Christmas Eve 2025
Date: December 24, 2025 (Wednesday)
Country: Sweden Public Holidays
Description
Christmas Eve in Sweden is a special day when families and friends come together to mark the start of the Christmas celebrations. It feels warm and important because people focus on being close to loved ones.
The day takes place on December 24 every year. In Sweden this date is the main day for celebrating Christmas. People think of it as the most important evening in the holiday period.
For many Swedes Christmas Eve is both a family time and a moment to pause from normal life. It marks the end of the Advent waiting time and the beginning of the Christmas season.
The significance of the day is about care, togetherness, and reflection. It is a moment to remember what matters in life and to share kindness with others. The day also connects people to their culture and history.
Traditions
On Christmas Eve Swedish families gather at home for a big meal and presents. They often watch the same TV special at 3 PM called Kalle Anka where Donald Duck and friends appear. It is a strong tradition.
The meal is a julbord buffet with many small dishes. Typical foods are ham, pickled herring, gravlax, meatballs, prinskorv sausages, and Janssons frestelse. People also drink julmust or sometimes glögg. Rice pudding with an almond is a sweet ending.
After dinner families may sing carols and dance around the Christmas tree. Children sometimes meet the jultomten who brings gifts and speaks with them. Candles and lights create a cozy, warm feeling in many homes.
Travel Tips
Many shops, museums and government offices close early on Christmas Eve. Trains and buses run reduced schedules but can be crowded before the day. Book tickets and restaurants in advance. Bring warm shoes for icy sidewalks and allow extra travel time.
Look for community events like markets and concerts that stay open. Carry a charged phone and know local emergency numbers. Be respectful of quiet neighborhoods and private property. Enjoy walks in parks, small cafes that stay open, and slow paced sightseeing to make the day safe and pleasant.