Find out how to celebrate Christmas like a real Stockholmer – visit a traditional Christmas market to shop for genuine Swedish artisanal souvenirs and soak up the unique Christmas atmosphere, take a stroll over to one of Stockholm’s most exclusive department store and be mesmerized by the enchanting displays in the huge windows, or enjoy a julbord, a classic Swedish Christmas dinner with a one-of-a-kind view of the wintry splendor. And, of course, visit Vaxholm, the capital of the archipelago, and stroll around the cozy Christmas market.
The Christmas market at Skansen, a famous open air park devoted to showcasing the historical way of life in Sweden’s various regions, looks back on a long tradition going all the way back to 1903. Today, it’s still one of the capital’s most popular and liveliest markets during the weekends. While shopping for presents, you can also watch artisans and craftsmen practicing their crafts in the old, traditional ways. Here, you’ll find more than 70 booths with everything from Christmas decorations, seasonal Christmas food, candy, and handcrafted products of the highest quality. There’s even plenty to choose from for the hungry: traditional kolbullar, hearty pancakes prepared over the open fire, venison burgers, or Swedish doughnuts. The Christmas market opens on various Saturdays and Sundays in November and December.
Address: Djurgårdsslätten 49-51
On the weekend of the second advent, on December 7 and 8, the Christmas market on Vaxholm opens its doors. Over the course of this weekend, the main streets and squares – Hamngatan, Rådhusgatan, and Rådhustorget – are turned into one large pedestrian area where you can stroll between the many booths and food stations. Shop for handcrafted Christmas presents, get a mug of glogg, the Swedish mulled wine, and try your luck at the local lottery where you may just turn out to be the lucky one to win a prize provided by one of the many local stores. And don’t miss out on the chance to meet Santa Claus himself and present him with your wish list!
Address: Hamngatan, Rådhusgatan, and Rådhustorget in Vaxholm
Combine your trip to the Vaxholm Christmas market with a delicious traditional Swedish Christmas buffet at Vaxolms Castle. You easily get here by taking the boat going back and forth between the Vaxholm and the small island on which the castle is located. In the beautiful and strikingly vaulted halls of the old fortification, one of Stockholm’s best Christmas buffets is waiting for you. Enjoy all the classic Swedish dishes prepared only during the Christmas season and try out some new creations.
But please be advised: this is extremely popular, so make sure to book ahead of time!
Address: Vaxholms Kastell
The Christmas market on Stortorget, the central square in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, looks back on a long history dating back to the first Christmas market in 1837 and the medieval market days taking place here for centuries before then. Here, you find around 40 booths and stands with candy, Christmas sausages, wrought iron art, ceramics, and much more. The Christmas market has even been visited by such luminaries as the famous Swedish author August Strindberg and King Oscar I. From November 23 to December 23, the market is open daily from 11 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Address: Stortorget
En klassiker bland stockholmare är att titta på det exklusiva varuhuset NKs julskyltning. I de stora skyltfönstren byggs fantastiska miljöer upp - nya teman varje år. Temat har alltid julanknytning och ackompanjeras med musik och ljud ur högtalare. Ett måste om du besöker Stockholm i slutet av november och december!
Address: Hamngatan 18-20
And finally, we’re very happy to welcome you to a traditional Swedish Christmas dinner buffet aboard one of Stromma’s archipelago boats – an annual tradition for many Stockholmers both young and old. On your cruise out into the famous archipelago of Stockholm, you’ll enjoy beloved classic Christmas dishes and treats while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the beautiful ship salons. Of course, all our onboard restaurants have received the Swedish KRAV label, indicating the use of ecologically and sustainably sourced and prepared food, and you’ll also find a great variety of vegetarian options.
But be advised: these tours are enormously popular, so make sure to book ahead of time!
Address: Nybrokajen and Strandvägen
Christmas in Stockholm is simply a magical time – and with the suggestions on our list, you’ll get into a festive yuletide mood in no time!
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