Now we’ve entered December, and Christmas is coming closer. Therefore, let’s look at some Swedish holidays to keep track of.
December 10 – Nobeldagen (Nobel Day)
The Nobel Prizes are awarded on December 10. In the evening, the televised Nobel Banquet is at the City Hall in Stockholm. The prize is awarded in memory of the Swedish chemist and inventor Alfred Nobel (1833 – 1896), who invented dynamite, among other things. In Stockholm, there is a Nobel Prize Museum at Stortorget square in the old town of Gamla stan.
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December 13 – Lucia
On this day, Swedes celebrate St Lucia, the Queen of Light. Early in the morning, children in Swedish families “surprise” their parents with Lucia songs. Later in the day, Luciatåg (celebrations) take place in daycare centers, schools, and retirement homes. On Lucia, Swedes also eat a lot of lussebullar (Lucia buns) and pepparkakor (gingerbread).
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December 24 – Julafton (Christmas)
Many cities and regions in Sweden have long traditions with Christmas markets, concerts, shopping, and Julbord (Christmas buffets).
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December 31 – Nyårsafton (New Year’s Eve)
Almost every Swedish city has New Year’s celebrations where the public can enjoy fireworks.
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Mars 28-April 1 – Påsk (Easter)
The Easter celebration starts with Skärtorsdagen on the 28th of Mars and continues with Långfredagen on the 29th, Påskafton on the 30th, Påskdagen the 31st and Annandag påsk on the 1st of April. Swedish families usually gather for an Easter Buffet during this time. Typical Easter dishes include pickled herring, eggs, lamb, salmon, Jansson’s temptation (potato and sprat bake), cheese, crisp bread, and potatoes, to which you drink the traditional Swedish soft drink “påskmust.” Homes are also often decorated with branches of silver birch adorned with colorful feathers.
April 30 – Valborgsmässoafton (Walpurgis Eve)
On this day, huge bonfires are lit at dusk. During the evening, singers from local choral groups perform songs that celebrate the end of winter and herald the arrival of spring.
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End of May to the beginning of June – Studenten (Graduation)
You’ll notice many students with student caps in Swedish city centers during these dates. They celebrate their last days in school (secondary education, called “gymnasium” in Swedish). In many cities, processions are organized, and the students get driven around town on trucks and tractors (“studentflak”). During this time of graduation, many other student events are held in public (student balls) and at the students’ homes (receptions and dinners).
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June 6 – Nationaldagen (Swedish National Day)
The Swedish National Day used to be called the “Swedish Flag Day” (Svenska flaggans dag). It is celebrated to commemorate the election of Gustav Vasa as King of Sweden in 1523, which is regarded as the birth of the Swedish state.
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June 21 (2024) – Midsommarafton (Midsummer)
Birch twigs, flowers, and a maypole are part of the Midsummer traditions. Midsummer is celebrated at the end of June, around the summer solstice and the year’s longest day. For many Swedes and tourists, Midsummer is the highlight of the summer months and is often celebrated in the countryside.
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August 8 – Kräftskiva (Crayfish parties)
In the first half of August, many Swedes have crayfish parties. These parties include wearing funny paper hats and silly bibs and using napkins with crayfish motifs. If the weather permits, these parties are held outside.
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Linnea, OLS Community Manager – Swedish