Christmas in Stockholm - the complete guide to the Christmas holiday in Sweden
A Nordic and colorful Christmas
Imagine the glowing streets of Stockholm illuminated by the light of thousands of teal candles. The air is crisp and full of the aroma of roasted almonds and mulled wine, and the historic buildings of the city are covered in a layer of white snow and gray fog makes the atmosphere mystical and magical. This is Stockholm at Christmas, a city that wears a colorful and classic blanket during the holiday season, inviting visitors from all over the world to a boisterous and luxurious celebration that excites even the most indifferent Swede.
From the magical lights that color the city's grand boulevards to the red wooden stalls of the Christmas markets popping up in its picturesque squares, Stockholm probably presents the perfect combination of tradition and contemporary Scandinavian culture.
So let's delve into what makes Christmas here so special, guiding you travelers through the frozen lanes of history, tradition and cultural celebrations. We'll reveal why Stockholm is a worthy winter destination, provide essential information on important dates, explore the vibrant Christmas markets, savor the traditional flavors of Swedish cuisine, and highlight the must-see experiences when the city is at its peak.
Stockholm during Christmas is an unforgettable adventure, a place where dreams come true.
Why Stockholm?
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, often referred to as the "Venice of the North", is a city where modernity meets serenity, a city full of magnificent historical sites alongside contemporary museums, a city that knows how to pay respect to the past but also marches proudly into the future. This is exactly what her Christmas looks like - an exciting symphony of old and new, a magical mosaic of past, present and future.
A wonderland of lights and colors- During the Christmas period, Stockholm turns into a dazzling wonderland. Against the long winter nights stand the city's brilliant light displays, a tradition that warms the heart and excites the eye. From the magnificent decorations along the main street Drottninggatan to the gentle sparkle of the windows of the residences, it seems that every light and candle in the window tells a story of hope and love. True, the Swedish winter is dark and dark, but the Swedes have found the ultimate way to deal with it - simply to spread light, and a lot of it.
A living museum of culture- Although a significant part of the country defines itself as atheist, the Swedish Christmas is much more than a religious celebration. It is a community tradition, one that has been rooted for hundreds of years in the local community. The Swedes love this period so much, and in the city of Stockholm you can see it up close. During the Christmas season, the city's streets become a living museum with concerts, exhibitions and performances that celebrate Swedish Christmas customs, community spirit and the country's glorious past.
a season of together- The Swedes champion the concept of 'mys' (a feeling of coziness and liveliness), and Christmas is the time when that feeling permeates the city. This period unites families and friends, causes everyone to gather together and celebrate the importance of family and society.
Scandinavian winter taste- Although the city of Stockholm is a progressive capital city, it is a Scandinavian and Nordic city for all intents and purposes. Ice skating at Kungsträdgården, winter walks along Djurgården, and relaxing in cafes after a day of sightseeing are just some of the activities that make Stockholm a wonderful and fascinating Scandinavian center.
Important dates and practical information
When planning a visit to Stockholm during the Christmas season it is important to be aware of key dates and their impact on operating hours. Here are the important dates you should know to navigate the city safely:
December 13 – Santa Lucia Day: One of the most prominent cultural traditions in Sweden is characterized by magical processions and choral performances. It is a Christian holiday that not all of the country celebrates, and most of the restaurants, sites and attractions will be open as usual.
December 24 – Christmas Eve: The highlight of the Swedish Christmas, Christmas Eve is celebrated with family gatherings and sumptuous holiday meals. Christmas Eve is an intimate and personal time for families, so almost all the sites, attractions and cafes will be closed that day at noon. Some restaurants will be open for Christmas, with a special Christmas menu. Such a meal in a restaurant must be closed long in advance.
December 25 – Christmas: A public holiday in Sweden, where the restaurants, cafes, sites, attractions and government offices will be closed. Public transportation also operates in a limited format.
December 26 – Christmas Day: Another public holiday with similar activity to the previous Christmas Day.
December 31 - New Year's Eve: A festive day with events and fireworks, for the countdown to the new year. In this evening there are parties and celebrations, a wonderful evening to spend in the city of Stockholm.
January 1 - Rosh Hashanah: Many businesses and attractions will be closed as families and friends gather to celebrate the New Year.
Hours of operation during the Christmas period
Stores: Most stores will have reduced opening hours on Christmas Eve and Rosh Hashanah, and many will be closed on Christmas and New Year's Eve themselves. In the weeks before Christmas itself, the stores usually extend their operating hours, offer benefits and sales alongside the Christmas editions.
Museums and attractions: These often follow store patterns, with reduced hours in the evenings and closings on the holidays themselves.
Restaurants: Some restaurants remain open on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, but usually require a reservation in advance. These restaurants are mainly open to tourists who are not celebrating with their families, and expect relatively high prices.
Public Transport: During the Christmas season public transport remains operational, but there are some adjustments to timetables and frequency that are important to be aware of. On Christmas Eve and Christmas itself, public transport usually operates on a holiday timetable, which means reduced service across the city. On New Year's Eve, public transportation operates in an increased format in order to provide transportation to revelers from all over the city. At the rest of the times there is no change in the frequency of transportation in the city, but expect congestion mainly on the weekends around the market areas and shopping malls.
Weather
As befits a Nordic and Scandinavian city, the Christmas season in Stockholm is very cold, but it must be remembered that the weather plays a significant part in creating the winter wonderland atmosphere in the city. The temperature in Stockholm during the Christmas season usually ranges from -5°C to 3°C, with occasional drops even lower.
In terms of snow, a white Christmas is common in the city of Stockholm, with snow usually starting to fall in late November or early December. The city is well prepared for snow, and this of course adds to the festive atmosphere and winter feeling.
Due to its northern location, daylight hours in the city are limited, when in December there are about 6 hours of daylight per day. The sun usually rises around 8:30 am and sets around 15:00 pm. It is recommended to devote the daylight hours to the urban nature of Stockholm - the parks, lakes and outdoor adventures. The long nights are a magnificent canvas for the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations that adorn the city, offering a different kind of brightness, undoubtedly masking the long darkness.
Besides snow, the city may also experience rain or hail during the season, so it is recommended to be well equipped.
What do you wear?
Dressing in layers is key. Warm waterproof outer layers, insulated boots, hats, gloves and scarves to stay comfortable while visiting the city. Remember that the markets are mostly outside, so this requires a long stay in the cold.
Inside, the Swedish buildings are well-heated, so you'll likely want to shed a few layers when entering shops, museums, restaurants and hotels. This should be taken into account.
The magical atmosphere of Christmas in Stockholm also stems from the cold, often snowy weather, which encourages warm gatherings and pleasant indoor activities. It is important to arrive prepared for the cold and dark but also prepared to embrace the unique beauty and charm that the Swedish winter provides.
Stockholm's Christmas markets
Stockholm's Christmas Markets (Julmarknad in Swedish) are the highlight of the holiday season, drawing locals and tourists alike into a charming world of art, food and hot glug (local mulled wine, more on that later). Here's a guide to some of the city's most beloved markets:
Gamla Stan Christmas Market - Gamla Stan Christmas Market
Location: Stortorget Square in Gamla Stan (Old Town)
Dates (as of 2023):: 24.11 until 17.12.
שעות פתיחה: Every day of the week from 10:00 to 18:00.
Located in the heart of Stockholm's historic center, this is the oldest and most traditional Christmas market in the city. Dozens of pastoral red stalls offer Swedish Christmas sweets, smoked sausages, reindeer meat stews, along with handicrafts perfect for gifts. The surrounding medieval buildings create a storybook atmosphere. This is the popular market in the city, attracting tourists and locals alike in droves. Try to come both during the day and in the evening, when you are guaranteed a mesmerizing experience when the colored lights color the market.
Skansen Open Air Museum Christmas Market (Julmarknad på Skansen)
Location: The open air museum Skansen, on the island of Djurgården
Dates (as of 2023): 24.11 until 17.12.
שעות פתיחה: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.
The weekend market takes place at Skansen Open Air Museum, which showcases historic Scandinavian life through buildings, displays and actors. In the market you will find many stalls that offer Swedish surprises with a focus on handicrafts and traditional food. It's a perfect place for families, with workshops, Christmas decorations and a chance to learn about Swedish holiday customs.
Christmas Market at the Royal Stables
.: The Royal Stables of Stockholm (Kungliga Hovstallet)
Dates and hours of operation (as of 2023): 8.12- 11.00-19.00.
The 9.12- 09.00-18.00
The 10.12- 10.00-17.00
Entrance fee: SEK 100 per adult. Free entry for under 12s.
This unique market allows visitors to explore the city's majestic stables while wandering among stalls of handicrafts and seasonal treats. It's also a chance to see some of the royal horses and carriages. This is a market that takes place 3 days a year, between December 8-10, and entrance to it is paid.
The biggest Christmas market in Sweden (Taxinge-Näsby Christmas market)
.: Taxinge-Näsby Castle
Dates (as of 2023) 17-19.11
Activity time: שישי 10:00-18:00, שבת 10:00-18:00, ראשון 10:00-16:00
Entrance fee: SEK 100 per adult. Free entry for under 12s.
Sweden's largest Christmas fair at Taksinga Castle in Sørland, with over 130 of the country's best artisans. Take the time to browse their amazing products, all handmade. This is a market that mainly addresses a local audience, those looking for gifts for their loved ones for Christmas. The market is about 50 minutes drive from the city center.
The culinary delights of Swedish Christmas
Christmas is indeed a religious holiday, but over the years it has also become a magnificent cultural tradition, one that is linked to traditions, customs and the local way of life. Stockholm, being the capital city, proudly presents a wide variety of Swedish festive foods that arrive once a year - at Christmas time. Here are the ones you must taste:
Pepparkakor : These gingerbread cookies have become one of the symbols of Swedish Christmas. They usually come in the shapes of stars, hearts or goats, especially loved by children.
Lussekatter: Saffron buns traditionally eaten on St. Lucia Day, bright yellow and often shaped in an 'S' shape with raisins.
kanelbullar: Cinnamon rolls which can be found throughout the year but are considered an integral part of the Swedish Christmas celebrations.
Knäck: A sweet and delicious classic Swedish toffee, usually made with almonds.
Rice porridge: A rice pudding that is usually eaten during the month of December. It is often served with cinnamon, sugar and milk, and sometimes a single almond is hidden inside. Tradition says that whoever finds the almond will get married within a year.
The national Christmas drink of Sweden - Glögg
Probably not two minutes will pass in the city of Stockholm without you hearing the word Glug or smelling the aromas of the hot drink in the air. The glug has become a symbol of the Swedish Christmas, and it is a hot and spicy drink, the Scandinavian version of mulled wine. Halog is traditionally made from red wine, sweetened with sugar and infused with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and ginger. Often, glug is also flavored with stronger alcohol such as vodka, aquavit or brandy. Usually served hot in small glasses with raisins and almonds.
In Stockholm, finding the best glug is part of the seasonal magic, as many cafes, restaurants and Christmas markets put all their winter season tokens on the traditional hot drink. So here is the answer to the question of where to find the high-quality Golog in the city:
Christmas markets
Gamla Stan Market: The Old Town Christmas Market is not only picturesque but also offers some of the most authentic Glog experiences. Stalls often serve homemade glug with traditional recipes that have been passed down through the family for hundreds of years. The concept is simple - the longer the queue, the more famous the gloog is probably.
Skansen Christmas Market: Being an open-air museum, the Skansen market offers not only a wonderful glug but also a chance to see how it was made in ancient times.
Cafes and bakeries
Vete-Katten: This historic cafe is known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional Swedish pastries. During Christmas the place serves a classic glug that goes wonderfully with its seasonal treats.
Cafe address: Kungsgatan 55, 111 22 Stockholm
Fabrique Stenugnsbageri: A well-known bakery chain that offers glug in the winter months, perfect alongside their cinnamon buns. To chain a large number of branches in the city.
Bars
Operabaren: An elegant bar near the Royal Swedish Opera, famous for its classic interior and quality glug.
Bar address: Jakobs torg 12, 111 52 Stockholm.
Aifur: An experience inspired by the Viking Age with a unique glug made from historical recipes.
Bar address: Västerlånggatan 68b, 111 29 Stockholm
Remember that the "best" glug is a subjective thing, since every place has its own special recipe and magic that has been passed down for generations upon generations. Part of the fun is trying different types and finding your favorite!
Swedish Christmas buffet - Julbord
The Swedish Christmas is a time for family gathering, a consolidating and satisfying time, one that unites families and friends from all over the country. The holbord, which translates to "Christmas table", has become over the years a central tradition in Swedish Christmas, it is a buffet-style meal, a smorgasbord of traditional Swedish dishes. The tradition developed from the world of the Vikings, who would celebrate the middle of winter with a magnificent feast. This is a meal that you can experience in restaurants, hotels and local culinary institutions in the period before Christmas Eve, and also on the eve of the holiday itself.
A typical Yolbord meal consists of fixed dishes in several rounds, each round arrives at the table in an aesthetic and luxurious way.
The first round usually consists of pickled herring dishes, served with boiled potatoes and bread. The second round may include cold fish dishes, such as grablax (salmon in dill) and smoked salmon with sauces and a variety of other fish. The third round focuses on appetizers including Christmas pork sausages, beef sausage, liver dishes and cheese platters.
Immediately after all the starters comes the main course, usually traditional Swedish dishes such as Swedish meatballs, ribs or a dish called Jansson's Temptation (potato dish in cream with anchovies).
The experience ends of course with dessert, usually rice pudding, losketer (saffron rolls) and ginger cookies. Don't forget to look for the almond hidden inside the pudding, which will bring you good luck in the coming year.
Where can you experience the Heulburg feast?
Luxurious hotels and historic restaurants: Places like the Grand Hôtel and Operakällaren offer luxurious Yolbord experiences with a variety of dishes in an environment rich in tradition and a magical atmosphere.
Local restaurants and taverns: For a more modest experience, traditional taverns like Pelikan provide hearty dining in a homely environment.
Important Information
preorder- This is a very popular experience among both locals and tourists, so you must book well in advance. Many Swedish companies close restaurants and institutions for Christmas parties and private dinners, so there is a sought-after competition in the field.
Season- The Houlbord is usually available from the end of November until December 24th, usually more in demand on weekends.
The Heulbord is much more than just a meal, it is an immersive experience that offers insights into Swedish culture and gastronomy. For anyone visiting Stockholm during the Christmas season, participating in Yulbord is an unforgettable and delicious way to celebrate the colorful holiday.
What not to miss in Stockholm during the Christmas season
The decorated streets
From mid-November to the beginning of January, the city of Stockholm wears a colorful cloak. Don't miss a visit to the Old Town (Hagmala Sten), the historic heart of Stockholm that becomes even more magical with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings lit up with Christmas lights. Also wander down Drottninggatan, Stockholm's main shopping street, which in the winter months becomes sparkling and illuminated, perfect for a colorful evening out.
Ice Skating
Every year, Kungsträdgården park opens its doors with an ice rink that invites tourists and locals to skate to Christmas tunes. Entrance is free, equipment rental costs 100 kroner per person per hour.
Concerts and performances
On 13.12, Santa Lucia Day, churches and cultural halls offer concerts and shows alongside exciting cultural events. Throughout the month of December you can find traditional performances, classical concerts and events that offer a deep dive into the Scandinavian Christmas tradition. Don't miss watching the 'Nutcracker' show that takes place in many cultural institutions during the winter months.
New Year celebrations
Don't miss the fireworks display on New Year's Eve, which can usually be seen from places like Fjällgatan in Södermalm or from the beach on Strandvägen.
Visiting the royal palaces
Several royal palaces around Stockholm, such as Drottningholm Palace, are open to visitors during the Christmas season, offering a glimpse into royal festive traditions.
While the Christmas lights twinkle against the snow-dusted cobbled streets and the crisp winter air carries the scent of mulled wine and toasted almonds, there is no doubt that Stockholm is a city that truly embodies the Christmas spirit. Whether you're indulging in an intoxicating glass of glug at a bustling Christmas market, falling and getting up from an ice rink or watching a Nutcracker show in a centuries-old cultural hall, there's no doubt that Swedish Christmas is an unforgettable experience. From the historic alleys of Gamla Stan to the peaceful archipelago illuminated by the northern stars, Stockholm invites its travelers to a celebration of medieval heritage and modern Scandinavian charm. So pack your warmest clothes and get ready to celebrate life in Stockholm's dark and glowing nights.
