Christmas Bank Holidays In Sweden: Dates And Traditions

Christmas is a time for celebration and relaxation, and Sweden is no exception. In Sweden, Christmas is a time for cozying up with loved ones, enjoying traditional foods, and participating in festive activities. But have you ever wondered what Christmas bank holidays are like in Sweden? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the dates and traditions surrounding Christmas bank holidays in Sweden.

Christmas is a significant holiday in Sweden, and it's celebrated with great enthusiasm and warmth. The holiday season officially begins on December 13th, which is St. Lucia's Day, and continues until January 6th, which is Epiphany. However, the main Christmas celebrations take place between December 24th and 26th.

Christmas Bank Holidays in Sweden: Dates

In Sweden, Christmas bank holidays typically include the following dates:

December 24th (Julafton or Christmas Eve)
December 25th (Juldagen or Christmas Day)
December 26th (Annandag Jul or Boxing Day)
December 31st (Nyårsafton or New Year's Eve)
January 1st (Nyårsdagen or New Year's Day)
January 6th (Trettondagsafton or Epiphany Eve)

These dates are bank holidays, which means that banks, schools, and many businesses are closed. However, some shops and restaurants may be open, especially on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Christmas Traditions in Sweden

Sweden has many unique and fascinating Christmas traditions. Here are a few:

St. Lucia's Day

St. Lucia's Day marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Sweden. On December 13th, girls and women dress up as "Lucia" and sing Christmas carols, while boys and men dress up as "Stjärngossar" (star boys). They also distribute saffron buns and gingerbread cookies.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is the main event in Sweden. Families gather together to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner, which typically includes dishes like julskinka (Christmas ham), lutfisk (dried and salted whitefish), and risalamande (a sweet rice pudding). They also exchange gifts and sing Christmas carols.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is a day for relaxation and leisure in Sweden. Many people spend the day watching TV, playing games, or going for a walk in the snowy countryside.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is a time for celebration in Sweden. Many people gather with friends and family to watch the fireworks and enjoy a glass of champagne.

Epiphany

Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season in Sweden. On January 6th, many people attend church services and enjoy traditional Epiphany foods like saffron cake and gingerbread.

Conclusion

Christmas bank holidays in Sweden are a time for celebration, relaxation, and spending time with loved ones. From St. Lucia's Day to Epiphany, the holiday season is filled with unique and fascinating traditions. Whether you're interested in trying traditional Swedish Christmas foods, attending church services, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, Sweden is a wonderful place to experience Christmas.

We hope you've enjoyed this article about Christmas bank holidays in Sweden. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to share them with us. We'd love to hear from you!

What are the Christmas bank holidays in Sweden?

The Christmas bank holidays in Sweden include December 24th (Julafton or Christmas Eve), December 25th (Juldagen or Christmas Day), December 26th (Annandag Jul or Boxing Day), December 31st (Nyårsafton or New Year's Eve), January 1st (Nyårsdagen or New Year's Day), and January 6th (Trettondagsafton or Epiphany Eve).

What are some traditional Swedish Christmas foods?

Some traditional Swedish Christmas foods include julskinka (Christmas ham), lutfisk (dried and salted whitefish), and risalamande (a sweet rice pudding).

How do Swedes celebrate Christmas?

Swedes celebrate Christmas by gathering with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional foods and drinks. They also attend church services and participate in festive activities like singing Christmas carols and watching TV.