Top Christmas Markets in Sweden: Stockholm, Gothenburg & Beyond
When you think of the top Christmas markets in Sweden, imagine flickering candles in snow-covered courtyards, the scent of saffron buns, and choirs singing outside red wooden cottages. It’s cold, it’s dark, but it’s cozy and wonderful as well. Sweden’s holiday season blends Nordic simplicity with deep tradition, making its Christmas markets feel both authentic and cinematic.
Whether you’re exploring Stockholm’s cobbled streets or Gothenburg’s amusement-park glow, these are the top Christmas markets in Sweden worth planning your trip around.
Stockholm: Old Town Charm and Citywide Cheer
Sweden’s capital turns into a winter postcard each December. The main Gamla Stan Christmas Market, held in Stortorget Square, dates back to the 1830s and remains the most traditional in the country. Rows of red stalls sell hand-blown glass ornaments, cured reindeer sausage, and mugs of hot glögg.
Smaller markets pop up across the city:
- Skansen Christmas Market: An open-air museum turned festive village. Visitors can watch craftspeople make candles and sample homemade toffee.
- Kungsträdgården Market: Great for skating and urban lights, surrounded by restaurants and holiday events.
Stockholm’s markets stay open from late November through Christmas Eve, perfect for early travelers who want a head start on the season.
For travelers comparing destinations across Europe, read the Regional Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe.
Check official event details on the Visit Stockholm website for updated market dates and hours.
Gothenburg: Lights, Rides, and Scandinavian Magic
Gothenburg hosts one of the largest and most atmospheric events among the top Christmas markets in Sweden — the Liseberg Christmas Market. Nearly a million twinkling lights cover the amusement park, transforming it into a Nordic wonderland with reindeer, ice sculptures, and stalls selling local crafts.
Don’t miss:
- Nordic Square (Nordens Torg): Focused on sustainable Swedish design.
- Lapland Market: Serving traditional Sami dishes and showcasing Arctic crafts.
- Christmas Express Train: A nostalgic way to explore the grounds if you’re visiting with kids.
If you prefer something smaller, Haga Christmas Market in Gothenburg’s old quarter is perfect. Cobblestone streets lined with cafés and boutiques serve as the backdrop for handmade gifts and fresh cinnamon buns.
See up-to-date Liseberg info on Liseberg’s official site.
Malmö: Cozy Market with a Danish Influence
In Sweden’s south, Malmö’s Gustav Adolfs Torg hosts a relaxed, local-feeling Christmas market. With Copenhagen just across the Øresund Bridge, Malmö blends Swedish and Danish traditions — think cardamom buns beside Danish æbleskiver and mulled wine spiced with clove and orange peel.
The market also includes an eco-friendly zone where artisans sell recycled materials turned into gifts, fitting Sweden’s focus on sustainability.
Best for: Travelers arriving via Copenhagen who want a Swedish Christmas experience without a long train ride north.
Uppsala: A Historic Market Near Stockholm
Uppsala, about 40 minutes by train from Stockholm, offers a quieter alternative with its Gamla Uppsala Christmas Market. It’s held near ancient burial mounds, adding a historic atmosphere. Vendors sell wool goods, candles, and local delicacies like pepparkakor (ginger cookies).
The city’s Cathedral Market and Castle Courtyard Market bring additional festive options for visitors who prefer small-town calm over big-city bustle.
What to Eat and Drink at Sweden’s Christmas Markets
- Glögg: Sweden’s take on mulled wine, often served with almonds and raisins.
- Lussekatter: Saffron buns eaten around St. Lucia Day (December 13).
- Kanelbullar: Cinnamon buns, always available and always warm.
- Pepparkakor: Crisp ginger biscuits shaped like hearts and stars.
Insider tip: You can bring home glögg spices as gifts — most markets sell pre-mixed packets. This is my go-to Christmas gift for my neighbors and coworkers, paired with a cute holiday mug.
Planning Your Visit to the Top Christmas Markets in Sweden
- Season: Late November to December 23–24.
- Temperature: –5°C to 3°C, with frequent snow in Stockholm and Gothenburg.
- Currency: Swedish krona (SEK).
- Getting Around: Trains connect Stockholm, Uppsala, Gothenburg, and Malmö efficiently, making a multi-city itinerary easy.
For a broader look at festive destinations, pair your Sweden trip with our Hidden Gem Christmas Markets in Eastern Europe post, or plan a cross-border route from Malmö to Copenhagen for a mix of cultures.
Why Sweden Belongs on Every Christmas Market Itinerary
The top Christmas markets in Sweden feel personal — smaller crowds, local food, and that soft Nordic light that makes everything glow. Whether it’s sipping glögg under the cathedral in Uppsala or walking through Liseberg’s million lights, you’ll see why Sweden turns winter into something calm, cozy, and deeply festive.