Every country’s historical glory defines each of its festivals in ways true to country-specific traditions. Although Christmas is considered a famous festival, its roots lay deep in the foundation of a country’s history and culture. If you are in Sweden during the holidays, you are in for a surprise. Christmas in Sweden is celebrated as a profound cultural extravaganza, and strands of Biblical significance make it even more prosperous. From activities to the fascinating Swedish Christmas decorations, shopping to tourism, Sweden decks up in glorious attire during this time. If you are planning a visit to Sweden, Christmas is the best time for multiple reasons.
Facts About Christmas In Sweden
No festival is complete without a grand platter of delicious food. The biggest and most celebrated feast is usually held on Christmas Eve. Although traditionally, it is a family affair, nowadays, these feasts have grown bigger and taken the shape of open food markets and stalls for everyone to feel an equal part of the festivities. Talk of Swedish Christmas food consists of cold fish, gravlax, smoked salmon and many more. The Swedish know their food too well and categorize savoury and sweet as their palettes. Christmas Eve comes with its own charm, where loved ones break bread together and cheer for the good times. Christmas Eve also comes with another fascinating nationwide obsession with watching Donald Duck on TV! This has been telecasted every year since 1959, with most of the population stopping and watching their yearly guilty pleasure.
As night descends and dawn breaks, the country welcomes the best day of the year with open arms. Exchanging gifts are a significant part of a traditional Christmas day. Once in Sweden, you will be lost in the prolonged festive month that only makes the country’s history more resourceful. From small nothing to massive traditional set-ups, Christmas in Sweden will astonish you repeatedly.
Also Read: Sweden In Winter
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Top Reasons To Visit Sweden During Christmas
As said earlier, the reasons to visit Sweden during Christmas are more than one.
- Sweden has one of the most profound and long celebrations dedicated to Christmas. On 13 January, after 20 days of gala events and merry-making, the Christmas holidays end in Sweden. With weather best suited for travel and Christmas as a bonus, Sweden might just rank as one of the most popular places to visit during this time.
- The food. The buffet during the Christmas Eve feast or ‘julbord’ is a food lover’s ultimate table. From sweet to savoury, the spread is an unending explosion of flavours. From varieties of cheese to cold cuts, fresh bread and spreads, sausages, and ribs, all are cooked traditionally into delectable delicacies, especially for that evening.
- Homemade mulled wine is another attraction in Sweden, as its rustic spice entices your senses better than anything else.
- The spirit of Christmas makes the time so much more precious. From beautiful decorations to people having the happiest time of the year, the overall experience will make you a better person.
- The culture and history of Christmas traditions in Sweden are sure to appeal to the explorer in you. The stories dating back to your ancestors make us wonder in astonishment at how far we have come as a global race.
- The Swedish Christmas desserts are sorted out quite well. The simple and articulate recipe for ‘risgrynsgrot’ might sound easy, but one needs years of practice to master this art. Rice porridge served with a generous helping of fresh raspberry jam, often sprinkled with fine cinnamon powder, gives a rush that takes us back to our grandmother’s courtyards.
- Every country looks its most beautiful when its people are happy and content. Christmas, being the most joyous time of the year, will only bring more laughter, good experiences, and beautiful memories.
Places To Spend Christmas In Sweden
Here are the best places to visit in Sweden during Christmas to indulge in a vibrant celebration mood and experience the local traditions of the festival along with snowfall.
1. Gothenburg
This city, popularly known as the Christmas city of Sweden, is a bustling centre of fun activities, markets, food, and merry lights. Everything is decked out in beautiful decorations just before Christmas, from art galleries to its city centre. The city centre, Avenyn, looks particularly beautiful this time of year. You can also visit the main art gallery and go to the Christmas market in Liseberg.
How to Reach
By Air
Landvetter Airport is an international airport only 16 miles from the central city. It is connected to most regions of Europe.
By Road
Gothenburg is connected to Stockholm via the E4 highway and to Malmö and Helsingborg via the E6 highway.
By Rail
You can take hourly trains from any major city in Sweden. The central station is at Drottningtorget.
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2. Gallivare
This small locality is not your regular hip and happening centre of culture, but its yearly Santa Winter Games tell it apart from its contemporary areas. From parades to Santa himself, contests and food, the festivities gather into a celebration for everyone present.
The Winter Games parade and the international competition to find the best Santa are must-sees. People from all over the world participate, and in recent years, even people from Hong Kong have made it to the leaderboards.
How to Reach
By Air
Gällivare Airport is just a few minute’s ride from the central city. You can also fly to nearby Airports, such as the Kiruna Airport or Pajala Airport.
By Road
The E4 highway connects Gällivare to Stockholm.
By Rail
You can directly take trains to Gällivare train station
3. Stockholm
Stockholm during Christmas is a paradise because of its quaint and cozy feel. Christmas might be significant in Stockholm, but the real essence of this city lies in its quintessential calm, which makes you explore yourself into the depths of conscience.
The Christmas opening ceremony in Stockholm is stunning. You can join the Stockholm Santa Run, where people dressed as Santa go on fun and non-competitive runs. You can also enjoy dinner on one of the vintage boats called Strömmas.
How to Reach
By Air
Thanks to the Arlanda International Airport, Stockholm can be easily reached by air. It has four terminals and is located about 40 kilometres away from the city.
By Road
Stockholm is flanked north and east by the E4 and the E3 expressway. Almost all buses go to Stockholm.
By Rail
To get there, you can take any train operated by the StatensJärnvägar – the state railway company.
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4. Swedish Lapland
Heading far north will allow you to experience the most magical parts of the country. You have small villages surrounded by snowy mountains. You can see herds of reindeer and photograph the northern lights. Moreover, you can also go skiing or ride a snowmobile across a frozen lake.
Abisko is the place to be if you want to experience the northern lights. It is one of the best places on Earth to see the auroras. Moreover, you will also get some decent places to stay over there. Jukkasjärvi is a little village that celebrates Christmas in its way. It has a famous ice hotel that is worth visiting even if you do not stay there overnight.
5. Salen
Image Credit: JoolzWiki for Wikimedia Commons
If you’re planning to witness the white bed of snow closely and don’t have the urge to travel to Swedish Lapland, then Salen can be a good alternative. A perfect getaway for a family vacation, this relaxing six resort is something one can enjoy and experience: a laidback holiday. This place has a fine mix of various runs and cosy cabins that travellers can rent. And one can also indulge in some fascinating skiing experiences.
To enjoy the guaranteed skiing experience on the white bed of snow, Salen is one of the two best ski resorts in Sweden. This place welcomes beginners and young families to try out their hands-on skiing while offering the perfect space to relax and enjoy the festive vibes.
6. Sagolandet Tomteland
Image Credit: Heather Cowper for Wikimedia Commons
Located across Lake Siljan, situated around 300 Km northwest of Stockholm, this place is quite a kick for the little kids. As Christmas arrives, the park becomes a complete winter wonderland, decorated with snowy red cabins and surrounded by forests and frozen streams.
Many fascinating events take place for the kids, and while all these keep them occupied, they also have a chance to meet Santa in person.
How To Reach
By Air
There are numerous domestic airports. Depending on where you want to go, you can pick any of the airports from Kiruna Airport, Pajala Airport, Luleå Airport, Gällivare Airport, Arvidsjaur Airport or Skellefteå Airport.
By Road
The entire Lapland region is well connected via the E4 and E10 expressways, and multiple buses operate between each town.
By Rail
An extensive railway network connects Björkliden, Abisko, Kiruna, Gällivare, Murjek, Boden, and Luleå.
You May Also Like To Read: Sweden Nightlife
Sweden has been in the spotlight as a country that celebrated Christmas so fondly and dearly. Sweden does not believe in overdone extravaganza but makes the festival more like a family gathering. Plan your trip to Europe even more memorable with a visit to a country that ushers in Christmas more cordially than anywhere else
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Sweden
Are there Christmas markets in Sweden?
Most major cities and city centers open up markets from a month before the Christmas holidays. You can buy everything from handcrafted products to Swedish Christmas decorations and even food and drinks.
Which is the best Christmas market in Sweden?
Gothenburg and Stockholm usually have the best places. The open-air market in Gothenburg provides a unique experience.
Where is the best place in Sweden to spend Christmas?
The best hotels are located in Stockholm and Gothenburg.
How does Sweden celebrate Christmas?
Swedes celebrate Christmas with a fantastic Christmas meal. Families and close friends share presents and have dinner together. The most famous Christmas food of Sweden is Christmas ham.
What is Santa Claus called in Sweden?
In Swedish, Santa Claus is called Jultomten.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
