Planning to visit Stockholm for Christmas? You should also plan a daytrip to visit Sigtuna located some 45 km (28 mi) away from the capital and reachable by public transportation. There are some nice Christmas markets, both in outdoor and indoor locations, and cozy places in this wonderful town.
If you also want to enjoy your visit as the Swedes do Sigtuna can be a good destination to try the julbord – the Swedish Christmas buffet – in any of the hotels and restaurants in the city.
Christmas Market at Sigtuna
Photo: destinationsigtuna.se
Christmas Market in Stora torget Square, Sigtuna
During the four Sundays before Christmas the city of Sigtuna celebrates its cozy julmarknad in the center.
The market runs along Stora torget Square, Stora gatan Street until hotel Sigtuna Stadshotell. There is also a food market with Swedish specialties in the gardens Drakegårdens trädgård. Check the map below for the different locations.
Map of the Christmas Market in Sigtuna
This market is much appreciated by the inhabitants and by other Swedes who come from nearby towns and villages. The market has free entrance and parking.
Dates: Sundays 11/27, 4/12, 11/12, 18/12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sigtuna’s Main Street During a Christmas Market
Photo: destinationsigtuna.se
Christmas Market at Steninge Castle
This traditional market takes place in Steninge Slottsby a unique place marked by the Steninge Castle and its Baroque garden. In this market you will find craftsmen working on their products, shops with their gifts ready and also restaurants prepared to serve you the typical seasonal dishes.
Dates: every day from November 19 to December 23 from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. on weekdays or from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Christmas Market at Steninge Castle
Photo: destinationsigtuna.se
Christmas Market at Skokloster Castle
Christmas begins at Skokloster Castle with a traditional market with more than 40 stalls inside the castle and in Stenhuset. You can enjoy the spirit of Christmas in the baroque halls transformed into a fantasy world. Kids can enjoy activities like julpyssel, the creation of paper ornaments, and visiting the castle’s own Santa Claus. Don’t forget to wear warm clothes!
Dates: TBC.
Christmas Market at Herresta Lada
Exhibitions by local artisans, gifts and an organic café are some of the things you can find, in addition to the cozy atmosphere, in Herresta Lada.
Dates: TBC.
Christmas Market at Herresta Lada
Photo: destinationsigtuna.se
Christmas Market at Skånelaholm Castle
One of the most unknown castles in the area, Skånelaholm, opens its doors to the Christmas market consisting of local craft stalls, homemade delicatessens and activities for children and adults. Guided tours searching for ghosts are available as well as classical music will be played and the children can take a walk in ponies and enjoy their creativity in the children’s section. Chocolate tasting also available!
Dates: TBC.
Christmas Buffe in Sigtuna
There are many places in Sigtuna to try the julbord. The best known Sigtunastiftelsen, Hotell Kristina, 1909 Sigtuna Stadshotell, Roserbergs Slotthotell or Sigtunahöjden among many others who present the Christmas buffet each with its particular touch.
How to get to Sigtuna
You can reach Sigtuna by public transport from Stockholm by suburban train (from Stockholm Central Station to Märsta station) and from there by bus (570 or 575 to Sigtuna busstation). It takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Check this drawing below to know, more or less, where Sigtuna and the nearby castles are located.
Sigtuna and Nearby Castles on a Map
Where to Sleep in Sigtuna
During Christmas time many hotels have special packages to spend the weekend in the city. Check prices and availability here.
Booking.com
My recommendation if you come to Stockholm in November or December is that you set aside a day to visit Sigtuna and also to enjoy the cozy atmosphere present in the streets during Christmas.
If you are interested in visiting a market at a castle and would like to know how to get there, leave me a comment below and I will try to help you with the transportation.
