A rustic wooden table is set with a tray of typical Swedish Christmas treats such as lussebullar, nuts, and cups of mulled wine.

Christmas fika

Saffronbuns ('Lussekatter') – recipe

Along with gingerbread, saffron buns are a seasonal treat Swedes make for Advent and Lucia in the run-up to Christmas. This sweet, saffron-flavoured bun, known as &#x27;lussekatt&#x27; (directly translated as &#x27;Lucia cat&#x27;), is typically shaped into the letter ‘S’ to look like a curled-up cat, with raisins for decoration to resemble the cat’s eyes.

A table with gingerbread cookies in different shapes and a cup of mulled wine.

Gingerbread

Swedish Gingerbread ('Pepparkakor') – recipe

Making Swedish &#x27;pepparkakor&#x27; — or gingerbread cookies — is a tradition many Swedish families will do every Christmas. These spiced cookies are an integral part of Swedish Christmas celebrations like advent and Lucia.Bake your own gingerbread cookies with this easy gingerbread recipe. Whether you want to make gingerbread men or build a whole gingerbread house, this is where to start.

Recipes

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Un sapin de Noël

Christmas tree

Christmas

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Celebrate Christmas in Sweden, from Lucia and gingerbread to decorating the tree.

Visitors enjoying the festive atmosphere at Jamtli Christmas market with lights, snow and traditional stalls.

Les visiteurs profitent de l'ambiance festive du marché de Noël de Jamtli, avec ses lumières, sa neige et ses stands traditionnels.

Le marché de Noël Jamtli à Östersund

Jamtli Christmas market in Östersund

Discover the magic of Swedish Christmas markets

18 Christmas markets you don’t want to miss this winter.

Een vrouw die een kerstlunch klaarmaakt. Op de tafel voor haar staan diverse schalen, koperen potten, adventskandelaar, brandende kaarsen, dennentakjes en een klein kerstgeitje.

Zweeds kerstdiner

Swedish Christmas dinner

Sample the delights of Swedish Christmas food

Christmas food in Sweden is a culinary feast based on tradition with modern updates. It&#x27;s such a treasured treat that Swedes enjoy its diverse staples – sweet and savoury – throughout the festive season.

Skeppsbron à Noël

Een luchtfoto van winters Stockholm met een grote kerstboom langs het water.

Stockholm tijdens Kerstmis

Stockholm during Christmas

How to celebrate Christmas in Sweden – a guide to traditions and activities

How to celebrate Christmas in Sweden

Inside a church, an audience is watching a Lucia choir perform.

Lucia celebration

Lucia – bearer of light, hymns and Swedish treats

The Lucia tradition is as integral to Swedish culture as midsummer and crayfish parties. Immensely atmospheric, this 400-year-old custom brings peaceful joy each year on 13 December – and it’s spreading across the world.

A person stands in the snow next to a small house and looks up at the northern lights in the sky.

Northern Lights, Arctic Sweden

When and where to see the magical Northern Lights in Sweden

The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most spectacular shows – and northern Sweden is one of the best places on Earth to experience them. From September to March, the skies above Arctic Sweden come alive in shimmering shades of green, pink and violet. Here&#x27;s how to make the most of your aurora-hunting adventure.

When and where to see the magical Northern Lights

Two women are sitting on a hill in the mountains and enjoying the midnight sun.

Midnight Sun in Rikgränsen

When and where to see the spectacular Midnight Sun in Sweden

Imagine a summer where the sun never sets, and golden light stretches into the night. In Arctic Sweden, the Midnight Sun slows down time and makes outdoor activities possible around the clock.

When and where to see the magical Midnight Sun

Arctic Sweden – a culture-rich natural wonderland

Västerbotten – a hotspot for unforgettable nature experiences

Jämtland Härjedalen – a twin province of majestic landscapes

Hälsingland – a province of cultural heritage and scenic beauty

Gästrikland – a peaceful province by the Baltic Sea

Ångermanland

Medelpad – a province on the northeast coast

Norrbotten – the far northeast of Sweden

Dalarna – a miniature Sweden rich in nature and culture

Värmland  – a lake-rich haven of natural beauty

Uppland – where Swedish history comes to life

A golden crown fastened to the Skeppsholm Bridge with the Royal Castle and ferry boats in the background.

The Royal Palace

City break in Stockholm and beyond – tips for one week in the capital of Sweden

Tips for a week-long stay in the capital of Sweden.

City break in Stockholm and beyond

Stockholm – a capital built on islands and ideas

Västmanland – magnificent nature and history close to Stockholm

Sörmland – a pleasure garden studded with castles

Närke – an inland province of culture

Kajakfahrer paddeln durch einen schmalen Wasserweg in Grundsund, umgeben von roten Bootshäusern, weißen Holzhäusern und vor Anker liegenden Booten.

Grundsund, West Sweden

A seafood road trip along Sweden's west coast

Four days of coastal flavours and seaside stays.

West Sweden – an outdoor adventurer’s paradise

The Gothenburg skyline with streets, large buildings and a park with a fountain.

Gothenburg skyline

City break in and around Gothenburg – tips for a week on the west coast

Gothenburg and its surroundings combine coastal charm with vibrant city life. Innovative culture, great outdoor experiences in pristine nature, and creative foodie hotspots together with a trendsetting craft beer scene – this dynamic and walkable city has it all.

City break in and around Gothenburg

Gothenburg – Sweden’s vibrant west coast city

Bohuslän – a gem on the idyllic west coast of Sweden

Red cottages

Things to do in Småland

A region famous for its beautiful countryside, cute red cottages, glass and furniture design and traditional food. Småland is like a Sweden in miniature with something to do for the whole family.

Småland – as Swedish as it gets

Öland – from Swedish royalty to nature's majesty

Gotland – where Viking-era history meets unique natural scenery

Aerial view over Helsingborg’s city centre, showing a blend of historic buildings and contemporary architecture by the coast.

Helsingborg, Skåne

Helsingborg – where innovation meets history by the sea

The Swedish city of Helsingborg is a coastal gem. With a royal past and a future-focused spirit, it effortlessly blends culture with nature – and offers plenty of things to do for curious travellers. From well-preserved ceramic traditions to vineyard tours by bike, it’s a destination full of contrasts and character.

Skåne – a coastal county steeped in history

Person kayaking on a canal in central Malmö, with modern buildings, historic architecture and a waterside café in the background.

Kayaking in Malmö

City break in and around Malmö – tips for a week-long trip

Tips for a week-long stay in southern Sweden.

City break in and around Malmö

Malmö – a city of contrasts and an international melting pot

Östergötland

Västergötland – a province in West Sweden

Halland – a coastal haven for foodies and nature lovers alike

Blekinge – a small county with great archipelago adventures

Dalsland – a province in West Sweden

Christmas in Sweden

Want to plan your holiday based on your interests? Select activities of choice or explore Sweden geographically.