress: Ullerupvej 80, 6780 Skærbæk
St. Hansel's Eve – Danish midsummer celebration with deep roots
A fusion of Christianity and folk beliefs
St. John's Eve is celebrated every year on June 24, the evening before John the Baptist's birthday, which falls on June 24 according to the Christian calendar. DThe festival combines two traditions: the pagan celebration of the summer solstice and the Christian homage to John the Baptist.
Why do we light fires?
The bonfire is central to Midsummer Eve and has several symbols and functions:
Protection from evil spirits: In folk belief, Midsummer Night was particularly magical and associated with supernatural powers. The bonfire was supposed to act as a “wake-up call” and protect against the presence of witches.
Marking the night and the transition: The bonfire reminded us that the bright summer days are now starting to shorten – a symbolic time of transition
The witch's doll – a controversial tradition
On top of many bonfires, a straw doll is placed as a witch. The custom of the “witch” first came into use around 1900 and has its roots in German and Jutland Valborg traditions. It does not reflect a historical witch burning, but is a symbol of scaring away evil. . However, the custom has been the subject of debate, precisely because it is reminiscent of the tragic witch executions of the 16th and 17th centuries, and more people today choose to abolish the doll. .
Community singing and cultural unity
No St. Hansel without a community song. Holger Drachmanns “The Midsummer Carol” is sung around the campfire and is a tribute to the joy of summer, patriotism and community during the long, bright nights .
An evening of fun and fellowship
Midsummer Eve is a time for togetherness: family and friends gather around a bonfire at the beach, forest or park. There is a barbecue, food and drink are enjoyed, and often a local person gives a bonfire speech. It is a deeply folk event—a celebration of the magic of nature, community and cultural identity.
The development of tradition
Middle Ages: Widespread bonfire tradition as part of popular midsummer celebrations, aimed at both protection and celebration .
18th century: The church tries to restrict customs, but the people continue with the celebration .
1770: St. Hans ceases to be a public holiday but is celebrated as a national holiday.
Circa 1900: The witch doll appears on the pyre, as an addition with a humorous and symbolic character
