Program your Christmas holidays in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, it is not premature: it is the ideal time to find a low-cost flight to Stockholm, so you can dedicate the rest of the budget to staying in the city.
The Christmas markets in Stockholm are numerous but they are not the only attraction with a festive spirit at this time of year.
There are gingerbread boats, living advent calendars, Christmas buffets you can join, and winter cruises to embark on.
Those who want to spend Christmas in Stockholm will be constantly surrounded by a magical atmosphere, if only because at this time of year the sun barely rises: it is always dark outside and therefore shops, homes, and hotels in Stockholm use small lights or candles to brighten the night.
So, what to do at Christmas in Stockholm?
Christmas Markets in Stockholm
Historically, Skansen is the ideal destination for lovers of traditional Christmas markets, an open-air museum where you can create unique candles, bake bread, and watch master craftsmen at work. If you prefer to add a royal touch, visit the markets in the Old Town (Gamla Stan), where the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet) is located.
At Stureplan you can purchase luxury gifts and see the beautiful lights. Don’t miss the Christmas decorations in the windows of Stockholm’s most glamorous department store, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet) on Hamngatan. If you are in town on December 13th, attend one of the St. Lucia concerts held in most churches. Take a break at the Christmas market in Kungsträdgården, in the heart of the shopping district, or go ice skating. Taste pepparkakor (ginger cookies) dipped in warm glögg (spiced wine) or treat yourself to a lussekatt (saffron bun), a traditional Christmas sweet, during a fika coffee break, the Swedish institution par excellence.
The most well-known and interesting Christmas markets in Stockholm are mostly located in the city center:
- at Stortorget square in the Old Town
- at the open-air museum Skansen
- in Kungstradgarden
- in the old royal stables Hovstallet
- at Rosendal’s garden.
There is also a market that is different from the usual, the one set up by the Konstfack and Beckmans design academies. Here, unique and original pieces full of creativity are for sale to decorate your home or Christmas tree in an original way.
Alternative Christmas ideas
Speaking of alternative ideas, Christmas in Stockholm is indeed tradition, but without giving up on more unique and out-of-the-ordinary moments. At Nybrokajen, for example, there is a gingerbread boat moored, on which sweets, cookies, and candies are sold throughout the month of December. Here, you can taste typical Swedish Christmas sweets in an unusual location: where else have you ever seen a boat made of gingerbread?
The whole city is filled with a magical and poetic Christmas spirit, a great reason to visit Stockholm during a time of year particularly suitable to enjoy it at its best. With one condition: scarves, hats, sweaters, and puffer jackets well warmed up.
The julbord of Stockholm
During the Christmas period, you can enjoy the julbord (Christmas buffet) in the most renowned restaurants, but two of these are famous for Stockholm’s exclusive style: the lavish Operakällaren, on the ground floor of Stockholm’s Opera House, and the Grand Hôtel, frequented by VIPs and the wealthy of Stockholm.
If you love adventure, take the ferry to the Fjäderholmarna islands, much loved by Stockholm residents, and enjoy the julbord at the Fjäderholmarnas Krog restaurant with views over the archipelago and city lights. Pure magic. If you want to enjoy a unique atmosphere on board, book a Christmas buffet cruise during the holiday season.
From the end of October, flights to Stockholm are increased: for example, SAS offers a new route departing from Milan Malpensa with low prices.
If the Christmas spirit should – after a while – become a bit too overwhelming, there is always a good alternative: take a tour of Stockholm in the Millennium locations, the work of the late writer Stieg Larsson.
