There’s something special about Åre as Christmas draws near. During the First Advent weekend, hundreds of glowing lanterns light up the village, shops open their doors and the scent of hot chocolate, popcorn and roasted almonds fills the square. It’s a weekend made for wandering through the village, soaking up the atmosphere and spending time together.
As the First Advent weekend approaches, Åre comes alive with Christmas spirit, experiences big and small, and plenty of reasons to head into the village. Local shops are ready with seasonal arrivals, special offers and festive happenings, while Åre Square transforms into a cosy gathering place with hundreds of glowing lanterns, a festive pop-up market and a sparkling Christmas tree at its heart.
Take a stroll through the shops, pick up your first Christmas gifts of the season, stop for something delicious or simply soak up the atmosphere. The weekend wraps up on First Advent Sunday with the traditional village glögg gathering. And somewhere among the friendly encounters, festive scents and twinkling lights, that special feeling begins to settle in. Christmas has arrived in Åre.
First Weekend of Advent, November 27–29
Free Guided Tours with Morrvikja
Join Maria Wilhelmsson, known as Morrvikja, on a journey through Åre’s history! From the first hotels and old farmsteads to the historic funicular railway and Åre’s evolution into a mountain destination. Each tour explores a different theme, lasts around 20 minutes and is completely free, courtesy of Åre Sweden. Please note that these will be held in Swedish only.
Guided tour times:
Friday at 16:30
Saturday at 11.00, 14.00 and 16:30
Sunday at 11.00
Pop-up Christmas Market at Åre Square
Get into the Christmas spirit at Åre Torg, where a charming little pop-up market brings festive treats and holiday magic to the heart of the village. Hundreds of glowing outdoor torches light up the square, where three cozy Christmas stalls stand beside Santa's cottage. The irresistible aromas of roasted almonds and freshly popped popcorn will be filling the air. Treat yourself to hot chocolate and chocolate cones from Åre Chokladfabrik, freshly popped popcorn from Åre Poppin Company, and coconut chocolate treats and roasted almonds from Åre Kokosbollar.
A small Christmas market with plenty of festive charm, right in the heart of Åre village.
Market stall opening hours:
Friday: 13–17
Saturday: 11–17
Sunday: 11–17
Village glögg on First Advent Sunday
On Sunday afternoon, we’ll gather around the big Christmas tree in Åre Square to welcome the Christmas season together. Enjoy this year’s Christmas speech, a festive concert by Voices of Jämtland and, of course, the traditional village glögg, served courtesy of Åre Sweden. A lovely way to round off the weekend and mark the beginning of Christmas in Åre.
Time for village glögg at Åre square:
Sunday: 15.00–16.00
Shops and happenings
Åre’s shops are going the extra mile for the First Advent weekend! Discover the latest seasonal arrivals, enjoy special offers and join in on everything from morning runs with breakfast and yoga sessions to ski tuning and other happenings. Pick up your first Christmas gifts of the season, explore a shop you’ve never visited before or simply enjoy a weekend when the village is buzzing with life.
Check out the calendar below for the full weekend programme, including times, special offers and activities.
Program
26 november 2026
27 november 2026
Friday breakfast at Copperhill
Friday breakfast and networking at House Be
Fee Registration required
Advent candle dipping at Åre Ljusfabrik
Fee Registration required
