Christmas is approaching and with it a time filled with joy and anticipation, but also intense preparations and fully booked schedules. Surveys show that many people experience the Christmas holidays as stressful or even very stressful. However, in Sweden there are a number of events and traditions leading up to Christmas that invite calm and togetherness. Stroll through a Christmas market, feel the community to the tunes of a Lucia choir or enjoy a classic Swedish Christmas table. Here are some highlights and news from around Sweden – perfect for unwinding and enjoying the Christmas spirit.
Experience Sweden's Christmas markets
Already on the first day of Advent, the Christmas spirit spreads throughout Sweden. Glittering light decorations, colorful Christmas ornaments and festive shop windows light up the darkness as friends and family gather to light the first Advent candle. This is also the start of many of the country's Christmas markets, which attract both young and old to the country's farms, castles and squares. Below we have collected some of them:
Christmas market in Gammelstad, Swedish Lapland
In the historic surroundings of Old church town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site outside Luleå, this atmospheric outdoor market takes visitors on a journey back to the Swedish Christmas traditions of yesteryear. Here, visitors can wander among old wooden houses, meet the Santa family, listen to Christmas music and shop for unique crafts, delicacies and Christmas gifts at carefully selected stalls. Open 6–7 December.
Christmas at Gustav Adolf Square, Malmö, Skåne
In the heart of Malmö, Gustav Adolfs Torg is transformed into a festive meeting place in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The square is filled with decorated Christmas trees, lights and market stalls selling local crafts and seasonal treats. Open: 27–30 November, 4–7, 11–14 and 18–21 December. For more info. visit Christmas in Skåne
Christmas market at Taxinge Castle, Sörmland
At Taxinge Castle in Sörmland, a region known for its many castles and manors, a wonderful Christmas market awaits when over 100 artisans offer Christmas crafts, food and seasonal treats. Don't miss the castle's legendary cake buffet with around 65 different cakes, cookies and pies every day. Open: 14–16 and 20–23 November 2025. Open: 14–16 and 20–23 November 2025.
Christmas market in Old Linköping, Östergötland
During two weekends at the end of November and the beginning of December, a traditional Christmas market is held in Old Linköping. Then the streets and houses are decorated with garlands, wreaths and lanterns, and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus welcome visitors of all ages. Open: November 29–30, December 6–7, 2025.
Christmas market in Eksjö, Småland
The traditional Christmas market in Eksjö, held in one of Sweden's best-preserved wooden towns, can give you the feeling of stepping into a bygone era. Here you can wander along cobblestone streets and old wooden houses and buy everything from handmade candles and silverware to marzipan and jam at the market stalls. Open 6–7 December.
Hesselby Castle, Stockholm
Just half an hour from Stockholm, a real Christmas treat awaits you Hesselby Castle where the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine fills the air in the stately 17th-century setting. Here you will find Christmas gifts, delicacies and crafts in a fairytale setting on November 29-30.
Christmas market at Falu mine, Dalarna
Christmas market at Falu mine marks the start of Christmas for many Falub residents. The historic surroundings offer local delicacies, traditional crafts, carols and a visit from the mine's own Santa Claus. Open: December 7, 2025.
Christmas at Liseberg
This year, Liseberg's iconic Christmas market in Gothenburg 25 years. Millions of lights and countless Christmas trees create a magical atmosphere with traditional market stalls, Santa's village, ice skating and a Christmas table.
Experience light, tranquility and community at Lucia
On December 13, Lucia lights up the winter darkness with lights and songs throughout Sweden. To take part in Lucia celebration For example, you can head to the country's churches and markets where both Swedish and international visitors gather to enjoy this unique holiday. Many cities also offer Lucia processions in parks and squares where sparkling snow can enhance the prevailing Christmas atmosphere.
Lucia underground, Falun
Helmet on when Lucia is celebrated in Falun! The city's Lucia concert, a recurring favorite and tradition for many village residents, takes place 60 meters underground and promises a magical experience where the traditional Lucia songs are given new life in the unique environment.
Lucia at high altitudes, Uppsala
Every year, one of the country's most unique events takes place at Uppsala Castle. Lucia celebrations. Here a brave Lucia and her entourage stride out over the roof of Uppsala Castle where they perform their heavenly tunes for the audience at Svandammen below the castle. Also in the largest church in the Nordic region, Uppsala Cathedral, Lucia concerts are held with choir singing, candles and Lucia processions.
Lucia in Lund
Another Swedish university town where Lucia is celebrated is Lund, home to one of Sweden's oldest universities. Here, visitors are treated to an atmospheric concert with Lund Academic Choir in the university's 19th century auditorium, inspired by ancient Greece. Light-filled, beautiful and full of Christmas spirit.
The Swedish Christmas table – a classic feast
The Swedish Christmas table offers classic dishes such as pickled herring, meatballs, sausages, Christmas ham, salmon and Jansson's temptation. Around the country you can enjoy these delicacies in everything from cozy manors to modern restaurants. New for this year is Skansen's Christmas tablewhich combines tradition, craftsmanship and Christmas spirit. In the charming premises at Högloftet and Nyloftet, a Christmas table is served where Swedish ingredients from the farm, forest and sea meet cultural and historical traditions.
Gothenburg is one of the world's most sustainable destinations and here you can enjoy a vegan Christmas table at a restaurant, for example. Blackbird. The Christmas table focuses on locally grown vegetables and offers seitan-based alternatives to traditional sausages and Christmas ham. If you find yourself further south, in Malmö, you can head to Chef's house. Here, both classic and vegetarian Christmas tables are served in atmospheric premises for all parties.
According to the press release.
