What could be more festive than wandering through a snow-flecked julmarknad (Christmas market) with a toasty glass of glögg (traditional Swedish mulled wine) warming your hands with the sweet tune of Julen är här (Christmas is here) drifting on the frosty breeze. Whether you are exploring the frozen labyrinth-like waterways and bustling yuletide hubs in Stockholm or heading to Gotland’s medieval bubble for some ancient festive traditions and food, Christmas markets in Sweden are truly magical and will no doubt get you in the mood for a festive celebration or two. Here is our list of our top Christmas markets in Sweden…
- Gamla Stan, Stockholm
- Gustav Adolf Square, Malmö
- Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm
- Sigtuna, Stockholm
- Falun Mine, Dalarna
- Visby, Gotland
- Liseberg Amusement Park, Gothenburg
Gamla Stan, Stockholm
Is Gamla Stan’s Christmas market entirely stereotypical? For sure. Is it jam-packed with tourists wandering round taking in the festive spirit? Definitely. But is it a must-stop when exploring Christmas markets in Sweden? Without a doubt. The fairy lights and snow-dusted wooden huts of Sweden’s oldest Christmas market are an absolute must if you want to get in the Christmas spirit and are a centerpiece of the historic neighbourhood during the chillier months. The sweet smell of fresh gingerbread will hit you as soon as you enter the square and the sound of carol singers singing traditional tunes will swirl around you as you look up to the twinkling Christmas tree that looks as though it's come straight out a traditional festive fable.
Gustav Adolf Square ,Malmö
Imagine trees laced with bright fairy lights, a square surrounded by cosily-lit buildings and a light fluttering of snow making the setting even more festive. Malmö’s Gustav Adolf Square Christmas market is everything you imagine a Christmas market in Sweden to be. Take a ride on the charming carousel or glide gracefully around the sparkling ice rink (stumbling and falling is also allowed) before wandering around the festive stalls to the soundtrack of carol singers and live music.
Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm
The UNESCO-listed Drottningholm Palace is the private home of the Swedish royal family and is the setting of one of the most festive Christmas markets with a special royal touch. Wind your way, like kings and queens of times gone by, through canopy-topped stalls selling traditional wreaths, sweet-smelling candles and staple Christmas cuisine, before exploring the frost-topped lake, the perfectly preserved 18th-century theatre and pretty pink and green painted pavilion that are nestled within the palace grounds.
Sigtuna, Stockholm
During the festive period, Sigtuna’s ancient pastel-hued streets are strung with ivy garlands and doors are adorned with ribbon-filled pine wreaths, making it look like a real-life Christmas card. As the oldest city in Sweden, Sigtuna has a lot to live up to when it comes to traditional festive fun. The outdoor Christmas market takes place during the four Sundays before the big day and is ringing with the sound of choirs singing and children squealing with excitement at the prospect of meeting Father Christmas. When fingers are frosty and toes are chilled, head to one of the city’s many restaurants to treat your tastebuds to a julbord (a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet).
Falun Mine, Dalarna
Once one of the world’s most important mining areas, Falun Mine is now home to one of the most postcard-pretty Christmas markets in Sweden. Aptly named Gammaldags Julmarknad, which translates as old-fashioned Christmas market, this wintry wonderland really has the feel of an event stuck in time, which makes it all the more magical. Primary-coloured buildings pockmark the bleak landscape, softening the mining town, and surrounding the Christmas market when it arrives in early December. Keep your eyes peeled for beautifully handcrafted straw goats or, if you’re feeling curious, see if you can grab some reindeer meat to try.
Visby, Gotland
Scrap all the modern traditions we know and love. Visby’s Christmas market is a medieval marvel and certainly not one to miss if you are keen to explore old-age Swedish festivities. This World Heritage city on the island of Gotland transforms its already ancient buildings into a medieval market like no other. Think magical torchlit processions, choirs singing medieval ditties and even traditional sports like jousting and archery, all within this picturesque little town. In combination with a dusting of snow and the smell of warm glögg in the air, Visby Christmas market is like a festive fairytale.
Liseberg Amusement Park, Gothenburg
Ending up wide-eyed and open-mouthed at the extensive light show in Sweden’s largest Christmas market at Liseberg Amusement Park, is a must when exploring Christmas markets in Sweden. This is the ultimate festive spectacular for even the littlest explorers and avid Father Christmas believers. Meander between vast light displays, pine-fringed cabins and warm waffle stands, with an obligatory ride on the Christmas carousel, before enjoying a breathtakingly beautiful light show and ice ballet performance. And definitely schedule a stop off at the elf workshop; it’s a must for some ultimate family-friendly festive fun.
Written by Immy Kelly