Lucia in Stockholm 2025
Publish date: 2 December 2025
Alongside Midsummer, the Lucia celebration represents one of the foremost cultural traditions in Sweden, with its clear connection to life in the peasant communities of old. A candlelit festival of light in the dark Swedish winter, with songs, saffron buns, and warm glögg.
Lucia in Stockholm 2025 is a beautiful way to experience Swedish culture during your December visit. Early in the morning on December 13th, or later in the day, choirs dressed in white process into churches, concert halls, schools, and workplaces, singing traditional Lucia songs and carrying candles.
The celebration is closely linked to themes of light and darkness, warmth and cold, and the rhythm of winter life in Sweden. For many Swedes, Lucia marks the moment when the Christmas season truly begins – a welcome pause before preparations shift into high gear.
Lucia tradition: history, light, and celebration
The Lucia figure has long been seen as a bearer of light during the dark Swedish winter. The tradition has ties both to Saint Lucy of Syracuse, a Christian martyr who died in 304, and to older Nordic folk beliefs and legends about midwinter and the struggle between light and darkness.
Today, Lucia is celebrated all over Sweden with candle processions, choirs, and plenty of seasonal treats. The Lucia procession is usually led by a girl wearing a white gown, a red sash, and a crown of candles, followed by attendants, star boys, and sometimes even gingerbread kids or Christmas elves.
Food and drink are a central part of the celebration. You’ll often see saffron buns (lussekatter), gingerbread cookies, and glögg (mulled wine) served before or after a Lucia concert, making the experience as much about taste and scent as about the music itself.
Experiencing Lucia in Stockholm 2025
In Stockholm, you can experience Lucia in many different ways – from grand choral concerts in historic churches to smaller, intimate performances in museums, schools, or cultural venues. Some events are ticketed concerts, while others are open celebrations or part of everyday life in the city.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Stockholm, a Lucia concert is a memorable way to get to know Swedish traditions. Many performances combine classic Lucia songs with choir music, readings, and sometimes modern arrangements, making each celebration slightly different.
Below you’ll find our selection of Lucia celebrations in Stockholm 2025. Use the list to find concerts and events that fit your schedule and interests – from early morning performances to evening shows suitable for the whole family.