This spectacular 800-year-old castle has established itself as one of the largest Christmas markets in Sweden. For four days, the building will be opened to the public and visitors will get the chance to wander around in the historic decorated halls, listen to Christmas music and visit the more than 110 craftspeople selling cheese, handmade candles, textile art, home-made mustard and much more.
When: November 28th-December 1st
Price: 100 kronor (free for under-12s)
For those living in Gothenburg the Liseberg theme park offers everything – Christmas markets, julbord Christmas meals, an ice skating disco and “millions” of fairy lights (admittedly they might be exaggerating on that last point).
During the festive season, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland and you almost forget you’re right in the middle of Gothenburg and not somewhere magical discovering a fairytale Christmas or Santa’s grotto.
When: From November 16th
Price: Prices vary hugely depending on what kind of ticket you purchase – order tickets here
Ice skating in Kungsträdsgården
Ever fancied ice skating in the heart of Stockholm? The ice rink in Kungsträdgården is open each year from November to March, once it’s cold enough. If you take your own skates then it’s free, but there are skates available to rent if you need to.
When: Usually opens week 44 (which was the last week of October this year)
Price: Free if you have your own skates. Otherwise 100kr for adults or 50 kronor for under-18s
Lucia
One of the highlights of the Swedish Christmas season is Lucia on Friday December 13th, which normally features girls and boys in white gowns singing Lucia songs.
Cathedrals and churches up and down the country host Lucia celebrations, with the one in Lund cathedral especially impressive. Unfortunately, tickets for that particular celebration have sold out, but it’s worth checking out whether your local church will be hosting a Lucia concert and attending that if you can.
When: December 13th, some concerts on December 14th and 15th
Price: Varies depending on church
Sweden’s most well-known outdoor museum, Skansen, is a great place to get into the Christmas spirit – they’ve been hosting Christmas events since 1892. Wander around the historic buildings to find out more about Christmas throughout Swedish history, try your hand at making your own candles or wander through their Christmas market. And when you’re hungry, why not stop for a julbord?
When: From November 29th-January 6th (Christmas markets Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
Price: Tickets to the park 265 kronor for adults, 245 for students or pensioners or 80 kronor for children.
Gingerbread house exhibition at ArkDes
ArkDes in Stockholm will be hosting its yearly gingerbread house exhibition once again this year after a pause in 2023, kicking off on November 29th. It’s not just an exhibition, either, but also a competition, with prizes awarded in three different categories by a jury.
You can also vote for your favourite entry. The house with the most public votes will be awarded the Public Prize.
When: November 29th, 2024-January 12th, 2025
Price: Free
The Gävlebocken goat in the Swedish city of Gävle has become a worldwide symbol of the Christmas season for many who eagerly follow news of the straw goat to see if it survives until December 24th.
Over its 57-year-history, the arsonists have the advantage, with the goat burning down slightly more often than it has stayed intact.
- READ ALSO: What does the word julbock actually mean?
In 2016, it was burned down within hours of being inaugurated, however it remained intact until 2020, coming close to beating its four-year survival record.
So if you do decide to pay it a visit, it might be smart to do so earlier rather than later...
When: From December 1st until Christmas Eve (unless it burns down first)
Price: Free
Gammelstads Kyrkstad Christmas Market, Luleå
Brave the cold (and it will be cold) for a Christmas market in the far north of Sweden. The Gammelstad Church Town is the country’s largest and best preserved church town, and a Unesco World Heritage site. The Christmas market takes place at the Hägnan open air museum, where around 70-90 exhibitors sell products from home-baked goods to arts and crafts.
Visitors will be able to meet Santa’s reindeer, learn about how Christmas was celebrated in rural Sweden at the end of the 19th century, and ride a horse-drawn sleigh if the weather allows.
When: December 7th-8th
Price: 60 kronor on the door, 40 kronor to prebook online (free for under-18s). Visitors are encourage to buy tickets in advance to ensure that they will be able to enter even if it’s busy.
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