Lucia – bearer of light, hymns and Swedish treats

Celebrated annually in December, this historic custom is an atmospheric event involving Christmassy treats and a singing line-up of candle-carrying characters dressed (mostly) in white gowns. These tuneful “Luciatåg” processions – led by Lucia herself – are broadcast on national TV and performed in kindergartens, schools, care homes, churches, and offices across the country. Waiting in anticipation, the audience’s first sign that Lucia and her procession are nearing is a mellow chorus approaching from the distance, followed by soft light cutting through the pre-dawn darkness.

Lucia Day – also known as Saint Lucy’s Day – can be traced back to the 4th century. A Christian feast day, it commemorates the martyr Lucia of Syracuse, who, according to legend, brought food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs, lighting her way with a candlelit wreath on her head.

13 December was the shortest day of the historic Julian calendar, and according to Swedish folklore, the long night was considered dangerous, with dark spirits out in force. Staying awake was paramount, and eating helped – another connection to the small feast associated with today’s Lucia celebration. Lucia made her first recorded appearance in a Swedish rural home in 1764, but the custom really established itself in the 1900s.

The Lucia essentials – and what to expect on 13 December

If you visit Sweden in time to catch a Lucia celebration, you’ll be able to experience it at various places, such as churches, town halls, and even restaurants (as well as on TV and radio). Celebrations in schools and workplaces, meanwhile, are generally private. According to tradition, Lucia appears before dawn; however, for practical reasons, many events are held at dusk. Don’t be surprised if the Swede next to you joins in with the choir – most Swedes know the main Lucia song, “Sankta Lucia”, off by heart.

Leading the procession, Lucia is trailed by handmaidens (‘tärnor’), star boys (‘stjärngossar’) and gingerbread men (‘pepparkaksgubbar’). If children are participating in the procession, they may choose to be dressed as Christmas elves ('tomtenissar'). As for each group’s attire, Lucia’s defining feature is the lit-up wreath on the top of her head. Traditionally, real candles were used, but for safety reasons they’ve been replaced by battery-powered ones – and the same goes for those carried by the handmaidens, who typically wear glitter or a wreath (without candles) in their hair and glitter or a decorative red ribbon around the waist. Star boys wear all-white – just like Lucia and the handmaidens – with cone-like hats and star-adorned sticks. The lantern-carrying gingerbread men sport full gingerbread costumes, replete with white icing – you’ll find these in many Swedish retailers.

As well as being the bearer of light, Lucia’s offering of treats is just as key. She has been immortalised carrying a tray of fika by several iconic Swedish artists, such as Carl Larsson. The eats are gingerbread biscuits and an S-shaped saffron bun called 'lussekatt' – a treat almost as classic as the cinnamon bun. While there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying one year-round, these golden saffron buns are traditionally reserved for the weeks leading up to Christmas. To drink, you’ll sip little cups of 'glögg' (mulled wine), served with almonds and raisins. Coffee was traditionally served, and it’s still an option.

Where to experience Lucia in Sweden in 2026

Lucia celebrations take place across Sweden, from candlelit church concerts to festive processions in public squares. Here are some highlights from different parts of the country:

Lucia in Stockholm

The Skansen open-air museum hosts several atmospheric Lucia celebrations on 12 and 13 December. You'll also find plenty of other celebrations across the capital – explore the options at Visit Stockholm.

Lucia in Gothenburg

Sweden’s second-largest city hosts a public Lucia parade featuring vehicles from different eras along the city’s iconic boulevard, Avenyn, culminating in a performance at Götaplatsen. Find out more and discover other Lucia celebrations at goteborg.com.

Dalarna’s Lussi Bride

For a distinctive local take on Lucia, look out for this colourful celebration featuring traditional folk costumes and music. Performances take place in several towns across Dalarna and at Nordiska museet in Stockholm during November and December. The 2026 performances are already sold out, but keep it in mind for 2027. Find out more on Dalarna’s Lussi Bride Instagram page.

Lucia in Lund Cathedral

For a traditional Lucia celebration in a historic setting, book one of the concerts at Lund Cathedral, one of Sweden’s most visited churches, dating back to the 12th century. Concerts take place from 11 to 13 December.

Lucia in Uppsala Cathedral

Experience Lucia in the impressive surroundings of Uppsala Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Nordic countries. Several concerts take place on 13 and 14 December, including a concert specially adapted for children.

Good to know: Many Lucia concerts in Sweden are popular and require advance booking, so check local event listings before your visit.

Moving with the times and spreading further afield

Lucia is anchored in tradition, but it continues to evolve. In the past, the crowning of the national and local Lucia was an anticipated event, inviting newspaper readers to vote on their favourite, based on a headshot and a short description. Since this had a whiff of a beauty contest about it, it has been relegated to the past. Today, many schools take a more inclusive approach, with participants sharing the role of Lucia or taking turns leading the procession. As for other modern updates relating to the must-have baked goods, Lucia often serves up vegan alternatives.

No longer confined to the borders of Sweden, the custom, as it’s celebrated here (there’s a different Lucia Day variant in Italy, for example), has spread to other countries. In London, for instance, the Swedish Church hosts events that are so popular they have to be booked months in advance. You’ll also find Lucia events in countries such as Germany, Latvia, the USA and China. Sometimes, Swedes perform, and in other cases, non-Swedes have gone to the trouble of learning the songs in Swedish as a mark of appreciation. Experience it for yourself and you might just find out why Lucia holds such a special place in Swedish hearts.