Christmas Markets in Stockholm

As Christmas approaches, Stockholm takes on a festive atmosphere. Illuminated market stalls stand out against historic facades, the scent of spices fills the air, and small squares become gathering places where people browse for gifts or warm up with a hot drink. This tour invites you to experience the spirit of a Nordic Christmas and discover the traditions behind the decorations and tempting treats on display.

Gamla stan’s Christmas market and festive atmosphere

In Gamla stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, the Christmas market brings a touch of warmth to the neighborhood’s medieval setting. Its distinctive red wooden stalls offer Swedish handicrafts, sweets, and seasonal specialties. As we stroll through the market, we will share the story of Stockholm’s oldest Christmas market and its ties to the city’s trade, traditional crafts, and everyday life.

The flavors and traditions of a Swedish Christmas

Part of the pleasure is discovering the flavors of the season. You will try some Christmas favorites including glögg, Swedish mulled wine, pepparkakor, crisp gingerbread cookies, and lussekatter, soft, sweet saffron buns. You will have time to browse, ask about the specialties on display, and choose something delicious to enjoy along the way.

Beyond the stalls, you will learn about some of Sweden’s most distinctive Christmas traditions: the candlelit celebrations and processions of Saint Lucia, the julbock, a Christmas goat made of straw, and the tomte, the guardian of farmsteads in Swedish folklore. Through these stories, you will discover how rural beliefs, religious customs, and family traditions have come together to shape Christmas in Sweden today.

Crossing to Djurgården by Ferry

Our tour continues on the commuter ferry to Skansen, the open-air museum on the island of Djurgården, where another Christmas market awaits. There, historic houses, farmsteads, and workshops tell the story of life in Sweden long ago.

The crossing is short, but it is an experience in its own right, and in winter it offers a very different view of the city. From the water, Stockholm looks quieter and more spacious in its low, silvery winter light. The ferry ride is one of the simple pleasures of a Stockholm winter, and a natural pause between the liveliness of the Old Town's market and the calm of Skansen.

Skansen’s Christmas market and the spirit of Christmas past

Skansen’s Christmas market brings together local crafts and seasonal specialties, from handmade candles, wooden crafts, and woolen goods to traditional Christmas sweets. But the festive atmosphere extends well beyond the market. The museum’s houses and farmsteads reveal how people once prepared for and celebrated Christmas: how they decorated their homes, what dishes they served, and how customs varied across different periods and social classes. These stories explore the connections between everyday life, the anticipation of Christmas, and the traditions still passed down through Swedish families today.

A private tour, at your pace and tailored to your interests

We tailor the tour to your pace and interests, leaving plenty of time to browse the stalls, take photos, shop for gifts, ask questions, and warm up with a cup of glögg and a spiced Christmas treat.

The ferry ticket and admission to Skansen are included in the price