3-Day Enchanting Christmas Holiday Itinerary in Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

3 days

Stortorget square decorated to Christmas time at night
Christmas decorations on Kungsgatan at Christmas time.
night skyline of the Skeppsholmen and Sodermalm with fiewworks
Winter night
skyline and city hall of Stockholm at night with fiewworks,

About Stockholm, Sweden

Experience the charm of Stockholm, Sweden's vibrant capital, where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. Explore the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, the city's oldest district, home to the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral. Visit the Vasa Museum to witness a 17th-century ship, or modern art at Fotografiska. Enjoy a boat tour through the city's interconnected islands or stroll around Djurgården, an island with beautiful parks and museums. Indulge in Swedish cuisine, from traditional meatballs to fresh seafood. Experience the nightlife in trendy Södermalm or shop in upscale Östermalm. Stockholm, a city of design, innovation, and culture, awaits you.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Royal Palace, one of the largest palaces in Europe. Explore the royal apartments, the treasury, and the Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Swedish Christmas lunch at a local restaurant, featuring dishes such as pickled herring, meatballs, and Jansson's temptation.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a stroll through Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town. Visit the Nobel Museum and the Stockholm Cathedral, and enjoy the Christmas decorations and festive atmosphere.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local restaurant, trying out traditional Swedish dishes like gravlax or reindeer.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Christmas market in Stortorget, the oldest square in Stockholm. Enjoy the festive lights, traditional Swedish Christmas sweets, and unique handicrafts.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Vasa Museum, home to the world's only preserved 17th-century ship.

Lunch

Enjoy a cozy lunch at a local restaurant, trying out Swedish dishes like herring or Swedish meatballs.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit Skansen, the world's oldest open-air museum. During Christmas, Skansen hosts a traditional Christmas market where you can buy Swedish handicrafts and traditional Christmas food.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local restaurant, trying out traditional Swedish dishes like gravlax or reindeer.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the ABBA Museum, a must-visit for any music fan. Explore the interactive exhibits and even perform on stage with virtual ABBA members.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Moderna Museet, home to modern and contemporary art.

Lunch

Enjoy a cozy lunch at a local restaurant, trying out Swedish dishes like herring or Swedish meatballs.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the Royal National City Park, a green oasis in the heart of Stockholm. During Christmas, the park is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local restaurant, trying out traditional Swedish dishes like gravlax or reindeer.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Icebar, a unique bar made entirely of ice. Enjoy a drink in a glass made of ice while wrapped in a warm poncho.

Attractions in Itinerary (9)

Royal Palace

1
Royal Palace

The official residence of the Swedish monarch, with over 600 rooms.

Attractions
Monuments
Architecture
Nobel Museum

2
Nobel Museum

A museum dedicated to the Nobel Prize, Nobel laureates and the founder of the prize, Alfred Nobel.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Stockholm Cathedral

3
Stockholm Cathedral

The oldest church in Gamla Stan, the old town in central Stockholm, Sweden.

Attractions
Religious Sites
Architecture
Vasa Museum

4
Vasa Museum

A maritime museum located on the island of Djurgården.

Museums
Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Skansen

5
Skansen

The world's first open-air museum, showcasing the different ways of life in Sweden.

Attractions
Museums
Parks
Cultural Experiences
ABBA Museum

6
ABBA Museum

A museum dedicated to the pop group ABBA, featuring interactive exhibits, original costumes, and plenty of ABBA music.

Museums
Entertainment
Cultural Experiences
Moderna Museet

7
Moderna Museet

Moderna Museet, the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm, Sweden, is a state museum for modern and contemporary art located on the island of Skeppsholmen.

Museums
Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Royal National City Park

8
Royal National City Park

The Royal National City Park is a vast green space in Stockholm, offering a variety of outdoor activities and attractions. It's a perfect place for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

Parks
Attractions
Nature
Stortorget Christmas market

9
Stortorget Christmas market

The Stortorget Christmas market is a must-visit during the holiday season. It's located in Stockholm's oldest square and offers a variety of traditional Swedish goods, food, and drinks.

Attractions
Shopping
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Köttbullar

Köttbullar

Swedish meatballs made from pork and beef, often served with potatoes, lingonberry jam, and gravy. A classic dish in Stockholm.

Gravlax

Gravlax

Cured salmon dish, often served with a sweet mustard sauce. It's a traditional food in Stockholm and throughout Sweden.

Raggmunk

Raggmunk

Swedish potato pancake fried in butter and served with fried pork or lingonberries. A popular dish in Stockholm.

Prinsesstårta

Prinsesstårta

A traditional Swedish layer cake with a green marzipan coating and a pink marzipan rose on top. It's a favorite dessert in Stockholm.

Kanelbulle

Kanelbulle

Swedish cinnamon roll, often enjoyed during fika, a Swedish coffee break tradition. A must-try sweet treat in Stockholm.

Surströmming

Surströmming

Fermented Baltic Sea herring. This dish has a strong smell and is a unique culinary experience in Stockholm.

Kräftor

Crayfish boiled in dill and served cold. It's a popular dish during the crayfish season in Stockholm.

Sill

Pickled herring, often served with potatoes, sour cream, and chives. A traditional dish in Stockholm.

Semla

Semla

A sweet roll filled with almond paste and whipped cream, typically eaten around Lent in Stockholm.

Våfflor

Swedish waffles, often served with jam and whipped cream. A popular dessert in Stockholm.

Glögg

Glögg

A warm, spiced wine often enjoyed during the Christmas season in Stockholm.

Snaps

Snaps

A strong alcoholic beverage often consumed during traditional Swedish celebrations in Stockholm.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Stockholm, Sweden as a tourist is during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, the city experiences its warmest weather and longest days, with up to 18 hours of daylight. This is also when most of the city's attractions, including open-air museums and gardens, are fully open. However, if you prefer a less crowded time with slightly cooler weather, the shoulder seasons of May and September can also be a good choice.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

May 1

Wed

May 1st

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day

May 19

Sun

Whit Sunday

June 6

Thu

National day

June 22

Sat

Midsummer Day

November 2

Sat

All Saints' Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Stockholm has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, ferries, and a metro system known as the Tunnelbana or T-bana. The T-bana is the easiest and most efficient way to get around the city, with three lines (green, red, and blue) that cover most of the city and surrounding suburbs. The SL Access card is a rechargeable card that can be used on all forms of public transportation.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Bolt are available in Stockholm, providing a convenient and often cost-effective way to get around the city. These services can be accessed through their respective apps, which allow you to book and pay for your ride. They are a good option for those who prefer a private ride or are traveling in a group.

Cycling is a popular way to get around Stockholm, thanks to the city's extensive network of bike lanes and paths. The city offers a bike-sharing program called City Bikes, which allows you to rent a bike for a short period of time. Bikes can be picked up and dropped off at any of the numerous City Bikes stations around the city.

Stockholm is a very walkable city, with many of its main attractions located within a short distance of each other. Walking not only provides a free mode of transportation, but also allows you to fully appreciate the city's beautiful architecture and scenery.

Ferries are a unique and enjoyable way to get around Stockholm, particularly if you're interested in exploring the city's archipelago. Several ferry routes connect different islands and parts of the city, offering both a practical mode of transportation and a scenic tour of the city's waterways.

Taxis are readily available throughout Stockholm, and can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or picked up from designated taxi stands. All taxis in Sweden are metered, and rates can vary depending on the time of day and the distance traveled.

Renting a car can be a convenient option if you plan to explore areas outside of Stockholm or prefer the flexibility of driving. However, parking can be expensive and difficult to find in the city center, and the city's comprehensive public transportation system often makes a car unnecessary for getting around the city.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currencykr SEK

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Stockholm, Sweden as a first time visitor

1

Stockholm is located on Sweden's east coast, where the freshwater Lake Mälaren — Sweden's third largest lake — flows out into the Baltic Sea.

2

The official language is Swedish, but English is widely spoken and understood.

3

The currency used in Stockholm is the Swedish Krona (SEK). Credit cards are widely accepted, even for small amounts.

4

Stockholm has a temperate maritime climate, with average summer temperatures ranging from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) and winter temperatures ranging from 23°F to 36°F (-5°C to 2°C).

5

Public transportation in Stockholm is efficient and reliable. It includes the metro, buses, trams, and ferries.

6

Stockholm is a very walkable city, with many of its major sights and attractions located close to each other.

7

Tipping is not mandatory in Stockholm, but it is customary to leave a tip of around 10% for good service in restaurants.

8

Stockholm is known for its cleanliness. Littering is frowned upon, and recycling is a common practice.

9

The city is built on 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges, earning it the nickname 'Venice of the North'.

10

Stockholm has a reputation for being expensive, especially when it comes to dining and accommodation.

11

The city is very bike-friendly, with numerous bike lanes and bike rental services available.

12

Swedes value punctuality. It is considered rude to be late for meetings or social gatherings.

13

Alcohol can only be purchased in government-owned stores called Systembolaget, which have limited operating hours.

14

Tap water is safe to drink and is of high quality.

15

The city has a rich history dating back to the 13th century, and is known for its well-preserved historic architecture.

16

Swedes have a unique tradition called 'fika', which is a coffee break that more about socializing than drinking coffee.

17

Stockholm has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues.

18

The city is known for its design and fashion scene. Many local designers and boutiques can be found in the SoFo district.

19

Stockholm is one of the safest cities in the world, but like any major city, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

20

The city is very tech-savvy, with free WiFi available in many public areas, including parks and public transportation.

Basic Swedish to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hej

hey

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Hejdå

hey-doh

Leaving or saying goodbye

Please

Snälla

snell-a

Making a request

Thank you

Tack

tack

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Ja

yah

Agreeing or affirming

No

Nej

nay

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Ursäkta mig

oor-sehk-ta me

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Jag är ledsen

yahg air leh-den

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Talar du engelska?

tah-lar doo eng-els-ka

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Jag förstår inte

yahg fur-stor in-te

Expressing confusion or misunderstanding

Where is the bathroom?

Var är toaletten?

var air twa-let-ten

Asking for directions

How much does this cost?

Hur mycket kostar det här?

hoor mye-ket ko-star deh hair

Asking the price of something

I would like to order

Jag skulle vilja beställa

yahg skull-a vil-ya be-stell-a

Ordering food or drink

Help

Hjälp

yelp

In need of assistance

Can I have the bill, please?

Kan jag få notan, tack?

kan yahg fo no-tan, tack

Asking for the bill at a restaurant

Where is...?

Var är...?

var air

Asking for directions

Good morning

God morgon

god mor-gon

Greeting someone in the morning

Good night

God natt

god nat

Saying goodbye or goodnight

I am lost

Jag är vilse

yahg air vil-se

Asking for help with directions

Is this the right way to...?

Är det här rätt väg till...?

air deh hair rat vay till

Asking for directions

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Pants/Jeans

  • Sweater or Jacket

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sleepwear

  • Swimsuit (if planning to visit a spa or sauna)

  • Scarf, gloves and hat (if traveling in winter)

  • Rain jacket or umbrella

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Sunscreen

  • Prescription medications

  • First aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash and coins in local currency

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Maps and guidebooks

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone and charger

  • Headphones

  • Camera and charger

  • Power adapter (if coming from a different country)

  • Portable power bank

  • Laptop and charger (if necessary)

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Travel-sized laundry detergent

  • Plastic bags for dirty clothes

  • Notepad and pen

  • Swedish phrasebook or language app

Weather Conditions

When visiting Stockholm, Sweden, it's important to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. The city experiences a temperate maritime climate, which means it can be quite changeable throughout the year. In the winter months, from December to February, Stockholm can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Expect average temperatures to range from 27°F to 36°F (-3°C to 2°C). Snow is common, so pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, a hat, and boots. Spring, from March to May, sees a gradual warming with temperatures ranging from 34°F to 60°F (1°C to 15°C). It's a good idea to pack layers, as mornings can still be chilly but afternoons can be quite mild. Summer, from June to August, is the warmest season with temperatures typically between 55°F and 72°F (13°C to 22°C). However, it can occasionally get hotter. Light clothing is generally sufficient, but it's a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Autumn, from September to November, can be quite mild to start but becomes progressively colder as winter approaches. Temperatures generally range from 36°F to 55°F (2°C to 13°C). Rain is more common in these months, so an umbrella or raincoat is advisable. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately. Also, keep in mind that Stockholm is a coastal city, so winds can make it feel colder than the actual temperature, especially in the winter. Finally, don't forget to pack sunscreen. Despite the cooler temperatures, the sun can still be strong, especially in the summer when the days are long due to Stockholm's northern latitude.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

1° / -5°

January is the coldest month in Stockholm, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Pack warm clothing and be prepared for snow.

February

1° / -5°

February is still very cold in Stockholm, with similar temperatures to January. Snow is common, so pack accordingly.

March

7° / -3°

March sees a slight increase in temperature, but it's still chilly. Snow can still occur, but it's less common.

April

12° / 1°

April marks the beginning of spring in Stockholm. The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers.

May

16° / 6°

May is a pleasant month to visit Stockholm, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's a great time for outdoor activities.

June

21° / 11°

June is the start of summer in Stockholm, with long days and warm temperatures. It's an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring the city.

July

24° / 14°

July is the warmest month in Stockholm, with temperatures often reaching the mid-20s. It's a great time to visit the city's parks and beaches.

August

23° / 13°

August is still warm in Stockholm, but temperatures start to decrease slightly. It's still a great time for outdoor activities.

September

19° / 9°

September marks the start of autumn in Stockholm. The weather is still mild, but pack some warmer clothes for the evenings.

October

14° / 4°

October sees a significant drop in temperature. The leaves start to change color, making it a beautiful time to visit.

November

8° / 0°

November is a cold month in Stockholm, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Pack warm clothing and be prepared for possible snow.

December

3° / -3°

December is a festive month in Stockholm, with Christmas markets and lights. It's cold and often snowy, so pack warm clothing.

Did you know?

Did you know that Stockholm is built on 14 islands, connected by more than 50 bridges?

1 of 10

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