Stockholm is one of the most picturesque places to celebrate Christmas. They don’t overdo things like perhaps we might be inclined to do here in North America. There is a subdued classiness to their decorations, but no matter where you go in the city, it is just brimming with festivities. And the very best thing to do while spending the holidays is to visit one of Stockholm’s many amazing Christmas Markets! There is so much to see and do inside a Swedish Christmas Market. You can easily get very overwhelmed with all the different ones to visit, so I wanted to create this helpful guide to the BEST Stockholm Christmas Markets.
Be advised that many of these Christmas markets arrive early and close before Christmas. So don’t plan on spending Christmas eve perusing the wooden stalls. Various markets only occur on one weekend out of the years, so if you’ve got your heart set on a specific market, be sure to check the dates before booking your trip. For a complete guide to everything to see, do and buy check out this post!
Located in the heart of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town) is the famous Stortorget Julmarknad. The Stortorget Julmarket is Sweden’s oldest Christmas market. Since this market feels like the original, I highly recommend you make it your first stop. It is by no means the largest, but there is something about its more modest size that makes it all the more appealing.
Farmer’s markets in Stortorget have been going on here since the 1300s, but the first Swedish Christmas market took place here in 1523. Back then there was only one Christmas market and its location would move around the city over the years. It wasn’t until 1837 that its place of permanence was established here, in Stortorget.
In 1915 the King of Sweden stipulated that only Swedish goods could be sold at this market, a tradition which the guild of markets still ensures is followed to this day. During the early days of the Stortorget Christmas market, you’d find tinsmiths, bookbinders, brush makers, glove and hat sellers, coppersmiths, pewter casters and jewellers. There was also a large swath of farmers who would travel long distances to sell their goods and produce here at the market. Despite the years going by and more modern production practices, many of the original items sold at the old fashioned market can still be found here today. The same 40 red wooden painted stalls pile themselves into the crowded square every year.
In the center of the red timber huts is the enormous Stortorget Christmas tree. As far back as the 15th-century homes in Germany and Switzerland used spruce trees to decorate for Christmas. But it took a while for the trend to make its way to Stockholm. It wasn’t until 1920 that the first Christmas tree was raised here in Stortorget. But ever since, this beautiful tree has been a beacon for the market in the town square.
Skansen is an open-air museum located in Stockholm, that depicts the Swedish way of life before the industrial era. It’s like stepping into a giant time machine. And at Christmas, entering the park is like walking into a Scandinavian fairy tale. Throughout the holiday season, Skansen is home to a variety of demonstrations depicting traditional Swedish Christmas celebrations.
The best part of the park is the old-fashioned Christmas Market. You’ll find dozens and dozens of stalls in the center of the park, surrounded by outdoor bonfires to keep you warm. If you’re hungry, you can sample their famous pancakes, classic reindeer sausages, Christmas cheese, crispbread and Skansen’s handmade mustard. To satisfy your sweet tooth, try the sugared almonds, honey, marzipan, saffron buns, pepparkakor (gingersnaps), homemade jams and marmalades, penny candy, and more!
Don’t forget to grab yourself a glass of Glögg, and Skansen’s specialty; Saffron Glögg. Suppose you’re looking for a little Christmas souvenir? In that case, there are hundreds of handicrafts, Christmas decorations, embroidery, hand-knitted mittens, and the iconic Swedish advent candles.
Drottningholm Palace is the private residence of the Swedish Royal family. It is located in Drottningholm, 40-minutes from the center of Stockholm. Although the Drottningholm Christmas Market is only open for two days in December, if you happen to be visiting Sweden during this time, it’s worth the effort to try and head down. The Christmas market is traditionally held in the palace grounds on the second weekend of Advent.
The Drottningholm Christmas Market is also rather small, but very well curated. There are between 15 and 20 stalls. The outdoor market is filled with local produce with a festive flare featuring cheese, bread, mustard, fish, mulled wine and ham. You can find local craftspeople here selling handmade winter gear, warm slippers and Scandinavian embroidery and jewellery. There are even fun fair type games for the kids. Because the market is only open for two days, it feels all the more intimate and not so touristy. Not many tourists manage to make the trek or arrive on that day so you’ll find it feels more like a small-town affair.
The hip borough of Södermalm has a weekly farmer’s market located south of Folkungagatan street. But their festive Christmas Market is open every Saturday from the end of November to the week before Christmas. This market feels more rustic and local. There aren’t as many handicrafts here, as the focus is more on local produce and Swedish food.
This is a fantastic place to come to buy a few items for a little picnic or “smorgasbord” back at your hotel. Cheese, sausage, bread and sweets – what more can you ask for?! If you’re staying in town for an extended period of the holidays, pick up one of the hand made pine wreaths to bring some of that Christmas scent into your hotel room. It’s the next best thing to a Christmas tree.
The Royal Stables are located just behind Strandvägen in Östermalm. Even today, the Swedish Monarchy uses ceremonial horses to transport them during state events and festive occasions. The Royal Stables, built in 1697, are open to the public throughout the year but by guided tour only. Inside, you can find around 50 horse-drawn carriages, sleighs and coaches, and 20, perfectly groomed and well behaved, royal horses. But during the Christmas season, a four-day market is held inside the stables. The market occurs over the first weekend of Advent. This is not only a great market to visit but a fantastic way of seeing the stables without booking a guided tour.
About 70 stalls on either side of an elegant red carpet are laid out inside the artful stables. The boothes feature handicrafts from all over Sweden. Some of the most unique gifts can all be found here all under one roof. You can even poke your head into the stables and say hello to one of the many royal horses. Don’t miss this market if you’re around.
If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the Konstfack University of Art and Design’s annual Christmas Market! Although the items here aren’t “Christmassy,” this is a glorious opportunity for you to support local artists by buying some of their ceramics, textiles, painting, jewelry, glass, posters, sculptures or decor. Plus, the entire event feels so festive. There is a small entrance fee, but even if you don’t buy anything, touring all the different works on offer is like walking through an art gallery. Their cafeteria is even open for guests during the event and serves up coffee and Christmas baked goods to all visitors. The market is open over the last week of November.
Rosendals Trädgård is a sprawling urban garden located in Djurgården, just west of Rosendal Palace. During the holiday season, a festive market pops up inside Rosendals Trädgårdard. Since it is a garden, one of the best things to buy here is their living Christmas arrangements. Huge wreaths and winter flowers will bring that unmistakable scent of Christmas into your hotel room or home! Their bakery is continually churning out bread, pastries and delicacies like fresh gingerbread which are made in their fantastic wood fire stone oven. This wood fire oven really adds a unique flavour to the baked goods and makes them taste like nothing else!
Their farm shop is in full swing, making pickles, jams and other exceptional items to eat while you’re in town or bring home to friends and family. Throughout the season, Christmas concerts featuring local musicians and composers fill the garden with sweet melodies. Walking around the garden stalls, under the fairy lights, lantern and bonfires is nothing short of magical and really gets you in the Christmas spirit! The Market is open from the end of November to the last few days before Christmas. Check their website for details.
Filmstaden or “Sweden’s Hollywood” is located in Råsunda, just 20 minutes outside Stockholm. This studio was where over 400 Swedish films were made from 1920 to 1970. Back then it was called, “Film City,” as the grounds were covered with beautiful buildings used to record all kinds of different movies over the ages. Here, Swedish great Greta Garbo made her first major film, The Saga of Gösta Berling, before becoming a Hollywood legend. Eight of the original buildings still remain, and the rest of the area has been transformed by the community. But every year at Christmas time, a market is held on the grounds of the old film studio.
Here you can find local exhibitors selling handicrafts. Enjoy some Christmas caroling, stop in to watch a Christmas movie, and you might even be able to meet Santa! The Café in the Gatekeeper’s lodge is open on the weekends serving up delicious saffron waffles and warm glogg. Enjoy these festive treats inside a 1930s inspired setting.
If you’re a vegan, Herman’s Vegan Christmas Market is going to be for you! This market, located inside the vegetarian restaurant Hermans on Fjällgatan, plays host to an entirely vegan Christmas market in November. Outside in their garden, you can find 100% vegan sweets, ethically made jewelry, vegan health products and more! Head inside for a vegan Fika and meat-free buffet to enjoy after shopping to your hearts content!
Operakällaren is one of Stockholm’s oldest restaurants, dating back to 1787. Back then, the restaurant was located under Gustav III’s opera house. During the four weekends of Advent, the restaurants hosts a Christmas Market located on Jakobs Torg, right beside the Christmas wonderland in Kungsträdgården. At this market, you can find some real gourmet delicacies. While this market is smaller, they have exceptional items from some of the best farms and Swedish producers; honey from Gotland, jams from Gotländska Krusmyntagården, and Gårdsmejeri cheeses. They have all the traditional saffron buns, gingerbread and hot mulled wine but all made from some of the most gourmet ingredients.
Schysst Jul is a Christmas market, unlike the others. This market is focused on selling products that are all fair trade and organically produced. These businesses ensure all your Christmas gifts support the environment and the people who source and make the goods. This way you can feel good about what you’re buying.
I had such a blast visiting the Swedish Christmas Markets. Even when I didn’t buy anything, it was such fun to just explore and look at all the wonderful things people had on display. The atmosphere at these markets is brimming with excitement and joy, and they are an experience not to be missed.
Let me know in the comment if you’ve ever visited a European Christmas Market before and where was your favourite!
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