MAIN Christmas Europe Christmas in Sweden

Along with Denmark, Norway, and other Scandinavian countries, Christmas in Sweden is a special time of year with millions of lights aglow and festivities planned for a full month-long celebration to help dispel an otherwise dark, gloomy winter.

In Sweden, festivities usually begin with the lighting of the first of four Advent candles in homes across the country, followed by the annual must-see December 1 airing of a popular national television holiday entertainment special, "Julkalendar".

(More televised entertainment, only found in Sweden, comes later with the annual Christmas Eve showing of its biggest holiday TV rerun, starring Kalle Anka or that wacky Disneyland import, Donald Duck.)

Yet another Swedish tradition arrives on December 13, honoring St. Lucia, featuring a young girl dressed in a lighted candle crown, leading a parade of children for Lucia Day festivities. It also celebrated with traditional songs and treats such as pepparkator (gingerbread cookies) and lussekatter (saffron buns).

And soon comes the biggest day of all - Christmas Eve - when families gather for carol singing, the arrival of Tomten (Father Christmas) and a huge holiday smorgasbord of Swedish meatballs, sausages and cold meats, lutfisk and other fish dishes.

Glögg (mulled wine) is another festive part of the celebration. Also served is the traditional Jul grot or Christmas porridge containing one hidden almond, which promises good fortune to any family member lucky enough to find it!

More information about Christmas in Sweden around the Web:

Christmas in Sweden - Here's a brief overview of main holiday observances including visits by Jultomten (Santa), the celebration of St. Lucia's Day, and related craft activity with how to's for making a St. Lucia's Day wreath.

How to Celebrate a Swedish Christmas - Check out Swedish holiday obervances, customs & traditions.

Christmas in Liseberg - The sire of one of Sweden's biggest Christmas markets, there are also millions of lights, plus fun entertainment and holiday festivities at the amusement park.