St Lucy was martyred for her Christianity in Sicily in the fourth century, and in northern Europe her festival celebrates the bringing of light during the darkness of winter.
During the service on Monday (Dec 15), the choir procession moves from the West End of the Minster to the Nave Sanctuary.
By candlelight, the Lucia song and other traditional songs were sung in Swedish.
The head of the procession wore a crown of candles to symbolise a halo.
The choir wore red sashes over their robes to symbolise the martyr’s blood.
The service is run as a partnership between York Minster and York Anglo-Scandinavian Society (YASS).
This year the London Nordic Choir was welcomed to the city for the service.
1. Sankta Lucia Festival of Light service
Sofia Morin plays the role of Lucia as she leads the procession during the Swedish Sankta Lucia Festival of Light service at York Minster on December 15, 2025 in York, England. Photo: Tom Maddick / SWNS
2. Sankta Lucia Festival of Light service
The service celebrates Saint Lucy, a Sicilian girl martyred for her Christian faith in the early fourth century, whose story reached Sweden along with Christianity. Photo: Tom Maddick / SWNS
3. Sankta Lucia Festival of Light service
Sofia Morin plays the role of Lucia as she leads the procession during the Swedish Sankta Lucia Festival of Light service at York Minster. Photo: Tom Maddick / SWNS
4. Sankta Lucia Festival of Light service
The Sankta Lucia service, featuring the London Nordic Choir, is a traditional Swedish service combining pagan and Christian traditions. Photo: Tom Maddick / SWNS