Best Places to Visit in Sweden for Christmas Cheer

Welcome to the festive season in Sweden! As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, the country transforms into a winter wonderland, especially in December. For expats and digital nomads looking to get into the holiday spirit, Sweden offers a plethora of destinations where Christmas cheer is in abundance. From traditional markets to picturesque towns, here are some of the best places to visit for a truly magical holiday experience.

Stockholm's Gamla Stan

Stockholm's Old Town, Gamla Stan, is like stepping into a Christmas card. The narrow cobblestone streets are adorned with lights and decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Stortorget Christmas Market, located in the main square, is one of the oldest in Sweden and features traditional Swedish handicrafts, seasonal treats, and the much-loved glögg (mulled wine). The market typically runs from late November to just before Christmas.

We Recommend: Don't miss the chance to try pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies) and lussekatter (saffron buns), which are Swedish holiday staples. Pair them with a warm cup of glögg for the full experience.

Gothenburg's Liseberg Amusement Park

During the holiday season, Gothenburg's Liseberg Amusement Park transforms into a Christmas wonderland. The park is filled with millions of twinkling lights, and the Christmas market offers everything from handicrafts to seasonal foods. The highlight is the ice-skating rink where visitors can skate to the sound of Christmas music. The market usually opens in mid-November and runs until the end of December.

We Recommend: Be sure to taste the roasted almonds and warm, freshly made waffles topped with cloudberry jam—a true delight on a cold winter's day.

Malmö's Gustav Adolfs Torg

Malmö's main square, Gustav Adolfs Torg, hosts a charming Christmas market where visitors can find unique gifts and decorations. The market is known for its international flair, featuring foods and crafts from around the world. It's a perfect spot for expats and nomads to feel at home while experiencing Swedish traditions. The market typically runs from the end of November until Christmas.

We Recommend: Try the traditional Swedish Christmas drink, julmust, a non-alcoholic but very festive beverage that Swedes love during the holidays.

Lund's Christmas Market at Kulturen

In the historical city of Lund, the Christmas market at Kulturen—an open-air museum—offers a historical twist on holiday festivities. Visitors can enjoy traditional crafts, activities, and food in an environment that reflects Swedish life from centuries past. The market usually takes place on the weekends in early December.

We Recommend: Don't leave without sampling a portion of kåldolmar (cabbage rolls), a classic Swedish dish that's particularly popular during the holiday season.

Uppsala's Christmas Market

Uppsala's Christmas Market is held in the historical setting of the city's castle, Uppsala Slott. The market features a wide array of local artisans selling everything from ceramics to homemade jams. Carol singers and horse-drawn carriage rides add to the festive atmosphere. The market is typically open on weekends in December leading up to Christmas.

We Recommend: Indulge in some knäckebröd (crispbread) with Västerbotten cheese, a sharp and delicious cheese that is a favorite in Sweden.

Linköping's Christmas at Gamla Linköping

Linköping's open-air museum, Gamla Linköping, offers a historical Christmas experience with its annual market. Visitors can stroll through the old town, which is decorated as it would have been in the past, and enjoy traditional Swedish Christmas foods and crafts. The market usually takes place during the weekends in December.

We Recommend: Warm up with a bowl of risgrynsgröt (rice pudding), often served with cinnamon and sugar, and a pat of butter melting in the middle.

Örebro's Wadköping Open Air Museum

The Wadköping Open Air Museum in Örebro hosts a quaint Christmas market that captures the essence of a bygone era. The historical buildings and the craftspeople dressed in period costumes make for a unique holiday shopping experience. The market is usually open on weekends in December.

We Recommend: Enjoy a traditional saffranspannkaka (saffron pancake) with lingonberry jam, a sweet and tart combination that is sure to please your palate.

Visby's Christmas Market

Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the island of Gotland, offers a medieval Christmas market experience within its ancient city walls. The market features local artisans, festive foods, and medieval music, providing a unique backdrop for holiday celebrations. The market typically takes place in early December.

We Recommend: Sample the local Gotlandic specialty, saffransbullar (saffron buns), which are especially popular during the Christmas season.

Whether you're looking for traditional Swedish Christmas markets, historical settings, or just a festive atmosphere, these destinations in Sweden are sure to fill your holiday season with joy and wonder. Enjoy the lights, the food, and the warmth of Swedish hospitality during this special time of year.