WINTER traditions IN SWEDEN

It's beginning to look a lot like winter! Despite the cold, that’s a truly magical time of year in Stockholm. Winter Lights, the unveiling of the NK windows, Christmas markets - there’s so much to do and explore. Celebrate the season - the Stockholm way!

See the Lights
Not the Northern ones, but the Christmas lights over 40 central streets and squares in Stockholm. Once these have been turned on, you can go moose-spotting, deer-spotting or any of the other fabulous structures-spotting, all around the city with your very own light map. Explore the city this special seasonal way - one million LED lights can't be wrong!

Christmas Windows
An annual tradition in Stockholm is to go to the unveiling of the Christmas windows at the iconic department store, Nordiska Kompaniet (NK). There's music, glögg and pepparkakor on offer while you wait for this year's Christmas display to be revealed. Swedish Santa, tomten, then arrives in a horse and carriage and unlocks the department store and his helpers will hand out sweets. Your child can give their wish list to him in person!

Santa Run
For 10 years, Stockholmers have been dressing up as the man in red and running for a good cause. It's a 3km track through the city, where the spirit of the season is found in coming together and giving to those in need. The whole family can join, but those under 14 do need to have a guardian present. Time to get that suit out and do the Santa run in Stockholm!

Winter Walk at Skansen
A new tradition at one of Stockholm's oldest museums. This is a way to explore the cultural history of Skansen through a walk that takes in custom-made light installations, a bespoke soundscape, and a multitude of other lighting effects and decorations. There's the chance to buy seasonal food and drink on the 1.5km trail, which should be fun for all ages.

Skate the City
Many parks and sports fields get a winter makeover at this time to become ice rinks - and what better way to get into the spirit of the holidays than a skate in the open air, followed by a hot chocolate at one of Sweden's many cafes? A list of ice rinks can be found here, including some open waterways to skate on, but the most iconic place to skate is Kungsträdgården, where there's skating instructors and even a DJ, playing the best tunes to show off your moves. 

Christmas Food and Markets
There's more to Swedish Christmas fayre than gingerbread! You can sample the whole range at one of Stockholm's many julbords, Christmas tables - or you can even be adventurous and make your own! If you just want to sample some saffron buns, glögg or a few pepparkakor, the best place to go is to Stockholm's fabulous Christmas markets. 'Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry!

Shows for Children
There are many wonderful family shows throughout Stockholm during the season, including traditional Swedish classics such as Astrid Lindgren's Bröderna Lejonhjärta, or more modern ones like Roald Dahl's Matilda. An annual tradition for many Stockholm families is to go to 'A Christmas Carol', performed in English before Christmas and Disney on Ice afterwards.