The Swedish Christmas markets of Stockholm light up the dark December night skies with the magic of the Christmas season. Many first time spectators may consider Lucia to be a fairy-like creature, but she, with her singing boys and girls, symbolically open the Christmas doors. The traditional celebration in Sweden of the Queen of Light (Lucia) is held on December 13th.
During the advents there are many Christmas markets to be found around Stockholm, as well as on the archipelago where sweets, reindeer meat, smoked sausages, many decorative arts, and mulled wine can be found. The Skansen Outdoor Museum Christmas market will be held on December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17.
Starting on the first advent Sunday, everyone can enjoy a concert nearly any time of day throughout Stockholm. There are many churches that offer Advent Concerts, and there are many Christmas Concerts played throughout the city. The custom is to go to a holiday concert during the evening at one of the churches around the area, including in the Old Town at Storkyrkan. The market in the Old Town will be open from November 25th to December 22nd.
Other Christmas markets include those in Kungsträdgården from December 1st to 3rd and 8th to 22nd, and in the Rosendals Gardens from November 24th to December 21st. Also, the seasonal table consists of many seasonal specialties. It is served in many of the city’s restaurants, including the archipelago’s many steamboats, during the late part of November until Christmas.