Sweden, Europe

Stockholm in December

Christmas markets at Skansen and Gamla Stan, Lucia on December 13, and Nobel week. Dark but festive.

GoodCold, highs near 34F (1C), about 6 hours of daylight

A lane in Gamla Stan, Stockholm — StockholmPhoto: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Stockholm. Christmas markets at Skansen and Gamla Stan, Lucia on December 13, and Nobel week. Dark but festive.

Weather: Cold, highs near 34F (1C), about 6 hours of daylight
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Stockholm

December is cold, with highs near 34F (1C) and only about six hours of daylight, but the city is festive. Christmas markets fill Stortorget in Gamla Stan and Skansen, Lucia on December 13 brings candlelit processions and choirs, and Nobel week lights up the city around December 10. City Hall closes for some official events around the Nobel banquet. Crowds and prices are moderate.

It suits families, couples, and anyone who loves holiday atmosphere. It is not for travelers who want long days or outdoor adventures. For those, come June through August. Note that the markets close by December 23.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Stockholm this month.

Christmas markets

Stortorget in Gamla Stan and the old-fashioned market at Skansen are the top two.

Lucia on December 13

Candlelit processions and choirs fill churches across the city. Some concerts need tickets.

Nobel week

The city is lit up and the Nobel Prize Museum hosts events around December 10.

What to pack for December

A warm winter coat
Thermal layers
Waterproof boots with grip
A warm hat, gloves, and scarf

Our timing tip

Book Lucia concert tickets ahead and plan market visits for weekday afternoons, when crowds are lighter.

Book Stockholm for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Stockholm
Opens a hotel search for Stockholm in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Stockholm
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Stockholm
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Stockholm for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Nobel Prize week

Early to mid December, around December 10

The award ceremony itself is invitation only, but the city is lit and the Nobel Prize Museum is busy with events.

Lucia

December 13 every year

Candlelit processions and choirs in churches across the city. Tickets needed for some concerts.

Christmas markets

Late November through December 23

Stortorget in Gamla Stan and the old-fashioned market at Skansen.

Things to do in Stockholm

Full guide

Vasa Museum

Go at opening or after 5pm in summer, when some days run late. Allow two hours.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Skansen

The world's first open-air museum (1891), with historic buildings and Nordic animals. The center of Midsummer celebrations.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

The Royal Palace

One of the largest palaces in Europe, still the King's official residence. The changing of the guard runs daily in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Fotografiska

Photography museum in a former customs house, with a top-floor restaurant looking over the water. Open late.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

ABBA The Museum

Interactive and far better than it has any right to be. Book a time slot in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Archipelago by ferry

Waxholmsbolaget's commuter ferries go to Vaxholm, Grinda, and beyond at public-transit prices. Full schedules run roughly mid June to mid August.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Hit the Vasa Museum and Skansen at opening, before cruise passengers arrive mid morning.
Take an early commuter ferry to the archipelago rather than a tour boat; you get more time on the islands for less money.
Book Midsummer weekend lodging and activities well ahead; the rest of summer is easier.
Explore Sodermalm and Djurgarden in the afternoon while tour groups are in Gamla Stan.

Know before you go

The archipelago ferries run full schedules only in high summer, roughly mid June to mid August. Off season, service is sparse and many island cafes and inns close.
In July, many independent restaurants and shops close for two to four weeks of summer vacation. Check any place you are set on.
Midsummer Eve and Midsummer Day close many shops and restaurants in the city as Swedes head out of town.
The City Hall tower is open only in the warmer months. City Hall itself is by guided tour and closes for some official events, including around the Nobel banquet.