Visiting the capital of Sweden during Christmas is something very special. Christmas markets are a cherished tradition during Advent. Stockholm has many of them both inside and outside the city. In the center are the popular Skansen market, the Gamla Stan market (in the old town), as well as the market on Kungsträdgården.
Many palaces and estates in the surrounding area host traditional Christmas markets suitable for visiting on day trips. In some of the parts of the archipelago that remain accessible during the winter, there are also Christmas markets that are reached by boat from central Stockholm. The famous Swedish fashion stores are open and the sales start on December 27.
Where does Santa Claus live?
Santa world is a real paradise that hides deep in the forests near the town of Mora in the Dalarna-Lapland region of northern Sweden. Here, surrounded by lakes and glittering frozen waterfalls, is the small town where Santa Claus lives with his helpers, buried in piles of snow. Jultomte, the Swedish Santa Claus, is in charge of giving gifts to children who have behaved well with his gifts. In gratitude, the children of the house usually offer typical dishes of food that are perfectly prepared the night before.
And although Santa Claus is traditional for Christmas, the environment that surrounds Sweden is conducive to the existence of many other curious inhabitants. Among them are the trolls, the lands of the Lady of the wood, the fairies and an endless number of mysterious characters that live in their forests.
Lucia, the bringer of light
On December 13, Sweden celebrates Saint Lucia Day, a party full of mysticism and lots and lots of magic. That day, when Christmas begins, there are spectacular processions in the streets of the cities, kindergartens and churches, all of them broadcast on television. The procession is made up of a group of girls (ladies) and boys, led by a girl that the inhabitants of different towns and cities choose to embody Lucia, Queen of Light.
During the procession all of them are dressed in white tunics, red bows and laurels in their hair. The girl who gives life to Santa Lucía wears a crown made of candles, which will remain lit. The procession ends at the Vasa Church, with a silent atmosphere in which candlelight is the protagonist. That day the Saint Lucia buns or ‘Lussekatter’ or ‘Lussebullar’, a traditional sweet made with saffron, are traditional.
Christmas decoration
When Christmas arrives, each Swedish family receives it by going for a fir tree to decorate the interior of their home. You can buy them in open-air places, and then take them home to place the decorations, which vary depending on the traditions of each family. Generally, Christmas decorations range from the typical tinsel, figurines and balls to an endless number of country flags. In addition, in their windows they usually put garlands made of paper with Christmas figures called ‘Pappersrader’ or ‘Christmas Tomterader’. It should be noted that families usually place different garlands of electric candles that remain lit throughout Christmas.
One of the most traditional and emblematic figures of Swedish Christmas is the Julbock, a Christmas goat that has enormous meaning for them. It is made of straw, has different sizes and in ancient times it was the one who brought gifts to children at Christmas, although it was later replaced by Santa Claus (or Jultomten). Today it is still used as a symbol of Christmas protection.
The celebration of Christmas Eve and the Julbord
Christmas in Sweden begins on the first Sunday of Advent when many Swedes gather for a glöggfest, or glögg party. It is a meeting where tradition indicates that you have to drink a special hot wine, mixed with sugar and spices. Also noteworthy are the blanched almonds and raisins, the saffron buns and the gingerbread cookies with different drawings.
It is customary for many families to light a candle every Advent Sunday until December 24, Christmas Eve. That day it is common for families to get together to eat the traditional Julbord, a famous Christmas buffet that includes the most typical Swedish dishes.
The Julbord is made up of ham, pork sausages, marinated salmon, meatballs, pickled herring, liver pâté, potatoes with a special fish dish and much more. All accompanied by beer and brandy (or snaps).
The curious tradition of Donald Duck
There’s absolutely nothing Swedish about Donald Duck, is there? However, he is very present at Christmas time for them. On Christmas Day, at three in the afternoon, thousands of families gather around their televisions to enjoy together the animated film ’Donald Duck and his friends wish you a Merry Christmas’.
The tradition dates back to the year 1959, when the main Swedish channel broadcast this program for the youngest members of the family. However, little by little it has become a Christmas symbol, and everything indicates that the program will continue to be broadcast year after year to the delight of its people.
How is the New Year celebrated?
The nyårsfirandet or New Year ‘s celebration is a huge holiday in Sweden. Normally there are many families that come together to celebrate it, but it is usually more of a gathering with friends than a family event. The highlight of this special day is the fireworks show in Stockholm, and it is that infinite fireworks are launched in the center of the city to celebrate the entry of a new year. There are several options for celebrating the Swedish New Year, as many people prefer to stay at home and not face the cold outside.
The end of Christmas in Sweden
Christmas ends on January 13, when the traditional ‘Julgransplundring’ or stripping the tree of all its decorations is celebrated. It is a family party in which everyone removes the tinsel, balls and other decorative elements from the tree while looking for the sweets hidden among them.
It is, in short, a ritual in which families sing the farewell song of Knut (Christmas). As if this were not enough, the Swedes literally throw the stripped Christmas tree out of the window and generally in the communities they make a big bonfire with them. This tradition is being lost, since nowadays they usually take them to a recycling center.