Christmas market in the Old Town – Christmas on Stortorget in Stockholm

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: September 2026 | Christmas Market in the Old Town of Stockholm means traditional market stalls, crafts and treats on the historic Stortorget. The market is not very large, but the atmosphere among the colorful old houses is hard to beat. In addition, the Christmas market has origins that stretch back to the Middle Ages.

Christmas market in the Old Town on Stortorget

In the middle of the Old Town, on the historic Stortorget, one of Stockholm's most classic Christmas markets is usually arranged before Christmas. Here, the characteristic red market stalls line up in front of the old colorful houses, just a stone's throw from Storkyrkan and Stockholm Palace.

We have visited the Christmas market ourselves and think that it is above all the environment that makes it special. The market is quite small and it doesn't take very long to walk around the stalls. At the same time, it almost feels like Stortorget was created for a traditional Christmas market.

And when you're done with the market itself, you have the whole Old town in Stockholm to continue discovering.

We visit the Christmas market in the Old Town

When we visited the Christmas market, we were greeted by a fairly traditional selection of items, including ceramics, knitted mittens, cast candles, and classic straw goats.

There was also plenty of food to eat, of course. We saw sausages, smoked fish, jam and lots of Christmas candy. There were sometimes a lot of people in front of the most popular stalls, while colorful elves and other Christmas decorations added to the atmosphere.

The range can of course change between years, but crafts, Christmas decorations, sweets and various delicacies are still among the things usually found at the market.

For us, the biggest asset is the combination of the market and the location. The Christmas market is small enough to see it properly, while there is much more to experience all around.

A Christmas market with roots in the Middle Ages

The Christmas market at Stortorget is usually described as Sweden's oldest Christmas market, but the history is a little more complicated – and actually even more interesting than that.

Trade was carried out on Stortorget as early as the Middle Ages. In the 14th century, market trade was regulated by Magnus Eriksson's city law, and the market was an important place for trade in food, among other things.

During the 17th century, a Christmas market was arranged in connection with Thomas Day on December 21. That day traditionally had great significance before Christmas and people came to the city to buy things they needed for the weekend.

During the reign of Gustav III, the Christmas market was moved from Stortorget to the inner courtyard of the castle. In 1837, it returned to Stortorget and there were 95 sales points at the market.

However, the market's reputation gradually deteriorated and operations ceased. When the Stockholm Guild was formed in the early 1900s, the association wanted to revive the old tradition. In 1915, the guild again arranged a Christmas market on Stortorget, with the ambition, among other things, to highlight Swedish goods.

Stockholms-Gillet still arranges the Christmas market and works to keep the tradition alive.

Even the market stalls have a history

The red stalls that contribute so much to the appearance of the Christmas market are not just any market stalls.

During the 1950s, the old stalls were worn out and the Stockholm Guild even considered closing the market. Thanks to a donation, 34 new stalls were built instead.

Architect Nils Tesch designed them using medieval models and adapted them to the environment on Stortorget. Since 1961, the stalls have shaped the market's appearance.

It's a small detail that we think makes the market even more enjoyable. The historical impression is not just about the surrounding buildings – the market stalls themselves are also part of the story.

What's on the Christmas market in the Old Town?

The selection varies from year to year, of course, but the Christmas market usually offers a mix of crafts, Christmas decorations, sweets and various food products. Here you can look out for, for example:

• crafts and arts and crafts
• Christmas decorations and elves
• knitwear and other textile products
• candy and sweets
• sausages and other cold cuts
• various delicacies and Christmas flavors

The market is not huge. Anyone used to the large Christmas markets in, for example, Germany will quickly notice the difference.

But here we actually think that the size is almost part of the charm. You don't necessarily go to Stortorget to spend a whole day among hundreds of market stalls. You go here for the combination of a traditional Christmas market and the historic environment of the Old Town.

Christmas atmosphere throughout the Old Town

When you're done with the Christmas market, just continue out into the alleys of the Old Town. Here you'll find historic buildings, small shops, cafes and restaurants, and during December Christmas lights and decorations add to the atmosphere. Stortorget is also close to attractions such as Storkyrkan and Stockholm Palace.

This makes the Christmas market a good part of a longer walk through the district. The market itself may only take a moment – the Old Town, on the other hand, can take considerably longer.

Don't miss the Old Town's living Christmas calendar

Another nice Christmas tradition in the Old Town is Master Olofsgården's Living Advent Calendar. The concept is just as charming as it sounds. During December, various windows will be opened around the Old Town and behind each ”window” a small, free performance awaits.

It can involve music, storytelling or other cultural experiences, and both well-known and local artists usually participate. Mäster Olofsgården describes the living Christmas calendar as one of his recurring annual events.

Which window opens and what happens there varies from year to year, so check the current program at Mäster Olofsgården if you want to combine the Christmas market with a window opening.

When is the Christmas market in the Old Town?

The Christmas market at Stortorget is usually held from the end of November until the days before Christmas. Exact dates and opening hours may vary, so it is wise to check with the organizer, Stockholms-Gillet, for current information before visiting.

Stockholms-Gillet is a non-profit association and the Christmas market is an important part of the operation. Any surplus is used for scholarships and support for research related to Stockholm, among other things.

• Location: Main Square, Old Town, Stockholm
• Organiser: Stockholm Guild
• Period: Usually from late November to just before Christmas

More Christmas markets in Sweden

Want to experience more Swedish Christmas markets? There are many great options around the country – from the historic environments of Skansen and millions of Christmas lights in Kosta to medieval Christmas in Visby and the Christmas market among the old farms at Jamtli.

In our guide to 12 cozy Christmas markets in Sweden We have collected both markets that we have visited ourselves and other exciting alternatives from Skåne in the south to Gammelstad in the north.

And if you want to travel a little further to get into the Christmas spirit, you can of course also find our tips at Christmas markets in Europe.