Get cosy in the Swedish capital this festive season with café-hopping, shopping and glögg in Christmas markets

If there is one word in Swedish that sums up what a winter break in Stockholm is like, it is mysig, which describes the feeling of being cosy, relaxed and comfortable – not unlike being cuddled up beside a fire, with the snow glinting outside. 

But no matter how cosy it is indoors, the Swedish don’t hibernate during winter and there are plenty of traditional outdoor activities and celebrations that visitors can get involved in. A must is ice skating, as the water in and around Stockholm freezes into natural skating rinks – the city is shaped by water, built on 14 islands where the Baltic Sea meets Lake Mälaren. There’s also the man-made rink in the Kungsträdgården – a fantastic place to soak up the festive atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Over Christmas, Stockholm sparkles with lights and pretty advent candles flickering in the windows – making it an atmospheric spot for a bit of shopping. With everything from independent boutiques to high-spec department stores to choose from, you won’t be short of places to pick up memorable gifts for loved ones. Then there are the traditional Swedish Christmas markets. The biggest and most enchanting are in the old town of Gamla Stan, on the island of Skansen (also home to the city’s open-air folk museum), and in the grand and historic Rosendal Palace. Wander between the stalls, which sell anything from traditional handicrafts to Swedish delicacies such as smoked sausage and reindeer meat, with a glass of glögg in hand (the traditional Swedish mulled wine). 

If you want to experience a distinctively Swedish Christmastime celebration, visit on 13 December for the feast day of Saint Lucia. It is marked by a huge parade and church services, and everyone is welcome to celebrate and enjoy the Stockholm community spirit – not to mention the saffron buns which are traditionally eaten at this time. Young girls wear long white dresses and a crown or wreath of glowing candles on their head, while boys wear white robes and star-patterned hats.

Sweden is also renowned for its coffee culture and a vital part of the Stockholm experience is the concept of fika, a social coffee break where the locals catch up with a friend, colleague, family member or even a date. Of course, no fika would be complete without a sweet treat; kanelbulle (sticky cinnamon buns) and gingerbread are the local favourites. You’re unlikely to be far from a café where you can enjoy fika, but Stortorget or Järntorget squares in Gamla Stan are prime people-watching spots, while the hippest are in Södermalm. Many even supply blankets to keep you warm if you want to sit outside.

However you spend your winter break in the Swedish capital, Stockholm at Christmas is a treat for all your senses.

British Airways offers two-night breaks at the three-star New World Hotel in Stockholm from £179 per person, including BA flights from London Heathrow. Visit ba.com for more information. Terms and conditions apply. 

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This article has been tagged Food + Drink, Destination