There is no blanket legal requirement on most shops to close for Epiphany in Sweden and when it comes to supermarkets and grocery shops, the chances are that they will be open as usual, particularly if you live in a city. It is possible that some shops will have reduced opening hours.
Smaller independent shops which closed after Christmas might choose to stay closed until after January 6th, or even longer, to rest up after the busy pre-holiday rush.
The exception is the state-owned alcohol chain Systembolaget, which always closes on public holidays or so-called “red days”, meaning it will also be closed on January 6th.
Libraries are often closed on public holidays and January 6th is no exception, so it's worth making other plans if you were planning on catching up with some coursework or taking your kids to the nearest one to keep them occupied.
As far as tourist attractions go, these are likely to remain open as most schools are still closed for the last week of the Christmas holiday.
In particular, expect shops, restaurants and tourist attractions to be open in areas that attract a lot of visitors.
In Stockholm, for example, popular tourist attractions such as the Vasa museum and Abba museum will be open as normal.
Sweden’s most well-known outdoor museum, Skansen in Stockholm, will also be open, and they will be marking Epiphany with traditional music and dancing.
As with other public holidays, public transport in Swedish towns and cities may operate on a reduced schedule on January 6th – often on the same schedule as regular Sundays.
Ben McPartland, The Local
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