Stockholm Christmas Markets 2024

Stockholm Christmas Markets 2024

Whether you enjoy a traditional or contemporary Christmas, Stockholm has something to offer you. Visit a Christmas market, have some glögg and gingerbread and go shopping under the beautiful Christmas decorations that light up the city every year.

• Visiting Stockholm for Christmas? Check out The Victory Hotel for a unique stay, a 4 star with exceptional character, great breakfast and friendly staff right in the heart of the old town.

The Markets

• Stockholm boasts no less than six Christmas Markets throughout the city, ranging from the classic to the contemporary.  The markets are traditionally held during Advent, meaning most will wrap up before Christmas Eve.
• There are several Christmas Markets dotted across the city. Boutique design shops sit alongside quirky cafes and galleries. Winter is a great time to visit Stockholm as the water ices over around the city, taking on a unique romantic feel.
• Outdoor ice skating, stunning shop window displays, and traditional Swedish hot spiced wine (glögg) add to the festive atmosphere. It is the perfect setting for shopping and a long weekend break.
• Stockholm is a beautiful city of 14 islands connected by bridges and SoFo on the Island of Södermalm. The Scandinavian City on the Water, Stockholm surprises visitors with its many charming and clean waterways, slick design, and gay-friendly locals.
• Stay close to the gay bars and the charm of the old town at the Victory Hotel, rated “Excellent” by guests with uniquely designed, spacious rooms, delicious breakfasts and great location.

Where to stay for a gay Christmas in Stockholm?

The greatest concentration of gay bars and clubs is found in two areas:

• The trendy Södermalm district
• The Old Town, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world.

Old Town’sTown’s (Gamla Stan) Christmas market

• November 25th – December 23rd – The Old Town’s (Gamla Stan) Christmas market is a must for a genuine Stockholm Christmas. It is the most famous and most traditional Christmas Market in Stockholm. It’s located in the heart of the Old Town at Stortorget square (close to the Royal Palace). 
• The little red stalls sell Swedish Christmas sweets, smoked sausages, reindeer- and elk meat and other Christmas delicacies, glögg (mulled wine) and a range of Swedish handicrafts and decorative arts of high-quality artistry.
• Upgrade your Stockholm Christmas experience at the Hotel Reisen, a “Travel Proud” property, rated “Excellent” by guests, with a waterfront location offering guests stunning city views, a modern gym and sauna. 

Skansen

• November 24th – December 17th 2924 – Skansen celebrates all traditional Swedish festivals, and Christmas is no exception, with a historic Christmas market dating back to 1903. Skansen is the first open-air museum and zoo in Sweden, located on the island Djurgården in Stockholm. Discover delicious treats and beautiful Christmas gifts and enjoy the great ambience. 
• Skansen is a 15-minute taxi ride from the old town.

Christmas at Rosendal

• December 9th & 10th 2024 – Rosendals Garden is an oasis for sustainability, growing and enjoyment! In this beautiful garden, you will find seasonal food, flowers, wreaths, bread and pastries. The Premiere evening is on November 29. On December 22, there will be a light show and a large fire when the sunsets.
• The gardens are a 15-minute drive from the old town.

Taxinge Castle

• Next Editions, Over two weekends – November 17th to 19th & November 23rd to 26th 2024.
• Sweden’s Sweden’s largest Christmas fair is at Sörmland’s Taxinge Castle , where over 130 of the country’s best craftsmen are gathered. Make sure to come early; it will take time to browse the full selection of items on offer.
• Discover delicious homemade cheese, sausages, jam, ham, bread, herring, salmon and other goodies that belong to Christmas. And tasting is usually not just allowed; it is a must. 
• The Castle is a one hour drive from Stockholm’s old town.

Other highlights in Stockholm at Christmas

• Arkitektur- och designcentrum: Stop by the Stockholm Design centre to see their annual gingerbread house competition (all month long). The competition is split into three categories: architects, bakers and children. Probably the best smelling museum in the world (at least this month)!
• Rival: Dive into theater at Benny Andersson’s (yeah, the ABBA guy!) Rival hotel. While it might not always be “The Nutcracker,” the stage here is always alive with shows. Nestled in Södermalm, expect enchanting concerts that’ll make any evening romantic.
• Bibliotekstan: Light up your festive spirit in Stockholm’s top retail hub. Whether you’re in for some premium window shopping or the scent of cinnamon buns, this place won’t disappoint. On the hunt for unique gifts? Explore treasures at Antikt Gammalt & Nytt or grab something traditionally Nordic at Svensk Hemslöjd.
• Skeppsholmen Hotel: Fancy a serene Christmas vibe? Set on its namesake island, this four-star spot offers the best of both worlds: Close to Stockholm’s heart yet secluded enough for peaceful lake-side strolls. Whether you’re diving into a book, relishing a tea, or simply soaking in a tub, this place promises a perfect holiday escape.

Gay Stockholm – the best places to drink, dine and party

• Stockholm isn’t just about IKEA, ABBA, and meatballs; it’s a colorful haven for the LGBTQ+ community, boasting everything from cheeky bars to lively Pride parades. This guide sprinkles a little bit of Swedish magic and takes you on a journey to Stockholm’s most fabulous LGBTQ+ spots.

Drink and Dine

• Urban Deli Nytorget & Sveavägen: This isn’t your grandma’s deli. It’s a Pride staple, recognized for its inclusivity. Come for the eco-friendly ethos, stay for a cocktail, or three. After all, love and good food know no bounds.
• The Blue Oyster: Hornstull’s shimmering star, where bingo isn’t just a game—it’s a drag extravaganza. Crowned as 2022’s “Place of the Year”, it’s the venue where you sip, sashay, and repeat!
• Söders Hjärta: Every heart beats here. A welcoming oasis where drinks, tunes, and sunshine collide on the terrace. Created with love by Niclaes and Christian, it’s where you can be you.
• Sidetrack: Tucked away next to the Half Way Inn, this underground jewel is the go-to for the city’s LGBTQ+ folks. Come for the flirty vibes, stay for the memories!
• The Secret Garden: Not so secret, and oh-so-wonderful. By day, a quaint eatery; by night, a dance floor fiesta. Plus, a serene ‘garden’ spot for quieter moments.
• Eat at Helena’s (Spisa hos Helena): Cozy, familiar, and delectably Swedish. It’s not just a neighborhood haunt; it’s a community.
• Whippet Lab: Cheers to change! Focused on social justice, this spot is brewing up a storm, both with their beers and their cause. Unite against prejudice and sip responsibly!

Dance & Revel

• SLM Stockholm: For those with a penchant for leather and a side of intrigue. It’s where you can let your fantasies roam free. Just remember, always respect and never assume.
• Patricia: Ahoy, party-goers! Spend your Sundays aboard Patricia, Stockholm’s iconic floating fiesta. Dance till dawn and make a splash!
• Club Backdoor: Ibiza vibes in the heart of Stockholm? Yes, please! Whether you’re grooving to 90s hits or techno beats, it’s where Stockholm comes alive!

Swedish Tradition – Julboard

• During the weeks leading up to Christmas, it is traditional in Sweden to eat a special Christmas smorgasbord called julbord. It is a buffet that is laden with Swedish holiday dishes… like a variety of pickled herring, smoked salmon, gravad lax, meatballs and glazed ham.
• Many restaurants serve julbord this month, though a neat way to experience this is on the dinner cruises

Where to stay in Stockholm?

Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to the markets and the gay bars and clubs.

Nobis Hotel,    Radisson Blu,    Berns Hotel,    Nordic Light Hotel