SHARE
COPY LINK
For members

CHRISTMAS

Advent Calendar 2022: Our guide to the perfect Christmas in Stockholm

In the next article of our 2022 Advent Calendar, we share our guide to Christmas in Stockholm.

Advent Calendar 2022: Our guide to the perfect Christmas in Stockholm
Stockholm comes alight during the advent season, with markets, festive food, decorations and concerts to enjoy. Photo: Henrik Montgomery / TT

During December days, Stockholm transforms into a Christmas city. One million lights bring a festive sparkle to the streets, countless markets are organized and the warm Christmas atmosphere can be felt everywhere. But where to begin? 

Markets

Christmas markets are an essential stop on any December tour of Stockholm, and can be found all over the city.  The Gamla Stan Christmas market is almost obligatory, where you can enjoy a glass of glögg (Swedish mulled wine) surrounded by the picturesque old buildings of the central square Stortorget.

At the open air museum Skansen (entry 140 kronor, 60 kronor for children), the past and present meet, and you can combine a visit to the huge market with a tour of the historic Swedish buildings (stopping to warm up in the pub or cafe) or the Nordic animals, including reindeer. During Christmas time, Skansen is a great place to be.

The Christmas market at Skansen started in 1903 and has been organized every year ever since. Its stalls sell plenty of choices for traditional Swedish food, but also handmade Christmas decorations that make great gifts, including for yourself. Check the museum’s website beforehand to find out about festive events during your visit, from crafts to concerts.

Photo: Ulf Lundin/imagebanksweden.se

Less well known are the smaller but atmospheric markets including those at Vintervikens Trädgard, featuring a bonfire to keep warm as well as music and dancing, and at Skeppsholmsgården, with a focus on handicrafts. Both take place on December 10th-11th.

If you’re looking for a majestic and royal Christmas, it’s worth making the day trip to the Christmas market at Steninge Castle in nearby Sigtuna. The market is held in a barn behind the 17th-century palace, and is open every day until December 23rd, holding the title of the largest indoor Christmas market in all of Sweden.

Shopping and browsing

Stockholm is decked out in glitter and glamour during the holiday season, with Christmas music playing and lights across the city. Follow the lights by taking a walking tour of the most brightly decorated streets — download the map here.

For a taste of luxury, whether you’re buying gifts or simply window-shopping, head to Sturegallerian in Östermalm or department store Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) near Kungsträdgården. At NK, you can meet Santa every day until December 23rd, and admire the famous window displays. And a wander down Biblioteksgatan is another must-do festive shopping experience.

Beginning preparations for the big Christmas dinner? With a lot of stores around town specializing in both Swedish and international food you’ve got plenty of options. In the Hötorgshallen at Sergelgatan you’ll find delicacies from all around the world, while the chic and classy Östermalms Saluhall market has been around since 1888 and offers quality fresh fish, shellfish, vegetables and meat to make your dinner a big success.

Photo: Henrik Montgomery / TT

Lucia

The Lucia tradition is celebrated all around Sweden on December 13th as a way of bringing light to the dark winter. Some of the most popular candle processions and Lucia choirs are to be seen at the Storkyrkan, the Hjorthagskyrkan and in Skansen. The Nordiska Museet is also hosting a Lucia procession on December 13th with Lilla kören choir in the great hall of the museum for a truly magical experience.

Make sure to grab a saffron bun during Lucia from one of Stockholm’s best bakeries, such as Petrus Bageri near Mariatorget in Södermalm or Valhallabageriet in Östermalm. Make sure to get in early, they might be sold out if you’re too late!

Events

The ice skating rink in Kungsträdgården in the middle of the city is one of the symbols of the winter months in Stockholm. Entrance to the rink is free, but you should bring your own skates or rent them there (70 kronor per hour for adults or 30 kronor per children, including helmet rental). It’s open from 9am-9pm on weekdays, and during weekends from 10am-9pm.

Gingerbread-lovers should head to the Gingerbread House exhibition at the ArkDes (admission free) for one of the most festive and best smelling museum exhibitions you’re likely to find, featuring creations from schoolchildren, bakers, artists, and architects.

With 5,000 lights and a four-meter star at the top, some say the Christmas tree at Skeppsbron in Gamla Stan might be the biggest Christmas tree in the world. Regardless of whether that’s true, the 38-metre tall tree is still impressive. Make sure to walk by if you’re in Gamla Stan.

And while strolling around the Old Town, try to catch a glimpse of the Living Advent Calendar. Each day at 6.15pm until December 24th, a different window somewhere on the island will open to reveal a 15-minute festive performance (note: some performances are in Swedish).

Photo: Tuukka Ervasti/imagebanksweden.se

Concerts

From the folkjul concert with traditional Swedish folk music to a Christmas sing-along and a New Year’s concert, there’s a lot going on at the Storkyrkan in Stockholm during the holidays. Ticket prices for the concerts range from 80 to 250 kronor and availability is usually limited, so book early if possible.

The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra is giving a Children’s Christmas concert on December 3rd at Konserthuset Stockholm. During this playful concert for the whole family, musicians and singers prepare Santa and his the little elves for Christmas. There are even more Christmas concerts taking place throughout December, check their website for details.

Eat and drink

Enjoying Christmas time in Stockholm has to include at least one julbord, a buffet of delicious festives food. If you’re looking for something special you can go to Ulriksdal’s Värdshus in Solna, surrounded by forest and nature with garden views.

In Skansen on Djurgården there are several options to eat a Christmas julbord in a unique setting. Some of the centuries-old Nordic buildings in Skansen are converted to restaurants to enjoy a dinner in a historic atmosphere, and restaurant Gubbhyllan offers both a Christmas and a New Year dinner with seasonal local ingredients.

Seeing Stockholm from the water is a unique event by itself, but enjoying a Christmas dinner while cruising around the Stockholm archipelago is simply spectacular. The ferry company Strömma is hosting a special Christmas dinner cruise, with a three-hour trip and julbord costing from 695 kronor.

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.
For members

FOOD AND DRINK

Stockholm nightlife: Seven cheap pubs and dive bars that are worth a visit

The Stockholm bar scene isn't just made up of expensive wine and fancy cocktails. There are also numerous pubs that may not make a 'best pubs in the capital' list, but are as budget friendly as they are laidback, and perfect for grabbing a beer without breaking the bank.

Stockholm nightlife: Seven cheap pubs and dive bars that are worth a visit

Going out to enjoy a meal and drink can be a very enjoyable experience, offering the chance to unwind and socialise. However, eating out or just going out for a beer can be expensive. Here are some of the more affordable bars and restaurants in Stockholm.

Hellströms

Hellströms Bar and Restaurant has a snug and welcoming atmosphere. They offer meals such as sandwiches, salads and burgers. They also have weekly offers, pasta nights on Monday and Tuesday nights, a fajita buffet on Wednesdays, burger and fries offer on Thursdays and a nacho buffet on Fridays.

Along with meal deals during the week they also have club 90, with music from the 90s from 8pm-1am on Wednesday night, a music quiz every Thursday and a pre-party from 10pm on Saturday. Finally, their afterwork promotion takes place every weekday between 3pm and 8pm.

The price of beer starts from 30 kronor ($2.90).

Find out more about their events here.

Location: Fatbursgatan 1, Stockholm

Crazy Horse and Black Elk

With three venues across Stockholm, the Crazy Horse is a lively and bustling bar. They offer a wide range of menu options, from snacks to burgers, fajitas, salads, fish and grilled dishes. It can get busy, so bear that in mind.

The cost of beer starts from 32 kronor, before 6pm.

More information can be found here.

Location: Sveavägen 60 & 61 and Götgatan 44, Stockholm

Lion Bar

This bar has a friendly and laid-back environment. With five locations in Stockholm, Sundbyberg, Vasastan, Sveavägen, Gärdet and Hornstull they feature a curated selection of dishes, which include fish and pork to burgers and steak. The post-work offer is available until 7pm from Monday to Friday.

Beer starts from 32 kronor, before 7pm.

More information can be found here.

Location: Tulegatan 7, Roslagsgatan 20, Sveavägen 74, Furusundsgatan 20 and Hornsgatan 154, Stockholm

The International Bar

Located in Östermalm, Gamla Stan and Birkastan, the International Bar is another favoured venue. The bar can be noisy, but it is a welcoming environment. Like many other bars, it has a broad food menu to choose from, which includes Swedish meatballs, fish and chips, burgers and pizzas.

They also have afterwork reduced rates from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 7pm. The bars also show sporting events, such as the Premier and Champions Leagues.

Cost of beer starts from 39 kronor.

Additional information can be found here.

Location: Norrlandsgatan 23, Mälartorget 13 and Rörstrandsgatan 11 Stockholm

Bara Enkelt & Bara Backe

The Baras group has eight venues across Stockholm and Uppsala, with Bara Enkelt and Bara Backe being popular spots.

The atmosphere in these bars is energetic and vibrant, especially on the weekend. Both bars offer a food menu, which includes snacks such as fries and halloumi sticks along with mains, including burgers and pasta dishes. Afterwork discounted prices are offered every day until 5pm.

Draft beer starts from 42 kronor.

Book a table or find more information here.

Location: Skånegatan 59 and Götgatan 33, Stockholm

Retro Bar

Another popular sports bar with a television screen at every corner, so you won’t miss any of the action. With an American-inspired food menu, they serve a range of burgers, stakes, pasta dishes, fajitas and salads. Their afterwork promotion is on until 6pm from Monday to Friday. When it comes to sports, they show matches from the Premier and Champions League to the NFL and more.

The cost of a beer starts from 54 kronor.

Book a table or find more information here.

Location: Sveavägen 120, Sveavägen 55, Sankt Eriksgatan 22, Hornsgatan 136 and Bondegatan 25, Stockholm

Flying Horse

If you are looking for a bar to watch football, the Flying Horse is a popular sports bar. When a football match is being screened, this bar has an exciting and dynamic atmosphere, offering a wide selection of food, from light bits, like sandwiches to main meals which includes burgers, fish, chicken and salads. The pub offers discounted prices on drinks for their afterwork deal from Monday to Friday until 6pm.

Due to the venue being a popular sports bar and it does fill up quickly, if you are planning on going it is recommended that you book in advance.

The cost of beer starts from 59 kronor.

Get more information on this bar here.

Location: Odengatan 44, Stockholm

SHOW COMMENTS