Trying a Julbord (Swedish Christmas buffet) is one of the most festive ways to experience Swedish culture in December. From traditional buffets filled with herring, salmon, ham, and meatballs to more modern or international twists, many restaurants in Stockholm put their own spin on the Christmas buffet. Whether you’re looking for a classic setting or something a little different, here are some of our favorite Julbord to try when visiting the city.
A Julbord is essentially a Swedish Christmas buffet, served from late November through Christmas. It’s a mix of cold and warm dishes enjoyed in several courses, often shared with family, friends, or colleagues.
Keep in mind that many venues fill up quickly, so it’s best to reserve a table well before the Christmas season begins. Booking early is always advised in Stockholm’s peak Julbord season.
In short
For traditionalists, Restaurant Operakällaren and Grodan are standouts – Operakällaren for grandeur and depth of classic Swedish fare, Grodan for elegant heritage with more intimate charm. Stortorgskällaren is a top choice for those who want a central Old Town experience in a lively, welcoming setting. For a cozier, home-style atmosphere, Stockholms Gästabud delivers authentic Swedish hospitality. Visitors seeking Julbord as part of a festive night out should consider Wallmans, where lively entertainment accompanies the buffet. Reservations are recommended for all venues during the Christmas season.
Iconic Julbord destinations
Restaurant Operakällaren
Historic, upscale, and lavish setting, acclaimed for its traditional Julbord spread and top-tier Swedish cuisine. Often regarded as the city’s most prestigious Christmas buffet. Choose between their serving in the main dining room, a classic setting for this restaurant, or the terrace, a glassed-enclosed room overlooking the Royal Castle and the river by the Opera house.
Availability: November 26 – December 24, 2025
Price: 1,795 SEK per person (dinner)
Reservations: https://operakallaren.se/sv/#christmas
Grodan
Classic 19th-century atmosphere with elegant Swedish fare. Known for combining tradition with refined service in cozy, romantic surroundings. Their julbord has a good selection of seafood, alongside the classical Swedish Christmas buffet. This includes a selection of lobster, crayfish, shrimps and oysters.
Availability: November 26 – December 20, 2025
Price: Lunch is 1,295 SEK per person and dinner 1,595 SEK per person
Reservations: https://www.grodan.se/grevture/julbord-meny
Restaurant Stortorgskällaren
Located in the heart of Old Town (Gamla Stan), offers a festive, historic, and welcoming Julbord experience ideal for visitors wanting a blend of local vibes and Swedish Christmas classics.
Availability: November 12 – December 23, 2025
Price: 595-1,295 SEK to per person, depending on day and lunch or dinner
Reservations: https://stortorgskallaren.com/pluras-julbord/
Villa Godthem
A beautiful 19th-century villa on Djurgården, Villa Godthem offers a warm, classic Julbord with an inviting interior and water views. The traditional buffet is celebrated for both quality and atmosphere, with particularly good vegetarian options and a maxed-out dessert table.
Availability: November 12 – December 25, 2025
Price: 895-1,395 SEK per person depending on lunch or dinner
Reservations: https://villagodthem.se/boka-julbord/
Atmospheric & historic settings
Stockholms Gästabud
Laid-back, traditional Swedish restaurant with homey dishes and a snug, historic feel. Popular for authentic Swedish flavors in a tourist-friendly, cozy space.
Reservations: https://www.stockholmsgastabud.se
Sjätte Tunnan Medeltida Julagille
For an immersive, historic experience, this Gamla Stan venue excels with medieval décor, costumed staff, themed entertainment (gycklare, musicians, and games), and a unique, multi-course Julbord served at the table. Perfect for history lovers and those seeking a memorable, “different” Christmas.
Availability: November 21 – December 20, 2025
Price: 699 SEK to per person for the small Christmas Feast and 949 SEK per person for the Large Christmas Feast
Reservations: https://www.sjattetunnan.se/julbord
Julbord at Hesselby Slott
This castle just outside Stockholm is renowned for its elegant, classic Julbord in the Orangeriet, complimented by a beautiful park, cozy lounges, and optional overnight stays. Food, service, and festive are at the top, with special note for the extensive dessert and traditional buffet. Recommended for anyone looking for a luxurious winter setting and tranquil celebration.
Availability: December 5 – 20, 2025
Price: 695 – 995 SEK per person, depending on lunch or dinner, and weekday or weekend
Reservations: https://www.hesselbyslott.se/julen-2025/
Julbord with entertainment
Wallmans Stockholm
Dinner plus cabaret show and festive performances. Combines Christmas buffet with entertainment for a lively night out.
Availability: November 12 – December 20, 2025
Price: 695-1,495 SEK per person depending on day and seating options
Reservations: https://wallmans.se/christmas-dinnershow/
A very RAW Christmas at Hilton Stockholm Slussen (28 nov – 19 dec)
Very popular for its combination of traditional Julbord and a high-energy, professional stand-up comedy show, with panoramic views over Stockholm. Consistently sells out and gets great reviews for its festive, fun-and-food combo. Recommended for those who want lively entertainment and a great city setting.
Availability: November 28 – December 19, 2025
Price: 1,295-1,495 SEK per person depending on day of the week
Reservations:https://rawcomedyclub.se/a-very-raw-christmas-stockholm/
Golden Hits Dinnershow X-Mas Edition & Golden Pianos Singalong Dinner
The dinner show is lively, highly musical, and very festive, perfect for party groups, work outings, or anyone who wants a celebratory night with dancing, singalongs, and classic hits. Food and service can be a bit variable, but for atmosphere and energy, it’s a hit. Just be aware the show (not the food) is the star.
Availability: November 12 – December 20, 2025
Price: 995-1,395 SEK per person depending on day and seating options
Reservations:https://goldenhits.se/en/christmas-festive-dinner-show/
Additional recommendations
There’s no shortage of good Julbord in Stockholm at Christmastime. Here are a few more places that we recommend you visit.
Ulriksdals Wärdshus
A classic favorite, Ulriksdals Värdshus offers a traditional Julbord in an elegant country manor setting just outside the city, known for its broad selection (especially of herring), high-quality service, and an especially festive, tranquil environment. Vegetarian/vegan options are strong here, and the focus on Swedish ingredients and traditions is pronounced.
Availability: November 12 – December 20, 2025
Price: 695-1,495 SEK per person depending on day and seating options
Reservations:https://www.ulriksdalsvardshus.se/julbord/
Gamla Riksarkivet
Highly praised for its magnificent historic setting and the grandeur of the buffet, Gamla Riksarkivet on Riddarholmen is regularly cited as one of Stockholm’s best for both quality and variety. It stands out for its excellent selection of starters, including numerous kinds of herring and salmon, a dedicated vegan section, and a famous “candy room” for dessert.
Availability: November 7 – December 25, 2025
Price: 895-1,495 SEK depending on day, and on lunch or dinner. Children (7-12 years) 500-795 SEK
Reservations: https://gamlariksarkivet.com/julbord/
Ulla Winbladh
Also on Djurgården, Ulla Winbladh elevates the Julbord to an experience filled with tradition, festivity, and plenty of variety, particularly for both classic and vegan eaters. Setting and service are high points, though reviews once in a while note the food can be variable year-to-year. Overall, it is one of the city’s most beloved and atmospheric options.
Availability: November 14 – December 24, 2025
Price: 795-1,495 SEK per person depending on lunch or dinner
Reservations: https://ullawinbladh.se/julbord/
Långholmen Wärdshus
Located in an old prison on Långholmen island, this spot serves a classic and extensive Julbord, often cited for its cozy and historic charm, as well as good homemade food and generous selection. Some experiences note service can be variable, but the festive, unique atmosphere is consistently praised.
Availability: November 21 – December 23, 2025
Price: 695-1,195 SEK per person depending on lunch or dinner
Reservations: https://langholmen.com/restaurang/julbord/
Carlshälls Gård
Tucked at Långholmen’s far end, this manor house is a local favorite for a more intimate Julbord, sometimes accessed via boat. The food earns consistently excellent marks for both hot and cold dishes, with a strong local and festive feel. Advance booking is required due to its popularity.
Availability: November 21 – December 22, 2025
Price: 933-1,156 SEK per person depending on the day. Children (2-6 years) 395 SEK, (7-12 years) 495 SEK.
Reservations: https://www.carlshallsgard.se/index.php/julbord
Fjäderholmarna
Fjäderholmarnas Krog, on a nearby island, delivers a scenic archipelago experience paired with a top-tier buffet, especially praised for its variety of cold dishes, game, and herring. It’s a memorable journey, combining a festive boat ride with excellent food, though dessert selection can be less remarkable than mains. The setting—by the water and with a roaring fire—adds to the festive mood.
Availability: November 21 – December 21, 2025
Price: 695-1,195 SEK per person depending on lunch or dinner
Reservations: https://www.fjaderholmarnaskrog.se/julbord
Rissne Gård
Located north of the city, Rissne Gård offers a well-crafted traditional Julbord with a local, personal touch. Guests highlight the impressive range of home-smoked fish, house-made delicacies, and the care that goes into both the food and hospitality. The manor’s cozy setting contributes greatly to the experience, with many vegetarians reporting positively as well.
Availability: November 27 – December 24, 2025
Price: 375-995 SEK per person depending on lunch or dinner
Reservations: https://rissnegard.se/julbord/
Engelen (budget alternative)
Engelen’s Julbord is a lively, budget-friendly option in Gamla Stan. Expect a festive buffet with a mix of both classic and a less traditional dishes, plus live music or nightclub entry. The atmosphere is relaxed and historic, though service and comfort can be hit-or-miss. A good choice if you value fun and price over polish.
Availability: November 14 – December 23, 2025
Price: 375-995 SEK per person depending on lunch or dinner
Reservations: https://www.engelen.se/eventpaket/julbord-2025/
Ikea (budget alternative)
IKEA’s Julbord is an accessible, low-cost option for those more interested in a casual, family-friendly smorgasbord. It is popular for its price and festive atmosphere, but expectations for food quality should be moderate—think of it as fun for the experience and novelty, not as a food destination to rival the city’s classic restaurants. Variety is reasonable and plant-based options are included, but dishes can be inconsistent and atmosphere is cafeteria-like.
Reservations: https://www.ikea.com/se/sv/stores/restaurant/julbord-pa-ikea-pubbed343b0/
