Heidi If you’re planning a city break to Stockholm in December or over the Christmas period, then this guide is your go-to resource for a successful and magical holiday. Stockholm is always a fairytale city, but the Christmas season adds an extra layer of enchantment. Yes, the days are short, but the Swedish people—the Stockholmers—make it incredibly cosy (mysigt) during the darker months. Get ready to soak up the sparkling Christmas lights and charming Christmas markets. Don’t forget to make time for a traditional fika stop to warm up—December is truly a wonderful time for a Stockholm trip.
Extra tip: discover the archipelago of Stockholm!
Skansen’s Traditional Christmas Market
Skansen, Stockholm’s renowned open-air museum, hosts a fantastic traditional Swedish Christmas market during the advent weekends. Here you can sample authentic Swedish delicacies and browse stalls selling local crafts and products. They also run special Christmas workshops where you can try your hand at making festive decorations.
Skansen puts on a great programme of Christmas concerts and events. You can experience a historical Christmas, enjoy a festive Julbord (Christmas buffet), and learn all about special Swedish Christmas traditions.
The rest of the park is open year-round, though sometimes with limited access. You’ll notice footstools outside the old houses and pine branches laid on the floor to help people wipe the worst of the snow off their shoes. A quick note on etiquette: while you typically wear shoes in public spaces, remember that Swedes always remove their shoes when entering a home, regardless of the season.
You might catch a volunteer at the old school explaining life in the “good old days” or a smith demonstrating their craft at the forge.
Heads up: The entrance fee for Skansen is slightly reduced on Christmas Eve. I visited in 2023 with my family and it was a wonderful experience, but be aware that the park closes very early that day (often by 2 pm). Check the current opening hours at Skansen website . You can also visit on Christmas Day.
Must-Visit Stockholm Christmas Markets
Beyond Skansen, the traditional Christmas market in Gamla Stan (The Old Town), located in the main square Stortorget, is an absolute must-see. Stalls here sell glögg (mulled wine) and gingerbread, alongside authentic Swedish products. This is Stockholm’s oldest Christmas market, running since 1837!
- Gamla Stan Market: Typically runs from mid-November until 23rd December, open daily from 11 am to 6 pm.
Other Festive Markets
Steninge Slott: From mid-November until Christmas, you can visit a vast indoor market, measuring 1500m², on the first floor of the Stenladan at Steninge Slott.
Jul på Hovstallet (The Royal Stables): Located in Östermalm, this market takes place every year during the second weekend of Advent (Friday–Sunday). You’ll find around 75 stalls of Swedish artisans and craftsmen on the grounds of the royal coaches, where you can also indulge in typical festive delicacies.
Outside Stockholm: For a day trip, consider the markets in the courtyard of Skoklosters Slott (first weekend of Advent) and in Sigtuna (every Sunday of Advent). Vaxholm (second weekend of Advent) also hosts a Christmas event with stalls and a visit from Father Christmas.
Discover more Christmas markets in and around Stockholm
Rosendal’s garden
Rosendal’s garden is highly recommended year-round. During Advent, it is decked out in a charming Christmas atmosphere. Head to the heated conservatory for your ecological fika, complete with benches for a cosy rest.
A Festive City Stroll
Stockholm organises several self-guided walks to help you admire the festive decorations, known as The Christmas Lights Walk. You’ll find spectacular large-scale Christmas decorations dotted across the city. The moose display at Nybroplan is particularly popular. This is where the lights are officially switched on, usually around mid-November, accompanied by a Christmas choir.
Other photo opportunities include:
- Kissing under the mistletoe at the main entrance of Central Station.
- Spotting the reindeer display at Norra Latin.
- A visit to Biblioteksgatan, another highly decorated street.
In total, 35 streets in Stockholm are lit up with environmentally friendly LED lights. A map of the Christmas Lights Walk can often be picked up for free at various hotels and tourist information points.
Ice skating in the city
With temperatures hovering around freezing point, several city squares transform into ice rinks where locals and visitors can enjoy skating.
- Kungsträdgården: Skates can be hired here, with the rental shop typically opening in early November and staying open until March.
- Free Rinks: Other popular squares for free skating include Medborgarplatsen, Vasaparken, Zinkensdamm, and the rink in Östermalm (at Fiskartorpsvägen). Note that skate rental is often not available at these locations, and their opening is weather-dependent.
If the deep freeze lasts a while, you may even be able to ice skate on Lake Mälaren between Södermalm and Kungsholmen. This is a spectacular experience, but always observe safety regulations and only go with someone who has sufficient local experience, or better yet, join a guided tour.
The Live Christmas Calendar (Levande Julkalender)
Every day throughout Advent, a “hatch” opens somewhere in Gamla Stan at around 6:00 pm. What I initially thought was a small event turned out to draw a sizable crowd gathered in the square opposite the chosen window. The hatch opens, a story is read aloud in Swedish, and then a choir sings a mix of traditional and modern Christmas carols. It’s incredibly atmospheric! We were even treated to glögg and gingerbread. While the story is in Swedish, even my non-Swedish-speaking friend was hugely impressed by this charming live Advent calendar event. More info on their website.
ArkDes: Gingerbread House Exhibition
In the same building as Moderna Museet you’ll find ArkDes, Stockholm’s architecture and design centre. From the beginning of December till the end of the Christmas holidays, they host an exhibition of gingerbread houses. Each year has a different theme, and it’s actually a public competition for both children and adults. I stumbled upon it by chance last year and was struck by the skill of the designs—it perfectly complements the festive atmosphere. Best of all, ArkDes is free of charge.
The Unmissable Julbord (Christmas Buffet)
The Julbord is an extensive Swedish Christmas buffet featuring all kinds of regional specialities, such as pickled herring, the famous Christmas ham, and beetroot salad. Most restaurants offer a Julbord in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Many Swedes attend one or more Julbords with colleagues, friends, or family.
Stockholm recommendations for a Julbord include Fjäderholmarnas Krog and Stadshuskällaren. For a vegetarian Julbord, check out Hermans. Be sure to book a reservation as the Julbord is usually by request only and availability is often limited.
If a full buffet is too much, be sure to try lussekatter, the sweet saffron rolls baked around St. Lucia’s Day.
Christmas Shopping and Festive Windows
Stockholm is a fantastic destination for Christmas shopping. For great presents and contemporary design, check out shops like Designtorget, Granit, and Lagerhaus.
A tradition not to be missed is walking past the store of NK (Nordiska Kompagniet) on Hamngatan. The department store’s Christmas window displays are a true attraction from late November to early January—they are genuine works of art, drawing crowds of people eager to catch a glimpse.
Good to know: The winter sales in Stockholm/Sweden officially begin on Boxing Day (26th December).
Key Dates for a Swedish Christmas
The Swedish Christmas period is filled with special dates:
- Boxing Day (26th December): This is when many Swedes head out to start the winter sales.
- First Advent: Celebrated four weeks before Christmas Day, it marks the start of the Christmas markets, lights, and events across the city.
- St. Lucia’s Day (13th December): This is the festival of light (the solstice). Attend a candlelit ceremony and carols at one of Stockholm’s churches. Try to attend the celebration in Seglora Kyrkan at Skansen for an authentic and atmospheric experience.
- Christmas Eve (Julafton): This is the most important day for Swedes. The city will feel very quiet as everyone heads home to celebrate with family.
Opening Hours Over Christmas
Similar to Midsummer, many businesses close down over Christmas.
Restaurants: Hotel restaurants are typically open, but for others, it’s best to call ahead. In an emergency, there’s always a Max Hamburgare!
Shopping: Major shopping centres usually open slightly longer in the days just before Christmas. On Christmas Eve, most shops close very early (around 2 pm). Shops will be closed on Christmas Day. A similar pattern applies to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Museums: Many museums close down for Christmas. Skansen is the big exception, as the open-air museum is open every day of the year. The Vasamuseum closes from 23rd–25th December and also on 1st January (it closes at 3 pm on New Year’s Eve). The ABBA Museum is only closed on Christmas Eve. If you’re planning a trip during the festive season, you must plan ahead and check opening hours.
Will It Be a White Christmas in Stockholm?
Do you dream of a White Christmas in Stockholm? While there is a chance of snow, it is certainly not guaranteed. If snow falls, it is often wet and slushy. For a guaranteed White Christmas, you’d be better off heading north, but it can happen in Stockholm!
Keep an eye on the weather forecast before you travel so you can pack appropriate footwear. Warm clothing is a must, as temperatures are often around zero. The best strategy is to dress in layers, as it’s always warm indoors!
Do you have any tips for Christmas in Stockholm?
Original post: November 18, 2017 – last update: October 18, 2025
