🌟 Christmas markets in Sweden: from the old town to the light parks

🎯 Why visit Christmas markets in Sweden

A Christmas market in Sweden is not just rows of goods. It is an evening when the old streets are filled with warm light, the aroma of hot glögg, the smell of baking and pine needles, and people leave their homes not to ‘go shopping’ but to experience the holiday spirit. Here you can hear Christmas carols, see traditional decorations, try seasonal dishes and feel Swedish Christmas come to life right in the square.

Such fairs are especially appreciated by those who come to the country for just a few days. Tourists rarely have time to experience the entire Advent season and celebrate Julafton with their families, but one evening at the fair allows them to literally ‘jump into’ a Swedish winter fairy tale: drink glögg, buy a straw goat or Christmas tree decorations, take pictures of the lights in the old town, and listen to street musicians.

This article will be useful for:

• those who are planning a short trip of 2–7 days and want to get the most out of their December walks;
• expats and students who are just settling in and looking for a ‘ready-made’ Christmas atmosphere without complicated preparations;
• families with children who want lights, treats and entertainment all in one place;
• all lovers of winter cities, mulled wine and that feeling when it's cold outside, but you have a warm drink and brightly lit shop windows.

The main idea is simple: if you want to understand in one evening what a Swedish Christmas looks and smells like, go to a Christmas market. It's the quickest and most enjoyable way to make friends with winter Sweden, even if you only have one free evening in your schedule.

🗺 Map of Christmas markets: from the capital to small towns

Swedish Christmas markets have one nice feature: they are almost everywhere.

The classic route is Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, but it's easy to add small towns, castles and manors, where the markets are more intimate and ‘fairytale-like’.

Below is a mini-guide to the main destinations. Further on in the article, we will go through the key locations in more detail so that you can put together a route that suits you.

🏰 Stockholm: the capital's main Christmas markets

In Stockholm, Christmas markets are almost a separate itinerary. In a couple of days, you can visit several places and get completely different impressions: from a postcard from the past to a modern city with lights and design markets.

Gamla stan (Stortorget): ‘picture-perfect’ Christmas

The most famous market is on Stortorget Square in the old town, Gamla stan.

This is the very picture you see in the photos:

narrow cobbled streets, facades of old houses, red and ochre walls, lights, stalls with glögg, sweets, crafts and souvenirs.

Here:

• it's easy to forget that you're in the 21st century — the atmosphere is almost magical;
• It's convenient if you don't have much time: the fair is right in the centre, close to all the classic sights.
• It will be crowded, especially in the evenings and on weekends, but that's what creates the feeling of a lively holiday.

Who it's for:

• Those who are in Stockholm for the first time and want a ‘classic postcard’ experience.
• lovers of old towns, historical atmosphere and beautiful photos.

Skansen: a fair ‘like in the old days’

In the historical park-museum Skansen, the Christmas fair is not just rows of goods, but a whole world of old houses, costumes and traditions.

There you can:

• walk around wooden houses with interiors from past centuries;
• see how Christmas bread was baked, clothes were sewn, and livestock was cared for in the old days;
• buy handicrafts, natural products, and classic decor;
• experience Christmas not only as an ‘urban holiday’ but also as part of Sweden's rural and historical culture.

Who it's for:

• family travellers and those travelling with children;
• lovers of history, crafts, and ‘living museums’;
• those who have already seen Gamla stan and want something more authentic and peaceful.

Other spots: Kungsträdgården, local and designer markets

In addition to the ‘big classics’, other fairs and markets appear in Stockholm every year:

• venues in the Kungsträdgården area and other central squares;
• local fairs in different areas: near churches, cultural centres, schools;
• designer markets and pop-up events selling ceramics, jewellery, textiles, posters, candles and other items in a modern Scandinavian style.

They may be smaller in scale, but:

• there are often fewer tourists and more locals;
• there is a chance to find unique, non-“souvenir” items that are truly original;
• you can combine a walk around the area with a short visit to the fair.

Who it's for:

• those who have already been to Stortorget and are looking for new experiences;
• lovers of design and Scandinavian minimalism in things;
• expats who want to experience their ‘own neighbourhood’ in Christmas mode, not just the city centre.

In the end, Stockholm offers several ‘layers’ of Christmas markets:

from the classic square in the old town to the historic park and modern design markets. You can choose one format to suit your mood — or you can arrange a little quest for yourself and visit them all.

🎡 Gothenburg: Liseberg and Christmas lights by the sea

If Stockholm is a postcard with an old town, then Christmas Gothenburg is lights, attractions and the sea. The city turns into a large glowing corridor leading to the main star of the season — the Liseberg amusement park.

Liseberg: a fair, a park and a Christmas show all in one place

In winter, Liseberg is not just an amusement park, but a whole Christmas world:

• kilometres of garlands stretch along the alleys and trees;
• the park has wooden houses selling food, sweets, drinks and souvenirs;
• some of the attractions are adapted for winter, with ice slides, carousels and skating rinks added;
• there is a programme of shows, performances and sometimes themed areas (such as a “winter wonderland” for children).

It's easy to spend the whole evening or even half a day here:

first walking, then eating, then riding and warming up again with glögg.

For many families, Liseberg is a must-see before Christmas, especially if there are children or teenagers in the family.

Other fairs in Gothenburg

In addition to Liseberg, Gothenburg also has more ‘classic’ city markets:

• fairs in the city centre — in squares and streets with historic facades;
• small markets in neighbourhoods — near churches, cultural centres, schools;
• local designer markets selling jewellery, textiles, ceramics and Scandinavian-style gifts.

They are usually smaller in scale than Liseberg, but more intimate:

you can stroll around, have a cup of glögg, buy a couple of gifts and feel like you are part of city life rather than a tourist.

Features of Gothenburg's fairs

Christmas in Gothenburg has its own character:

• a milder, maritime climate — there may be less snow, but there are lots of lights and reflections in the water;
• an emphasis on entertainment and family activities, especially in Liseberg;
• a feeling of a city that focuses not only on tradition but also on ‘big shows’.

If you want a Christmas market where you can walk, ride and watch shows, Gothenburg, and especially Liseberg, may be the perfect choice.

🌧 Malmö and southern Sweden: fairs in a mild winter

Southern Sweden offers a completely different Christmas feeling than the north and even Stockholm. The winter here is milder: more wind and rain, fewer stable snowdrifts — but lights, cafés and city life play a particularly important role.

Central markets in Malmö

In Malmö, Christmas life usually revolves around the city centre:

• squares and pedestrian streets are decorated with lights;
• Christmas huts are set up with treats and souvenirs;
• cafés, restaurants and shops are nearby, so a stroll through the fair can easily be combined with shopping and dinner.

In terms of atmosphere, Malmö is more about urban cosiness than a ‘winter wonderland with snowdrifts’. This is the perfect place for those who enjoy:

• long walks in the city centre;
• design shops and small boutiques;
• combining the market with cafés, restaurants and cultural activities.

Trips to neighbouring towns and castles

The advantage of southern Sweden is that there are many small towns and castles/manors around Malmö, where Christmas markets are also held. This is a good option if:

• you have already seen the centre of Malmö;
• you want a more intimate, ‘old-fashioned’ atmosphere;
• you are willing to spend half a day on a short trip.

Such fairs at castles and estates are often:

• smaller in scale,
• more focused on crafts and local delicacies,
• and give the feeling of ‘visiting an old estate’ rather than just a city.

Two countries in one weekend: Malmö + Copenhagen

A big bonus of Malmö is the bridge over the Öresund and its proximity to Copenhagen. It's easy to plan a weekend itinerary:

• day/evening in Malmö: walk around the city centre, dinner, local fair;
• a day in Copenhagen: its large Christmas markets, parks and lights.

This route is especially convenient if you:

• are flying into one of the cities and don't want to choose between the two;
• like to compare the atmosphere in different countries;
• want to see Scandinavian winter on both sides of the strait during a short visit.

Southern Sweden is not necessarily about knee-deep snow, but it is definitely about lights, the windy sea, cosy interiors and the ability to easily combine itineraries.

❄️ The north and small towns: fairs with real snow

While in Stockholm and the south, the winter atmosphere is maintained by lights and shop windows, in the northern and small Swedish towns, the fairs are complemented by another powerful effect — real winter. Here, it is quite possible to walk through the Christmas market with snow crunching underfoot, the air stinging your cheeks, and the steam from glögg rising in a particularly thick cloud.

In northern cities and small towns, Christmas markets are usually:

• smaller in scale — a couple of rows of houses, one square, a small park;
• with a clear predominance of local residents over tourists;
• strongly focused on local crafts and products: jams, sausages, pastries, woollen items, wood and textile crafts.

Here, there is rarely a feeling of a “mass event for tourists”. It is more like a town gathering: some people are selling, some are just out for a walk, children are running around in the deep snow, and some are lingering by the bonfire or a barrel with a fire to warm themselves.

A special bonus of the north is the opportunity to combine:

• a walk around the fair,
• real snowdrifts and frost,
• and sometimes even the northern lights, if you are lucky with the weather and location.

Such fairs are perfect for those who are not looking for a ‘picture-perfect capital,’ but rather a quiet, very real winter fairy tale, where Christmas feels like part of everyday life in a small town rather than a picture for social media.

🍷 What to drink and eat at the markets: glögg, lussekatter and more

Christmas markets in Sweden are half about the lights and half about the smells and tastes. Even if you don't like shopping, it's still worth visiting for the food and drink.

Glögg: the main winter drink

Glögg is the Swedish version of mulled wine. It is served:

• non-alcoholic — often at a basic level, with spices and juice/syrup;
• with alcohol — with wine or fortified versions, sometimes slightly stronger than the usual mulled wine.

Classic serving:

• a small glass or mug of hot glögg;
• almond flakes and raisins are added to it — they are nice to eat with a spoon when the drink is almost finished.

This is something you should definitely try at least once — even if you're not a big fan of hot alcohol. You can always get a non-alcoholic version, especially if you have children or don't drink.

Baked goods: the sweet part of the holiday

Often found at fairs:

• lussekatter — bright yellow saffron buns with raisins;
• pepparkakor — thin ginger biscuits, sometimes in the shape of hearts, stars or people;
• buns with cinnamon and cardamom;
• almond and nut cakes and biscuits.

Sometimes they sell whole sets of baked goods that you can take home with you to enjoy with tea or coffee — a good option if you want to prolong the fair atmosphere beyond the square.

Street food: warm and filling

To keep you from freezing, the fairs also offer more filling options:

• sausages in buns;
• thick soups in cups or bowls;
• waffles, pancakes, fritters;
• roasted nuts, chestnuts, sweet almonds.

The format is simple: grab something warm, stand at a high table or by a fire/heater, warm up, and continue walking.

What to try if you only have an hour or two at the fair

If you don't have much time but want to get the most out of your experience, here's a good selection:

• A glass of glögg (non-alcoholic or alcoholic) — to understand what Swedish winter smells like.
• One lussekatt or other typical Christmas cookie — for a taste of Advent.
• Something warm and filling from the street food stalls — so you don't think about the cold.

This is enough to make you associate Swedish fairs not only with beautiful photos, but also with very specific tastes and smells that you will want to return to every December.

🎁 Souvenirs and gifts: what to take home with you

A Christmas fair is a dangerous place for your suitcase: there are so many lovely things around that you want to take half the stalls home with you. But if you approach it sensibly, you can put together a very ‘Swedish’ set of gifts that won't gather dust on the shelf.

Crafts and handmade items

The fairs offer many things that are either impossible to find in regular shops or harder to notice:

• wood — serving boards, candlesticks, figurines, Christmas tree decorations;
• ceramics — mugs, bowls, mini vases, decorative plates;
• textiles — kitchen towels, napkins, tablecloths, pot holders in Christmas or simple Scandinavian styles;
• Candles — scented and regular, in glass or ceramic candle holders.
• Decorations — minimalist, often made of silver, brass or wood.

These items are nice to use every day — they don't scream ‘souvenir’ and gently remind you of your trip.

Traditional Christmas decor

If you want a ‘Swedish Christmas starter pack,’ look for:

• julbock straw goats — small or medium-sized;
• straw stars and figurines for the Christmas tree;
• hanging wooden or metal decorations in the shape of hearts, angels, stars;
• miniature houses and lanterns that can be placed on a shelf or under the tree.

A couple of these details at home immediately give the interior a ‘Swedish winter’ feel, even if everything else is very minimalistic.

Gastronomic souvenirs

Another great option is edible gifts:

• coffee and tea from local roasters/brands;
• spices and glögg kits (mixtures with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, orange peel);
• sauces, jams, preserves, honey, marmalades and caramels;
• packages of pepparkakor or other Christmas sweets in beautiful tin boxes.

These are things that:

1. don't clutter up the house,
2. are nice to give as gifts,
3. can be opened in winter to bring back the smell of a Swedish fair.

How not to buy too much

To prevent the fair from turning into a marathon of impulse purchases, a simple filter helps:

• ‘Will I use this in a month/year?’
• If the answer is ‘well, maybe someday,’ it's better to walk away.
• Divide things into categories:
  • ‘for the home’ — a maximum of 1-2 decorative items and some textiles;
  • “edible” — feel free to take a little more, it's easy to give away and use;
  • ‘gifts’ — think in advance about who would like what.
• Take photos of what you like and don't buy it right away. If you're still thinking about it half an hour later, that's a good sign.

This way, you won't end up with a random collection of ‘whatever you could get your hands on,’ but rather a compact, meaningful set of Swedish memories that will truly live in your home and bring joy to your loved ones.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fairs with children: atmosphere, entertainment, practical details

For children, a Christmas fair is not about ‘buying souvenirs,’ but about lights, treats and little adventures. With a little preparation, such an outing can easily become one of the warmest memories of a winter trip.

What makes fairs interesting for children

Children usually need three things:

• lots of lights and decorations around — illuminations, Christmas trees, figurines, sometimes mini-stages;
• sweets and pastries — cookies, buns, hot chocolate, waffles;
• entertainment — from carousels in Liseberg to mini-programmes, street musicians, and small theatre stages at some fairs.

This focus is particularly noticeable in Liseberg Park in Gothenburg: the attractions, shows and decoration of the areas are all tailored to families. In other cities, the entertainment is simpler, but even just going to the fair with a hot drink and biscuits for your child is an event in itself.

Warmth and safety

In winter in Sweden, everything comes down to clothing and rhythm:

• layering: thermal underwear, a warm middle layer, windproof outerwear;
• warm shoes and socks, mittens, a hat, a scarf/buff — especially if children spend a lot of time sitting in a pram;
• it's good to have a plan for ‘where to go to warm up’ — a café, food court, or covered pavilion.

Safety:

• large fairs and the capital can be crowded and noisy, so it's best to agree in advance with your child on ‘where to meet if we get lost’;
• It is normal for small children to stay in their pram — it is easier to keep an eye on them and they stay warmer.
• Fairs look more beautiful in the evening, but with very young children it is often more convenient to come during the day or at dusk, before it gets too late and too crowded.

Where it's easiest with children

• Stockholm and Gothenburg offer many options:
  • fairs in the centre + nearby cafés, toilets, transport;
  • parks like Liseberg — with well-thought-out infrastructure for families.
• Small towns and the north:
  • there are fewer people, you can walk around calmly, and children get less tired from the noise;
  • but the infrastructure is more modest: fewer cafés and ‘warm spots’, limited opening hours.

If you are travelling with children for the first time, it is often easier to start with fairs in the capital or parks:

it's easier to find a toilet, a place to eat, shelter from the wind and rain, and the journey back to the hotel is usually short. But it's best to leave the small towns for when you've got used to winter walks and understand how long your children are willing to spend outside.

💳 Practicalities: money, time, clothing

Christmas markets in Sweden are very atmospheric, but all the fun can easily be ruined if you get cold, arrive at the wrong time or get stuck in queues at the cash machine. A little practice and everything will be comfortable.

When the markets are open

The market season usually lasts:

• from the end of November — the first weekend of Advent;
• throughout December;
• some fairs are open only until 23–24 December, while others are open longer but with reduced hours.

The exact dates depend on the city and venue, so it's best to check the schedule on the fair's website or the city's tourist portal before you go.

What time of day to go

Each option has its own advantages:

• Morning
  • fewer people;
  • convenient for families with small children;
  • calm atmosphere, more like a market.
• Day
  • convenient to combine with museums and shopping;
  • brighter, easier to navigate, easier to take ‘informative’ photos.
• Evening
  • maximum atmosphere of lights: garlands, shop windows, warm light;
  • the best option if you want a ‘wow effect’ and beautiful pictures;
  • more people, sometimes noisy, especially on Fridays and weekends.

If you are with children or don't like crowds, this format works well: arrive just before dark to catch both the daylight and the lights, but leave before the peak of human traffic.

How to pay at the fair

Sweden is a very cashless country, and this is noticeable at fairs:

• bank cards are accepted almost everywhere;
• many kiosks use Swish (a Swedish app for instant transfers) — relevant for those who live in the country;
• cash can often be used, but not everywhere, and change may not be available.

If you are a tourist, it is best to:

• have a bank card (preferably with a reasonable conversion fee);
• not expect the fair to save you if you only have cash.

Clothing: layers and wind protection

In winter, you will spend a lot of time standing still or walking slowly at the fair, so the number one rule is layers:

• base layer: thermal underwear or simply cotton/wool base layer;
• middle layer: warm jumper or fleece;
• top layer: jacket or coat that keeps out wind and moisture.

Essential items:

• warm hat;
• gloves or mittens (mittens are better — they are warmer);
• a scarf or buff to cover your neck and part of your face;
• shoes with good soles, preferably waterproof;

warm socks, especially if you like to stand near the stage or queue for glögg.

🧊 4 tips to avoid getting cold and tired

🚆 How to incorporate fairs into your itinerary in Sweden

A Christmas fair is not a separate ‘trip for the sake of the market,’ but a convenient evening stop on any winter itinerary. During the day, you can walk around the city, visit museums and embankments, and as dusk approaches, simply ‘dive’ into the lights, glögg and music.

Option 1: a weekend in one city + a fair

If you only have 2-3 days, here's a great scenario:

• Stockholm for the weekend
  • Day: the old town, museums, walks along the embankments.
  • Evening: a fair in Gamla stan or Skansen — one evening for a ‘postcard’ atmosphere, the second for a more historical format.
• Gothenburg for the weekend
  • Day: the centre, the harbour, cafés.
  • Evening: Liseberg — a park of lights, attractions and food, where you can spend the whole evening having fun.

This way, the fair becomes a logical end to the day, rather than a separate logistical task.

Option 2: several fairs in one trip

If you are willing to travel a little further, you can put together a mini-tour of different Christmas scenes:

• Stockholm + Uppsala or Sigtuna
  • Stockholm — large fairs and the capital.
  • Uppsala or Sigtuna — more intimate markets, ancient streets, the feeling of a small town.
• Malmö + Lund + Copenhagen
  • Malmö — southern, mild winter and urban comfort.
  • Lund — a university town with a beautiful historic centre.
  • Copenhagen — large Danish markets and its own atmosphere.

The route turns out to be: during the day — travel and walking, in the evening — another fair.

The fair as the evening highlight of the day

A good principle for planning a winter trip to Sweden:

• during the day, visit museums, go for walks, shop, take trips,
• and leave the evenings for fairs — without a strict schedule:
  • ‘walk until we freeze,’
  • drink glögg,
  • look at the lights and choose a couple of souvenirs.

This way, there is no feeling of rushing, and the fairs become a natural part of the winter rhythm.

If the reader wants to delve deeper, it would be logical to provide internal links to your materials: about winter in Sweden, Christmas in different regions, separate articles on Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and the north — so that an entire winter itinerary can be easily put together from a single article about the markets.

🔚 Christmas markets as a quick way to fall in love with the Swedish winter

A Christmas market is a small concentration of Swedish winter in one place. Here, you can find lights, the smell of glögg, the taste of baked goods, traditional julbock figurines, lights, music and the feeling that everything around you is a little slower and kinder than usual. Even if you don't see perfect snow or visit all the ‘must-see’ attractions, one evening at the fair is often much more memorable than any item on your checklist.

If you are planning a trip to Sweden in winter, it is worth checking the dates of the fairs right away:

set aside at least one evening ‘just to walk around with mulled wine’, without a busy schedule, give yourself time to stand by the little houses, smell the cinnamon and pine branches, listen to the music and look at the lights. The weather may be windy, wet, and frosty — but that's what warm drinks, layered clothing, and short stops at cafés along the way are for.

And to get the full picture, you can check out other materials: about Advent, Saint Lucia's Day, Christmas in different regions of Sweden, and what winter is like in the country from Malmö to Lapland. Together, they help you see the fair not as a separate event, but as part of a big, warm, and very Swedish winter season.