What does Stockholm look like at Christmas?
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, a city built on fourteen islands, where Lake Mälaren meets the sea. Dozens of bridges cross the water, and in winter the lights shine on the water everywhere. In December, almost every window has a lit star or an electric candle bridge.
The Gamla Stan market
Gamla Stan means “the Old Town”. Here, in Stortorget, Stockholm’s oldest square, the Christmas market opens every winter. Red wooden huts stand in front of tall houses painted red and yellow, and the air smells of glögg and gingerbread.
What do you find at the market?
- Pepparkakor, Swedish gingerbread biscuits shaped like hearts and little horses.
- Dala horses, wooden horses painted red with flowers, the symbol of Sweden.
- Straw stars and hearts for the tree at home.
- Alcohol-free glögg and hot chocolate for cold evenings.
What can kids do in Stockholm?
- Spot the star in every window on an evening walk through the old streets.
- Watch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace, right next to Gamla Stan.
- Take a boat trip between the city’s islands.
- See a Lucia procession on 13 December, with songs and candles.
Two Swedish Christmas customs
Saint Lucia
On 13 December, in schools, churches and homes, girls dressed in white robes walk in a procession and sing. The one who plays Lucia wears a crown of candles on her head, bringing light to the darkest days of the year.
Julbock and Tomte
Julbock is a Christmas goat made of straw, placed under the tree or by the door. Tomte is the Swedish house elf, with a white beard and a red hat, who brings presents on Christmas Eve.
A taste of Sweden: lussekatter
Lussekatter are golden saffron buns shaped like an S, with a raisin in each curl. They are baked especially for Lucia’s day. Their recipe, to make together with an adult, is in the book.
How do you say “Merry Christmas!” in Swedish?
God jul!
Try saying it at dinner on Christmas Eve.
What word did Mira discover here?
In each of the eleven cities of the journey, Mira finds a special word. The word from Stockholm is written in her Christmas passport, at the end of chapter 7.
