Sweden Christmas Travel Guide: Where to Celebrate the Holiday Season
Best Things to Do in Sweden This Christmas
The best places to celebrate Christmas in Sweden transform the country into a winter wonderland, offering a rich tapestry of festive experiences across its cities, villages, and remote landscapes. From candlelit cathedrals and medieval town squares to snow-covered forests and artistic ice creations, each destination brings its own unique charm and traditions to the holiday season.
Whether you’re drawn to historic ambiance, thrilling winter sports, or serene Arctic escapes, Sweden offers something for every kind of Christmas traveler. This guide highlights the most enchanting places to celebrate, each with its own story, atmosphere, and unforgettable seasonal magic.
1. Gamla Stan Christmas Market
Stockholm’s historic heart
Good for: History, Shoppers, Families
Nestled in the cobbled alleys of Stockholm’s Old Town, the Gamla Stan Christmas Market is one of Sweden’s oldest and most atmospheric holiday destinations. Held in Stortorget Square since 1837, this market is surrounded by medieval architecture, including the Nobel Museum and the Royal Palace. The red stalls brim with handcrafted ornaments, glögg (mulled wine), and traditional Swedish treats like pepparkakor (gingerbread) and saffron buns.
Visitors praise the market’s intimate charm and historical ambiance, especially under twinkling lights and falling snow. It’s ideal for those seeking a nostalgic, storybook Christmas. Entry is free, and it’s easily accessible via Stockholm’s metro system. Arrive early to avoid crowds, and don’t miss the Lucia procession or the nearby Storkyrkan Cathedral for seasonal concerts.
Gamla Stan Christmas Market
2. Liseberg Amusement Park
Gothenburg’s winter wonderland
Good for: Families, Couples, Adventure
Liseberg Amusement Park transforms into a dazzling Christmas village each winter, drawing visitors to Gothenburg with over 5 million twinkling lights and more than 80 themed stalls. The park’s historic carousel and wooden roller coaster blend nostalgia with festive cheer, while the ice rink and Santa’s workshop add family-friendly magic. Its Alpine-style market offers artisanal gifts and Swedish delicacies like smoked reindeer and cloudberry jam.
The immersive atmosphere and theatrical light shows make it feel like stepping into a Nordic fairytale. Liseberg is easily reached by tram from Gothenburg’s central station. Bundle up as the market is mostly outdoors, and consider booking tickets in advance for popular attractions like the ice ballet.
Location: Örgrytevägen 5, 402 22 Göteborg, Sweden
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +46 31 40 01 00
Liseberg Amusement Park
3. Swedish Lapland
A true Arctic Christmas
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Swedish Lapland offers a magical, snow-covered escape for those dreaming of a white Christmas. Located in the far north, it’s home to the indigenous Sámi people and the aurora borealis, which often dances across the sky in December. You can stay in cozy log cabins or glass igloos, embark on husky sled rides, and meet reindeer herders who share centuries-old traditions.
The region’s untouched wilderness and cultural depth make it a unique holiday destination. Many travelers describe it as serene and spiritually enriching, far from commercial bustle. Dress warmly as temperatures can drop below -20°C (68°F), and consider guided tours for Northern Lights viewing. Kiruna and Jokkmokk are popular entry points, with flights from Stockholm and seasonal train services available.
Swedish Lapland
4. ICEHOTEL at Jukkasjärvi
Art meets frosted magic
Good for: Unusual, Adventure, Photo
Located 200 km (124 miles) north of the Arctic Circle in Jukkasjärvi, the ICEHOTEL is rebuilt each winter from ice harvested from the nearby Torne River. Each suite is a unique work of art, sculpted by international artists using only ice and snow. Guests sleep on ice beds with thermal sleeping bags, surrounded by ethereal carvings and glowing LED lights. The hotel also features an ice bar, chapel, and gallery.
Celebrating Christmas here is like stepping into a frozen fantasy, with guided Northern Lights tours and ice sculpting workshops adding to the experience. Warm gear is provided, and there’s a heated section for those who prefer comfort. Book your flights and rooms for the holiday season well in advance.
ICEHOTEL at Jukkasjärvi
5. Christmas concerts at Storkyrkan
Sacred sounds in Stockholm
Good for: History, Couples, Families
Storkyrkan, Stockholm’s grand cathedral, offers a deeply moving Christmas experience through its renowned seasonal concerts. Located in Gamla Stan, this Gothic-style church dates back to the 13th century and features stunning vaulted ceilings, medieval frescoes, and the famous wooden sculpture St. George and the Dragon. The acoustics are exceptional, making it a favorite venue for choirs and classical ensembles.
Attending a Christmas concert here is a spiritual and cultural highlight, often described as reverent and uplifting, especially during candlelit performances. Tickets sell out quickly, so advance booking is recommended. The venue is a short walk from the Royal Palace and easily accessible by public transport. Dress warmly as the cathedral can be chilly, and arrive early to admire the architecture.
Location: Trångsund 1, 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 87 23 30 00
Christmas concerts at Storkyrkan
6. Åre ski resorts
Alpine adventure meets holiday cheer
Good for: Luxury, Families, Adventure
Åre, Sweden’s premier ski destination, offers a festive blend of winter sports and cozy holiday charm. Located in Jämtland County, it features 3 main ski areas, Åre By, Björnen, and Duved, catering to all skill levels. The village itself dates back to the 11th century and combines traditional wooden chalets with modern amenities, including gourmet restaurants and boutique shops.
Christmas in Åre is both exhilarating and heartwarming. You’ll love the torchlight ski parades, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and après-ski gatherings around roaring fires. The town’s illuminated slopes and snow-covered forests create a postcard-perfect setting. Book early for ski passes and lodging, and consider taking the scenic night train from Stockholm for a sustainable travel option.
Åre ski resorts
7. Örebro Castle
A regal Christmas retreat
Good for: History, Photo, Families
Rising from an island in the Svartån River, Örebro Castle is a 13th-century fortress that becomes a festive beacon during the holiday season. Its stone towers and Renaissance interiors are adorned with traditional Swedish decorations, and the castle hosts themed events like medieval Christmas fairs, storytelling sessions, and candlelit tours. The surrounding town square also features a charming market and ice skating rink.
Celebrating Christmas here offers a blend of history and enchantment. The castle boasts a cozy yet majestic ambiance, especially during evening tours when the halls glow with lantern light. Guided tours are available in English, and the castle is a short walk from Örebro Central Station. Book ahead for special events, as they tend to fill quickly.
Location: Kansligatan 1, 703 61 Örebro, Sweden
Phone: +46 19 21 44 99
Örebro Castle
8. Visby
Medieval charm on Gotland island
Good for: History, Photo
Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Gotland Island, offers a uniquely atmospheric Christmas framed by its medieval stone walls and cobbled streets. Once a powerful Hanseatic trading hub, the town retains its 13th-century architecture, including church ruins and merchant houses. During the holidays, the town glows with lanterns, and local shops and cafes serve saffron buns and spiced cider in warm, historic settings.
Christmas in Visby is peaceful and picturesque, often described as stepping into a Nordic fairytale. Enjoy the intimate markets, carol singing in ancient churches, and winter walks along the ramparts. Ferries run from the mainland, and flights are available from Stockholm. Dress warmly and explore on foot to fully appreciate the town’s timeless charm.
Visby
9. Sigtuna
Sweden’s first town with timeless festivities
Good for: Couples, Families, History
Founded in the 10th century, Sigtuna is Sweden’s oldest town and offers a pleasant, small-town Christmas steeped in history. Located just north of Stockholm, its narrow streets are lined with wooden houses, ancient church ruins, and boutique shops. The town’s Christmas market is held along the main street, with local crafts, homemade sweets, and traditional music creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.
Visitors love Sigtuna’s peaceful pace and authentic feel, often describing it as a hidden gem for holiday celebrations. It’s ideal for families and couples seeking a quiet, meaningful Christmas. Arrive by public transport or car from Stockholm, and explore the town’s museums and lakeside walks. Don’t miss the Lucia procession and candlelit services in the medieval churches.
Sigtuna
10. Castle hotels
Celebrating Christmas like royalty
Good for: Luxury, Photo, Food
Sweden’s castle hotels offer a luxurious and atmospheric way to celebrate Christmas, combining historic grandeur with modern comfort. Many are centuries-old estates, such as Södertuna Castle near Stockholm or Teleborg Castle in Växjö, featuring antique furnishings, roaring fireplaces, and gourmet holiday feasts. These properties often host exclusive Christmas packages with activities like wine tastings, sleigh rides, and candlelit dinners in vaulted halls.
A stay in one of these grand hotels is intimate and indulgent, ideal for couples seeking a refined retreat. Each castle has its own story; some were royal residences, others noble estates, and many are surrounded by scenic countryside. Book early, especially for Christmas Eve, and check for spa facilities or guided historical tours to enhance your visit.
Castle hotels
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