Visiting Stockholm in the winter months, you’ll notice something interesting: the city leans into its short days, long nights, and cold weather.
From mid-november the city switches on the Christmas lights and the streets feel cozy. From there it’s just under a month to Lucia on December 13 (a candlelit tradition with choirs and saffron buns), and about a week and a half after that it’s Christmas. If you’re lucky with snow, the city takes on a classic Nordic winter look; if not, there’s still plenty of warmth and atmosphere to enjoy.
Here are 17 tips on things to do in Stockholm in winter:
1. Go ice skating
Kungsträdgården is a central favorite with skate rental on site. Or join locals at Vasaparken, a popular neighborhood rink where you’ll need to bring your own skates.
2. Visit a museum
Stockholm’s museum scene is extensive and ideal for cold snaps. Fotografiska, the Vasa Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Museet) are classic warm indoor stops.
3. Eat at a Swedish Julbord
The Swedish Christmas buffet, or julbord, run from mid-November through December, are wildly popular, and often require booking in advance.
4. Take a winter cruise
Services operate year-round; Strömma runs seasonal tours while Waxholmsbolaget connects the archipelago on regular public routes.
5. Visit a Christmas market
Stockholm has many Christmas markets that usually run from mid-November until Christmas Eve (Dec 24). Stortorget in Gamla Stan and Skansen’s market are winter fixtures.
6. Have a fika
Cozy cafés are part of the winter rhythm; classic spots like Vete-Katten shine during semla season. Socker Sucker makes pastries that both look and taste amazing. Lillebrors Bageri makes some of the best cardamom buns, and if you happen to be there close to Lucia (December 13) do try their tasty saffron buns. Read our full guide on where to find the best cafés and fika spots.
7. Enjoy a city viewpoint
Stockholm has some great lookout points. Walk along Monteliusvägen or up Skinnarviksberget for crisp skyline views of Gamla Stan at sunset.
8. Do some urban skiing
Try Hammarbybacken for downhill runs right in the city; it has multiple pistes and areas for different levels.
9. Relax with a public sauna and a cold dip
Book a sauna and winter plunge at Hellasgården in the Nacka nature reserve. Relaxing in the heat and then walking out on the jetty for a cold plunge is both an exhilarating and relaxing feeling. The contrast of hot and cold will leave you full of energy, and you’ll sleep like a baby at night.
10. Go for a winter walk on Djurgården
Combine a quiet park stroll with a museum or café stop on Djurgården island. Walking through the vast winter nature is a calming experience in contrast to the summer crowds.
11. Take an archipelago day trip
A day trip is an excellent way to spend your visit. Take a boat to Vaxholm or another nearby island for winter scenery and harbor cafés.
12. Do some sledding
Bring a thermos and find slopes in city parks; it’s a simple local favorite when the snow comes. Some good spots are Humlegården park, there is a sledding hill in the northeast corner of the park, Vasaparken has several good sledding hills. Observatorielunden park, behind the City Library, also has a great sledding hill for going downhill.
13. Try winter kayaking or guided natural ice skating
Some outdoor outfitters run winter kayak tours in the archipelago and lead guided natural-ice skating outings when conditions allow.
14. Visit a spa
Visiting a spa is especially nice when it gets cold outside. Warm up at Centralbadet or a rooftop spa like The Nest; Yasuragi offers a full Japanese-style bath experience.
15. Explore open-air heritage at Skansen
Visit Skansen beyond the market hours for crafts, animals, and old Swedish townscapes dusted with snow. Skansen is especially cozy during winter when there is snow and you get to see the animals in their winter settings.
16. Browse the Stockholm metro art
Explore Stockholm’s famed subway art stations on a self-guided tour while staying mostly indoors. Some of the most photogenic stations are Kungsträdgärden, the blue line at T-Centralen, and Rådhuset with its red stone walls and ceilings along with the large stone pillars creating a dramatic visual effect.
17. Take selfies with Christmas lights
You’ll find Christmas lights all over the city. Take a stroll after dark (the sun sets early during the winter months) to enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations. It’s a great opportunity for photos and selfies.
