Discover Scandinavia’s Ultimate Christmas Markets of 2025
As winter whispers arrive, Scandinavia transforms into a glowing wonderland—twinkling lights, scratchy carols, and the aroma of cinnamon and mulled wine dance in the air. If you’re dreaming of a festive getaway for 2025, look no further—there’s nowhere quite as magical as the Nordic capitals and snowy Lapland.
Our Top Picks for Christmas Market Escapes
Copenhagen, Denmark
Dates: 17 November – 5 January
Imagine Tacoma’s Tivoli Gardens—now sprinkled with frost. Wooden stalls glow like embers, seasonal rides spin timelessly, and the whole city hums with hygge. Don’t miss Nyhavn and Højbro Plads for roasted almonds, æbleskiver (those puffy pancake balls), and a steaming cup of Danish gløgg.
Stockholm, Sweden
Dates: Mid‑November – 23 December
Wander through Gamla Stan’s historic Stortorget Square—Europe’s oldest Christmas market still operating since 1837. Hunt for handmade straw ornaments, pepparkakor (crispy gingerbread), gravlax, and candy that feels like a Swedish love letter. Sneak into the Skansen or Kungsträdgården markets for a quieter pause with equal charm.
Helsinki, Finland
Dates: 1 – 22 December
Atop the serene Senate Square, Helsinki’s market casts a spell. More than 100 stalls brim with handcrafted gifts, cinnamon buns (korvapuusti), smoked salmon, and heartwarming glögi. The vintage carousel twirls with soft laughter—a nostalgic scene frozen in wintry perfection.
Find out about our Christmas short breaks to Helsinki here
Rovaniemi & Santa Claus Village, Finnish Lapland
Dates: Throughout December
Ever wanted to mail yourself to Santa’s front porch? Head to Rovaniemi—meeting the man in red, riding reindeer sleighs, and exploring open-air markets under fat snowflakes. The Arctic Chill only enhances the magic—and yes, the Northern Lights often steal the show too.
Find out more about trips to Santa Claus Village here
What Makes These Markets So Irresistible?
Scandinavian markets offer something unlike anywhere else—intimate, authentic, and rich in tradition. Imagine candlelight flickering on wooden huts, fir trees dusted with snow, and medieval squares filled with laughter and carols. These aren’t tourist zones—they’re festive gatherings where warmth meets wilderness.
Festive Flavours to Savor:
- Spiced gløgg/glögi, laced with almonds and raisins
- Æbleskiver, fluffy Danish pancake treats
- Crunchy pepparkakor, crisp and ginger-kissed
- Gooey korvapuusti cinnamon rolls
- Hearty gravlax or reindeer cuts served on rye or crispbread
Treasures to Bring Home:
Delight in handwoven scarves, beeswax candles, Sámi jewellery, wooden toys, and quirky straw goats—memories you can unwrap long after the snow has melted.
Why Book with Us, Off The Map?
Our festive packages don’t just take you there—they take you deeper. Think boutique stays, private transfers, festive markets tours, and husky safaris. Want to stay in a glass igloo overlooking the auroras? Or race across frozen landscapes on a snowmobile? That’s your wish list—your way.
But a heads-up: these festive gems are in high demand. Book early to secure those dreamy morning carousels in Helsinki, candlelit lanes of Stockholm, or sleigh rides through Lapland under a canopy of stars.
Whether it’s sipping glögg in Copenhagen, navigating Stockholm’s cobbled fairytale corners, or waving at Santa under the Northern Lights—Off The Map is ready to get you there.
Unwrap your Nordic Christmas adventure today.
