The Christmas lights are now burning brightly for Uppsala’s marketplaces, the St Lucia Procession and other traditional events of the season. Here is your guide on how to add a touch of sparkle to the winter gloom, from now up until Christmas!

The gingerbread house in Güntherska’s window

Güntherska Hovkonditori & Schweizeri has been one of Uppsala’s main attractions since the late 1800s. For five generations it has been like a second living room for Uppsala residents to enjoy everything from soups and cheese bread to pastries and home-made ice cream with a cup of coffee. This patisserie believes Christmas should be celebrated in style. Güntherska displays a spectacular gingerbread house every year, for everyone to admire. You only need to walk past and the smell of cloves and ginger seems to be wafting out of the window.

Christmas shopping in pleasant surroundings

Sankt Eriks gränd, Svartbäcksgatan and Fyristorg. These are just some of the charming shopping areas Uppsala can be proud of in the Christmas shopping season. There are marketplaces as well as stores, or why not do a little modest window-shopping for inspiration – all easy to find in the centre.

Resplendent Christmas lights

Light up your soul and spirit with the many different kinds of Christmas lights that adorn the city of eternal youth. The trees along the river, the mistletoe on Västgötaspången, and the pedestrian streets in the centre have already been lit and can be enjoyed right now. More lighting on the charming Klostergatan has also been promised.

In Fanny and Alexander’s footsteps

We’re not talking about any old Fanny and Alexander, but about the characters from the legendary Ingmar Bergman film and miniseries, which in many ways has shaped the classic Swedish way of celebrating Christmas since its premiere in 1982. The cathedral, the Uppland County Museum set up as a vicarage, and a flat on Trädgårdsgatan are three of the recording locations. A stroll past these symbols of Christmas can really bring out the festive feeling.

The Brave Lucia of the Year

Have you ever dreamed of walking on rooftops with a Saint Lucia crown on your head? You have your chance on 13 December every year. Since 2018 GO Adventure has been arranging “The brave Lucia of the Year”, where people are invited to nominate a person to be Saint Lucia. The winner then gets to go walking on the roof of Uppsala Castle, fully secured and with the help of skilled instructors, in traditional attire.

Christmas spirit outside Uppsala

A lot of places on the outskirts of the city are ideal for celebrating Christmas and enjoying nature safe from coronavirus. Taking a stroll along a snow-covered hiking trail, barbecuing sausages and drinking hot mulled wine is a lovely way of experiencing nature, exercising and immersing yourself in the true spirit of Christmas. On paths in Fjällnora, Stadsskogen and Hammarskog, you can also bring your cross-country skis with you and make fresh tracks in the snow in these Uppland County woods. Our guide on Easier hiking trips in the Uppsala area will give you further inspiration.