Scandinavians love a good Christmas celebration and it’s never too early to start preparing for this cosy holiday. From aromatic mulled wine, homemade gingerbread cookies to designer Christmas decorations – it’s practically impossible not to enjoy the atmosphere of a good Christmas market, while you start on your gift shopping! So start your list of Christmas needs and take a look through this list of must-visit markets this season.
Denmark
1. H.C. Andersen Christmas Market
- Nov 17 – Dec 21 2022
- Kultorvet, Copenhagen
If you like the fairy tales of H.C. Andersen, then this will probably be your kind of market. Meet the writer himself and take a photo with him at a backdrop of thousands of Christmas lights decorating the area. Of course, there will be mulled wine, but the special part? Huts will be named after each of Andersen’s stories where you can check out homemade crafts, decorations, toys and many others. Plus, it’s all for free!
2. Christmas Market in Aalborg
- Nov 18 - Dec 23 2022
- City Centre, Aalborg
In the middle of Aalborg’s city centre this market will bring out the best of the Christmas spirit.
- Nov 19 – Dec 31 2022
- Tivoli, Copenhagen
We know, we’ve already talked about this place – but that’s just how wonderful it is. For the ultimate Scandinavian Christmas experience you need to get here. At Tivoli they have Scandinavian style decorated huts and 50 stalls where you can buy freshly made pastries and all sorts of handicraft representing true Scandinavian Christmas traditions.
Norway
4. Christmas Market in Spikersuppa
- Nov 12 2022 – Jan 1 2023
- Spikersuppe, Oslo
This is Oslo’s biggest Christmas market and it is in many ways a traditional market. You can bring your friends and family to stroll among the many huts and stands that offer Christmas delicacies and crafts. It is completely free and don’t forget to stop and enjoy the many decorations around the area.
- Dec 1 – Dec 4 2022
- Streets of Røros
Located in the mountain city of Røros (just a 2h drive from Trondheim this market is a gem that is definitely worth. It’s a small city and the market will be stretched all along the small and cosy streets. It is a combination of traditional Christmas shopping mixed with a local tour as you have to zigzag between the modern shops and historical huts located along the streets.
Sweden
6. Christmas Market in Old Town
- Nov 19 – Dec 23 2022
- Old Town, Stockholm
This market is a long-running success that been running since 1915. The unique setting of the Old Town will contribute magically to the spirit of the Christmas market. Besides the typical market stand where you can buy food, drinks and handicrafts, there’s also a quiz walk around Old Town that you can take to brush up on your knowledge about this city district! Then when you are done with your adventures, relax and enjoy the music performances.
- Nov 19 – Dec 30 2022
- Liseberg Amusement Park, Gothenburg
There are many ways to celebrate Christmas and if you’d like to travel through time and space, Liseberg will provide you with the best experience. However, if you’re more into traditional Christmas celebration there is something for you too. Head over to the Old-fashioned Christmas area where you can buy sweets in paper cones and enjoy Christmas carollers singing in the street corners. And if the traditional isn’t for you, we know there’s an area for more non-traditional activities as well. No matter how you like your Christmas, Liseberg offers an explosion of glitter, light and decorations that will warm your hearts with holiday spirit.
So whether you are in the mood for a nice after dinner stroll, need some decoration inspiration or have a long list of wishes to fulfil, a local Christmas market is a very special part of the Scandinavian tradition. A time to meet the local artisans, eat homemade food and feel the warmth from a cup of mulled wine to go.
