How Do Swedish People Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve?

Sweden during the winter holidays is a magical mix of ancient traditions, hearty feasts, and a few quirky customs that might surprise you. So if you’re planning to be in Sweden around Christmas and New Year, you’re in for an amazing treat

In today’s article, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about Swedes and their winter celebrations, from the iconic St. Lucia processions to the much-anticipated Disney special on Christmas Eve (yes, it’s a thing!). So, grab a warm cup of glögg and read on!

How is Christmas celebrated in Sweden?

Swedes like to start early with the celebrations, so they won’t wait for the actual Christmas Day to let the magic happen.

Instead, just like in most countries in the region, the Yuletide season begins with Advent. But Swedes push the envelope by gathering at the end of November for a pre-party and good time in anticipation of the even better ones that are coming.

Starting four Sundays before Christmas, Swedes light a new candle each week in a four-candle arrangement, often placed in an evergreen wreath (see the photo above).

This tradition, called Första Advent, brings families together to celebrate with coffee, saffron buns (lussekatter), and maybe a dash of glögg.

St. Lucia’s Day: A Festival of Light

One of the most unique Swedish Christmas traditions is St. Lucia’s Day, celebrated on December 13. This day honors St. Lucia, a Christian martyr who became a symbol of hope and light during Sweden’s dark winters.

Expect to see young girls dressed in white gowns with red sashes, carrying candles and singing traditional hymns. The “Lucia” of each group wears a crown of candles (don’t worry, they’re usually battery-powered now) and leads the procession.

This is being true to how the young St. Lucia placed candles in her hair so that her hands would be free to carry food into the catacombs where persecuted Christians hid.

Fun fact: boys participate too, often dressed as star boys (stjärngossar) or little elves (tomtenissar).

Christmas Eve: The Big Day

While many countries focus on Christmas Day, Swedes do most of their celebrating on Christmas Eve (Julafton).

The festivities usually start in the afternoon, and here’s where it gets interesting: at exactly 3 PM, much of the nation pauses to watch “Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul” (Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas). This Disney special has been a beloved tradition since 1959. Don’t ask why – it just is.

After Donald Duck, families exchange gifts, often delivered by Jultomten (Santa Claus).

But in some homes, you might also encounter Julbocken (the Christmas goat), a figure with roots in pagan mythology. In some regions, people even dress up as goats, singing songs and playing pranks – a tradition known as Julebukking. At the very least, expect to see some goats made out of straw in front of the Swedish Christmas trees.

Julbord: The Ultimate Christmas Feast

On Christmas morning, people traditionally attend the Christmas church services. Then there’s the “Julbord” – the much-awaited buffet where you will find a plethora of amazing traditional (and not-so-traditional dishes that you will enjoy with friends and family).

Here’s what you can expect to find on the table during this time:

• Jukskinka: Christmas ham, often baked with a mustard crust.
• Pickled herring: Served in various sauces, from mustard to dill.
• Gravlax: Cured salmon with dill and mustard sauce.
• Meatballs and sausages: Because no Swedish meal is complete without them.
• Lutfisk: A gelatinous fish dish that’s… an acquired taste.
• Sweets: Don’t forget the gingerbread cookies (pepparkakor) and saffron buns!

Of course, this feast wouldn’t be complete without one (or more) steaming cups of glögg, Sweden’s answer to mulled wine. Served with almonds and raisins, it’s the perfect way to wash down all that delicious food. If you still can…

I say that because I still remember my first Swedish Julbord – the sheer variety of dishes was overwhelming but delicious. By the end, I was so full I could barely manage a sip of glögg!

And just to make sure that you don’t miss anything and you do your own part when it comes to impressing your friends or your loved ones, make sure to check out my article where I shared how to say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Swedish.

How is the New Year celebrated in Sweden?

When it comes to ringing in the New Year, Swedes know how to throw a party. The evening typically starts with an elegant shellfish dinner – think lobster, crayfish, and oysters – paired with champagne and, you guessed it, more glögg.

At a few minutes before midnight, many Swedes tune in for a dramatic reading of the poem “Nyårsklockan” (Ring Out, Wild Bells), broadcast live from Stockholm.

As the clock strikes midnight, church bells ring, fireworks light up the sky, sparkling wine or champagne fills up the glasses, and the real party begins, lasting until early in the morning.

But apart from the traditional food and the tradition of reading or reciting the poem, I wouldn’t say that the Swedish celebration of the New Year is much different from what happens in other countries – both in Scandinavia and all over the world.

Tjugondag Knut: The Grand Finale

Think the holiday season ends on January 1? Not in Sweden!

The festivities stretch all the way to January 13, known as Tjugondag Knut (Twentieth Day Knut). This is when Swedes officially say goodbye to Christmas by taking down their decorations and, in many households, indulging in a final feast to finish off any leftover sweets and treats.

Usually, since there are no leftovers in sight, a new feast is set up just for this occasion.

Also, children sing songs while “plundering”’” the Christmas tree of its edible ornaments, a tradition known as Julgransplundring. It’s a bittersweet farewell to the holiday season but done with plenty of joy (and sweets!).

Quick Tips for Celebrating the Winter Holidays in Sweden

If you’re lucky enough to spend the holidays in Sweden, here are a few quick tips to make them even better:

• Visit Christmas Markets: Stockholm’s Gamla Stan and Gothenburg’s Liseberg are magical during the season.
• Dress Warm: Swedish winters are no joke. Bundle up with layers, scarves, and sturdy boots.
• Practice Your Swedish: A heartfelt “God Jul!” (Merry Christmas) or “Gott Nytt År!” (Happy New Year) will go a long way.

Now that you’ve learned the essentials for celebrating the Swedish winter festivities, it’s appropriate to wish you:

Ha en bra vinterledighet ! (Have a great winter vacation!)

Have you experienced Swedish Christmas or New Year celebrations? Share your favorite traditions or tips in the comments below – I’d love to hear your stories!