Christmas in Uppsala

Check Out the Christmas Lights

During the darkest season, the city center lights up with beautiful Christmas decorations. This year, Uppsala is actually getting an entirely new set of Christmas lights, inspired by themes related to the city. Luminous cats (led by the beloved children’s’ book character Peter No-Tail) stroll across a bridge, and you can spot patterns from the Cathedral’s rose window in the more traditional garlands of the the pedestrian street. Even Uppsalas science heritage is represented… Take a stroll under the lights and explore!

Celsiutorget, on the pedestrian street in the city, is a true Instagram spot. In December, there’s an illuminated Santa’s throne here, and a large mailbox (to accommodate all letters addressed to the North Pole, of course). This is also the place where you can participate in Uppsala’s classic Christmas gift pile (see more information and dates here). Stores and businesses have donated gifts, and you literally buy the gift in the poke for 100 SEK – the contents can be worth anywhere between 150 SEK up to 1000 SEK. All proceeds go directly to charity.

Check Out Creative Christmas Displays

Whether you’re on a Christmas shopping spree or just taking a stroll, you can enjoy the creative Christmas displays that shops and businesses in Uppsala city offer to passersby. The first two weeks of December, there’s a competition where you can vote to determine Uppsala’s best Christmas shop window. Why not bring your friends or family for a walk and rate the different shop windows? Once you’ve found your favorite, there are plenty of cozy cafes where you can drop in for a hot drink and a lussekatt (traditional Swedish saffron bun).

Take a Guided (Christmas) Tour

If you are into culture and history, Uppsala is a treasure trove (both figuratively and literally – there’s actually a real treasure trove to discover in the Cathedral). Join a guided tour to make the most of your Uppsala experience this December!

On selected dates, the so-called Proffesor’s Home in the cultural quarters of Walmstedtska opens up for guided tours, showing how Christmas in Uppsala was celebrated 100 years ago. The room is set with lingonberries, red apples, and Christmas sweets. The Christmas tree is decorated with garlands, icing, and traditional Christmas decorations. Tours are available in both Swedish and English.

The Uppsala Cathedral is the city’s most iconic attraction, and the impressive architecture might even be a bit more awe-inspiring during Christmas . If you’re lucky, you might visit during one of the church choirs’ rehearsals. On Sundays, there are guided tours of the church where you can learn more about its impressive history. If you want to come and explore on a different weekday or on your own, there’s also a guide folder available for purchase in the Cathedral Shop.

There are also several walks and guided tours offered year-round – check out more guided tours here.