The most complete list of unmissable events happening all around Stockholm between October and December 2026 for you to enjoy both indoors and outdoors.
Autumn in Stockholm is anything but quiet. As the leaves turn golden and the days get shorter, Stockholmers spend more time indoors and the city’s cultural calendar kicks into high gear, with international concerts, film festivals, architecture, art, gaming, food, sport and — eventually — plenty of Christmas magic.
From exploring buildings you normally never get to enter to dancing to Robyn, getting inspired by international films, admiring the Nobel Week Lights or being infused by the festive spirit at traditional Swedish Christmas markets and celebrations, there is plenty happening across Stockholm between October and December. We’ve rounded up some of the events we think should be on your radar this autumn and winter.
Please note that dates and programmes can change, so check the official event websites before heading out.
OCTOBER
Stockholm Craft Week – 30 September – 4 October @ Different locations around Stockholm
Premiered in 2019 Stockholm Craft Week is Sweden’s largest event for contemporary crafts. The event is run by Konsthantverkscentrum (The Swedish Crafts Centre), which is the project owner, together with Svensk Form and Konsthantverkarna. More info.
OPEN HOUSE STOCKHOLM – 2-4 October @ Different locations around Stockholm
Open House Stockholm is an architecture and urban design festival for everyone and all tours are always free. During the festival, exciting buildings and places throughout Greater Stockholm open their doors to the public.
This year’s theme is “Our common city – architecture where life happens”. Free guided tours available in both English and Swedish, discover places you might never otherwise see and gain a new perspective on the city around you. More info.
Årets Kock: Swedish Chef of the Year Final – 1 October @ Annexet
A unique cultural event bringing together international dancers, performances and workshops celebrating the art of tap dance. Expect high energy performances and a lively crowd of dance lovers. More info.
Beer & Spirits Festival Stockholm – 2-3 October @ Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre
A festival featuring great drinks, good music, and a festive atmosphere. Swedish microbreweries and distilleries meet major international brands here. Discover beer, spirits, and cocktails in a perfect mix. The festival takes place at Stockholm Waterfront, right in the city center and next to Stockholm Central Station. New features include bartender shows, exciting tasting formats, an Oktoberfest theme, dart exhibitions, and DJs. More info.
Duran Duran – 3 October @ Avicii Arena
Britain’s Duran Duran returns to Sweden. Most recently with the single “Free to Love” together with Nile Rodgers, they are now continuing their successful year with a 12-date European tour. Don’t miss the chance to experience Duran Duran’s classic 80s hits and new music live – Saturday, October 3 in Stockholm! Support of the night is “Dina Ögon”. More info.
The 14th International Stockholm Burlesque Festival – Gala night – 3 October @ Nalen
Stockholm Burlesque Festival, one of Europe’s biggest burlesque extravaganzas invites amazing performers from around the globe to showcase the beautiful variety of burlesque entertainment: norm breaking, funny, sexy and over the top in one of Stockholm’s most beautiful venues!
PLUS: big party, mingle, happenings, charity event OCTBOOBERFEST Tasseltwirl Championship, and film viewing. More info.
Aterciopelados – 3 October @ Debaser
Aterciopelados, the Colombian rock icons return to Sweden after they graced the stage of Circus for the first time in November 2024 with an electric atmosphere. If you don’t know them yet have a taste of what is to come by reading our review of that show here. Witness the duo’s unique blend of rock, pop, and traditional Colombian rhythms. More info.
Stockholm Jazz Festival – 9-18 October @ Different venues around Stockholm
Stockholm Jazz Festival has bestowed Stockholmers with musical magic since 1980, making it one of Sweden’s oldest festivals. Spread across historic stages and cultural centers all over Stockholm – from the inner city to the suburbs – the festival regularly hosts some of the jazz world’s biggest and most innovative acts. More info.
EVE – 10 October @ Fållan
Rap icon EVE is celebrating the 25 year anniversary of her album Scorpion with her first headlining European tour, which brings her to Stockholm and Fållan. So if you do know who that girl is, you better let her blow ya mind. More info.
Sweden-Lithuania women’s football – 13 October @ Strawberry Arena
The Swedish women’s national team will host Lithuania in an important World Cup play-off match at home at Strawberry Arena on October 13. More info.
Robyn – 17 October @ 3Arena
Robyn is one of the most influential pop artists of her generation. On Saturday, October 17, 2026, she will perform her biggest headline show to date when she takes the stage at 3Arena on her home turf in Stockholm. More info.
Placebo – 20 October @ Annexet
Placebo is releasing a new album, Placebo RE:CREATED, and embarking on an anniversary tour to celebrate 30 years as a band. On October 20, we welcome the band to Sweden to hear songs from their debut albums Placebo and Without You I’m Nothing at Annexet in Stockholm! Kallsup will be the supporting act for the evening. More info.
Stevie Wonder – 22 October @ 3 Arena
A very special night for music lovers: Stevie Wonder brings Songs in the Key of Life to Stockholm. The legendary artist is performing the landmark album in full as part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations. The album includes classics such as Sir Duke, Isn’t She Lovely, Superstition and As. A rare opportunity to hear one of the most celebrated albums in soul and popular music performed live. More info.
Finnish Disco 10 year celebration – 23 October @ Nalen
Finskt Disco has been bringing Finnish bangers and diskotanssi to the Stockholmers already for 10 years now, so that deserves a proper celebration at Nalen. The jam-packed evening brings a live band with different singers as well as DJs serving epic Finnhits, plus karaoke, crafts, photography and more. More info.
World Swim Hat Day 2026 – 7th Annual Celebration – 25 October @ The kids’ pool, Marieviksbadet, on the waterfront promenade in Marievik (Liljeholmskajen)
Yes, you read that correctly. Stockholm-born World Swim Hat Day is exactly what it sounds like: put something ridiculous, creative or gloriously over-the-top on your head and go swimming.The annual celebration takes place at Marieviksbadet and has grown into an international tradition. It is silly, joyful and wonderfully Scandinavian in its own slightly bizarre way. Definitely one for the calendar if you like your Stockholm experiences with a healthy dose of eccentricity. More info.
Deep Purple – 26 October @ Avicii Arena
Rock legends Deep Purple come to Stockholm on 26 October. The band behind Smoke on the Water, Highway Star and countless other rock classics brings its decades-spanning catalogue to Avicii Arena. Whether you have been listening since the beginning or simply want to experience one of rock’s enduring live acts, this is one for the classic-rock calendar. More info.
Film screening: Garden in the Sea – 27 October @ Moderna Museet
On October 27, Princess Estelle’s Cultural Foundation and Moderna Museet are hosting a screening of Thomas Riedelsheimers’s documentary Garden in the Sea. The film follows the creation of Cristina Iglesias’s artwork Garden in the Sea, located off the coast of Mexico.
Thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of people, the islands in the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur, Mexico, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Espíritu Santo Island is particularly notable; it was repurchased from various owners and donated to the Mexican people for permanent preservation. To celebrate this success and highlight the human connection to the ocean, artist Cristina Iglesias was invited to create Garden in the Sea – a labyrinth-like arrangement of screens submerged in the sea, designed to foster natural growth and generate marine life. The documentary follows the four-year process of creating the artwork, explores the beauty of the site and the people behind the project, and reminds us of the value and fragility of our blue planet.
The event begins with a conversation between the artist and curator Fredrik Liew – with Iglesias joining via video link – followed by the screening of the documentary (1 hour 9 minutes). More info.
Kongo Groove Festival – 27-31 October @ Different venues around Stockholm
Kongo Groove Festival 2026 – An International Festival Celebrating African and Afro-Diasporic Music, Arts, Culture, Youth, Creativity and Intercultural Exchange. The event will be in different places in the Greater Stockholm Metropolitan: Subtopia, Fisksätra Folkets hus, Punkt Medis, Haninge Kulturhus, Bromma Folkhögskola. More info.
Tyla – 29 October @ Annexet
The A*Pop World Tour finally brings South Africa’s pop superstar Tyla to Stockholm. She became an international household name with the global smash hit Water a couple of years back. More recently she has for example collaborated with Sweden’s own superstar Zara Larsson. More info.
Comic Con – 30 October -1 November @ Stockholmsmässan
Comic Con Stockholm Winter is the Nordic region’s largest gathering place for pop culture enthusiasts and people who share a passion for stories, worlds, and extraordinary experiences. Here, fans of film, comics, gaming, and cosplay come together to experience an unforgettable adventure. More info.
Olga Myko – 31 October @ Debaser Nova
Swedish-Ukrainian artist Olga Myko had her breakthrough with the viral TikTok hit use me!!!!!!! about a year ago and has continued to put out banger after banger after that, racking up tens of millions of streams. She has also gained a Grammis nomination for the best newcomer and is definitely one of our ones to watch. So take your chance to see her at the intimate Debaser Nova before she becomes pop star of international stature. More info.
Shockholm Halloween Parade – 31 October @ Sergels Torg
Our friends at Shockholm bring Scandinavia’s biggest Halloween parade to Sergels Torg once again, transforming the streets of Stockholm into a spooktacular celebration. Come in your best Halloween attire and participate in the costume contest too. More info.
NOVEMBER
Bybit Stockholm Open – 7-14 November @ Royal Tennis Hall
Tennis fans can head to Stockholm for the Bybit Stockholm Open, bringing international professional tennis to the city. The tournament is part of the ATP Tour and offers a chance to see world-class players competing in an intimate indoor setting — a rather different experience from watching a huge arena event. More info.
Stockholm International Film Festival – 11-12 November @ Different cinemas around central Stockholm
This is one of YLC’s favourite happenings of the year. A time of lights down, phones off, popcorn ready. Like every year in November Stockholm International Film Festival returns with an international programme of new films, premieres, filmmakers and guests. It is one of the major highlights of Stockholm’s cultural calendar and a brilliant opportunity to discover films you may not otherwise encounter. For anyone who loves cinema — particularly independent and international film — this is one to keep an eye on. Book your tickets fast, some movie sell out way before the festival starts. More info.
The Prodigy – 15 November @ Avicii Arena
The Prodigy’s appearance at Avicii Arena brings one of electronic music’s most influential live acts to a major indoor venue. Known for combining breakbeat, rave, punk energy, and striking stage production, the group has built a reputation for high-intensity performances that have attracted audiences worldwide. More info.
Tove Lo – 19 November @ Avicii Arena
One of Sweden’s biggest pop stars Tove Lo is returning to her hometown for her biggest headlining show in Sweden so far. Her latest album ESTRUS just came out in September and she is taking the new songs around the world. More info.
Tove Styrke – 20 November @ Värmeverket
One of our very big favorites Tove Styrke is releasing her much awaited concept album The Afterparty in early November, and might be playing just this one-off exclusive show after it, mirroring the story arc of the album. She says she wants to erase away some of the distance between the audience and the stage. More info.
Westlife – 20 November @ Avicii Arena
Westlife will once again embark on a world tour, this time during their 25th anniversary! The tour offers a euphoric, hit-filled set that spans Westlife’s extraordinary 25-year career – from timeless ballads to global chart-topping hits. On November 20, they will land at Avicii Arena in Stockholm for a crackling arena show. Special Guest for the concert is Ana Sky. More info.
DreamHack Stockholm – 27-29 November @ Stockholmsmässan
Gaming culture takes over Stockholm for an entire weekend when DreamHack Stockholm returns to Stockholmsmässan. This is far more than a gaming tournament. The 2026 festival includes esports, gaming, tabletop, trading cards, cosplay, creators, an expo, Artist Alley, indie games and live entertainment. Whether you are a serious gamer, a casual player, a cosplay fan or simply curious about the culture surrounding gaming, there is plenty to explore. There will also be a live concert by the one and only bbno$ on 27th November. More info.
DECEMBER
Nobel Week Lights – 5-13 December @ Stockholm City Hall and Central Stockholm and Tensta
One of our favourite things about Stockholm in December is that the city literally lights up! Nobel Week Lights transforms streets and public spaces around Stockholm into an outdoor gallery of large-scale light art. International and Swedish artists, designers and students create installations inspired by Nobel Prize discoveries, literature and peace work. In 2026, the festival takes place 5–13 December in central Stockholm and Tensta, with the artworks illuminated from 16:00–22:00. And yes — it’s completely free. Our advice: Wrap up warm, grab a coffee or glögg and make it an evening of walking through the city from installation to installation. More info.
Lucia on Water: A Spectacular Christmas Swim Show – 9-13 December @ Forsgrenska badet
Simklubben Neptun’s Swimming Lucia Show is one of Stockholm’s most unique and magical winter traditions. Held annually in the middle of December at Forsgrénska badet near Medborgarplatsen, this spectacular event features an unforgettable underwater and floating Lucia procession complete with floating torches, followed by breathtaking synchronized swimming routines performed by the club’s competitive athletes. More info.
Atmospheric Lucia Celebrations at Skansen 2026 – 9-13 December @ Skansen
Experience a traditional and atmospheric Lucia celebration at Skansen. Several concerts will be held over the weekend, with some processions walking outdoors, and other being celebrated in the outdoor museum’s historical buildings. No reservation possible – arrive early to secure your spot. More info.
Nobel Day – 10 December @ Several venues around Stockholm
The Nobel Week is the highlight of the scientific year in Sweden. The week culminates with the Nobel Award Ceremony in Stockholm Concert Hall and the Nobel banquet in the City Hall on December 10. There are several ways you can get a Nobel touch during this week. Naturally, a visit to the Nobel Prize Museum is a given, where you’ll learn more about the prize, winners through the years, and the man himself, Alfred Nobel. And if you want to learn more about the laws of thermodynamics and important technical advances a trip to the National Museum of Science and Technology might be worth your while. Around the Nobel Week, the cultural event Nobel Week Lights Light Festival takes place. During the festival several places and buildings in central Stockholm are illuminated by dazzling light installations, celebrating scientific advances and past Nobel Prize winners. You can read more about where you’ll find these installations on Nobel Week Light’s webpage.
There are several places in Stockholm with a more concrete connection to the prize as well as Alfred Nobel. In the southern suburb of Aspudden, you’ll find café Winterviken, located in Nobel’s old workshop and factory. And restaurant Den Gyldene Freden in Gamla Stan has been a meeting place for the Swedish Academy for over 100 years. Speaking of Nobel cuisine Stadshuskällaren, the restaurant at Stockholm City Hall, offers diners the chance to experience any of the past Nobel banquets. The only requirements are a minimum party of 10 and booking at least two weeks in advance. Further, several chefs responsible for the banquets run restaurants in Stockholm. Find their restaurants with our guide on Nobel cuisine.
Sweden International Horse Show – 3-6 December @ Strawberry arena
You don’t have to be an equestrian enthusiast to appreciate the spectacle of Sweden International Horse Show. The event brings top riders and horses to Strawberry Arena for international competitions across jumping, dressage, four-in-hand driving, indoor eventing and tölt, combined with shows, entertainment and a large equestrian fair. More info.
SEASONAL EVENTS
Roof of Reflection – every Friday, 7pm – 25 September – 31 December @ Tekniska museet
Roof of Reflection is an audiovisual, immersive experience created based on Cristina Iglesias‘s new work Aurora Borealis Star Dome in the Princess Estelle Sculpture Park on Djurgården. Roof of Reflection has been created for Wisdome’s 360° dome — a format that shares the sculpture’s fundamental quality: it envelops those who find themselves within it. The viewer moves through the work in the shifting light of day and night, with Cristina Iglesias’s own voice as narrator, specially composed music by Britta Byström performed by Adolf Fredrik’s Church Chamber Choir, sound design by Ludvig Elblaus, KTH, and a scientific perspective from light researcher Federico Favero, KTH. Roof of Reflection is shown every Friday at 7:00 pm starting September 25. The screening is included in the admission to the National Museum of Science and Technology. Read more on The National Museum of Science and Technology’s website.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN STOCKHOLM – Mid November – December
Stockholm does Christmas markets particularly well: historic squares, open-air museums, gardens, castles and waterfront settings all get their own festive version. The main season runs from mid-November until just before Christmas. Below is a list of some of the most popular ones.
- Stortorgets Julmarknad – 22 November–23 December @ Stortorget, Gamla Stan. This is the absolute classic. Located in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, Stortorgets Julmarknad is Sweden’s oldest Christmas market, with a history stretching back to 1837. The little red stalls fill the historic square with Swedish handicrafts, Christmas treats, sweets, glögg and seasonal food. It’s also probably the easiest market to combine with a winter stroll through Gamla Stan, so particularly good for visitors experiencing their first Stockholm Christmas.
- Skansen Christmas Market – 27 November–20 December @ Skansen, Djurgården. If you only have time for one traditional Swedish Christmas experience, this is a very strong candidate to put on your list. Open Friday – Sunday, Skansen’s Christmas market dates all the way back to 1903. The historic open-air museum becomes particularly atmospheric at Christmas, with market stalls selling crafts, food and decorations alongside glögg, waffles, roasted almonds and other festive treats.
- Kungsträdgården Christmas Market – 28 November @ Kungsträdgården. A slightly different take on the traditional Christmas market. On 28 November, Kungsträdgården hosts a large market featuring products created by young entrepreneurs through Sweden’s Junior Achievement programme. It’s a good option if you’re looking for gifts that are a little different from the usual Christmas-market fare.
- Christmas market at the Royal Stables – 4-6 December @ The Royal Stables. This year’s the Royal Christmas market will be held at the Royal Stables on the second weekend of Advent. Exhibitors from across Sweden will be selling the finest quality crafts. This Christmas market will feature work from around seventy of Sweden’s top craftsmen and craftswomen, with a wide range of unique Christmas gifts. Delicious festive treats will also be on sale.
- Taxinge Castle Christmas Market – November 13–15 and November 19–22 @ Taxinge Slott, Nykvarn. If you’re willing to venture outside central Stockholm and do a day-trip Christmas market, Taxinge Castle is one of the festive destinations worth watching. The castle is famous for its Christmas fair and its enormous selection of cakes and pastries — so this one is as much about eating as shopping.
- The Finnish Christmas Market – 28 November at 10am-3pm, Sverigefinska skolan, Fridhemsplan. If you want to get your Finnish Christmas delicacies and get those proper handmade woollen socks to put under the Christmas tree, this is the place to be.
CHRISTMAS BUFFETS IN STOCKHOLM – Mid November – December
A julbord is the Swedish Christmas buffet — and it is considerably more serious business than the phrase “Christmas buffet” might suggest. It consists of several rounds of food: pickled herring and other fish, salmon, cold cuts, Christmas ham, meatballs, sausages, potatoes, Janssons frestelse, cheeses and, finally, an almost dangerous amount of Christmas sweets. The traditional julbord season generally runs from late November until Christmas. Here is YLC’s pick to those that are worth trying.
- Ulriksdals Värdshus – 17 November – 24 December @ Ulriksdals Slottspark, Solna. This is one of the more traditional choices and a beautiful one at that. Ulriksdals Värdshus serves its julbord in seven traditional rounds, beginning with herring and sprat, followed by cold and smoked fish, vegetables, cold cuts and hot dishes before arriving at the dessert table. And that dessert table isn’t messing around: the 2026 offering includes around 30 different sweet treats, alongside Swedish cheeses. And weather permitting you can pair your visit with a stroll around the beautiful Ulriksdal park.
- Långholmens Wärdshus – 20 November – 22 December @ Alstaviksvägen 17, Långholmen. A Stockholm classic in a wonderfully historic setting. Långholmens Wärdshus serves its julbord in a 17th-century manor house, with around 70 dishes plus accompaniments and Christmas sweets. This is your best choice to try julbord without leaving city centre.
- Fjäderholmarnas Krog – Julbord in the Archipelago – 20 November – 20 December @ Fjäderholmarna. Now this is a very Stockholm way to eat Christmas dinner. Take the boat out into the archipelago and enjoy julbord at Fjäderholmarnas Krog, where Gert Klötzke’s Christmas buffet is celebrating its 20th year in 2026. The menu combines traditional Swedish Christmas flavours with more creative dishes and around 125 different flavours, including game and seasonal creations. The setting alone makes this one particularly interesting for international visitors who want a distinctly Stockholm experience.
- Julbord at Verandan, Grand Hôtel – Julbord in the Archipelago – 26 November – 26 December @ Grand Hôtel, Södra Blasieholmshamnen 8. If you’re looking for something more elegant, Verandan at Grand Hôtel is an obvious Stockholm classic. The traditional julbord comes with views towards the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan, and the 2026 Christmas buffet launches on 26 November. From 27 November to 23 December, sittings are offered at 12:00, 15:30 and 19:30. It’s a particularly nice choice for a special Christmas lunch or dinner rather than a casual buffet.
- Karamellan at Drottningholm – 26 November – 20 December @ Drottningholm. Combine Christmas with one of Stockholm’s most beautiful royal settings. Karamellan offers a traditional Swedish julbord with hot and cold dishes, homemade desserts and a generous vegetarian selection. This julbord is particularly appealing as a Christmas day trip where you will get a that royal feeling by visiting the palace + winter walk + julbord.
There is something particularly special about Stockholm once summer is over. Yes, the city becomes darker, but cosier with all the lights, more cultural with so much art, music and film going on — and there is always something happening somewhere. So whether your ideal autumn evening involves a concert, a cinema seat, a glass of wine after an exhibition, a Christmas market stroll or wandering through illuminated streets, Stockholm has you covered.
Bookmark this guide — we’ll be updating it as more events and dates are announced.
