{"id":63519,"date":"2026-08-06T20:12:59","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T18:12:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aresweden.com\/?p=63519"},"modified":"2026-10-02T15:26:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T13:26:08","slug":"top-things-to-do-in-are-in-december","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aresweden.com\/en\/see-do\/top-things-to-do-in-are-in-december\/","title":{"rendered":"Top things to do in \u00c5re in December"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s no surprise that December in \u00c5re is all about Christmas spirit and skiing. Many of us have been looking forward to a cozy December and a peaceful, festive season \u2014 and, of course, to taking the first turns on the slopes or a spin along the cross-country trails. \u00c5re 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. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are our top tips for December in \u00c5re.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \"Kv\u00e4llsskid\u00e5kning\n \n \n <\/span>\n
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Go skiing (!)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Opening hours<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ski season officially kicks off with the \u00c5re Ski Test Weekend<\/a> during the Lucia weekend, but as soon as it gets cold enough and there\u2019s sufficient snow, skiing is usually possible even before that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In December, the full ski system opens, allowing us to finally enjoy skiing all the way through to early May.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n \n
\n \"Julbord\n \n \n <\/span>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy a Julbord and new year\u2019s dinner<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The julbord guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00c5re\u2019s restaurants lay out their Julbords 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\u2019s, with luxurious New Year\u2019s dinners on offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to book early, as places tend to fill up quickly!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \"\"\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n
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NEW! First weekend of Advent<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

FIRST WEEKEND OF ADVENT<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Advent may sneak in at the very end of November, but with December just around the corner, it deserves a spot here. That\u2019s when the Christmas spirit really starts to settle over \u00c5re, with the tree, mulled wine, gingerbread cookies, and a Christmas concert at \u00c5re Torg. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shops are stocked with new winter arrivals and Christmas gifts, special offers, while ski film premieres, 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 \u00c5re getting ready to welcome December.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \"Two\n \n \n <\/span>\n
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Ski cross country<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cross country tracks in \u00c5re<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s enough snow, cross-country trails are also available. The trails in V\u00e5l\u00e5dalen opened as early as October, so there\u2019s most likely somewhere to enjoy a few laps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel your technique could use some polishing, you can also take a refresher or beginner\u2019s course with one of \u00c5re's activity providers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \"Woman\n \n \n <\/span>\n \n Photo: Emrik Jansson\n <\/span>\n
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Lunge into a December plunge<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Pools in \u00c5re<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re feeling brave, try the traditional Christmas swim in an ice hole (always go with someone and bring warm<\/em> clothes to put on afterwards). Otherwise, there are heated outdoor tubs and lovely indoor pools at several locations in \u00c5re. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pair it with a reinvigorating sauna session, and you\u2019ll be ready to take on both Christmas and the New Year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \"Lounge\n \n \n <\/span>\n
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Eat and drink well<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

More on restaurants<\/a> and outdoor cooking<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just because winter \u2014 and the darkness that comes with it \u2014 has arrived doesn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \"Norrsken\n \n \n <\/span>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy the northern lights<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A guide to the northern lights <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experiencing the northern lights in real life is simply unbeatable. If you\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, when an aurora is forecast and the sky is clear, there\u2019s only one thing to do \u2014 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 <\/a>for the best experience? <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \"Julklapp\n \n \n <\/span>\n
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Enjoy christmas shopping<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Shopping tips<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Christmas approaches, it\u2019s easy to get stressed about buying presents. Just let it go, relax, and enjoy the festive calm \u2014 here are some great tips on where to find this year\u2019s best gifts, no matter who they\u2019re for (and maybe even for yourself). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out about local shops<\/a> and sporty gifts.<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \"Plenty\n \n \n <\/span>\n
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Take an excursion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

December weather can be a bit chilly and raw, but there are plenty of places to visit that will warm you \u2014 inside and out. Take a trip to \u00c5re\u2019s artisans and watch glass creations come to life, try candle dipping, or visit a chocolate factory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or head out to explore waterfalls, Hand\u00f6l, or the southern \u00c5re mountains. Don\u2019t forget to stop by a cosy caf\u00e9 for something warm to drink and a sweet treat. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \"\u00c5re\n \n \n <\/span>\n
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Go full Christmas<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

What's on in \u00c5re<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take (many) breaks from work, the ski slopes, cross-country trails, and Christmas preparations. Make the most of everything the festive season in \u00c5re has to offer \u2014 concerts, markets, Christmas at the town square, and visits from Santa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And perhaps it\u2019s perfectly fine to ease up a bit on the cleaning, cooking, and, most of all, the stress \u2014 in favour of that wonderful, warm feeling we get from spending time together in the glow of Christmas lights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \"Fj\u00e4llmaraton\n \n \n <\/span>\n
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Get going with your winter fitness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Read more on wellness<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t started doing squats and getting your pulse up ahead of the winter season, now\u2019s the time to begin. You don\u2019t necessarily need to hit the gym \u2014 but if you want to, there are plenty of great options in \u00c5re. Yoga is also an excellent complement, especially for those tight hamstrings that can cause trouble when skiing both cross-country and downhill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you\u2019re already feeling some aches and pains, there are plenty of experts who can help \u2014 so why not give yourself an early Christmas gift in the form of a restorative treatment?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What's on in \u00c5re<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
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\n \"Paint\n \n \n \n \n 22\n <\/span>\n \n oct\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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\n Paint pottery with the whole family at Drejerian\n <\/h3>\n\n \n
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\n \n \n <\/svg>\n 22 Oct 2026<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n \n <\/svg>\n 15:00 \u2013 17:30<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n Drejerian \u00c5re<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n Activities, Autumn break, Kids<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \"Cheers\n \n \n \n \n 22\n <\/span>\n \n oct\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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\n Cheers & Ceramics at Drejerian\n <\/h3>\n\n \n
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\n \n \n <\/svg>\n 22 Oct 2026<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n \n <\/svg>\n 15:00 \u2013 17:30<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n Drejerian \u00c5re<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n Activities, Autumn break, Kids<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \"O\u00b4Learys\n \n \n \n \n 22\n <\/span>\n \n oct\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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\n Bowling, mini golf and shuffleboard at Holiday Club \/ O\u2019Learys\n <\/h3>\n\n \n
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\n \n \n <\/svg>\n 22 Oct 2026<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n \n <\/svg>\n 16:00 \u2013 22:00<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n Holiday Club<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n Activities, Autumn break, Kids<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \"Sauna\n \n \n \n \n 22\n <\/span>\n \n oct\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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\n End the day with a sauna on \u00c5resj\u00f6n\n <\/h3>\n\n \n
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\n \n \n <\/svg>\n 22 Oct 2026<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n \n <\/svg>\n 16:00 \u2013 18:00<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n \u00c5re Marina<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n Activities, Autumn break, Kids<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \"Introduction\n \n \n \n \n 22\n <\/span>\n \n oct\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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\n Introduction to wheel throwing\n <\/h3>\n\n \n
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\n \n \n <\/svg>\n 22 Oct 2026<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n \n <\/svg>\n 18:00 \u2013 20:30<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n Drejerian \u00c5re<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n Activities, Autumn break, Kids<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \"Movie\n \n \n \n \n 22\n <\/span>\n \n oct\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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\n Movie time in J\u00e4rpen\n <\/h3>\n\n \n
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\n \n \n <\/svg>\n 22 Oct 2026<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n \n <\/svg>\n 19:00 \u2013 21:00<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n J\u00e4rpen bion<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n Activities, Music & Entertainment<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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\n \n View the Calender\n \n \n <\/svg>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":21178,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"63395,62304,63453,63219,62316,63258","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[130],"class_list":["post-63519","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-see-do","tag-winter"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThings to do in \u00c5re in December: skiing and Christmas shopping | \u00c5re Sweden<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n