Christmas dinner in Stockholm 2025
Publish date: 16 December 2025
Meatballs, Christmas ham, pickled herring, and lutfisk – a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet has plenty of flavors to discover. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy a Christmas dinner in Stockholm 2025.
Meatballs, Jansson’s temptation, lutfisk, gingerbread, and hot mulled wine – for anyone who wants to experience a traditional Swedish Christmas, a Christmas buffet (julbord) is a must. In Stockholm, you’ll find everything from classic, candlelit buffets in historic dining rooms to modern restaurants putting their own twist on holiday favorites.
The julbord season in Stockholm usually starts in late November and continues up until Christmas. Many venues serve lunch and dinner buffets, while others offer special Christmas tasting menus or à la carte options during the holidays.
Below you’ll find our selected restaurants offering Christmas buffets and Christmas dinners in Stockholm 2025. Some focus on timeless Swedish traditions, others are more contemporary – perfect whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or colleagues.
Practical tips for Christmas dinner in Stockholm
Popular Christmas buffets in Stockholm 2025 are likely to sell out, especially on weekends and early evenings. We recommend booking your table well in advance, and always checking the restaurant’s official website for the latest information on dates, sittings, and prices.
Dress code is usually smart casual, but it can vary between venues. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to check when you make your reservation, particularly if you’re planning a festive Christmas dinner or office party.
If you have allergies, dietary requirements, or prefer vegetarian or vegan options, many restaurants can adapt parts of the buffet or offer separate dishes, but it’s best to let them know when you book.
Typical Swedish Christmas food
Although you'll find Christmas buffets and specials catering to every taste, there are some evergreens you should know if you want to taste traditional Swedish Christmas food.
- Julskinka ("Christmas ham"): The centerpiece of a classically Swedish buffet table. Boiled and then grilled with a coating of breadcrumbs, mustard, and egg yolk. Most commonly eaten with a dash of mustard or sometimes with apple sauce.
- Meatballs: The Swedish classic, found on most buffet tables, no matter the holiday or season.
- Prinskorv ("prince sausage"): Small sausages, usually grilled.
- Pickled herring: Comes in various flavors. But more often than not has a sweeter taste than, for example, Eastern European pickled herring.
- Jansons frestelse: A casserole of potatoes, onions, breadcrumbs, cream, and anchovies (special, Swedish ansjovis featuring a unique spice mix).
- Lutfisk: An older dish that has fallen out of fashion somewhat. Dried white fish (usually cod), cured in lye. Regional differences aside, the common lutefisk is served with boiled potatoes and Béchamel sauce.
- Common sides are boiled potatoes, crisp bread, baked Brussels sprouts, and kale.
- Drinks include beer, ale, wine, and two Swedish specialties: svagdricka (a non-alcoholic, spiced, beer-adjacent beverage) an,d julmust (a seasonal soft drink, best described as a kind of sweet, non-alcoholic stout).
- Glögg: Mulled wine with or without alcohol. Usually served before or after dinner as a fika alternative.