When you stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, the Old Town, in Stockholm, with the snow crunching and creaking beneath your feet, you will feel part of a scene from Charles Dickens’ 'A Christmas Carol' whilst the church bells ring out and the streets and alleyways open into squares playing host to centuries-old Christmas markets.
The scent of roasted chestnuts, gingerbread biscuits and mulled wine fill the air and the market stalls are filled with traditional, handcrafted Christmas decorations, handmade toys and local wares.
The Xmas markets in Stockholm are spread out across the islands of the city, with several in Gamla Stan. From here you can take the boat out to Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum. Skansen is a living, working Sweden of the 1900s and a place where events, festivals and celebrations are held. There is a fabulous Xmas market here and various activities you can take part in, including traditional candle making.
Smack bang in the middle of Stockholm is the Xmas market at Kungsträdgården. Conveniently, this is also in the heart of the shopping district, with all the big stores on Hamngatan and designer boutiques clustered on and around Biblioteksgatan and Birger Jarlsgatan. While you’re here don’t forget to see the Xmas window display at NK, Stockholm’s poshest department store.
Awaiting 2012 dates - Stockholm Old Town Christmas Market (Gamla Stan) is a very popular market located in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town boasting longstanding Swedish traditions, handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and mull wine
Awaiting 2012 dates - Skansen Christmas Market takes place on the island of Djurgården. The stalls are old fashioned and traditional in appearance and sell Swedish handicrafts, food and decorations.
Awaiting 2012 dates- Steninge Palace Cultural Centre Christmas Market which is located just North West of Stockholm and close to Arlanda Airport and the town of Sigtune
Awaiting 2012 dates - Christmas at Rosendals Gardens which is next to Skansen on the island of Djurgården is worth a visit. Quality home made products are on sale and visitors can also but Swedish bread from the on-site bakery plus a range of other food products
Awaiting 2012 dates – Sigtuna Christmas Market is only 15 minutes drive from Arlanda Airport. It’s the oldest town in Sweden and as such celebrates Christmas in a very traditional fashion through it’s market selling traditional handicrafts and also dancing around the Christmas tree.