Stockholm in December

[littlegreenfairy]

Has anyone got any recommendations for things to do, see, eat and drink in Stockholm in December?

I entirely blame the run of Swedish crime dramas that led to a pair of flights being booked. And the hope of some Northern Lights, snow and a Christmas market.

Also, how cold is it likely to be?

[FiF]

Christmas markets (Julmarknad) are on throughout December in the Old Town and another in Skansen.

Near Skansen is Vasa museum and other museums.

There will be boat trips either with or without food. The food will probably be Julbord which is the traditional Christmas table (literal translation)

Basically a massive buffet many trips as you like. Cold section first then hot section.

In the cold section everyone has their favourites but mine is usually the smoked eel.

Possibly lots of drinking songs depends on the hosts.

Since it's nearly two years since sold up and moved back not up with the latest places for eats tbh.

Not sure which airport you will arrive at but if it's Arlanda don't fart about with the express train or the buses, as there is more than one of you use a taxi. It will be fixed price (fastpris) and will take you to your hotel.

Temperature around zero maybe little below at nights. Max lowish single figures in day
Take clothes to keep you warm and dry, function over fashion tbh. Footwear that ensures you keep a good grip, again function over fashion.

[Perik Omo]

I used to visit Stockholm in the winter regularly for business (this was a while ago now in the mid 1980's) and a regular haunt were the cafes and restaurants in Gamla Stan and our favourite was the Old Town Cafe but that has probably long since gone/changed it's name but the food was reasonably priced and excellent quality. Our hotel of choice was the Royal Viking by the station or if that was full then the Sheraton on the other side of the road which are both a short stroll to Gamla Stan.

[anonymous-user]

Last winter was very mild in Stockholm, I remember running in shorts and a jacket and there was very little snow at all for most of the winter.
I doubt you'll see any northern lights without going well North.

[littlegreenfairy]

FiF, thanks for the tip about taxis (will be getting in to Arlanda) and all the other nuggets.

El Stovey-I won't go like an Eskimo then. Would appreciate a little snow and some lights however.....

Perik Omo- I shall go looking.

Thanks chaps. Really looking forward to going over. Think I'll get the Christmas shopping done whilst I'm there. Have some random requests which mean I'll need to find a relatively big supermarket and a homemade shop.

[FiF]

Homemade and handicraft stalls are big in the old town (gamla stan) and especially in the julmarknad.

Have fun.

[BlackGT3]

littlegreenfairy said:

FiF, thanks for the tip about taxis (will be getting in to Arlanda) and all the other nuggets.

El Stovey-I won't go like an Eskimo then. Would appreciate a little snow and some lights however.....

Perik Omo- I shall go looking.

Thanks chaps. Really looking forward to going over. Think I'll get the Christmas shopping done whilst I'm there. Have some random requests which mean I'll need to find a relatively big supermarket and a homemade shop.

You need to be careful which taxi company you use. At ARL taxi rank you will find a number of taxi drivers from different companies all touting for your business. Suggest you opt for a Stockholm Taxi - they are back with a big green leaf on the side www.taxistockholm.se. Same rules apply at the taxi ranks in the city, you choose the taxi company you want to ride with no matter which car has been waiting the longest.

[Looket]

If you plan on getting around a bit then this is useful knowledge: http://sl.se/en/

As for things to do the archipelago is always high up on my must-show-visitors-list. Unfortunately it's hardly the time of year for island day tripping so as someone suggested a Christmas dinner cruise is probably your best bet. More info here: http://www.stromma.se/en/Stockholm/Christmas-buffe...

Not sure what your shopping requests are but if they're food related you may find them here: http://www.ostermalmshallen.se/en/

[littlegreenfairy]

Just wanted to update.

Thanks for all the advice. We had a lovely time even if the great British weather followed us.

Thoroughly enjoyed the Vasa museum and the Christmas bits on Skansen. Was even better as we saw the Lynx playing in the dusk and a pair of Wolverines. We walked a huge amount and consumed a fair few St Lucia buns.

Didn't make it for a dinner cruise as ran out of days but plan to return in the summer to do a little tour of the archipelagos.

As an aside, Norwegian airlines are just about the best carrier I've used. They couldn't be more relaxed or helpful if they tried. Can't recommend them enough.