The festive season in Scandinavia, known as Jul, is a magical time filled with traditions and cosy gatherings that brighten the long northern nights. Each Nordic country adds its own unique touch to Christmas celebrations, blending folklore and history with a modern holiday spirit.
In Sweden, the St. Lucia processions illuminate December with candlelit ceremonies that honour light during winter’s darkest days. Norway celebrates with the Yule Goat, a symbol of holiday cheer and goodwill.
Spending Christmas in the Scandinavian region is a blend of timeless rituals surrounded by an enchanting atmosphere, perfect for slowing down and embracing the simple joys of the season. If you are planning to spend the holiday season in the Nordic countries, here are some must-visit places to fully embrace the festive spirit and charm of Scandinavian Christmas!
Visit Tivoli Gardens, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is an enchanting winter wonderland during the Christmas season, transforming this historic amusement park into a realm of holiday magic. Founded in 1843, Tivoli is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks and is renowned for its charm, blending traditional Danish culture with thrilling rides and beautiful gardens.
In December, Tivoli’s pathways are illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, while stalls throughout the park sell seasonal treats like gløgg (spiced mulled wine) and æbleskiver (small round pastries).
The entire park is dressed in holiday splendour—cosy seating areas and warm, twinkling lights create a true “hygge” atmosphere. Tivoli Gardens is a quintessential Danish Christmas experience, perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to soak up the holiday spirit in a unique historic setting.
Visit the home of Santa in Lapland, Finland
There is no other truly magical place during Christmas like Santa Claus’ official hometown, Lapland, located right on the Arctic Circle. The village is filled with festive charm and decorations that feel straight out of a Christmas movie. You can go on reindeer sleigh rides, visit Santa’s workshop, and even get a special holiday postcard stamped from the Arctic Circle at Santa Claus’ Post Office.
To learn more about the local culture, do not miss the chance to learn about the Sami people, Lapland’s indigenous community, through guided experiences in reindeer herding and traditional crafts. The best way to reach Lapland is to take flights to Rovaniemi from Helsinki. If you’re up for an adventure, a scenic overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi provides a cosy journey through Finland’s snowy landscapes.
Enjoy the great Nordic winter outdoor adventures
The Nordic winter is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a mix of exhilarating and serene activities against a stunning snowy backdrop. Besides staying cosy and warm during the winter months, the Nordics enjoy making most of the outdoor activities.
Experience the thrill of husky sledging in Tromsø, Norway, or Finnish Lapland, and enjoy top ski slopes in Åre, Sweden, and Trysil, Norway. For relaxation, soak in hot tubs or saunas at Sweden’s Arctic Bath or at Norway’s Lyngen Lodge with an outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the fjords.
For those chasing the Northern Lights, Sweden, Iceland and Norway offer some of the best viewing spots as they are located near the Arctic Circle. Snowshoeing and winter hikes are also fantastic ways to explore the Arctic wilderness, with trails in Finnish Lapland’s Saariselkä and Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park offering serene beauty and the thrill of Nordic nature in winter.
Visit Scandinavian Christmas Markets
No trip through Scandinavia during the Christmas season is complete without exploring its enchanting Christmas markets. Here are some of the most captivating Christmas Markets in the region:
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market, Denmark: Set within Copenhagen’s iconic amusement park, Tivoli Gardens transforms into a festive wonderland with charming stalls, dazzling lights, and seasonal treats. Indulge in festive Danish treats while taking in Tivoli’s magical rides.
Gamla Stan Christmas Market, Sweden: Located in Stockholm’s historic Old Town, this market is a classic Swedish Christmas experience offering handmade crafts, spiced pastries, and traditional foods like gingerbread and glögg, all surrounded by the beautiful mediaeval architecture of Gamla Stan.
Røros Christmas Market, Norway: Held in the UNESCO-listed town of Røros, this Christmas market is set against a stunning backdrop of preserved wooden buildings and snowy streets. With Norwegian crafts, traditional foods, and horse-drawn sleigh rides, it’s an idyllic setting that feels like stepping into a holiday postcard.
Yule Town Christmas Market, Iceland: Located in Reykjavik, this market combines Nordic and Icelandic traditions with handmade wool goods, ornaments, and seasonal treats while surrounded by stunning mountain views for you to soak in the festive winter wonderland spirit.
Turku Christmas Market, Finland: Finland’s oldest Christmas market in Turku’s Old Great Square is a beloved tradition, with Finnish crafts, traditional foods, and festive performances. Known as Finland’s ‘Christmas City’, Turku’s market is filled with warmth and charm, capturing the essence of a Finnish Christmas.
Witness the celebration of St. Lucia’s Day
St. Lucia’s Day, celebrated on December 13, is one of the most cherished holiday traditions in Scandinavia, symbolising light and hope in the dark winter months. On this day, young people dressed in white gowns, led by a “Lucia” wearing a crown of candles, form candlelight processions and sing traditional Lucia songs.
The best place to witness the St Lucia Procession is by visiting Stockholm’s Skansen, an open-air museum, where the Lucia procession takes place against the backdrop of historic Swedish architecture. Churches throughout Sweden also hold Lucia concerts, which are open to the public and filled with solemn music that embodies the warmth and togetherness of the season.
Denmark has its own unique twist on St. Lucia’s tradition. As night falls on December 13, hundreds of kayaks with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations sail through Copenhagen’s canals, creating a magical tribute to Santa Lucia.
Visit Tomteland, Sweden
Tomteland is a Christmas wonderland dedicated to the world of Santa Claus and Swedish folklore that brings the magic of Christmas with immersive and whimsical experiences.
The main attraction includes meeting Santa Claus (Tomete) himself and exploring the Elf theme village, Troll Forest, and Fairyland, each filled with interactive shows, storytelling and hands-on activities.
Set against a snowy forest backdrop, Tomteland provides a fun and immersive experience that combines Christmas cheer with Swedish tradition, making it a magical destination for anyone seeking an authentic and fun holiday experience in Sweden.
Catch a Christmas musical or concert
Scandinavia is home to beautiful Christmas musical traditions, with Sweden standing out for its festive concert scene. The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Concert and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra’s performances at the Stockholm Concert Hall are renowned for their festive classics that attract audiences from across the country.
While in Copenhagen, don’t miss out on The Nutcracker ballet held in the iconic Tivoli Concert Hall. Another popular performance is the Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir’s Christmas Concert at the Church of Our Lady, where traditional Danish and international carols fill the cathedral.
