Mark Levengood: The Candle-Lighting Champion of Swedish Christmas
Now it’s clear: it will be Mark Levengood who gets the honor of lighting the candle in the window on Christmas Eve and keeping the Swedes company through the Christmas Eve tableau!
Ah, the holidays! A time for family, friends, and the fond hope that your uncle doesn’t fall asleep mid-turkey. But for the last 60+ years, it’s also been about a certain special someone perched in front of our TV screens, spreading that warm festive glow! Last year, we had the comedic stylings of David Batra, but this year, the spotlight is on our pal, Mark Levengood. He’s been handed the sacred duty of making sure we’ve all got just the right amount of Christmas spirit—without any of the “I’ve-just-eaten-too-many-lussekatter” regret.
“Want to try to unite Sweden”
Levengood, a name echoed through many a Swedish living room since the 90s, is no stranger to the limelight. Honestly, we could probably build a small shrine dedicated to his contributions to Swedish entertainment—the Melodifestivalen, the Guldbagge Gala, and don’t forget those magical summer talks on Sommar i P1! If you’ve got a Swedish family, you probably have memories of him topping the charts of festive cheer.
This year’s Christmas Eve hosting comes after, let’s say, a rather “challenging” year. But never fear—Mark’s here to whip up a Christmas atmosphere that promises to unite even the most stubborn of relatives who dispute whether Skansen or the town square has the better lights. “I want to try to bring Sweden together with a sparkling Christmas atmosphere that everyone is welcome to,” he declared—with the enthusiasm of someone who’s clearly taken a hefty dose of julmust this week!
Past Christmas Hosts: A Legacy of Charm
As they say in showbiz, “You’re only as good as your last gig,” and this gig is an illustrious one, filled with a cavalcade of charming hosts who’ve paved the way for our loved ones during the holidays. Let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane, shall we?
Here’s the all-star line-up:
- 1959–1971: Bengt Feldreich (with some creative absences in ’66, ’68, and ’69)
- 1972–2002: Arne Weise (a staggering thirty years! Not sure how he celebrated when he missed a Christmas—perhaps a private party with Santa?)
- 2003: Lotta Bromé
- 2004: Ernst Kirchsteiger
- 2005: Blossom Tainton
- 2006: Ingvar Oldsberg
- 2007: Anne Lundberg
- 2008: Lasse Kronér
- 2009: Lisbeth Åkerman
- 2010: André Pops
- 2011: Kalle Moraeus
- 2012: Sarah Dawn Finer
- 2013: Petra Mede
- 2014: Henrik Dorsin
- 2015: Gina Dirawi
- 2016: Sanna Nielsen
- 2017: Lotta Lundgren and Erik Haag
- 2018: Kattis Ahlström
- 2019: Marianne Mörck
- 2020: Lars Lerin
- 2021: Tareq Taylor
- 2022: Babben Larsson
- 2023: David Batra
What a list! Each of these wonderful presenters has left their own unique footprint on the most festive of evenings. But now, it’s Mark’s turn to take a seat—don’t forget to bring your own tomte for good luck. I hear they’re great at keeping the festive spirit alive, and who doesn’t love a mystical creature that also doubles as a fantastic excuse for a dirty Christmas joke or fifteen?
**Interview with Mark Levengood: The Candle-Lighting Champion of Swedish Christmas**
**Editor:** Mark, congratulations on being chosen to light the candle on Christmas Eve this year! How does it feel to take on such a cherished tradition in Sweden?
**Mark Levengood:** Thank you! It’s truly an honor. Lighting the candle is a moment that brings families together, and I’m incredibly excited to share this experience with everyone. It feels like stepping into a tradition that spans generations, and I can’t wait to bring my own flair to it!
**Editor:** You mentioned wanting to unite Sweden with a sparkling Christmas atmosphere. Can you tell us how you plan to achieve that this year?
**Mark Levengood:** Absolutely! Christmas can sometimes bring out differences among family members—especially on the age-old debates like “Skansen vs. the town square for the best lights.” I want my hosting to focus on inclusivity and joy. My goal is to create a warm and inviting ambiance where everyone feels welcome, no matter their festive preferences. I think laughter, shared stories, and a little bit of Christmas magic can do wonders!
**Editor:** You’ve had quite the journey in Swedish entertainment before this role. Reflecting on your past experiences, how do you think they have prepared you for this special Christmas Eve?
**Mark Levengood:** Every role I’ve had, whether during Melodifestivalen or Sommar i P1, has taught me about connecting with people. Christmas is a time when emotions run high—nostalgia, joy, and sometimes a little stress. My job is to create an enjoyable and memorable experience, something I’ve learned to do over the years. Plus, I’ve had the chance to observe some legendary hosts before me. I hope to bring a unique blend of warmth and humor to the screen!
**Editor:** As the latest addition to a long line of beloved Christmas hosts, is there anyone in particular you’re looking to for inspiration?
**Mark Levengood:** The legacy of hosts like Arne Weise and Bengt Feldreich is monumental. They had a way of making holidays feel intimate and magical. I admire their ability to speak to families across the generations. While I want to honor that, I’ll also bring my own personality into the mix—after all, a sprinkle of humor and a dash of sincerity can go a long way at the holiday table!
**Editor:** Last question, Mark: What do you think makes Christmas so special for Swedes?
**Mark Levengood:** For Swedes, Christmas is about togetherness and tradition—bonding over meals, lighting candles, and sharing memorable moments. It’s a time to reflect on what’s important—love, laughter, and community. I think when you gather around that candle on Christmas Eve, it brings us all together in warmth, no matter where we are or who we are with. I’m thrilled to be a part of that experience and help create those cherished memories this year.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your time, Mark! Wishing you all the best this Christmas Eve!
**Mark Levengood:** Thank you! Merry Christmas to everyone!
