Autumn in Stockholm is an ambivalent season: it begins slowly, carrying with it the last traces of summer, then bursts into life with its colors, lights, and scents, before gradually dozing off as daylight forgets these latitudes for a while. It is, however, an especially interesting time of year thanks to its richness of events, traditions, and celebrations.
If here we suggested what to pack for your trip, in this short guide we recommend 10 things to do in Stockholm in autumn.
1 - October
October is the month of foliage. To see Stockholm dressed in its classic autumn colors, breathe in the scents of the season, and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere, this is the perfect time to visit the Swedish capital. And if you’re looking for special, hidden corners—perhaps the best spots for stunning autumn photos—book one of our tours and share this interest with us!
2 – Cinnamon Bun Day
October 4: Cinnamon Bun Day (Kanelbulle). The Kanelbulle is one of Sweden’s most iconic pastries: a cinnamon-flavored brioche that’s a staple in cafés and coffee shops across Stockholm and beyond. October 4 is the official day to “celebrate” this milestone of Swedish baking, and it’s often possible to buy them in larger quantities at better prices. Of course, if you’re visiting Stockholm in early October, it’s a perfect time to indulge! Otherwise, no worries—the kanelbullar are available all year round!
3 - Halloween
For several years now, Stockholm has also joined in the celebrations of Halloween: many people now embrace this “American-style” holiday with pumpkins, costumes, and all sorts of decorations. The city often hosts a series of themed events, including a parade and a party in the Kungsträdgården park. The event is called “Shockholm”. Click here to check out the event’s website!
4 – All Saints’ Day
Although Protestant doctrine does not typically venerate saints, the Saturday that falls between October 31 and November 6 is Alla helgons dag, or All Saints’ Day. Interestingly, it is on this date (which, as you can see, is not fixed) that the deceased are commemorated. It is especially moving to visit the city cemeteries on this day—or even better, the magnificent “Woodland Cemetery” (Skogskyrkogården) at sunset: this is when thousands of lanterns and candles are lit around the graves and other special spots in the cemetery. Skogskyrkogården often hosts numerous choir concerts during this period. The experience is, of course, not the most entertaining, but the emotions it evokes are unforgettable.
5 – Christmas Lights Switch-On
The Christmas lights switch-on in Stockholm is a relatively new tradition, but one with undeniable impact: streets and squares across the Swedish capital are illuminated with thousands of LEDs and themed installations, creating a unique and magical atmosphere. Usually, a small lighting ceremony takes place in Kungsträdgården park on a Saturday afternoon in mid-to-late November. Contact us to find out this year’s exact date!
6 – Christmas Markets and the First Sunday of Advent
The First Sunday of Advent marks the official start of the Christmas season in Sweden. Numerous ceremonies take place in the weeks leading up to Christmas, ranging from those rooted in religious tradition to more secular and festive celebrations. We explore this in more detail in this article on Christmas in Sweden.
And Christmas in Stockholm wouldn’t be complete without its traditional Christmas markets: the most famous—and oldest—is held in the main square of the Old Town, Stortorget, starting at the end of November. Equally renowned and highly recommended is the market at Skansen Museum (open only from Friday to Sunday).
StockholMania Tours organizes a Christmas-themed tour that also includes visits to the Christmas markets. Click here to learn more!
7 – Nobel Week
© Nobel Media AB 2015. Photo: Alexander Mahmoud
Yes, we know: being invited to the official Nobel Prize ceremonies and banquet is far from easy! However, it is possible to soak up the Nobel atmosphere in Stockholm during the week around December 10 each year (the day of the official award ceremony). It’s not uncommon to spot some of the laureates around the city or near the Grand Hotel, where they stay, and many of the laureates give public lectures or readings in the days leading up to December 10.
At StockholMania Tours, we even have the “keys” to Stockholm City Hall. On request, we can organize a guided tour of the halls where the Nobel banquet and ball take place a few days before and after the event. Often, it’s possible to witness the preparations and rehearsals for the ceremony! If you want to join us, book a guided tour on this page!
8 – Saint Lucy's Day
Foto: Claudia Gründer, Wikimedia Commons
December 13 – Saint Lucy. Without a doubt, one of the most cherished and celebrated holidays in Sweden. Famous for the processions (the luciatåg), equally renowned are the lussekatter, the saffron buns dedicated to the occasion but available throughout the Christmas season. The day is also marked by numerous concerts organized by various churches and theaters in Stockholm, as well as at the open-air Skansen Museum. To learn more about Saint Lucy’s Day in Sweden, read this article on our blog!‘
9 - Julbord
Foto: Carolina Romare/imagebank.sweden.se
Finally, Christmas! And the julbord is something that cannot go unmentioned. What is it? Literally, it means “the Christmas table”: in other words, a lavish menu of traditional foods typically enjoyed throughout the Christmas season. We explore it in more detail in this blog article.
For those wishing to try these flavors, there are two options: either get invited to a Swedish home (a bit tricky, we know), or book at one of the many restaurants in the city that offer a julbord (usually starting at the end of November). This website (in Swedish) provides a good overview of the various julbord available in Stockholm. One tip: book well in advance!
10 – New Year’s Eve
Foto: Hans Strand/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se
New Year’s Eve. December 31 in Stockholm means spectacular fireworks across the city. Typically, celebrations take place in Gustav Adolfs torg and on the bridge connecting it to the Royal Palace. For the best view of the fireworks, the various panoramic viewpoints in Stockholm are the ideal spots. Two of the most popular are Monteliusvägen and Fjällgatan.
