10 Things to do in Stockholm at Christmas

If winter bathes Stockholm in its distinctive look, Christmas lights up the city. With its decorations, markets and seasonal attractions, the Swedish capital offers a wealth of activities from late November to early January, including festivals, celebrations and unique opportunities to discover the local cuisine.

Some of the best things to do in Stockholm at Christmas include visiting the markets of Gamla Stan, discovering the festive lights that adorn the city, marvelling at the world's largest Christmas tree, browsing the themed displays at Junibacken, taking in the panoramic views, ice skating at Kungsträdgården and sampling julbord, the typical Swedish Christmas Eve feast.

If you want to soak up the spirit of the season, you can't miss the Christmas markets in Gamla Stan, which transform Stockholm's Old Town into a branch of the North Pole. On Stortorget, the neighbourhood's central square, wooden stalls decorated with lights and decorations offer a wide variety of handmade goods and Christmas delicacies.

From hand-knitted jumpers to traditional ornaments and typical Swedish treats, the Old Town markets offer an authentic experience for those looking for unique gifts and Christmas decorations. It's also an ideal place to discover with children in Stockholm.

Apart from Gamla Stan, other places in Stockholm also get festive during the winter season. The Christmas Market in Skansen, the world's oldest open-air museum, offers a unique experience where visitors can enjoy traditional crafts, local products and folk performances. The Christmas market at Kungsträdgården square, with its ice rink, is another popular site.

At the Gamla Stan Christmas Market, visitors can also enjoy Swedish specialities such as glögg, which is a spiced mulled wine popular in Germany and the Nordic countries, and lussebullar, the famous saffron bun. The cosy atmosphere and enticing aromas make these markets an essential stop for those wishing to immerse themselves in the magic of Swedish Christmas.

If you want to discover a magical world designed especially for the little ones in Stockholm, don't miss Junibacken's themed exhibitions. This attractive museum, located on the island of Djurgården, is dedicated to Swedish children's literature, with a particular focus on the works of renowned author Astrid Lindgren, creator of famous characters such as Pippi Longstocking.

The main attraction at Junibacken is the magical train that takes visitors through the author's literary universes. Children can enjoy the ride in a convoy decorated with characters from the stories while listening to captivating narrations.

The museum also houses interactive stage sets, puppet theatres and play areas designed to stimulate children's creativity and imagination. During Christmas, the museum becomes a themed site dealing exclusively with Lindgren's stories that are anchored in the festive eve.

With its playful and educational approach, Junibacken has earned a reputation as an ideal place to visit with children in Stockholm and is considered one of the best museums in the Swedish capital. Themed exhibitions, attention to detail and the opportunity to interact with literary characters create a unique experience that combines fun and learning.

One of the best things to do in Stockholm is to take in the panoramic views of the city, a practice that at Christmas time becomes an experience full of extra charm for an already picturesque city. The Christmas season transforms the cityscapes and from strategic vantage points you can appreciate the festive decorations that adorn the streets and squares of the Swedish capital.

Places like Fjällgatan, in the picturesque neighbourhood of Södermalm, offer unparalleled views of Gamla Stan, the Old Town, which is illuminated with twinkling lights and festive decorations reflecting in the waters of the canals. This is one of the best places to visit in Stockholm at night.

Another prime spot for Christmas views is Skinnarviksberget, Stockholm's highest hill. From its height, you can access panoramic views that take in the city and its surroundings, creating an unmissable sight during the festive season. During the Christmas season, many of these sites are often included in the best tours of the Swedish capital and you can also choose to include them in your private tour itinerary.

Ice skating at Kungsträdgården during Christmas is a traditional experience that captures the festive spirit of the city in the heart of Stockholm. Kungsträdgården, one of the Swedish capital's most iconic parks, is transformed into an unmissable winter scene, with an outdoor ice rink that attracts locals and visitors alike.

The rink, surrounded by sparkling lights and seasonal decorations, creates an enchanting atmosphere that invites people of all ages to enjoy the joy of ice skating. During the Christmas season, this ice rink becomes a focal point for festive activities. In addition, the surrounding square hosts Christmas markets, food stalls and special events that complement the skating experience.

Ice skating at Kungsträdgården is ideal for those looking for an outdoor activity, despite the winter cold. The rink welcomes both experienced skaters and beginners, offering skate rental and a lively, friendly atmosphere that often includes the chance to participate in introductory ice skating lessons.

Christmas shopping in Stockholm's shopping centres is an exciting experience that combines Swedish elegance with festive spirit. One of the most prominent destinations is NK Stockholm, located on Hamngatan. This iconic Swedish department store, founded in 1902, offers a wide selection of quality goods, from fashion and décor to gastronomic delights. Christmas decorations and themed window displays add a special touch to the shopping experience.

Mall of Scandinavia, located in Solna, just outside Stockholm, is another great place to shop for gifts and souvenirs. With more than 200 shops, this modern shopping centre is the largest on the Scandinavian peninsula and offers a variety of international and local brands. During Christmas, the Mall of Scandinavia is decorated with sparkling lights, creating a themed atmosphere.

For those looking for an exclusive shopping experience, Sturegallerian in Östermalm is an excellent choice. This shopping centre houses designer shops, exclusive boutiques and fine dining restaurants, offering a sophisticated shopping experience in the heart of Stockholm. Its elegant ambience and Christmas decorations create a unique festive atmosphere for those looking for refined gifts.

One of the typical images of Stockholm in December is of the city's streets and forests decorated with Christmas lights. This light show that distinguishes the Swedish capital during the festive season is an integral part of the local tradition, transforming every corner into a festive glow that captures the spirit of the eve.

One of the most iconic places to enjoy these lights is Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town, where the narrow cobblestone streets are illuminated with sparkling decorations and flashes of colour that create a welcoming atmosphere. You can also discover these decorations on Drottninggatan Avenue, which is one of Stockholm's main shopping arteries.

Shops and buildings are decked out in festive decorations, and a leisurely stroll along this lively street offers a dazzling visual spectacle. In addition, places such as Kungsträdgården Square and Nybroplan are transformed into festive scenes, with illuminated trees, sound decorations and special events that attract locals and visitors alike.

The tradition of Christmas lights in December in Stockholm extends beyond the central areas to the suburbs and residential areas. Many residents participate by decorating their own homes and gardens, contributing to a city-wide display of lights.

Attending a Lucia procession and enjoying the carols is a tradition that marks the formal start of Christmas in Stockholm. The St Lucia celebration, scheduled for 13 December each year, pays homage to the saint who symbolises light in the darkness. The procession is usually led by a young girl dressed in white, representing Saint Lucy, who wears a crown of lighted candles on her head.

Accompanied by other figures dressed in white and carrying candles, the procession creates a spectacle of lights and melodies that travels through the streets of the city announcing the arrival of the eve. This event marks a significant moment in Swedish Christmas tradition, symbolising the arrival of light in the darkest days of winter in Stockholm and all Swedish cities.

Lucia processions take place in different parts of the city, from churches to public spaces, giving spectators the opportunity to participate in this cultural expression. During the procession, traditional Swedish carols are sung, adding a festive and emotional touch to the event.

Seeing the world's largest Christmas tree in Stockholm is an amazing experience that carries with it a rich history and deep-rooted tradition. This imposing fir tree is usually located on Sergels Torg, one of the city's most famous squares. Each year, this Christmas tree is a gift of thanks from the city of Eslöv, a town in southern Sweden, as a token of appreciation for Stockholm's role as the country's capital.

What makes this Christmas tree even more special is its extraordinary size. With a height of over 38 metres, this giant fir stands as the tallest Christmas tree in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. Its lighting, which is switched on in a festive ceremony, officially marks the start of the Christmas season in Sweden, and once it is operational it becomes a favourite spot for children in Stockholm.

The Sergels Torg Christmas tree is not only a symbol of generosity among Swedish cities, but also an attraction that unites the community around the celebration of Christmas. The tradition of this giant fir tree has endured for decades, making it an indissoluble emblem of the festive season in Stockholm.

The julbord is the typical Swedish Christmas feast and is a culinary experience rich in tradition and flavour that is an integral part of the local culture during the festive season. This feast usually includes a diverse selection of fish, such as herring and salmon, prepared in a variety of ways, from marinated to smoked.

Among the highlights of the julbord are Swedish meatballs, known as köttbullar, which are small balls of spiced meat served with a creamy sauce. Another staple is gravlax, salmon marinated in dill, and pickled and smoked herring. Accompaniments include cheeses, breads and pâtés, creating a festive table rich in flavours.

The julbord tradition is not only about the food, but also about sharing meaningful moments around the table with family and friends. In many homes and workplaces, the julbord is a celebration that strengthens community bonds and reflects the importance of generosity and togetherness during the holiday season, a custom that is also open to visitors on the eve and is often included in food tours of the city.

Stockholm Cathedral, also known as Storkyrkan or St. Nicholas Church, is a historic and significant place that comes alive during the festive season. Christmas celebrations at the cathedral are marked by special church services that attract worshippers and visitors alike, offering a unique and solemn experience grounded in Protestantism, the majority religion in Sweden.

The services, which include Christmas Eve masses and other special events, highlight the spiritual importance of the season. St Nicholas Cathedral, with its majestic architecture and decorated interior, provides a perfect setting for the celebrations, with choirs and chanting filling the space despite the cold temperatures.

The cathedral is also home to the traditional ceremony of Lucia's coronation, which is held on 13 December each year. During this ceremony, a young girl dressed as Saint Lucia leads a candlelit procession, marking the arrival of light in the darkest days of winter. This celebration symbolises hope and faith, creating a moving moment for those who participate in the Christmas festivities in this religious building.

Witnessing the religious celebrations at Stockholm Cathedral during Christmas is not only a spiritual experience, but also a connection to the deep cultural and religious traditions that define this season in Sweden.