The guilds sometimes organized balls and the Swedish word for the gatherings, gille, may have influenced the tradition of the feasting since it also means "party".

In many towns, the illumination of the public Christmas tree is switched off, accompanied by an outdoor Knut's dance for the community.

[1][7][8] During the 20th century, Christmas trees were literally thrown out of the window or from the balcony, onto the street once they had been "plundered" and stripped of all ornaments.

[11][12][13] Failure to dispose of the tree in a manner designated by the authorities can result in a fine or a sentence of up to one year in prison.

[14] A number of trees are as of 2012[update] disposed around Twelfth Night, almost a week before St. Knut's Day.