Celebrating the holidays in Stockholm

December 5, 2010

in Cultural differences,Swedish traditions

holiday market

The holiday market at Stortorget in Gamla Stan on Sunday. Photo by Robert Corkery.

Christmas parties, julbords, holiday markets, glögg parties, the Nobel prize dinner, Lucia. I love the chaos that comes this time of year in Stockholm. During the last week, it seems that all the holiday parties started. Of course, we’ve been served up lots of glögg – no party this time of year is complete without that hot mulled wine. All the grocery stores have almonds and raisins in special packaging to serve with the glögg. You’ll also find such holiday treats as the funny sounding to English speakers Juleskum – marshmallow candies – and lussekattor or saffron buns. Chocolate pigs are appearing as are Christmas breads and hams.

holiday market

A woman selling sausages at the Stortorget market as a reindeer looks on. Photo by Robert Corkery.

Holiday stars and candles are in the windows, smoked salmon, reindeer sausages and peppermint candies are for sale in the markets. Goats made of straw and bowls of clementines adorn tables. These are just some of the elements of Christmas in Stockholm.

Traditional holiday marshmallow candies with the funny sounding name.

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