Christmas Concerts and Events in Stockholm 2025
Publish date: 27 November 2025
Planning to spend Christmas in Stockholm 2025? From classic Christmas concerts in historic churches to dazzling light displays and family-friendly events, Stockholm offers plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit.
The warm scent of gingerbread and glögg (mulled wine), the glow of Christmas lights, and the crisp winter air make the weeks leading up to Christmas especially magical. From mid-November until the end of December, the city fills with music, markets, and festive traditions.
If you’re feeling the pre-holiday rush, a Stockholm Christmas concert or show is a relaxing way to slow down, enjoy the atmosphere, and experience local culture during your stay.
Even more Christmas inspiration
Stockholm Christmas concerts and shows – recurring highlights 2025
Here are some of the most beloved Stockholm Christmas concerts and events that usually return every year. They’re perfect highlights to add to your Christmas in Stockholm 2025 itinerary.
#Stockholmsjul Christmas Lights (from November 15)
When the #Stockholmsjul Christmas lights are switched on around 15 November, central Stockholm turns into a glowing winter scene with around one million LED lights.
- Where: Over 40 streets and squares in central Stockholm (including Drottninggatan, Kungsträdgården, Norrmalmstorg).
- What to see: Reindeer, angels, and other Christmas motifs made of light.
- Tip: Take an evening walk between shopping streets and squares for the best photo spots.
NK’s Christmas Window Display (Norrmalm)
A sure sign that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas is the festive window display at Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), the classic department store on Hamngatan in Norrmalm.
Since 1915, NK has created imaginative Christmas dioramas in its windows, with a brand-new theme every year. It’s a must-see stop for both families and design lovers.
Santa Run in Kungsträdgården
During the annual Santa Run, central Stockholm fills with hundreds of runners who all have one thing in common: they’re dressed as Santa.
- Where: Starting line in Kungsträdgården, right in central Stockholm.
- Distances: Choose between 3K or 6K (roughly 1.8 or 3.7 miles).
- Good to know: All proceeds go to charity, making it a fun way to do good while you enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.
A Christmas Carol at Folkoperan (English)
Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol is arguably the quintessential Christmas saga. In Stockholm, the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s ghostly meetings has been staged as a musical theatre production since 2009. In 2017, the show moved to Folkoperan on Södermalm, where it has since become an annual Christmas tradition. The production is in English.
It’s a great choice if you want a Christmas show in English with plenty of music, atmosphere, and festive spirit during your stay in Stockholm.
Christmas concerts in Stockholm’s churches and concert halls
There are plenty of atmospheric Stockholm Christmas concerts to choose from, ranging from classical music to jazz and traditional hymns.
Some popular examples include:
- Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan) in Gamla Stan – several December concerts with traditional hymns and songs, and A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.
- Berwaldhallen in Östermalm – the home of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, with an annual Christmas concert.
- Christmas with My Friends – a much-loved concert series mixing popular Christmas songs and unexpected musical surprises.
Many of these concerts are perfect for visitors who want to experience Swedish Christmas traditions in a beautiful setting.
ArkDes Gingerbread House Exhibition (Skeppsholmen)
At ArkDes, on the island of Skeppsholmen, the popular gingerbread house exhibition returns with imaginative and sweet constructions made from gingerbread dough.
- Who participates: Professional architects and designers, enthusiastic amateurs, and children.
- What to expect: Creative, often surprising gingerbread houses — and the wonderful smell of baked gingerbread.
- Extra fun: Visitors can usually vote for their favorites, and winners are chosen in several categories.
More Christmas in Stockholm
Christmas markets in Stockholm
From traditional markets in historic squares to modern design-focused fairs, Stockholm’s Christmas markets offer crafts, seasonal food, and plenty of atmosphere.
- Season: Many markets start in mid-November and run through December.
- Variety: Expect everything from classic wooden stalls and mulled wine to contemporary Swedish design and local delicacies.
- Plan your visit: For up-to-date opening hours, locations, and dates, see our dedicated guide to Stockholm’s Christmas markets.
Christmas dinners and Swedish julbord
Food is a big part of Christmas in Sweden, and many restaurants in Stockholm serve traditional Christmas buffets (julbord) or seasonal menus throughout December.
- Classics to try: Meatballs, kale, Christmas ham, pickled herring, sausages, cheeses, and of course glögg.
- Styles: Choose between traditional julbord, modern takes on Christmas flavors, or international holiday menus.
- Booking: Popular Christmas dinners in Stockholm 2025 are likely to sell out early, so we recommend booking well in advance.
For more tips on where to eat, check out our guide to Christmas dinners in Stockholm.
Practical information for Christmas in Stockholm 2025
When to visit
If you’re planning Christmas in Stockholm 2025, aim for a stay between mid-November and late December to catch both lights and concerts. Many venues have limited opening hours around 24–26 December, so always double-check before you go.
Getting around
Stockholm is easy to explore by metro, bus, tram, and ferry, even in winter.
- Tickets & routes: Visitor information in English about public transport in Stockholm.
- Tip: A day ticket is often the most convenient option if you’re visiting several Christmas events in one day.
Tickets and booking
For popular Stockholm Christmas concerts and shows, tickets can sell out quickly, especially close to the holidays.
- Book in advance: Consider booking tickets as soon as you know your travel dates.
- Check age limits: Some evening concerts may have recommendations or age limits, while many daytime events welcome families with children.
Weather and what to pack
Stockholm in December is usually cold and dark, but very atmospheric, with temperatures often hovering around or below freezing.
- Daylight: Expect short days, with early sunsets.
- Clothing: Pack warm layers, a hat, gloves, and waterproof shoes or boots so you can enjoy both outdoor lights and indoor concerts comfortably.
Always check details
Event dates, ticket prices, and opening hours can change from year to year, especially for 2025. Always check the official website of each venue or organizer for the latest information before your visit.