Top 7 Places to Visit in Sweden During Christmas

Sweden transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, being covered in snow, festive decorations everywhere, and celebrating unique traditions, such as watching Donald Duck. While many are drawn to well-known cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, there are numerous other destinations across the country that offer a magical Christmas experience. Here are the top 7 places to visit in Sweden during Christmas from charming small towns to picturesque west coast archipelago, Sweden offers a variety of places to enjoy the holiday spirit in a cozy setting.

Experience the Christmas Spirit in the Big City

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a must-visit during Christmas. The city is filled with festive charm with its streets covered in snow, decorative lights everywhere, and many cozy Christmas markets. Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, becomes the best place to be for the holiday spirit. Visitors stroll through its winding alleys decorated with wreaths and lights. One of the most popular Christmas markets in the city is held here at Stortorget, offering handcrafted gifts, traditional foods and snacks, as well as festive treats such as glögg (mulled wine) and pepparkaka (gingerbread cookies).

In addition to the market, Stockholm’s many museums, such as the Skansen open-air museum, host holiday events. Skansen celebrates Swedish traditions with Christmas displays, live performances, and craft workshops.

Beyond the festive markets, restaurants and cafes throughout the city serve up traditional Christmas meals, and visitors can book julbord, a Swedish Christmas buffet, in many restuarants. With its cozy atmosphere and lively celebrations, Stockholm remains a key destination for anyone wanting to experience Swedish Christmas magic.

Do Winter Activities in Åre

Åre, one of Sweden’s, if not Europe’s, most famous ski resorts, becomes a busy holiday destination during Christmas. Located in the heart of the Swedish mountains, Åre combines world-class skiing with a cozy village atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to celebrate the season. As snow covers the region, the ski slopes filled with both beginner and expert skiers.

However, Åre offers much more than just skiing. There are many more activities you can do, such as husky sledding, saunas, spas, ride snowmobiles, and much more. The village itself is decorated with festive lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Visitors can partake in local Christmas traditions, such as enjoying a cup of mulled wine or taking a sleigh ride through the snowy landscape. For those seeking relaxation, Åre’s many luxury spas offer a chance to unwind while overlooking the breathtaking mountain scenery.

Celebrate Tradition in Mora

Mora, a small town in the Dalarna region, is another excellent destination for a traditional Swedish Christmas. This region is known for its deep-rooted customs and folk traditions, many of which are celebrated during the holiday season. One of Mora’s most iconic symbols, the Dala horse, can be seen throughout the town, often decorated in festive colors for the season.

Visitors to Mora during Christmas can explore the town’s beautifully decorated streets and visit the Zorn Museum, which showcases Swedish artist Anders Zorn’s work, including his famous winter scenes. Christmas markets can be found in the town square, where visitors can purchase handmade crafts and sample traditional Swedish foods. Mora’s peaceful surroundings, combined with its strong cultural heritage, make it an ideal place for those looking to immerse themselves in Swedish Christmas traditions.

Witness the Northern Lights in Kiruna

For a Christmas experience unlike any other, head to the far north of Sweden, to Kiruna. Kiruna offers something truly special. Located in Swedish Lapland, it is a place where the Christmas season is enhanced with stunning natural beauty. As the northernmost town in Sweden, Kiruna is the perfect place to witness the magical northern lights, which often light up the sky during the winter months.

Visitors can also experience the Sami culture by joining a reindeer sleigh ride or visiting a Sami village, where traditional crafts and customs are on full display. Kiruna is also home to the famous Icehotel in the nearby village of Jukkasjärvi, where guests can stay in brautifully designed ice rooms, drink from ice glasses, and explore wonderful ice sculptures. Spending Christmas in Kiruna is an unique opportunity to experience the wilderness of Swedish Lapland, and the magic of the Arctic winter.

Explore the Festive Charm of Visby

Visby, located on the island of Gotland, offers a Christmas experience like no other with its medieval charm. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Visby is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, which takes on a magical quality during the Christmas season. The town’s cobblestone streets are decorated with sparkling lights and festive decorations, creating a window to the past.

Visitors can walk through Visby’s Christmas market, held in the main square, where local artisans sell their crafts, decorations, and seasonal treats. The town’s medieval walls and towers are often illuminated during the holiday season, adding to the sense of stepping back in time. Christmas in Visby is a more intimate experience, away from the crowds of larger cities, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of Sweden’s medieval past while celebrating the holidays.

Step into the Winter Wonderland of Jokkmokk

Jokkmokk, located just above the Arctic Circle, is a town full of history and culture of Sweden’s indigenous Sami people. Christmas in Jokkmokk is an opportunity to experience the true essence of winter in the far north, with snow-covered forests and frozen lakes stretching as far as the eye can see.

The town’s Christmas celebrations are closely tied to Sami traditions, with reindeer herding, traditional crafts, and storytelling taking center stage. Visitors can explore the region’s natural beauty by taking a snowmobile tour or trying their hand at ice fishing. Jokkmokk is also known for its winter market, which has been held for more than 400 years. Although the market is traditionally held in February, the Christmas season in Jokkmokk still offers a taste of Sami culture, combined with the calmness of the Arctic wilderness. For those looking for a quiet Christmas experience in nature, Jokkmokk is an excellent choice.

Celebrate a Coastal Christmas in Hönö 

Hönö, a small island off Sweden’s west coast, may not be the first destination that comes to mind for a Christmas celebration, but it offers truly unique coastal twist on the traditional holiday experience. The island’s beautiful natural scenery, combined with its unbelievable location, makes Hönö an enchanting place to visit during Christmas.

Although the island is a rather popular summer destination, its bustling streets and windy coastline take on a different, more peaceful charm in the winter months. Hönö’s Christmas market takes place on the first Advent weekend every year. Visit Christmas themed shops, the craft exhibitors, taste great local foods, look at the Christmas lights in the harbour, and much more. Visitors can enjoy the views of the surrounding archipelago, and take in the fresh sea air. Christmas here offers a peaceful retreat away from the larger crowds and commercialization of major cities.