10 Swedish Christmas traditions children will love

Swedish Christmas is full of cosy traditions, little rituals and plenty of things children can join in with. Some are delicious, some are wonderfully old-fashioned and some feel almost magical. Here are ten Swedish Christmas traditions families can enjoy together.

1. St. Lucia Day

On December 13th, children across Sweden take part in Lucia processions. Lucia wears a white gown and a crown of candles, while other children may dress as attendants, star boys, little tomtar or gingerbread figures. The procession usually includes traditional songs and lots of candlelight.

2. Baking Lussekatter

Lussekatter are soft saffron buns, usually shaped into curls and decorated with raisins. They are especially connected with St. Lucia Day, but many Swedish families enjoy them throughout December.

3. Making Gingerbread

Pepparkakor, thin Swedish gingerbread biscuits, are a Christmas favourite. Children often help roll the dough, cut out shapes and decorate gingerbread houses with icing and sweets.

4. Leaving Porridge for the Nisse

In old Scandinavian folklore, a small farm guardian known as a Nisse or tomte was believed to look after the farm and its animals. At Christmas, families would traditionally leave out a bowl of porridge to keep him happy. It is an especially fun tradition for children who love the idea of a tiny Christmas visitor.

5. Drinking Julmust

Julmust is a dark, sweet Swedish Christmas drink that appears in shops every winter. For many Swedish children, Christmas simply would not feel the same without it.

6. Decorating with Straw Goats

The julbock, or Christmas goat, is one of Sweden’s oldest Christmas symbols. Today you will often see small straw goats used as decorations in Swedish homes. Children can even make their own with straw, yarn or craft materials.

7. Watching Kalle Anka on Christmas Eve

Since 1960, many Swedish families have gathered around the television at 3 pm on Christmas Eve to watch the traditional Disney Christmas programme known simply as Kalle Anka (Donald Duck). It has become such a familiar part of Christmas that even after seeing it year after year, it still feels special.

I have watched it more than 40 times myself, and somehow it is still just as cosy — especially now that I get to watch it together with my own children.

8. Dancing Around the Christmas Tree

Some Swedish families still hold hands and dance around the Christmas tree while singing traditional Christmas songs. It can be silly, noisy and especially fun when children are involved.

9. Opening Presents on Christmas Eve

Unlike in many English-speaking countries, Swedish families traditionally celebrate the main Christmas event on December 24th. Christmas dinner is served, presents are opened and children may even receive a visit from Jultomten — the Swedish Santa Claus.

10. Welcoming a Little Nisse in December

In recent years, many Swedish families have added a playful new tradition to December: a little nisse visiting the home. He may leave letters, clues, tiny surprises or a little mischief behind.

This is also the idea behind The Elf Letters, which were first created in Sweden in 2018. Children follow Alfie, an invisible Swedish Christmas elf, through one continuing December adventure filled with stories, curious friends, playful suprises and pieces of Swedish Christmas tradition.

Swedish Christmas is not just about one big day. It is about all the little moments that make December feel special — candlelight, baking, stories, traditions and time together.

And those are often the moments children remember most.