Why you might just see a flying Christmas tree in Sweden’s skies

The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) arranges for some of its fighter jets to fly in a Christmas tree-shaped formation across the country each December as a way of spreading festive cheer among the public.

Part of the planned display was cancelled this year due to bad weather conditions.

The flights were originally scheduled to start in Stockholm and Uppsala on Tuesday morning, but that leg of the journey was cancelled because of poor visibility. However, the weather improved enough to allow a two-hour display over southwestern Sweden early in the afternoon, from Såtenas to Svenljunga. 

On Wednesday, two separate festive displays are planned for the afternoon, one starting in Sölvesborg at 1.45pm and passing over Malmö, Helsingborg and other towns in the area, and one beginning in Åmål at 1.40pm and set to pass over Karlstad, Gothenburg and nearby towns and cities. 

Further Christmas tree flights are also scheduled for Monday, but there is not yet any information on the locations or times.

The full schedule can be found on the army's website, although all times are estimates and could be adjusted due to weather. 

Read more about Christmas traditions and events across Sweden HERE