Festivals, Traditions and Events

NOTE: Many establishments are closed or have special opening hours during the national holidays mentioned above. Please check with the Tourist Centre for special opening hours.
 

TRADITIONS
The open-air museum Skansen offers tourists the opportunity to take part in many of the traditional celebrations.

Easter – witches and eggs
Easter is a sign that spring is coming, all though it is associated with the Christian faith. Many Swedes attend church at Easter. It is also time to take a break and spend time with family and friends. Swedish children dress up as little witches and knock on doors to wish people a happy Easter, recalling the old superstition that witches flew on broomsticks to Blåkulla Mountain. Easter Eve is the big feast day of the holiday, when tables are set with Easter decorations of birch twigs and feathers, decorative yellow chicks and of course painted eggs. The traditional present is an Easter egg wrapped in colourful paper and filled with sweets.


Walpurgis (Valborg)
Walpurgis Night takes place on the night of April 30 and into May 1st. A large bonfire is lit where people gather to sing out winter and welcome spring. High school graduates qualify for the white “student cap”, which is then worn for the festivities of Walpurgis Night over the coming years.


National Day – June 6th
In keeping with tradition, Sweden’s National Day is celebrated in the open-air museum Skansen in the presence of their Royal Highnesses King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.


Midsummer – the longest day of the year
Perhaps the most characteristically Swedish tradition of all is the Midsummer celebration, celebrated on the weekend closest to June 24, the longest day of the year when the sky never goes dark.
Most Stockholmers leave for the archipelago or the countryside during the weekend, but those who stay behind have options too. Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum, holds a grand Midsummers celebration with dancing and games to Swedish folk music around the maypole, decorated with flowers and leaves. Many participants wear traditional folk costumes and wreaths of flowers in their hair. Midsummer is celebrated outdoors in similar fashion at locations throughout Sweden. A traditional midsummer meal includes herring, fresh potatoes, beer and snaps.

NOTE: A midsummer night’s dream. One old folk tradition that still lives on is that unmarried girls pick seven types of flowers during the midsummer’s night and put them under their pillow when they go to bed, in order dream of the husband fate has in store for them.


Crayfish party
August is the best month for crayfish, and this is celebrated with a crayfish party. Party hats are worn, big paper lanterns are hung up and crayfish are eaten with bread and cheese.


December – a month of preparation
The four Sundays prior to Christmas mark advent, during which Christmas markets can be found around the city, with Swedish Christmas sweets, smoked sausages, reindeer meat, glögg (mulled wine) and a range of handicrafts and decorative arts. Skansen, the open-air museum on Djurgården, holds a large traditional market. Stockholm’s oldest neighbourhood, the Old Town, is full of shops and restaurants with a cheery festive atmosphere, and hosts a famous Christmas market at Stortorget square. Markets are also held in the archipelago and in royal settings. The pedestrian street Drottninggatan glitters with Christmas lights. The NK department store on Hamngatan has spectacular window decorations.


Lucia – Queen of light
Lucia is celebrated on December 13th. The tradition comes from the need to light up one of the darkest days of the year. Lucia and her maidens come early in the morning, before dawn, bringing light in the darkness. Lucia herself is dressed in white with a crown of candles on her head and she and her maidens are singing the traditional Lucia songs and serving a breakfast of glögg (sweet, mulled red wine), saffron-flavoured buns and gingerbread biscuits. Visitors can take part in the Lucia tradition and the main celebration is the coronation of Sweden’s Lucia at Skansen. Lucia concerts are held in churches throughout Stockholm.


Christmas
Unlike most Christian countries, the high point of the holiday in Sweden is Christmas Eve, the 24th of December.The Swedish Christmas table is served as a smorgasbord (buffet style).
Christmas Day is very peaceful. Many Swedes go to Julottan, an early-morning church service and the one in Seglora church in Skansen is especially popular. Boxing Day used to be the year’s biggest day for movie premieres, and cinemas are still usually full. After Christmas it’s time to prepare for the New Year and Twelfth Night. Visitors can enjoy a Swedish Christmas through lunch cruises, Christmas buffets at restaurants and hotels, picturesque markets, concerts and post-Christmas sales.

STOCKHOLM HIGHLIGHTS

This is a selection of highlights (subject to change) that visitors should not miss in Stockholm this coming year. More events and detailed information are to be found on the website www.visitstockholm.com/events. Lucia and Christmas events can be found in the “Lucia, Christmas and New Year in Stockholm” section.


Contents:

- EVENTS 2011

- PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS

- GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS

14/1-17/4: Sara Moon 12345, Fotografiska, www.fotografiska.eu
20-23/1: Formex interior design Fair**, www.formex.se
26/1-10/4: Gunnar Asplund – the law court in Gothenburg, Arkitekturmuseet. www.arkitekturmuseet.se
27/1-march 2012, Shining silver, Nationalmuseum, www.nationalmuseum.se
27/1-6/11: The world premiere! “NASA - A Human Adventure", an exhibition of 400 authentic items, many on display for the first time,www.tekniskamuseet.se
28/1–27/3: Spring Salong** (Vårsalongen) art exhibition, www.liljevalchs.stockholm.se
29/1-15/5: Beatrix Potter, Millesgården, www.millesgarden.se
31/1-2/2: MercedezBenzFashionweek**, www.mercedezbenzfashionweek.se

5/2-1/5: Eva Löfdahl, www.modernamuseet.se
8-12/2: Stockholm International Furniture Fair & Northern Light Fair**, www.stockholmfurniturefair.com
12/2-21/8: Exhibition of woodoo objects, www.etnografiska.se
13/2 alt 20/2: Vikingarännet Ice Skating Race**, www.vikingarannet.com
16-20/2: Stockholm International Antiques Fair**, www.antikmassan.se
16/2-11/6: Gardar Eide Einarsson, Bonniers Konsthall, www.bonnierskonsthall.se
17/2-8/1: Manly – King Gustav V:s warderobe, Livrustkammaren, www.livrustkammaren.se
17/2-14/8: 800 kilo bones, Historiska Museet, www.historiska.se
18-20/2: Market Art Fair**, Konstakademien, www.market-art.se
18-20/2: Supermarket Art Fair**, Kulturhuset, www.superamarketartfair.com
19/2-29/5: GAN (Gösta Adrian Nilsson) - modernistpioneer and outsider, www.waldemarsudde.se
19/2-22/5: Jeanloup Sieff, www.modernamuseet.se
19/2-15/5: Wooden carvings from Japan as propaganda, Östasiatiska, www.ostasiatiska.se
22/2: Friidrott i Globen** (fd GE Sports Gala), www.gegalan.se
26/2-6/3: Spring break activities in Kungsträdgården**, www.kungstradgarden.com

4-13/3: Stockholm International Boat Fair**, www.alltforsjon.se
5/3-3/4: Thomas Tempte - Master of Veneer, www.waldemarsudde.se
5/3-24/4: Jutta Koether, www.modernamuseet.se
10-13/3: Wilderness and Adventure Fair**, www.vildmarksmassan.se
16/3: Royal Palace Sprint World Cup**, www.royalpalacesprint.se
23/3-14/8: Lust in paintings, www.nationalmuseum.se
24/3-27/3: Nordic Gardens Fair**, www.tradgardsmassan.se 
27-30/3: Robyn, Circus

2/4-5/6: Vera Frisén-Stråh and Karin Granqvist, Thielska Galleriet, www.thielska-galleriet.se
8/4-8/1: Exhibition of royal dresses from 20th century, www.livrustkammaren.se
9/4: Culture Night** (museums and attractions are open all night), www.kultur.stockholm.se
10/4: Sade, Ericsson Globe, www.globearenas.se
14/4-15/1: Gods and Godesses, Nationalmuseet, www.nationalmuseet.se
19/4: Gala dinner for the public, Vasamuseet, www.vasamuseet.se
23-30/4: Easter celebration**, www.skansen.se + www.visitstockholm.com
24/4: Vasamuseet 50 year anniversary, www.vasamuseet.se
30/4: Walpurgis Night**, with bonfires www.skansen.se
No exact date yet: Ed Burtynsky, Fotografiska, www.fotografiska.eu

7/5 Gröna Lund amusement park opens**, www.gronalund.com
7/5-18/9: Lars Wallin (Swedish haute couture), Waldemarsudde, www.waldemarsudde.se
14/5-9/10: Klara Lidén, www.modernamuseet.se
14-15/5: Challenge Bernadotte, fencing**, Eriksdalshallen, www.challengebernadotte.org
27-29/5: Archipelago Boat day Fair**,Galärparken,  www.skargardsmassan.se
27-29/5: Elitloppet – Championship Harness Racing**, www.elitloppet.se
28/5-4/9: Siri Derkert, www.modernamuseet.se
28/5-: Björn Wesman (painting), Millesgården, www.millesgarden.se
28/5: Stockholm Marathon**, www.stockholmmarathon.se
29/5: Mini-Marathon (for kids) **, www.stockholmmarathon.se
May: Exhibition of the warship Vasa’s military role, www.vasamuseet.se
 

1-6/6: A taste of Stockholm/Restaurant Day ** (20 years anniversary 2011), www.smakapastockholm.se
5/6: Jerry Seinfeld, Ericsson Globe, www.globearenas.se
6/6: Swedish National Day**, www.6juni.se
6/6: Nationaldagsgaloppen (horse racing), Gärdet, www.svenskgalopp.se
6/6-4/9: Dream room – the passion of collecting antiquities, Liljevalchs www.liljevalchs.se
8/6: Skärgårdsbåtens dag** (archipelagoboat)
8/6: Eric Clapton, Ericsson Globe, www.globearenas.se
9/6: Bryan Adams, Gröna Lund, www.gronalund.com
11/6-21/8: Hans Wigert, Thielska Galleriet, www.thielska-galleriet.se
17-19/6: Stockholm Jazz **, Skansen, www.skansen.se, www.stockholmjazz.se
18-19/6: SPAR European Team Championship, Stadion, www.stockholm2011.org
21/6-28/8: Venetian Masterpieces, www.waldemarsudde.se
24-26/6: Traditional Midsummer celebrations**, www.skansen.se
28/6: Sing-a-long at Skansen on Tuesdays in july**, www.skansen.se

1-31/7Sing-a-long at Skansen on Tuesdays in july**, www.skansen.se
3/7: Childrens Sing-a-long at Skansen (Sundays in July), www.skansen.se
7/7: Gotland Runt (sailing competition) starts in Sandhamn, www.destinationsandhamn.se
11/7-22/8: Blue Mondays (jazz) at Solidenscenen, www.skansen.se
20-23/7: Baltic Sea Festival**, classical music, www.ostersjofestivalen.se
21-24/7: Nordea Scandinavian Masters in golf**, Bro Hofs Slott, www.nordeascandinavianmasters.se
28/7: DN Galan – international Grand Prix athletics**, www.dngalan.com
30-31/7: Lapin Kulta Stockholm Tens (Rugby) www.stockholmtens.se

1-7/8: Stockholm Pride (gay) **, Kungsträdgården www.stockholmpride.org
13/8: Midnattsloppet (midnight run)**, www.midnattsloppet.com
14/8: Filharmonikerna i det gröna**, Sjöhistoriska, www.konserthuset.se
16-21/8: Stockholm Culture Festival** , www.kulturfestivalen.stockholm.se
20-27/8: World Water Week**, www.siwi.org
21/8: Stockholm Triathlon**, www.stockholm-tri.se
25-27/8: Bellmansstafetten**, Djurgården, www.bellmanstafetten.se
26-28/8: Scandinavian Sport & Fitness Festival, Kistamässan www.scanfitfestival.se
Mercedes Benz Fashion week**, www.mercedezbensfashionweek.se
Popaganda, music festival**, www.popaganda.se

1-4/9: Formex interior design Fair**, www.formex.se
3/9: Tjejmilen – the world’s biggest sporting event for women runners**, www.tjejmilen.se
29/9-1/10 & 6-8/10: Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival**, www.stockholmbeer.se
17/9: Stockholm Half Marathon**, www.stockholmhalfmarathon.se
17/9-29/1: Carl Fredrik Hill, Waldemarsudde, www.waldemarsudde.se
23-25/9: Lidingöloppet – international cross-country running**, www.lidingoloppet.se
24-25/9: Traditional Autumn Fair**, www.skansen.se
25/9: Gröna Lund closes, www.gronalund.com
29/9-2/10: Ulf Linde Collection, Thielska-Galleriet, www.thielska-galleriet.se
Polar Music Prize – global music award**, www.polarmusicprize.org

1/10-8/1: Dystopia, Liljevalchs, www.liljevalchs.se
4/10: Ane Brun, Circus
8/10-15/1: Turner, Monet, Twombly, www.modernamuseet.se
15/10-26/2: Erik Olsson, Waldemarsudde, www.waldemarsudde.se
17-23/10: Stockholm Open** (tennis) Royal Tennis court, www.stockholmopen.se
29/10-6/11: Autumnbreak for children, Skansen, www.skansen.se
Third weekend: Fire weekend in the Archipelago**, www.visitskargarden.se

1/11: Rihanna, Ericsson Globe, www.globearenas.se
3-6/11: Gamex, Kistamässan, www.kistamassan.se
9-13/11: Scandinavian Boat Show**, www.scandinavianboatshow.se 
16-24/11: Stockholm International Film Festival**, www.filmfestivalen.se
25-27/11: Stockholm International Horse Show**, www.stockholmhorseshow.com
 

Christmas markets and Christmas concerts** (start 4 weekends before christmas)

3-4/12: Lucia inauguration at Skansen, www.skansen.se
10/12: Nobel Day, concert in Koncerthuset and banquet in the City Hall**
11/12: Lucia Concert, Ericsson Globe, www.globearenas.se
13/12: Lucia Celebration**
31/12: Traditional New Year Celebration**, www.skansen.se

Larger arenas and concert arenas in Stockholm
Check out www.stockholm.com for current events

Permanent Exhibitions

The people on the Vasa Warship. This exhibition offers the opportunity to get close to the people who were on board the Vasa when it sank, and a number of people who were all on board the Vasa on August 10, 1628 will appear from the past. Visitors can imagine how it would feel to “meet” people, based on scientific facts that we are able to connect to the various individuals. The Vasa Museum, www.vasamuseet.se, Tel: +46-8-519 548 00

The Magic of Coins. An exhibition with a difference displaying coin treasure found in Swedish soil. Meet the dragon who guards the treasure and hear the owl hoot over the sacrifice. Includes the Lohe treasure, the Velinge treasure and the copper coin treasure from Loshult. Royal Coin Cabinet, www.myntkabinettet.se, Tel: +46-8-519 553 04

The Creative Human Being. This exhibition on humankind’s creative power and wealth of inventiveness begins with several basic, general themes. It then displays three examples of natural environments, in which the creative capacity and staying power of humans were put to extreme tests in the deserts of Australia, the very wet Amazon rain forest, and the bitterly cold climate of the Arctic and Lappland. National Museum of Ethnography, www.etnografiska.se, Tel: +46-8-519 550 00

Design 1900-2000, Swedish design exhibition. A design exhibition at the National Museum of Fine Arts. Handicrafts and design from 1917 until today is presented. The first part shows how the artistic design of industrial products started in Sweden. The National Museum of fine Arts, www.nationalmuseum.se, Tel: +46-8-519 543 00

City of Kings, Viking exhibition. Permanent exhibition with the very best of the discoveries from the major excavations in the past year. Models of Sweden’s oldest city. Sigtuna Museum, www.sigtunamuseum.se

Weaving and Embroidery in Sweden During the Middle Ages, in the textile chamber. A rich collection of textiles has been preserved reaching back centuries. In 1928/29, the book “Weaving and Embroidery in Sweden During the Middle Ages” was published, a lavish volume covering textiles in medieval times. This exhibition displays items shown in the book, which is now being prepared in a new edition. Museum of National Antiquities, www.historiska.se, Tel: +46-8-519 556 00

The Swedish Abode. How people lived in Sweden prior to industrialism, exhibition. Look into the home of a peasant in 1840s Sörmland. Walk into the master bed chambers of Ulvsunda Palace circa 1670, or see what a brewer’s house on Söder might have looked like in 1740s Stockholm. The National Museum of Cultural History, www.nordiskamuseet.se, Tel: +46-8-519 546 00

Traditions. An exhibition that gives an account of manners and customs, of Swedish traditions and the way they are celebrated at home, at work and at school. Visitors can see how values are embodied in traditions such as christenings and funerals, confirmation, graduation and Midsummer celebrations. The National Museum of Cultural History, www.nordiskamuseet.se, Tel: +46-8-519 546 00

The Dance Museum, exhibition. From Indian demons and African masks to Fernand Léger and extravagant Russian costumes. This museum of dance, theatre and art welcomes visitors to view its collections. The Dance Museum, www.dansmuseet.se, Tel: +46-8-441 76 50

Sweden 1628 – the time when the Vasa ship was built. A whole host of human destinies, artefacts, documents and gripping settings paint a living picture of the time and the land when the Vasa ship was built. The Vasa Museum, www.vasamuseet.se, Tel: +46-8-519 548 00

The Vikings, exhibition. “The Vikings” is an exhibition about Sweden before it became a part of European culture. Here, visitors can see how a Viking enjoyed his home life, how he behaved with his chieftains and what it was like being part of warrior expeditions in Europe. Museum of National Antiquities, www.historiska.se, Tel: +46-8-519 556 00

Nature in Sweden, exhibition. Those who want to stand eye to eye with the king of the forest or explore an ant hill from the inside should come to this exhibition about Swedish nature. Swedish Museum of Natural History, www.nrm.se, Tel: +46-8-519 540 00

Cino4, 4D Cinema. Cino4 is Sweden’s first and only 4D movie theatre, where visitors can experience films with their whole body. Be a part of this overwhelming experience, where technical effects intensify thrilling 3D films about flight, space and technical innovations. Chairs with special effects add a new dimension to the experience. National Museum of Science and Technology, www.tekniskamuseet.se, Tel: +46-8-450 56 00

Elementary School, exhibition. In the schoolroom, furnished as it might have been 100 years ago, are wall charts, a map of Palestine and the old-fashioned school desks. The exhibition gives us a picture of teaching at that time. Stockholm City Museum, www.stadsmuseum.stockholm.se, Tel: +46-8-508 316 00

Ships of Course, exhibition. An exhibition about the history of the Swedish fleet. At the centre is the museum’s collection of models, from the 17th century Amaranth line ship in all her power and imposing beauty, to today’s grey camouflaged high-technology vessels. National Maritime Museum, www.sjohistoriska.se, Tel: +46-8-519 549 00

Folk Art: permanent exhibition. This major new exhibition presents folk art from the perspectives of colour, form and design. The objects in the exhibition were made in Sweden during the period from around 1650 to the present day, with an emphasis on 1780-1850, the heyday period of folk art. What is folk art? What were the sources of inspiration for design and colour? Who were the folk artists? The National Museum of Cultural History, www.nordiskamuseet.se, Tel: +46-8-519 546 00

Skansen open-air museum. Sweden in miniature. Houses and farmsteads from the countryside and the town are inhabited by people in period costume. Home occupations and crafts are on display all year round. Founded in 1891, Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum. Skansen, open-air museum, www.skansens.se, Tel: +46-8-442 80 00

Moderna Museet Collection. One of northern Europe’s foremost collections of art from the 20th century onwards. The works will be displayed in various parts of the museum. Moderna Museum, www.modernamuseet.se, Tel:+46-8-519 552 00

The Royal Opera House. Opera and ballet performances
The Royal Opera, www.operan.se, www.ticnet.se (tickets), Tel: +46-8-791 44 00

Berwaldhallen. Classical music concerts are held in this well-known concert hall throughout the season. Berwaldhallen, www.sr.se/berwaldhallen, Tel: +46-8-784 18 00

Nybrokajen 11. Classical music concerts
Nybrokajen 11, www.nybrokajen11.rikskonserter.se, Tel: +46-8-407 17 00

The Concert Hall. Classical music at the Concert Hall with its fine old traditions. Concerts given by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic orchestra and international famous soloists every week.
The Concert Hall, www.konserthuset.se, Tel: +46-8-50 66 77 88

Dansens Hus. “The House of Dance”. Dance performances from ballet to street dance.
Dansens Hus, www.dansenshus.se, Tel: +46-8-508 990 90

Wallmans salonger. Dance and music dinner shows. The waiters and waitresses are professional artists and performs on stage. Wallmans salonger, www.wallmans.com, Tel: +46-8-505 560 00

Nalen. Jazz, pop, rock, dance performances in the charming Nalen building, built in 1888. Nalen, www.nalen.com, www.ticknet.se (tickets), Tel: +46-77-170 70 70

Auctions at Stockholm Auction House. Decorative art and works of art are auctioned monthly (check calendar). Stockholm Auction House, www.auktionsverket.se, Tel: +46-8-453 67 50

Auctions at Bukowskis. Lilla Bukowskis, auctions held monthly (check calendar). Bukowski Auktioner, www.bukowskis.se, Tel: +46-8-614 08 00

When the winter darkness descends on Stockholm and the days get ever shorter, the capital enters one of its most beautiful periods of the year. There are few things the city’s inhabitants enjoy more in December than strolling around Christmas markets, listening to the beautiful Lucia songs at one of the city’s concerts or shopping away the hours in festive boutiques. Take part in the Swedish Christmas traditions through lunch cruises, Christmas buffets in restaurants and hotels, and picturesque Christmas markets. During the winter a skating-rink is set out in Kungsträdgården. Skates can be hired.

Contents:

- CHRISTMAS MARKETS

- CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

- LUCIA - PROCESSION OF THE QUEEN OF LIGHT

- TRADITIONAL SWEDISH CHRISTMAS TABLE

- CHRISTMAS CRUISES & WINTER SIGHTSEEING

- CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

- CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

- NEW YEAR

We all – not just the kids - hope that there will be snow to make it even more fairytale like. However with the climate nowadays you never know, although it is more likely to snow in Stockholm than in most other European cities. Even without snow Stockholm is very exotic in the winter time, with short days and a cosy darkness lit up by thousands of candles in windows and trees.

Some practical information
The shops in Stockholm often have extended opening hours before Christmas and of course you can shop on Sundays all year around. However as the Christmas days are very much of a family celebration, December 24 – December 26 are holidays and many shops and restaurants are closed. Then it is "back to normal" and just as hectic in the shopping streets again since the New Years sales start.

New Year is of course celebrated with fireworks, parties and festivities all over the city. Check with your hotel contacts what type of New Year celebration they organize for their guests.

If you would like to make a feature of Christmas in Stockholm you will find Christmas and winter photos on www.visitstockholm.com/imagebank 


Christmas Markets
During advent, Christmas markets can be found around the city and in the archipelago, with Swedish Christmas sweets, smoked sausages, reindeer meat, glögg (mulled wine) and a range of handicrafts and decorative arts.

Please note that all dates are for 2010

Nov 14 - Dec 23, Steninge Palace Cultural Center Christmas Market. Palace north west of Stockholm, close to Arlanda Airport and the town of Sigtuna. The old hayloft is filled with handicrafts and Christmas decorations. Opening hours; Monday to Friday 11 am - 5 pm and weekends 10 am - 5 pm. steningeslott@steningeslott.com, www.steningeslott.com, Tel: +46 8 592 595 00, Fax: +46-8-592 595 10

Nov 21 - Dec 23, Old Town Christmas Market (Gamla Stan). Popular Christmas Market in the heart of the Old Town with fine old traditions, handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and mulled wine. Opening hours: 11 am - 18 pm daily. www.stortorgetsjulmarknad.com, Tel: +46-8-411 26 48

Nov 27 - 29, The Royal Mews Christmas Market. Try several Swedish Christmas delicacies and see unique Swedish handicrafts. Opening hours: Friday 10 am - 7 pm, Saturday 10 am - 6 pm and Sunday 10 am - 5 pm. Väpnargatan 1 (Next to the Royal Dramatic Theatre) www.svenska-slottsmassor.se, Tel: +46-8-402 61 06

Nov 27 – 29, Dec 4 - 22, Kungsträdgården Christmas market. Market in the city’s most central park, Kungsträdgården. Opening hours; 10 am – 6 pm. kungstradgarden@chamber.se, www.kungstradgarden.se, Tel: +46-8-555 100 90, Fax: +46-8-566 316 90

Nov 28 - 29, Dec 5 - 6, Dec 12 - 20, Skansen Christmas market. The world’s oldest open air museum on the island of Djurgården. Sales of handicrafts, Christmas decorations, Christmas food, sweets and more from old fashioned market stalls. Christmas concerts in Seglora church. Opening hours; Saturdays & Sundays 10 am – 4 pm. www.skansen.se, Tel: +46-8-442 80 00, Fax: +46-8-442 82 82

Nov 29 - Dec 20, every Sunday, Sigtuna Christmas market. Sweden’s first town, founded in the year 980. 15 minutes from Arlanda airport. Traditional Christmas fair, very much like in the old days. Handicrafts and dancing around the Christmas tree. Opening hours: Sundays, 11 am - 4 pm. turism@sigtuna.se, www.sigtunaturism.se, Tel: +46-8-594 806 50

Dec 5 – 6, Drottningholm Palace Christmas Market. Traditional Christmas market outside the residence of the Royal Family, 30 minutes by car west of central Stockholm. Opening hours; 11 am - 4 pm. info.drottningholms-slott@royalcourt.se, www.royalcourt.se, Tel: +46-8-402 62 80,

Horse and Carriage to the Christmas dinner. Enjoy a ride to the Christmas dinner in a traditional and romantic style by horse and carriage decorated with bells and torches. Häståkeriet, carina@hastakeriet.se, www.hastakeriet.se/english, Tel: +46-8-57027798

Christmas Concerts
From the first Sunday in advent, visitors can enjoy a concert at almost any time of the day somewhere in Stockholm. Many churches hold advent concerts, and more commercial Christmas Concerts are staged around the city.

Please note that all dates are for 2010

Nov 18, The show of Christmas. The show is a unique live experience with the pearls from Elvis's career as well as new hit songs from some of Sweden's leading artists. Ericson Globe Arena, www.globearenas.se, Tel: +46-77-131 00 00

Nov 28, 29, Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 25, Skansen Advent and Christmas Music. Advent and Christmas music played in the Seglora Church on Skansen. www.skansen.se, Tel: +46-8-442 80 00, Fax: +46-8-442 82 82

Nov 28 – 30, Advent concert in the City Hall. An annual tradition since 1994, with Christmas carols and choirs. The concert takes place in the Blue Hall where the Nobel festivities are held. info@habanera.se, www.habanera.se, Tel: +46-8-25 60 01

Dec 1, A Christmas Show. The traditional Glenn Miller-inspired Christmas show takes place in Stockholm Concert Hall at Hötorget. www.konserthuset.se, Tel: +46-8-786 02 00

Dec 12, 18 & 19, Stjärnjul – the Christmas show. Held since 1993. Several soloists and stars appear together with a 12-piece band and the 200 voices of the combined choir. Filadelfia Church, Rörstrandsgatan, www.stjarnjul.se

Dec 16, 17, 18, 20, Christmas concert. Cllassic Christmas show at Berwaldhallen performed by the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Radio Choir, www.sr.se/berwaldhallen

Dec 20, Christmas concert in Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan). Traditional Christmas concert in the beautiful main cathedral of Stockholm. www.ticnet.se

Lucia - Procession of the Queen of Light
In December, visitors get the chance to meet the real Queen of Light. Lucia and her maidens come early in the morning, before dawn, bringing light in the darkness. Lucia herself is dressed in white, with a crown of candles on her head, singing the traditional Lucia songs and serving a breakfast of glögg, saffron-flavoured buns and gingerbread biscuits.

Stockholm’s Lucia is seen in a procession through the city on the 13th December, which ends at Skansen. Skansen also arranges a Christmas workshop where visitors can learn to make candles in the old-fashioned way. The churches organises Lucia concerts in the morning and evening.

Please note that all dates are for 2010

Dec 11 - 12, Lucia concert at Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan). Enjoy a traditional Lucia concert performed by the music classes of Adolf Fredriks school. www.ticnet.se

Dec 13, Traditional Lucia – Morning concerts
Kungsholmens Kyrka, kungsholmsforsamlingen@svenskakyrkan.se, Tel: +46-8-617 39 40
S:t Jacobs Kyrka, musik@sthdomkyrko.com, Tel: +46-8-723 30 09
Hedvig Eleonora Kyrka, info@hedvigeleonora.se, Tel: +46-8-663 04 30

Dec 13, Traditional Lucia – Evening concerts
Adolf Fredriks Kyrka, adolf-fredrik.forsamling@svenskakyrkan.se, Tel: +46-8-20 70 76
Engelbrektskyrkan, engelbrekts.forsamling@svenskakyrkan.se, Tel: +46-8-406 98 00
Katarina Kyrka, katarina.forsamling@svenskakyrkan.se, Tel: +46-8-743 68 00
Oscarskyrkan, info@oscarsforsamling.se, Tel: +46-8-442 51 00

Dec 13, Outdoor concert and Lucia procession. Sweden’s own Lucia appears on Skansen’s Solliden stage at 4 p.m. and then proceeds to Kungsträdgården to take the stage from 5-6 p.m. www.skansen.se, www.kungstradgarden.se

Traditional Swedish Christmas table
The Christmas table is a variety of a Smörgåsbord with seasonal specialities, and is served in many restaurants in Stockholm, including several steamboats plying the waters of the archipelago and Lake Mälaren. The Christmas table period is late November until Christmas time. Reservations are recommended.

Here are some suggestions:
Strömma. (Archipelago) Christmas buffet cruises into the archipelago and Lake Mälaren. Lunch and dinner. Frequent departures. www.julbord.se, Tel: +46-8-587 140 00

Opera and Christmas smörgåsbordThe opportunity to sing with the Chorus of the Slaves and be charmed by a high C from a brilliant tenor. Add a portion of Christmas Carols and a Christmas smorgasbord! www.regina-operathmus.com, Tel: +46-8-411 63 20

Operakällaren Matsal(Classical/Gourmet/View). Truly beautiful dining room overlooking the Royal Palace and the Old Town. Karl XII’s Torg. info@operakallaren.se, www.operakallaren.se, Tel: +46-8-676 58 01

Grand’s Veranda (Classical/Gourmet/View) Luxurious, traditional Swedish Christmas table in the five star Grand Hotel. Södra Blaiseholmen 8. verhov@grandhotel.se, www.grandhotel.se/restaurang/grandsveranda, Tel: +46-8-679 35 86

Villa Källhagen(Djurgården island) Idyllic and tranquil location, Djurgårdsbrunnsvägen 10. villa@kallhagen.se, www.kallhagen.se, Tel: +46-8-665 03 10

Grinda Värdshus(Archipelago). Enjoy a typical traditional archipelago Christmas table on the Grinda Island, Grinda Wärdshus, Södra Bryggan. info@grindawardshus.se, www.grindawardshus.se, Tel: +46-8-542 49 497

Skansens Restauranger/Solliden(View, Djurgården Island) Combine a visit to the Christmas market at Skansen with a traditional Christmas table at the Skansen/Solliden restaurant www.profilrestauranger.se, Tel: +46-8-566 370 00

Stadshuskällaren (Traditional) The City Hall Restaurant, Stadshuskällaren, is located in the cellar vaults of the Stockholm City Hall where the Nobel festivities take place. www.profilrestauranger.se Tel: +46-8-506 322 00


Christmas Cruises & Winter sightseeing

Archipelago tour combined with Utö Christmas fair On the way out to the archipelago, a tasty nautical breakfast buffet will be served. On the island of Utö, visitors have two and a half hours to visit the local Christmas fair. On the way back there is a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet. Departure from Strandvägen every weekend in Dec from 10 am - 6 pm. bokning@stromma.se, www.stromma.se, Tel: +46-8-120 040 00

Cruise to Drottningholm Christmas market Departure from Strandvägen. bokning@stromma.se, www.stromma.se, Tel: +46-8-120 040 00

Winter sightseeing by boat The guide on this special ice-breaking boat shows Stockholm and the inner archipelago in all their wonderful winter glory. Pass the city’s quays and then head for the idyllic archipelago islands of Fjäderholmarna before returning to the city lights. 75 minute tour. bokning@stromma.se, www.strommakanalbolaget.se, Tel: +46-8-120 040 00

Brunch cruise into the archipelago At 12 noon on weekends, the S/S Stockholm, dating back to the 1930s, offers a three-hour cruise in the archipelago including a delicious brunch on board. bokning@stromma.se, www.strommakanalbolaget.se, Tel: +46-8-120 040 00


Christmas Shopping

Stockholm offers quality and variety, all within walking distance, making Stockholm the perfect place for shopping in a short period of time. In addition, the shopping streets are beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. The pedestrian street of Drottninggatan glitters with Christmas lights, and the NK department store on Hamngatan has spectacular window decorations.

In Stockholm, every district has its own unique charm. Many handicraft boutiques and art galleries are located in Gamla Stan’s cobblestone streets, and the department stores and shopping malls are located in the city centre.

On Södermalm, which has been transformed from a working-class district to one of the city’s most fashionable areas, many small stores and mini-malls featuring trendy design can be found. Bruno Gallerian, located in the middle of Götgatsbacken on Södermalm, is a good place to start. End up in the cosy SoFo area at Skånegatan and Nytorget.

Västermalmsgallerian on Kungsholmen has breathed new life into a previously sleepy neighbourhood. The city’s largest concentration of antique stores is located in the up-market district known as Östermalm, where a walk along Nybrogatan or a visit to Svenskt Tenn on Strandvägen are musts. For more information on shopping, visit www.visitstockholm.com.

Boxing Day used to be the opening day for the Christmas Sales, indicated by the "REA" sign. Nowadays, some shops open up their doors for big bargains as early as Christmas Day and continue throughout January.


Christmas Activites

Christmas Dinner Tours by Horse and Carriage.
The feeling of travelling to a Christmas dinner at one of the many restaurants offering Chiristmas smörgåsbord by horse and carriage decorated with bells and torches is amazing. Häståkeriet, carina@hastakeriet.se, www.hastakeriet.se/english, Tel: +46-8-570 277 98


New Year

Dec 31, Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Skansen
The year is ended in the traditional way with a grand New Year’s celebration at the Solliden outdoor stage, complete with music and fireworks and broadcasted live on Swedish television. Skansen open-air museum, info@skansen.se, www.skansen.se, Tel: +46-8-442 80 00

Dec 31, New Year’s Eve Concert, Berwaldhallen
www.sr.se/berwaldhallen, Tel: +46-8-784 50 00

Dec 31, New Year's Eve at Grand Hôtel
Dinner and show in the Wintergarden at the Grand Hôtel, www.grandhotel.se Tel: +46-8-679 35 00.