Stockholm
Stockholm Christmas markets 2026: Stortorget, Skansen and glögg in Gamla Stan
Red stalls at Sweden’s oldest Christmas market, an open-air museum celebrating Christmas as it was a century ago and a Christmas buffet with a view of the Royal Palace. These are Stockholm’s Christmas markets in 2026, with dates, the food to try, a cosy place to eat afterwards and the hotels within walking distance.
It is barely half past three, and darkness has already settled over Gamla Stan. On Stortorget the red stalls light up the cobbles, and from one of them comes the smell of glögg and fresh gingerbread. Around the square stand the narrow, colourful houses that have watched Christmas markets here since 1837. In Stockholm, the Christmas mood arrives early in the day and lasts late into the evening.
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Short answer: Stockholm’s Christmas markets in 2026
Stortorget, Gamla Stan: around 21 November to 23 December 2026. Free, and open daily from late morning.
Skansen: Friday to Sunday from 27 November to 20 December 2026, during the day. Entry to Skansen is required.
Kungsträdgården: a city-centre market with stalls, often run by school pupils selling their own products.
Swedish Christmas markets confirm their dates late. Always check the organisers before you book.
Stay within walking distance of Gamla Stan
Grand Hôtel Stockholm: views of the palace
The classic hotel on Blasieholmen looks across the water to the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan. The Christmas buffet in its Veranda restaurant is a tradition for many Stockholmers.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Hôtel Stockholm
Hotel Skeppsholmen: on its own island
A design hotel in historic buildings on Skeppsholmen, a short walk over the bridge to the centre and Gamla Stan.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Skeppsholmen
Grand Hôtel Stockholm.
Stortorget: Sweden’s oldest Christmas market
The market on Stortorget has been held since 1837 and is considered the oldest in Sweden. Around forty red stalls sell decorations, crafts, sweets, smoked sausage and glögg. The square is small, so it gets crowded on weekend evenings. Come in the morning, when the light is low and the stalls have just opened.
Skansen: Christmas as it was a century ago
At the Skansen open-air museum on Djurgården, Christmas is celebrated as it once was in Swedish villages. The market has a long tradition, with around seventy stalls, a tree to dance around and old farmhouses dressed for Christmas. It opens only at weekends and during the day, so plan around that.
Kungsträdgården and the city lights
In the Kungsträdgården park in the centre, stalls sell gifts and food, and in the evening the whole city glows with lights along the streets and across the water.
What to try
Glögg: Swedish mulled wine, ideally with raisins and almonds in the cup.
Pepparkakor: thin, crisp gingerbread, sometimes topped with blue cheese. Try it before you shake your head.
Lussekatter: golden saffron buns, especially around St Lucia’s Day on 13 December.
Julmust: the sweet, dark Christmas soda that Swedes drink more of than cola in December.
Riddarholmen and Gamla Stan. Photo: Andrei Mike / Unsplash
A cosy place to eat afterwards
December is the month of the julbord in Stockholm, and many restaurants serve the Swedish Christmas buffet with herring, salmon, Jansson’s temptation and meatballs. If you prefer something modern, the city has some of the most exciting kitchens in the Nordics. Read about the chef behind one of them in Frida Ronge and FOMO.
More hotels near the markets
Hotel Diplomat: Art Nouveau on Strandvägen
An elegant hotel on Strandvägen, a short walk to Djurgården and Skansen.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Diplomat
See more in our guide to the best hotels in Stockholm.
Getting to Stockholm
Stockholm is just over two hours from London by air, and the Arlanda Express train reaches the centre in about twenty minutes.
Tips for a Christmas trip to Stockholm
Go early in the day: The sun sets early in December, but the stalls are just as lovely in the morning light.
Combine Skansen with Djurgården: Walk along Strandvägen and over the bridge to the museum island.
Book julbord early: The best-known Christmas buffets fill up long before December.
Frequently asked questions about Stockholm Christmas markets
When does the Gamla Stan Christmas market open in 2026?
The market on Stortorget is expected to run from around 21 November to 23 December 2026. Check the organiser for final dates.
Is the Skansen Christmas market open every day?
No, the Skansen market opens Friday to Sunday, from 27 November to 20 December 2026.
What is the oldest Christmas market in Sweden?
The Christmas market on Stortorget in Gamla Stan has been held since 1837.
Where should you stay for the markets?
Grand Hôtel and Hotel Skeppsholmen are within walking distance of Gamla Stan, and Hotel Diplomat is close to Skansen.