The Christmas holidays are a magical time in Sweden's capital
The period of the Christmas holidays in Sweden it is a very suggestive moment. Candles lit in every window, decorations and luminaries in the shopping streets and stands selling mulled wine on every corner. More important than Christmas here it is the feast of Saint Lucia which falls on December 13th and which is celebrated throughout the country.
A Stockholm, the capital, the biggest party takes place in the neighborhood of Skansen, the largest open-air museum in the world, which is located on the island of Djurgården, one of the 14 islands that make up Stockholm (VIEW MAP). Founded in 1891, it is the reconstruction of five centuries of Swedish history and culture, with houses and farms, where characters in period clothing carry out demonstrations of ancient crafts
Santa Lucia, the Swedish holiday
for feast of Saint Lucia, thousands of little girls wearing a white dress and a crown of candles on their heads, carrying a lit candle in their hands (Saint Lucia is the symbol of light) illuminate the dark Swedish winter (at 15.30pm in December it is already dark). Every year a young woman is chosen to play the role of Lucia, a role he must always play, at home, at school and in all public places. Throughout the day of the 13th, processions and concerts of traditional music take place. The processions also include children dressed as elves, bridesmaids and page boys. Lucia and her bridesmaids give gifts of traditional saffron and ginger biscuits to visitors who witness the procession. This tradition which dates back to the eighteenth century is repeated in churches, schools, hospitals and workplaces throughout the country and it wouldn't be Christmas in Sweden without the feast of Saint Lucia, which marks the transition to the last two weeks of Advent. For tourists every day, until December 16th, in Skansen you can witness this original ritual.
Christmas markets
One of Stockholm's Christmas markets is also held in Skansen. Not very large, but very particular because the wooden houses offer typical products, especially food such as salmon, herring, dried deer meat and cheeses, but also artefacts that come directly from Lapland. The Christmas market is open on Saturday and Sunday from 30 November to 22 December. The Stortorget Christmas market in Gamla Stan, the old town, on the island of Stadsholmen, is the most picturesque. The beautiful medieval buildings and cobbled streets of the old city add further charm to the lights of the market. It is open every day from 11am to 18pm from 23 November to 23 December.
There is also a nice market in Kungsträdgården, in the office area of Stockholm, a garden where a market is set up and an ice skating rink. From November 30th to December 22nd it is open from 11am to 18pm.
Hovstallet, home of the royal stables, is the set for a particular Christmas market with craft objects, food, horses and carriages. From November 29th to December 1st (times: Friday from 10am to 19pm, Saturday from 10am to 18pm, Sunday from 10am to 17pm).
Very original and unique is the design school Christmas market which are very renowned in Sweden. The stalls display untraditional but beautiful objects. From November 30th to December 1st from 10am to 17pm.
Celebrating New Year's Eve
La party that takes place on New Year's Eve in Skansen it is broadcast live on TV and Swedes remain glued to the screen to watch it. Those who take part in the celebrations witness choirs and orchestras performing live. From here you have an unparalleled view of the fireworks display held in central Stockholm. The liveliest neighborhood for New Year's Eve is Stureplan where there are many clubs, including the most famous Laroy, Spy Bar, Sturecompagniet, Hell's Kitchen, Ambassadeur, White Room, Berns and Le Bon Palais with parties and DJ sets.
Info for leaving
Stockholm can be reached with scheduled and low cost flights from the main cities of Italy. The fastest way to reach the center is with the Arlanda Express fast train which makes only one stop at the central station, from where three metro lines depart. To look for the hotel, the station is a very convenient area It is well served by public transport, and you can also get around very well on foot. Scandic Grand Central also has three lounge bars popular with Swedes after work hours and after the theatre. There is no shortage of clubs, restaurants and shops, as well as being the theater district. To eat, take the opportunity to change the area. At Skansen don't get lost Chef KC's restaurant, Gubbhyllan, which prepares traditional Swedish dishes with a master's touch. In Gamla Stan the most popular address is Magnus Ladulas, in the historic center, with exposed bricks and excellent typical dishes. In Ostermalm, the clubbing district, don't miss Restaurang Tradition, a classy little place. To enjoy a beautiful view of the city from above, climb onto the The gondola a City Garden, 33 meters high, poised in the air. For more information, consult the tourism board website VisitSweden.
