Heidi The Julbord (literally: Christmas Table) is an expansive, traditional buffet that becomes immensely popular across Sweden during the festive season. Far more than just a meal, the Julbord is the very centrepiece of the Swedish Christmas tradition, laden with countless traditional dishes and eaten in a highly ritualised manner.
This guide explores the history, the essential dishes, and how to experience the ultimate Swedish Christmas buffet yourself.
What is on the Julbord? The Classic Dishes
The Swedish Christmas buffet is generally structured into several “rounds,” encouraging diners to take a disciplined, progressive journey through the dishes. The table is filled with festive classics, including:
- The Famous Julskinka: The essential Swedish Christmas ham, often boiled and coated with a mix of mustard and breadcrumbs.
- Sill (Pickled Herring): Herring prepared in various ways, from mustard to onion, a non-negotiable part of the cold fish course.
- Lax (Salmon): Diverse salmon preparations, including cured salmon (Gravad Lax), as well as warm and cold-smoked varieties.
- Köttbullar (Swedish Meatballs): Served piping hot, these are a favourite for all ages.
- Janssons Frestelse (Jansson’s Temptation): A creamy potato casserole baked with onions and sprats (often mistakenly translated as anchovies)—an absolute must-try dish.
- Other Cold Dishes: Beetroot salad, knäckebröd (crispbread), and gubbröra (a classic egg and anchovy salad).
For dessert, the sweet rice pudding, Ris à la Malta, is essential. Beverages often include Julöl (Christmas beer) or the uniquely Swedish Christmas soft drink, Julmust.n. Qua drank is er vaak julöl (kerstbier) of de typisch Zweedse kerstfrisdrank julmust.
The Origins of the Swedish Christmas Table
The tradition of the festive buffet is said to trace its origins back to the Vikings, who held great celebratory feasts during the dark winter days.
The concept of the modern Julbord, however, was formalised and refined in the 20th century. As people sought to make their Christmas celebrations increasingly elaborate, the tables were beautifully decorated, and the dishes evolved from everyday fare into something truly special and festive.
Experiencing the julbord in Stockholm
While many Swedes celebrate the Julbord at home on Christmas Eve (Julafton, the main day of celebration), it is incredibly popular to experience the buffet at a restaurant during the weeks leading up to Christmas, especially throughout December.
In major cities like Stockholm, booking a Julbord at a restaurant is highly recommended and often necessary as early as the start of autumn. Notable locations for an authentic Stockholm Julbord include Fjäderholmarnas Krog, Stadshuskällaren, Hermans, and various traditional venues within the open-air museum Skansen.
A Personal Experience: Stora Gungan at Skansen
I vividly recall my first personal experience of the Julbord at Stora Gungan in Skansen back in December 2021. What a wonderfully authentic and cosy setting! Given the circumstances of that particular year, the entire experience felt like a truly special gift.
We were seated on the restaurant’s upper floor. The tables were beautifully adorned, the whole room was festively dressed, and the traditional kakelugn (a gorgeous tiled stove) downstairs completed the traditional Scandinavian setting.
The Seven Rounds of the Julbord
Tradition dictates that you approach the Julbord in seven distinct rounds. The most important piece of advice? Take only small portions of everything, allowing you to sample every single course!
- Sill och Strömming: Herring and small herring. The initial round kicks off with various flavours of pickled herring.
- Lax och Annan Fisk: Salmon and other fish. Salmon in all forms (hot-smoked, cured, and cold-smoked), shellfish, and devilled eggs.
- Kallskuret: Cold cuts. Including sausages, pâté, and, crucially, the Julskinkan (Christmas ham).
- Småvarmt: Small hot dishes. Often considered the favourite round! Here you find Janssons Frestelse, prinskorv (small hot dogs), Swedish meatballs, and lutfisk (lye fish).
- Ostar: Cheeses. A carefully selected array of Swedish cheeses.
- Dessert: The sweet conclusion, with the creamy Ris à la Malta (rice pudding) as the highlight.
- Julgodis: Christmas sweets. The grand finale featuring treats like knäck (toffee) and polkagrisar (peppermint candy canes).
Have you ever attended a julbord in Sweden? What was your favourite dish on this unique Swedish Christmas buffet? Let us know in the comments below!
