Åre in December
It’s no surprise that December in Åre is all about Christmas spirit and skiing. Many of us have been looking forward to a cozy December and a peaceful, festive season — and, of course, to taking the first turns on the slopes or a spin along the cross-country trails. Åre offers a little extra magic in the December darkness, especially when the village is usually blanketed in snow and the Christmas lights brighten up the valley. Here are our top tips for December in Åre.
Go Skiing (!)
The ski season officially kicks off with the Åre Ski Test Weekend during the Lucia weekend, but as soon as it gets cold enough and there’s sufficient snow, skiing is usually possible even before that. In December, the full ski system opens, allowing us to finally enjoy skiing all the way through to early May.
Enjoy a Christmas & New Year’s Dinner
YOUR GUIDE TO X-MAS & NEW YEAR’S DINNERS
Åre’s restaurants lay out their Christmas buffets in long rows. Expect hand-tied sausages, homemade mulled wine, traditional Christmas flavours, exciting new dishes, and plenty of local delicacies. The same tradition continues for New Year’s, with luxurious New Year’s dinners on offer. Be sure to book early, as places tend to fill up quickly!
NEW! First weekend of Advent
First Advent may sneak in at the very end of November, but with December just around the corner, it deserves a spot here. That’s when the Christmas spirit really starts to settle over Åre, with the tree, mulled wine, gingerbread cookies, and a Christmas concert at Åre Torg. The shops are stocked with new winter arrivals and Christmas gifts, special offers, while in-store activities, cozy bar hangouts, and get-togethers bring the village to life. A weekend with Christmas in the air, that first rush of winter excitement, and Åre getting ready to welcome December.
Ski Cross Country
If there’s enough snow, cross-country trails are also available. The trails in Vålådalen opened as early as October, so there’s most likely somewhere to enjoy a few laps. If you feel your technique could use some polishing, you can also take a refresher or beginner’s course with one of our activity providers.
Lunge into a December Plunge
If you’re feeling brave, try the traditional Christmas swim in an ice hole (always go with someone and bring warm clothes to put on afterwards). Otherwise, there are heated outdoor tubs and lovely indoor pools at several locations in Åre. Pair it with a reinvigorating sauna session, and you’ll be ready to take on both Christmas and the New Year.
Eat & Drink Really Well
Just because winter — and the darkness that comes with it — has arrived doesn’t mean we should stay indoors all day. On the contrary! Get outside and enjoy the daylight as much as you can, and of course, bring along the gear to cook outdoors, over an open fire or on a camping stove. If you’d rather picture yourself in a cosy chair indoors, there are plenty of restaurants serving delicious local produce, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, tapas-style plates, and much, much more to choose from.
Enjoy the Northern Lights
Experiencing the Northern Lights in real life is simply unbeatable. If you’re lucky, you can witness this otherworldly spectacle on dark, chilly evenings. See the greenish light dancing across the sky, shifting colours, sweeping back and forth, fading, flaring up again, and then disappearing entirely. So, when an aurora is forecast and the sky is clear, there’s only one thing to do — dress warmly, grab a thermos, and head to a spot away from lit houses and streets. Or, why not book a guided Northern Lights tour for the best experience?
Enjoy Christmas Shopping
As Christmas approaches, it’s easy to get stressed about buying presents. Just let it go, relax, and enjoy the festive calm — here are some great tips on where to find this year’s best gifts, no matter who they’re for (and maybe even for yourself).
Go on a Discovery Tour
December weather can be a bit chilly and raw, but there are plenty of places to visit that will warm you — inside and out. Take a trip to Åre’s artisans and watch glass creations come to life, try candle dipping, or visit a chocolate factory. Or head out to explore waterfalls, Handöl, or the southern Åre mountains. Don’t forget to stop by a cosy café for something warm to drink and a sweet treat.
Go Full Christmas
Take (many) breaks from work, the ski slopes, cross-country trails, and Christmas preparations. Make the most of everything the festive season in Åre has to offer — concerts, markets, Christmas at the town square, and visits from Santa. And perhaps it’s perfectly fine to ease up a bit on the cleaning, cooking, and, most of all, the stress — in favour of that wonderful, warm feeling we get from spending time together in the glow of Christmas lights.
Fine-tune your Winter Fitness
If you haven’t started doing squats and getting your pulse up ahead of the winter season, now’s the time to begin. You don’t necessarily need to hit the gym — but if you want to, there are plenty of great options in Åre. Yoga is also an excellent complement, especially for those tight hamstrings that can cause trouble when skiing both cross-country and downhill. And if you’re already feeling some aches and pains, there are plenty of experts who can help — so why not give yourself an early Christmas gift in the form of a restorative treatment?
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Last updated 5 October 2026
