Christmas at Skansen 2024

Dance around the tree, listen to music, make candles and enjoy crafts, or visit our traditional market on the weekends – from November 29 until January 6, Skansen is filled with celebratory events. 

  • We’ve gathered all our Christmas activities in one place to help you make the most of your visit. On this page, you’ll find a complete overview of everything we offer during the holiday season.

    Plan your visit by exploring the different activities along with details on dates, locations and, if not applicable during the whole day, times.

    • Christmas market
    • Historical celebrations and activities
    • Music and dance
    • Lucia celebrations
    • Activities for children
    • Christmas Eve
    • New Year’s Eve
    • FAQ

  • Christmas market

    Friday through Sunday, November 29–December 22 

    Experience our beloved and historical Christmas market, dating back to 1903. Buy everything from handicrafts and design to sweets, home-made candles and secret Christmas gifts.
    More information

  • Historical celebrations and activities

    Stroll through our historical environments and discover how Christmas and holiday feasts were celebrated in times gone by. What dishes were served, and what did the holiday mean to people throughout history? Our museum educators will guide you through decorated Christmas trees, set feast tables, traditional holiday baking, and many other beloved Swedish Christmas traditions. All the dishes you see have been prepared right here at Skansen.

    Houses and farmsteads

    November 29–January 6, 2025

    • The Printer’s Home, 1840s
    • Delsbo farmstead, 1850s
    • Oktorp farmstead, 1870s
    • The Post office, 1910s
    • Väla school, 1918
    • The Farm Labourer’s Cottage, 1920s
    • The Ironmonger’s apartment, 1930s
    • The Ironware store, 1930s
    • Co-op store, 1930s

    Legends of Christmas Time

    Back Mats Cottage
    Fri–Sun between November 29–December 22

    Welcome to have a seat by the fire. Here, both young and old are invited on a journey back in time – listen to enchanting stories and legends about winter and Christmas.

    Candle making

    Bredablick tower
    Fri–Sun between November 29–December 22

    Learn about the tradition of candle making, and give it a try yourself! On site you can also purchase our hand made candles.

    Workshops and crafts

    Meet skilled artisans who bring history to life by demonstrating traditional crafts. Discover the tools, techniques, and materials used throughout the ages. What was created here, and who were the people behind the craft? Explore our calendar to find out which workshops are open today.

  • Music and dance

    Music, song, and dance are an essential part of Christmas – especially at Skansen! We offer a wide range of performances and musical styles and that will get you in the holiday spirit.

    Carolas Jul på Skansen

    Solliden stage
    December 5, 6, 8, 14 and 15

    Carola is one of Sweden’s most beloved artists and this Christmas she takes the renowned Solliden stage to perform both classic Swedish songs and her own Christmas music. Purchase your tickets at carola.com

    Christmas concerts

    Seglora Church
    13.00 and 14.30, Fri–Sun between November 29–December 22

    Enjoy enchanting concerts filled with music that captures the spirit of the season, all in a peaceful and atmospheric environment.

    Folk music

    Bergsman Farmstead
    Fri–Sun between November 29–December 22

    Älvros Farmstead
    December 26 and January 1, 5 and 6

    Folk music has deep roots in Sweden, and at Skansen, it’s an integral part of our heritage. During the Christmas season, you can enjoy performances by the Skansen Folk Musicians at several locations across the park.

    Christmas carols

    The Mission house
    12.00 and 14.00, Sat–Sun between November 29–December 22

    Sing along to the classic Christmas carols.

    Christmas Day concert

    Seglora Church
    December 25

    Join us on Christmas Day  for a beautiful concert in the atmospheric Seglora Church.

    End of Christmas celebrations

    Bollnäs square
    January 6

    Gather around the Christmas tree for a joyful celebration of Epiphany on January 6th! Enjoy lively music and traditional dancing led by Skansen’s folk dancers and musicians, as we continue the festive spirit together.

  • Lucia celebrations

    Lucia is celebrated every year on December 13 and is one of the brightest moments of winter and an essential part of Swedish Christmas traditions. Discover the history behind this beloved holiday and enjoy traditional Lucia procession concerts. Skansen hosted its first Lucia procession as early as 1893.

    Skansen’s Lucia

    Seglora Church
    December 13

    Enjoy Skansen’s own and traditional Lucia concert with the Skansen Lucia and her retinue.
    Read more

    Lucia – a Swedish tradition

    Bollnäs cottage
    December 13

    Discover the fascinating history of Lucia and how this cherished tradition became an integral part of Swedish Christmas celebrations.
    Read more

    Lucia concerts

    Seglora Church
    December 13–15

    Enjoy a traditional Lucia concert, performed by students from Stockholm’s Music High School and the Stockholm University Choir.
    Read more

    1920s Lucia celebration

    Temperence hall (Ordenshuset)
    December 14–15

    Experience what a Lucia celebration in the 1920s could look and sound like. Performed by children from the Spektrum Choir.
    Read more

    The Children’s Lucia

    Children’s Zoo (Lill-Skansen)
    December 14–15

    Experience the enchanting voices of the Children’s Lucia Choir as they begin their performance at the Children’s Zoo stage and continue singing throughout the park.
    Read more

  • Activities for children

    Of course we have festive fun for the youngest members of the family! Here are some of our Christmas-themes activities for the little ones.

    Christmas decoration workshop

    Brage hall
    Fri–Sun between November 29–December 22

    Create fantastic crafts and decorations out of recycled materials! Children of all ages are welcome to let their creativity flow.

    Christmas calendar opening

    Children’s zoo (Lill-Skansen)
    12.15, December 1–24

    Learn exciting facts about nature or meet an animal that live at the Children’s zoo (Lill-Skansen).

    Meet Santa Claus

    Bredablick tower
    Fri–Sun between November 29–December 22

    Take the opportunity to ask about what it’s like to work as Santa and listen to him share amusing stories about Santa through the ages.

    Animals in the zoo

    Every day, you have the chance to meet our animal keepers and learn more about the animals and how they adapt to winter, check the calendar for times. At the Baltic Sea Science Center, discover fascinating facts about the inhabitants of the Baltic Sea.

  • Christmas Eve

    On Christmas Eve Skansen is open for a few hours during the day, with reduced entrance fees. Talk a walk through the park, enter the open houses and farmsteads, shops and enjoy other Skansen activities.

    More information
  • New Year's Eve

    Welcome the new year with a stunning view over Stockholm as your back drop. Our New Year’s celebration dates back to the 1890s and is experienced by the Solliden stage and via live broadcast on Swedish television, SVT.

    Read more

Frequently asked questions

  • How can I buy tickets to Christmas at Skansen?

    Tickets can be purchased at Skansen’s main entrance or via skansenbiljett.se.

  • Do I have to pre-book my ticket?

    No, however, to avoid possible queues we recommend to buy your entrance ticket at skansenbiljett.se before your visit.

    Please note that this ticket is not tied to a specific day, but valid as admission for one day during the selected period. Purchased ticket can not be exchanged or repurchased.

  • Can I use my annual pass for entry?

    Yes, your annual pass is valid and works as usual.

  • The Children´s zoo (Lill-Skansen) included in the entrance fee
    Jan-Mar weekdays10-15 weekends 10-16, April 10-16, May 10.00–17.00, Jun-Aug 10.00-18.00, Sept 10.00-17.00, Oct-Dec weekdays 10-15, weekends 10-16

  • Baltic Sea Science Center, included in the entrance fee
    Jan-Mar weekdays10-15 weekends 10-16, April 10-16, May 10.00–17.00, Jun-Aug 10.00-18.00, Sept 10.00-17.00, Oct-Dec weekdays 10-15, weekends 10-16

  • Funicular railway (Bergbanan)
    The funicular railwayruns daily during Easter, weekends in April and thereafter daily.

  • The Skansen-Aquarium
    Opens daily 10.00 see calendar for closing hours