Enjoy Christmas in Skåne

Christmas is a time for fun, family traditions and genuine warmth – even when it’s cold. It’s where you can watch the Lucia ceremonies and sing songs, try lussekatter (Lucia bread), spettekaka, pepparkaka and find those surprise gifts you’ve been looking for at one of Skåne’s many Christmas markets. Watch the video below to get at quick overview, and discover where to experience the festive season for yourself!

Christmas markets at castles and historic estates

Many of Skåne’s castles and historic estates have Christmas markets, offering traditional gifts with fine food and drink. 

© Carolina Romare

Handcrafted sausages at Övedskloster.

Experience a traditional Swedish Christmas market at Bosjökloster, an old historic monastery beautifully situated by Lake Ringsjön. Enjoy a warm cup of glögg (Swedish mulled wine), discover handmade gifts and local delicacies, and enjoy Christmas concerts in the church. You are also welcome to make Christmas decorations, meet the animals in the barn and take part in a festive treasure hunt in the park.

The Christmas market at the historic castle Övedskloster in Sjöbo focuses on food and crafts from the area. See the Lucia parade, horse drawn carriages, Christmas choirs, farm animals and puppet shows. And of course, Christmas trees, candles, torches, saffron buns, grilled sausages, mulled wine and some old-fashioned Christmas spirit.

Staying in the city? Just outside central Malmö, the historic country estate Katrinetorp hosts a charming Christmas market filled with local craftsmanship, festive decorations and seasonal delicacies. Discover handmade gifts, enjoy Christmas music and traditional activities, and step inside the beautifully decorated manor house. Get there on time mind you. This is a popular market with lots of people.

Meet Santa and Lucia – and the animals

Christmas is all about the festival of light, of feasting, and giving Santa a wish list. Skåne is full of places to do just that. At Fredriksdal you can walk around the old houses and farms on paths illuminated by thousands of lights. Buy your Christmas presents, visit Santa, build a Christmas town, listen to Christmas music, dance around the Christmas tree, experience old-fashioned craft traditions and see this year's Lucia ceremony.

Norrviken by Christmas.

Experience unforgettable memories at Norrviken in Båstad this Christmas. Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland for a magical family outing. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the park when darkness falls, transforming it into an enchanting world of warmth, with scents of mulled wine and gingerbread. Ride the Norrviken Express through the beautiful gardens, watch a dazzling fire show, visit Santa and his elves at his cabin in the Bee farm, and savour Christmas treats.

© Copenhagen Wilderness

Hässleholmsgården’s Christmas market is full of stalls offering high-quality craft items, homemade sweets, Christmas sausages, ceramics and homemade bread. Experience tastes for the whole family in the heart of Skåne.

Speaking about Hässleholm – you can also get yourself into the Christmas spirit by visiting Asmoarp farm close to the hiking trails at Hovdala castle. Drop by the farm shop for a range of (edible) Christmas gifts, and enjoy tasty hot dogs grilled over the open fire. The café sells delicious home-made cakes together with hot coffee and mulled wine on advent weekends and daily from mid-December. Local people buy Christmas tree from the shop, or cut down their own perfect one in the nearby forest.

© Asmoarp Natur

Skåne's Zoo (Skånes Djurpark) close to Höör transforms into an adventurous Christmas park with lots of fun for everyone throughout December. Santa's Christmas workshop, stalls with crafts, unique experiences with the animals and thousands of Christmas lights create a magical atmosphere throughout the park. 

The Kulturen museum in Lund is full of genuine Christmas spirit, with crackling fires in the museum’s fireplaces, craftsmen showing their skills, a market street, music and lots of other activities. Thousands of candles are lit in the park, making for a magical Christmas atmosphere.

Swedish Christmas traditions – How is Christmas celebrated in Sweden?

Visiting Skåne in November and December is a chance to experience Swedish Christmas traditions firsthand. Christmas is filled with customs that bring light and warmth to the darkest time of the year.

Lucia – Sweden's festival of light

One of Sweden's most beloved Christmas traditions is Lucia, celebrated every year on 13 December. During a traditional Lucia celebration, singers dressed in white gowns perform Christmas songs while carrying candles. Leading the procession is Lucia herself, wearing a crown of lights. The celebration symbolises light and hope during the dark Swedish winter and is an important part of the country's Christmas traditions. Visitors can experience Lucia celebrations in churches and other public venues throughout the region.

Traditional Swedish Christmas food and treats

Food plays an important role in Swedish Christmas celebrations, and Christmas markets in Skåne are perfect places to discover seasonal flavours. Try pepparkakor, traditional Swedish gingerbread biscuits, or lussekatter, saffron buns especially associated with Lucia. Warm yourself up with some glögg, Swedish mulled wine often served with raisins and almonds, and discover local Christmas delicacies sold at markets throughout the region.

Julbord – The traditional Swedish Christmas buffet

A julbord is a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet and one of the highlights of the festive season. The meal is usually enjoyed in several rounds, beginning with pickled herring, salmon and other fish dishes, followed by cold meats and warm dishes such as Swedish meatballs, Christmas sausages and Janssons frestelse, a creamy potato casserole. The feast often finishes with cheese, desserts and Christmas sweets. Many restaurants, hotels and historic estates in Skåne serve traditional julbord during November and December, giving visitors the chance to experience an authentic Swedish Christmas meal.

© Carolina Romare