It’s that festive time of the year, when the Christmas spirit is in the air, the streets are brightly lit by colourful lights, and the sights and sounds of merriment are everywhere. Christmas is the time to visit markets, to enjoy warm glasses of mulled wine or a mug of hearty hot chocolate in the cold evenings, while carol singers entertain the crowds and Christmas trees stand tall.
Nowhere else does a good Christmas market quite like the Scandinavian nations. From Copenhagen to Lapland and everywhere else in between, you can find some of the most charming and entertaining festive arrangements, be it in the centre of large capitals or in the surrounds of a rural village.
It might be cold and dark in Scandinavia in the height of winter, but you are guaranteed that the festive spirit of the locals will bring out the best of everyone at the Christmas markets. To help inspire your winter getaway, here are our favourite Christmas markets to visit on your holiday in Scandinavia.
- Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village
In the far north of Finland you can find the capital of Christmas, in the city of Rovaniemi in the heart of Lapland. This is the territory of Santa Claus himself, and nowhere else quite does Christmas like the purported home of St Nicholas.
This time of year, in the cold, northern climes of Lapland on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the world is covered in a magical blanket of white snow. Huskies pull sledges along icy roads, the Northern Lights brighten up the dull days, and the Christmas spirit is everywhere.
Visit Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village, where you can find an incredible array of market stalls and Christmas inspired gifts and food from across Lapland, for what could be described as the most authentic Christmas market experience in the world.
- Helsinki Christmas Market
A little further south, but no doubt equally as cold and chilly around Christmas, you can find the exceptional delights of the Helsinki Christmas Market. The Finnish capital’s oldest Christmas market is found right in the centre of the city, surrounded by the beautiful, grand architecture of Senate Square.
While there are many festive markets across Helsinki, this is the most impressive, with hundreds of stalls arrayed around the square and the dark nights lit up by bright lights.
- Spikersuppa Christmas Market Oslo
In the centre of Oslo, in the shadow of the Royal Palace and the Parliament buildings, is the Spikersuppa Christmas Market. This is the capital’s most enthralling festive market and they truly embrace the Christmas spirit here.
Browse the many stalls selling Christmas gifts and souvenirs, from famous Norwegian Sweaters to Reindeer Jerky and warming, hearty drinks to battle the cold weather. You can find the ice rink for skating and, of course, Santa is always likely to make an appearance.
- Trondheim Christmas Market
Visit Trondheim for one of Norway’s most magical Christmas markets. This is one of Scandinavia’s most historic cities, a place famous for its Viking heritage, and a place that has embraced the Christmas spirit.
Perhaps it’s the cold, dark days that bring out the best in Trondheim because the city lights up spectacularly with decorations that can be seen from miles away. You can expect the rooftops of Trondheim to be coated in snow, while windows and doorways will be draped with tinsel and colourful, festive ornaments. Try the local delicacies at the market stalls and don’t forget to take home a few Christmas gifts from Norway’s ancient capital.
- Gamla Stan Christmas Market Stockholm
The Swedish capital goes all out for Christmas, and across Stockholm you can find plenty of Christmas markets throughout the festive period. One of the best in the city though is found in the most historic part of Stockholm.
At Gamla Stan, the Old Town, you can find an excellent market brimming with Christmas cheer. This is the oldest part of Stockholm and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the festive season, as the colourful medieval buildings are lit up fantastically by bright lights and decorations.
Enjoy Swedish mulled wine while shopping in the marvellous setting for some unique Christmas gifts to take home for loved ones and friends.
- Liseberg Christmas Market Gothenburg
Sweden’s second city Gothenburg plays host to a Christmas market that is by no means second place to Stockholm’s. Equally as impressive to visit is the Liseberg Christmas Market, a huge winter wonderland that’s set up throughout December.
The setting is Liseberg Amusement Park, one of Scandinavia’s largest theme parks. During the Christmas period, you can find the place decked out with Christmas trees, decorative lights and enormous snowmen.
It’s still a very traditional affair, with a medieval village set up and many authentic Swedish gifts and delicacies for sale.
- Tivoli Park Copenhagen
Tivoli Park in Denmark’s capital of Copenhagen can claim to be the second oldest amusement park found anywhere in the world, tracing its origins back to the mid 19th century. Tivoli Park is a beautiful and historic location for the city’s best Christmas Market during the festive season, and amongst the old wooden roller coasters and snow-covered rides, you can find some wonderful stalls and displays.
You can find seasonal stalls and festive produce for sale, while there are quite literally thousands of Christmas trees placed around the park and performances of famous Christmas plays at the Tivoli Concert Hall.
- Aarhus Indoor Christmas Market
In the city of Aarhus on the east coast of Jutland, you can find Denmark’s best indoor Christmas market. Set within a huge hall in the centre of the city, this is the perfect place to enjoy the festive spirit without worrying about the weather.
Escape the cold and the chill and embrace the warm interior of the market hall, with hundreds of stalls selling unique Christmas gifts and souvenirs from across Denmark and Scandinavia. Amongst the decorations and cosy atmosphere, you will find carol singers and musicians adding their seasonal tidings to the experience, making Aarhus a wonderful place to enjoy a Scandinavian Christmas market.
If this has inspired you to book a last-minute break to enjoy Scandinavia’s Christmas markets, contact Baltic Travel Company to book your festive holiday, today.
By Baltic Travel Company, all rights reserved.