The Cozy Winter Markets of the Nordics

There's nothing quite like the magic of the iconic Christmas markets of northern Europe. The Nordics are a top destination to experience winter coziness, or hygge. From a dazzling event held in one of the world’s oldest amusement parks to a wonderfully cozy market in a scenic mountain village, the outdoor holiday markets held across the Nordic region bring the community together to celebrate the season. Read on to learn more about the cozy markets that inspired Julefest!

Skansen Christmas Market

Sweden

Held at Sweden’s oldest open-air museum, the Skansen Christmas Market immerses visitors in a historic Christmas market with traditional folk dancers, Christmas carolers, local vendors, and delicious holiday food and drink. A long-standing tradition of the Skansen Christmas Market is the secret Christmas gift stall – stop by to purchase a pre-wrapped gift for your loved one, and you’ll both be surprised on Christmas Day!

_{Image: Skansen}

Røros Christmas Market

Sápmi /Norway

Few places are cozier than the mountain village of Røros in the wintertime (it’s the town that inspired Disney’s smash hit Frozen!) The Røros Christmas Market is known for its local goods, horse-drawn sleigh rides, reindeer visitors, and the gingerbread houses on display throughout the town. This weekend market is full of rosy cheeks, warm mugs of mulled wine (glögg), and winter festivities!

_{Image: Thomas Rasmus Skaug / Visit Norway}

Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market

Denmark

Perhaps the most enchanting market on this list, the Christmas market at Tivoli Gardens transports over one million visitors into a Christmas fairytale each year. Held in one of the world’s oldest amusements parks (one that inspired Walt Disney himself!), the market is covered in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and is beloved by those young and old. A Danish Christmas staple, æbleskiver* (round pancake balls served with powdered sugar and jam), are a favorite treat!

*Psst - you can get your taste of æbleskiver every November at Julefest!

_{Image: Jakob Melgaard / Tivoli Gardens}

Jokkmokk Winter Market

Sápmi/Sweden

Although this market takes place in February, a list of cozy winter markets would be incomplete without mention of the Jokkmokk Market – one of the oldest winter markets in the Nordic region! Dating back to 1605, this market is held in the village of Jokkmokk in Northern Sweden. Each year, thousands of visitors brave the bitterly cold temperatures to experience Sámi culture during the three-day festival, with events like a reindeer caravan, storytelling evenings, concerts, and more!

_{Image: Jokkmokk Market}

Helsinki Christmas Market

Finland

Located in the beautiful and historic Senate Square, the Helsinki Christmas Market is the oldest holiday market in Finland’s capital city. Aside from being a Christmas haven, what really makes this market shine is its commitment to sustainability. Renewable energy powers its vintage carousel and over 100 vendor stalls!

_{Image: Dorit Salutskij / Helsinki Christmas Market}

Julefest Brings Nordic Christmas Magic to the Pacific Northwest ❄️

Julefest at the National Nordic Museum is Ballard's favorite holiday tradition! We bring the magic and coziness of the Nordic holidays to Seattle for a weekend of live music, unique treats (like æbleskiver or a mug of glögg!), local vendors, and community spirit.

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