Celebrate Christmas in Åre
In December, Åre is transformed into a dreamy Christmas village. Thousands of Christmas lights twinkle in the snow-covered trees and the stately Christmas tree adorns our village square. Shops and restaurants are beautifully decorated and you can enjoy a typical Swedish “Julbord”, the Christmas version of smörgåsbord with loads of local dishes on a buffet table. Stroll around the village, peek into Santa’s cosy Christmas cottage and enjoy the joyful atmosphere that prevails.
First Advent – a weekend to look forward to
Why wait for the holiday spirit? During the First Advent weekend, Åre starts dressing up for the season, and that long-awaited Christmas feeling begins to settle over the mountains and village. At Åre Torg, people gather around the Christmas tree for mulled wine, gingerbread cookies, a Christmas speech, and a festive concert—a cozy start to the weeks ahead.
There’s plenty happening around the village too. Shops and local businesses invite you in for everything from candle dipping and an open ski workshop to knitting help, along with special offers and plenty of opportunities to start checking off your Christmas shopping list. Ski film premieres stir up excitement for snowy days ahead, while bars and gathering places offer plenty of reasons to settle in and stay awhile.Maybe it’ll be your first mulled wine of the season, the first Christmas gifts in your bag, or simply a long stroll through an Åre that’s beginning to sparkle a little brighter.
A wonderful way to ease into Christmas—long before it’s time to worry about whether the tree is standing straight.
Christmas at Åre Square
The holiday spirit arrives early in Åre Square. The season traditionally begins with Byglöggen, when the Christmas tree is lit, festive music fills the square, and warm mulled wine and gingerbread cookies bring people together.
As Christmas draws closer, the village becomes even more magical. Meet Santa, hand over your Christmas wish list, and warm up with a cup of traditional Swedish mulled wine as you soak up the festive atmosphere.
Our December Tips
Some start celebrating Christmas in November, some wait until the last minute and some just go with the traditions. What makes your Christmas special is entirely up to you. But we’ve selected a few tips for you that covers all of December, from how to make Christmas shopping easy and enjoyable to the best ways of getting out and enjoying the daylight.
The Julbord - A Feast
The Julbord is a must in Sweden: long tables filled to the brim with everything from traditional ham to sweet desserts. Åre’s restaurants take the Julbord tradition seriously and do it very well. And once Christmas is done and dusted, we look forward to New Year’s celebrations and dinners. Just remember to book early, as tables often fill up quickly.
The Gifts
Hard, soft, big and small – you’ll be sure to find the perfect Christmas gift in Åre with its vast variety of shops and boutiques and companies that offer activities.
The Decorations & the Tree
It’s easy to find everything you need to make that special Christmas holiday feeling spread through your cottage or apartment. ICA Björnänge has the tree you want, and plenty of decorations on the second floor. Find your bouquets and flowery ornaments at Åre Fjällflorist and your wrapping paper or gift, Christmas lights and flowers is waiting for you at In Home at Åre Station.
More Christmas Jollities
What to do in Åre at Christmas & New Year?
There’s always something to do in Åre which means our calendar is filled with fun activities and exciting adventures to explore. Find out below what happens in Åre during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays or click here to see the full calendar.
Last updated 29 September 2026
