Virtual Julmarknad

The Swedish word julmarknad directly translates to “Christmas market.” (P.S. jul is pronounced like “you’ll” – the “j” has a consonant “y” sound). Like in many European countries, Swedish Christmas markets begin to pop up in late November and are typically held in town squares. The most famous one in Sweden is in Stockholm’s picturesque Stortorget, in the heart of Gamla Stan, or Old Town. (Stortorget means “main square.”) Though on the smaller size, Stortorgets julmarknad dates back to 1837 and is the oldest running market in the country. Signs all around Gamla Stan point toward it, and rounding the corner to the square and seeing the booths elicits a varm (warm) holiday feeling. The market is up throughout the day, but visiting at night amongst the lights is even more mysig (cozy). And since it gets dark in Stockholm by about 3 p.m. that time of year, the Swedes need all the coziness they can get!

We are excited to have our own mini outdoor julmarknad this year on weekends throughout the holiday season, and we hope that it brings you much julglädje – or Christmas joy.