Last year as we headed back to Europe for baby’s first Christmas, we were determined to find the most Christmassy of city breaks to get us in the festive spirit. After looking around we decided that our perfect Christmas city break was Stockholm. With such high expectations it would be hard for a place to live up to my hype but it did. Here’s why
You can have traditional Christmas Skansen
Skansen is Stockholm’s own outdoor living history museum. It’s fabulous at anytime
Of year but especially christmas. At Christmas time there are traditional Christmas markets, fires all around the grounds and traditional carol services in their recreated church. If you want to get in touch with a traditional Christmas on your city break then Stockholm is the place for your Christmas city break.
Christmas markets that aren’t too busy
I love Christmas markets but I hate places that are too busy. If you want a city break where the Christmas markets aren’t too busy then Stockholm is the perfect place.
Also Stockholm is an easy place to get around either on foot or via subway which is a destination in itself because of its amazing art!
Lucia festival – own tradition
The festival of Lucia on 13th December is a big deal in Stockholm. With no regard for health or safety, a girl parades with a headdress of lit candles dressed as Lucia. A pageant of St Lucia is a must if visiting Stockholm during December.
Chance to see snow
Living in the Middle East I was determined that my little one would experience a white Christmas. If you want a white Christmas city break the odds are in your favour in Stockholm.
Cold weather comfort food
And in that snowy weather you need proper comfort food. Sweden’s national fish of meatballs will provide you with this. Warning though – you’ll never be able to go to ikea again.
Fika to beat the weather
And on top of comfort food you are going to need lots of warming coffee breaks. With the Swedish tradition of fika (coffee breaks) you will fit right in with the locals.
Where is your favourite place to have a Christmas city break?
Eric Gamble
Monday 11th of December 2017
So Darcee desperately want to explore a christmas market but the idea of the massive crowds in Germany or Austria bum me out. So Stockholm might be the perfect balance for both of us! The festival sounds awesome to me and all that food that is right up my alley while darcee can take the traditional coffee breaks and shop the markets!
Riz
Thursday 7th of December 2017
Aww looks like a lush season to visit in. #fearlessfamtrav
Celine
Wednesday 6th of December 2017
Being from Canada, we usually get to experience a white Christmas, so we usually stick around home. This does sound like a lovely place to visit at Christmas time though! The European Christmas Markets are something I'd like to experience so maybe we'll have to travel at Christmas time someday... #fearlessfamtrav
Andrea @ Topsy Turvy Tribe
Tuesday 5th of December 2017
What a perfect place to go for Christmas. I love Christmas markets too and coffee and places to explore without too many crowds so will definitely be adding Stockholm to my list #fearlessfamtravel
Polly (Follow Your Sunshine)
Tuesday 5th of December 2017
You've sold it to me Leona! Especially the snow and the fika. Can't think of anything more festive than that!