Christmas in Sweden - World Famous, Never Forgotten

Winter in Scandinavia can be mind blowing, spending Christmas in Sweden is something that so many visitors experience each and every year, and are rarely disappointed as there are so many things to see at this time of year.

Being one of the largest countries in Western Europe, Sweden is largely made up of pine forest, and birch, and is hugely green and environmentally friendly. The air is clean and fresh and the weather can be rough – depending on which part of Sweden you decide to visit.

The lakes here are in abundance – approximately one-hundred thousand lakes are found in this beautiful rich green country, with most of the countries cities found in the Southern most part where the majority of the population can be found.

Stockholm is the countries capital, and it makes for a very relaxing break should you decide to call into the city on your visit to Sweden. It's 'Gamla Stan' or 'Old Town' where you will find one of the most fabulous Christmas markets, another being at the Liseberg Amusement Park. The Liseberg Amusement Park is also where you will find almost five million Christmas lights, the Liseberg gallery and bar (made completely from ice) and plenty of choice too, if you dine in the restaurant.

Traditionally, you will find that a family Christmas in Sweden follows a routine - trees are put up around two days before Christmas. Residents will go out the day before 24th December in search of a perfect Christmas tree, unlike the traditional twelve days of Christmas that the UK follows (along with the convenience of buying a tree from the local supermarket!). Although the tree goes up at this time, Christmas in Sweden begins on the 13th December, and last almost two whole months, when families that follow custom (which is becoming rare though followed in each families own special way) have their youngest daughter rise before dawn, wearing a white and simple robe with a red sash, any boys in the family wear a pointed hat and a long shirt in white. Where this is in the home you will find all manner of exciting traditions, which is what Christmas in Sweden is all about.

Christmas in Sweden can't be complete without tasting a smörgåsbord made up of salted ham, gubbröra (a mixture consisting of anchovy), pickled herring among other fish dishes, pork, liver pate – the tantalising list goes on but perhaps for British tamed tongue this is a delicious and different combination, and most hotels will serve it.

It truly is a most beautiful time to visit if you are organising a December holiday. Within towns and cities you will find huge decorated trees and subtly lit streets. If you venture away from the bustle of the towns and cities, you will most likely be taken in by the beauty. Where homes and trees are smothered with snow, and candles are alight in windows, it just feels like Christmas in Sweden should. All of this will simply entertain and enthral the young and old, as well as provide fabulous memories of Sweden.

Sweden History Tip #1

Always remember to carry a map of Sweden when you visit, mark on it the whereabouts of your hotel and the full address and keep it with you when you travel. Mark down landmarks near the hotel if you plan to walk so that you can easily spot the direction of your residency for the time of your stay.

Sweden History Tip #2

If you plan to travel to Northern Sweden to experience the Northern Lights and the Ice Hotel, pack accordingly and remember warm clothing, especially in winter months. Thermal underwear is highly recommended on top of hats, scarves and a couple of pairs of gloves - there's nothing worse than packing just one pair and losing one glove!

Sweden History Tip #3

Gothenburg Sweden is just one of many things to see in Sweden. A good idea is to plan your trip in advance so that you can get to see the best of the best. The place is full of history, glorious scenery, architecture and quaint little buildings.