wedish Christmas, or Jul, is one of the most beloved times of the year in Sweden – a season filled with candlelight, togetherness, and age-old customs. From the early days of Advent to the grand celebration on Christmas Eve, Swedish Christmas traditions beautifully blend pagan, Christian, and modern influences.
The Start of the Swedish Christmas Season
The season begins with Advent, four Sundays before Christmas. Homes are decorated with star-shaped lanterns (julstjärnor) and Advent candles, symbolizing hope and light during the dark Nordic winter. On December 13th, Sweden celebrates Lucia Day, honoring Saint Lucia, the bearer of light. Dressed in white gowns and wreaths of candles, Lucia processions sing traditional songs in schools, churches, and workplaces across the country.
Christmas Eve – The Main Celebration
Unlike many countries, Swedes celebrate primarily on December 24th. Families gather around the Christmas tree (julgran) to exchange gifts and enjoy the traditional feast known as Julbord. The buffet features a rich variety of dishes: pickled herring, gravlax (cured salmon), meatballs, sausages, Jansson’s Temptation (a creamy potato dish), and, of course, julskinka – the famous Swedish Christmas ham.
A beloved part of the afternoon is watching “Kalle Anka och hans vänner” (Donald Duck and His Friends), a Disney Christmas special broadcast on TV since 1959, watched by millions every year.
Santa, Straw Goats, and Decorations
Swedish children eagerly await Jultomten, the Swedish Santa Claus, who delivers presents in person on Christmas Eve. Traditional straw decorations, such as the Yule Goat (Julbock), symbolize the old Nordic roots of Christmas and appear in homes and town squares.
Warm Drinks and Sweet Treats
No Swedish Christmas is complete without glögg (mulled wine) and pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies). Many families also bake lussekatter – saffron buns shaped like an “S” – eaten especially around Lucia Day.
A Season of Light and Togetherness
Swedish Christmas traditions reflect the country’s love of warmth, family, and light in the darkest time of the year. Whether you join a Lucia procession, share a Julbord, or sip glögg by candlelight, celebrating Christmas in Sweden is a magical and heartwarming experience.