Stockholm – the Capital of Christmas and Scandinavian Christmas Markets

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A long weekend in Stockholm can offer a magical time where you as a family can take a step back from everyday stress and routine and instead discover the snowy capital of Sweden and together find the spirit of Christmas.

Stockholm is December has an average temperature around -1 degrees, snow adorns the spectacular landscape of Stockholm. During the day temperatures reach as high as 1 degree, whereas at night temperatures drop down to -3 degrees. In these shortest days of the year, the sun still shines for at least two hours.

So when visiting Stockholm in December it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy winter sports and fun family activities otdoors. The beauty about snow is not only that it light up the landscape but also that that it creates the ultimate playground and endless with imaginative play. Kitted in wind and waterproofs the children and adults can enjoy the outdoors together.
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Discover how to make snow angels; pick a clear spot in the snow, where the snow is untouched, as tall as your body and as wide as your outstretched arms. Carefully fall backward onto the snow with your arms outstretched. Move your arms and legs back and forth, like you’re doing jumping jacks. Carefully get up and admire your very snow angel – and make many, many more!

Stockholm is surrounded by endless of forest that offers cross country skiing for big and small. But there’s also down hill slopes, even in the city! A Stockholm landmark, Hammarbybacken is a popular destination for many Stockholmers during the winter months.
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Hammarbybacken has four beginner to moderate downhill slopes, a snowboard park, ski school, equipment rental – and a café for tired little skiers.

A large and popular ice-skating rink that is maintained several times a week is Vasaparken, located in Vasastaden. The park was established in 19th century and during World War I, the park was used to grow potatoes for the city. Another interesting fact is that the Swedish children’s book author Astrid Lindgren (the creator of Pippi Longstocking) lived by the park, and Vasaparken is mentioned in many of her books.
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Vasaparken ice rink is open 8am – 9pm weekdays, and 10am – 9pm on weekends. Ice skates and helmets are available to rent and admission is free with no age restrictions.

Stockholm also offers the most relaxed Christmas shopping, from contemporary department stores and leading designer boutiques to charming little independent shops in ‘Gamla Stan’ the old town of Stockholm and traditional must experience Scandinavian Christmas Markets.
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The Old Town is the Stockholm’s original city centre and is situated on an island. The Old Town dates from the 13th century but most buildings are from the 17 and 18th century, with charming cobbled streets, alleyways, faded mustard and rust coloured town houses and meeting squares.

Also situated in the Old Town is ‘Stortorget’ a Christmas Market with a wide selection of traditional Swedish products of high quality. This year also marks the 100th anniversary for this market. Open from 22nd November to 23rd of December, every day from 11am to 6pm.
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Skansen Julmarknad is another Christmas Market in Stockholm worth visiting, with lots of stalls, Christmas carols and seasonal Swedish delicatessen on offer.

Stay in trendy and comfortable full facility hotels or cozy small boutique hotels. Book a table for a proper Swedish Christmas buffet, go for fika and taste Scandinavian Christmas cookies together with some of the best coffee in the world, drink Scandinavian mulled wine ‘glögg’ and be merry.
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All of this; winter wonderland with magical Christmas markets are only a 2 hour and 15 minutes flight away from London. Find out more on the official travel guide to Sweden visitsweden.com – and perhaps is it your family that can look forward to a Christmas adventure this year?

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