Stockholm is a fantastic setting to experience a winter wonderland vibe and enjoy some traditional Christmas markets; here is what you can expect.
If you’ve always dreamed of seeing Sweden during the festive period, then we have all the information you need to ensure you don’t miss the popular Stockholm Christmas markets and everything they offer.
With plenty of mouthwatering Swedish food to try, the smell of fresh gingerbread wafting through the air, and festive lights glistening all around the city, the gorgeous market stalls in Stockholm will undoubtedly get you in the Christmas spirit.
There are many Swedish Christmas traditions to observe during your visit, and we will tell you all about them in our guide to the famous Stockholm Christmas market. So, let’s take a look at what you can expect.
The World Bucket List’s top tips for visiting the Stockholm Christmas market:
- The Swedish winter can be harsh, so take warm clothes and layers.
- Stockholm – one of the world’s most modern cities – is spread over numerous islands, so take your time getting acquainted.
- Stockholm can be expensive, and eating where the locals eat is a great way to stay within budget.
- Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s old town) is the oldest part of the city and the Christmas market’s location; getting here is very easy.
- Swedes tend to have fantastic English, but it is always welcomed if you know a few Swedish words before arriving.
- Swedish Christmas markets are quite different from traditional markets in other European countries like Germany, so prepare to have a local experience.
- Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays tend to be the busiest days. To avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting during the week if possible.
Overview – a look at the Stockholm Christmas market
If you plan on experiencing a true Nordic winter wonderland, a trip to Stockholm during the holiday season must be in order.
Christmas markets are an age-old tradition in Sweden, and Stortorget in Gamla Stan (the old town) is Sweden’s oldest Christmas market, meaning it is steeped in history.
You can expect to be surrounded by joyous locals in the town square, sipping on glögg, nibbling on freshly baked gingerbread, and shopping for festive gifts, making Christmas in the capital so exciting.
When to visit – the best time to enjoy the festive markets
The Stockholm Christmas markets happen between 20 November and 23 December each year. Still, if you happen to be there beforehand, you will witness the famous Stockholmsjul festive lights being lit around 12 November when the real holiday spirit kicks in.
Around this time and throughout December, the entire city, including its historic buildings and attractions, transforms into a dreamy, glimmering scene.
The Stortorget Christmas market is open from 11 am until 6 pm every day, and the bright lights are more than welcome during the dark season in Sweden.
In addition, there are a few other markets to visit around the city, as well as attractions like the ABBA Museum, Skansen Open-air Museum, and Drottningholm Palace, so you will be spoilt for choice when visiting Stockholm during the festive season.
What’s on – things you should see and do
So, you might wonder what makes the Stockholm Christmas markets so special and unique. Let us give you an idea of what you can expect when visiting these old-fashioned Christmas markets.
Try the local Swedish food
You will find everything from traditional Swedish meatballs, cheese, fresh gingerbread, lutfisk (local fish), reindeer sausages, lussebulle (a saffron bun), Christmas ham, smoked salmon, and plenty of candy.
Look out for the julbord, the famous Christmas buffet, served in many restaurants from November onwards.
Drink glögg
Like mulled wine or glühwein, glögg is the popular festive hot drink, providing the ultimate cosiness on a chilly evening. The Swedish recipe calls for bourbon, rum, and port mixed with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, orange peel, raisins, and sugar.
Shop for handicrafts
The Stockholm Christmas markets are famed for their Swedish handicrafts, Christmas decorations, gifts, Swedish homemade advent candles, and plenty of other exceptional displays of craftsmanship across the festive market stalls.
Nordiska Kompaniet’s Christmas display
Each year, this Swedish department store has a Christmas theme which has been a tradition since 1902, and excitingly enough, the theme is top secret until late November to surprise everyone.
Discover the Christmas lights
Between nibbling away on delicious reindeer sausages and sipping on glögg, make sure you enjoy the spread of Christmas lights throughout the city, across forty streets and town squares.
Visit the Winter Wonderland at Gröna Lunds Tivoli
This exciting winter attraction is located at Gröna Lunds Tivoli, in the city centre. It makes for an excellent family activity in between enjoying the gorgeous Christmas markets.
Experience Swedish fika
Experiencing the Swedish fika – coffee culture – is one of the main reasons visiting the Stockholm Christmas markets is so unique since this is a way of life for local Swedes.
Fika is not just a Christmas tradition but is undoubtedly alive and well during the festive season. The ritual involves enjoying a local cake and coffee with your loved ones.
Indulge in Swedish sweets and candies
Those with a sweet tooth will be happy to hear that Sweden is an excellent country for offering delicious candies.
The Stockholm Christmas market is one of the best places to get your hands on some of the local chocolate, marzipan, and waffles, so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from the vendors.
Getting there – how to reach the market
Gamla Stan is well connected by bus, subway and taxi, but if you stay in the city centre, this area is easily reached by walking or cycling.
To give you an idea of the time, it takes around two minutes to get from Stockholm Central Station to Gamla Stan, where the Stortorget Christmas Markets are held.
Address: Stadsholmen, 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden
Other notable mentions
Christmas Market, Royal Court Stables: This small yet charming Christmas market is held outside of Stockholm at the Royal Stables on the first weekend of December.
Farmers Christmas Market, Tessinparken: This popular market sells locally sourced and organic produce in mid-December.
Christmas Market, Fargfabriken: is one of the city’s largest markets for Swedish handicrafts, and it takes place on around 10 December.
Christmas Fair, Taxinge Castle: Sweden’s largest Christmas fair, where 130 craftsmen sell their products.
Your questions answered about Stockholm Christmas market
In this section, we answer some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions about the Stockholm Christmas market.
Is there a Christmas market in Stockholm?
Stockholm has many small Christmas markets, but the oldest and most significant is the Stortorget Christmas Market in Gamla Stan.
Where is the best Christmas market in Sweden?
Stortorget Christmas Market in Gamla Stan is the best market to attend.
Is Stockholm good for Christmas?
Yes, this city is filled with winter vibes, festive spirit, and many events and attractions over the holiday season.
So, there you have it – all you need to know about the Stockholm Christmas markets. The markets last until 23 December and are one of the best festive-inspired markets where you can enjoy a real Scandinavian Christmas experience.
OTHER WBL ARTICLES ON CHRISTMAS IN EUROPE:
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Top 5 best Christmas markets in Cologne, ranked
BUDAPEST Christmas Market: EVERYTHING you need to know
Top 5 best Christmas markets in Rome, RANKED
CHRISTMAS in BARCELONA: best destinations, traditions, events & more
Top 5 best Christmas markets in Amsterdam, RANKED
CHRISTMAS in ITALY: how the Italians celebrate & big events
Top 10 best Christmas markets in the U.K., RANKED
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