10 Things to Do in Stockholm in January

Stockholm is one of the most visited cities on the Scandinavian peninsula, but its peak season is in summer and spring. In January, during the coldest month of winter, the temperature can easily drop below 0 degrees, which discourages many tourists. However, if you are one of those who dare to brave the chilly seasonal days, in the Swedish capital you can enjoy beautiful scenery and many local celebrations.

Among the best things to do in Stockholm in January are celebrating St. Knut's Day, discovering Gamla Stan in the heavy snow of the first month of the year, visiting the ski slopes during the opening of winter, experiencing Epiphany, taking shelter from the cold during the Museum Marathon, discovering the northern lights at their best and ice skating in Kungsträdgården Park.

In Stockholm, the arrival of January not only marks the start of a new year, but also the celebration of a curious tradition known as St. Knut's Day. This event, which takes place on January 13, fuses religious festivity with local customs, making it a unique experience for the inhabitants of the Swedish capital and also for its visitors.

This celebration has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition of celebrating St. Knut's Day, who is the patron saint of sailors. However, what makes this event special is the practice of plundering, which means plundering in Swedish. On this day, families take to the streets to empty their homes of Christmas decorations, especially Christmas trees, and take them to recycling centers or local parks.

This act of plundering symbolizes the end of the holiday season and marks the transition back to everyday normalcy. St. Knut's Day thus becomes a day full of activity, combining the preservation of the environment and the formal welcoming of the new year with the consumption of local products and religious pilgrimages. During this day, in addition, the various tours of Stockholm, which you can take by bicycle, segway or on foot, focus on local tradition and customs.

If you are planning to visit Stockholm with children or you are one of those who enjoy traditional days, you can not miss the Three Kings Day in the Swedish capital, which dresses up to welcome the Three Wise Men.

Every January 6, one of the most cherished traditions is the Three Kings Parade, which runs through the main streets of Stockholm with illuminated floats, festive music and the participation of the Three Wise Men themselves. Young children often marvel as they watch the colorful procession pass by. In addition, during Three Kings Day, many places in the city offer events and shows for children, such as the Toy Museum, with its theaters and themed workshops.

Another popular activity during this day is the search for gifts that the Three Kings have left in different parts of the city. Children embark on adventures to discover these treasures, which involves the whole family in activities that make them forget the cold and sub-zero temperatures.

Gamla Stan, Stockholm's picturesque old town, is a spectacle in itself at any time of the year, but it is during the frigid winter and especially in January that it becomes a fairytale setting. This historic district, with its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, is covered in snow during the first month of the year, which marks the lowest temperatures of the season.

In Gamla Stan, the roofs of the historic houses are covered in white, and the wrought-iron lanterns along the streets cast warm glows on the snow, creating an ideal backdrop for photographs and walking in an oasis of tranquility. In addition, Stockholm's short daylight hours in January leave this neighborhood in virtual darkness for the entire month.

It is important to note that, despite the intense cold, life in Gamla Stan does not stop. In this neighborhood you can find cozy cafes and local stores that offer refuge and unique experiences, from tasting delicious Swedish sweets to discovering antiques in the quaint traditional stores, which are illuminated after sunset offering one of the most beautiful landscapes of Stockholm at night.

January marks the transition after the Christmas festivities, kicking off the winter season with the official opening of the ski slopes in Stockholm. With the copious snow that characterizes the first month of the year, the city dresses in white and welcomes winter sports enthusiasts, who come eager to see the snowy hills of the region.

Among the main slopes you can explore during the winter opening is Hammarbybacken, a popular ski hill located on the outskirts of the city. With an unparalleled panoramic view of the Swedish capital, this slope offers one of the best things to do in Stockholm in winter. Another unmissable option is Flottsbro, known for its well-groomed slopes and wide variety of services.

The opening of the winter season is not only about sports, but also about experiencing the essence of Swedish winter. Opening events often include live music and dining options that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the winter atmosphere of the Scandinavian peninsula, so just wrap up warm and go for the experience!

In the middle of the harsh winter in Stockholm, the Museum Marathon is an ideal way to escape the cold temperatures. Although not a one-time celebration or an annual calendar event, this cultural practice has become a tradition that offers refuge from the frigid weather and a unique opportunity to explore the city's rich artistic heritage.

During the month of January, Stockholm's cultural establishments extend their opening hours into the evening, allowing visitors to lose themselves in the warmth of their galleries. This initiative is also reflected in special discounts or even free admission to the most visited exhibitions in the Swedish capital, such as the Nobel Prize Museum or the popular Vasa Museum.

The most famous exhibitions, ranging from artistic masterpieces to historical exhibits, become a haven that contrasts with the cold temperatures outside, encouraging the promotion of the cultural heritage that characterizes Stockholm.

While the epicenter of the Northern Lights on the Scandinavian Peninsula is in Norway and Finnish Lapland, it is also possible to discover this phenomenon in Stockholm. Although the auroras can be observed from September through March, it is in January when the weather conditions favor the clearest manifestation of these dancing lights in the night sky.

During the month of January, the prolonged darkness and clear nights create the perfect setting for discovering this spectacle. For those looking to immerse themselves in this celestial phenomenon, places like Tyresta National Park and around Lake Mälaren offer dark, clear skies ideal for aurora borealis viewing.

The Stockholm archipelago also presents itself as an ideal setting for observations. Getting away from the city lights and embarking on some of the best Stockholm cruise excursions to the more remote islands allows you to enjoy this phenomenon in a natural and serene setting.

Contrary to what one might imagine, the polar cold of January does not discourage nightlife in Stockholm, quite the contrary. The eternal nights of the Swedish winter give a new meaning to the sunset, which materializes at approximately 5 pm. From then on, the bars and pubs along the historic streets of Gamla Stan become the protagonists.

In addition to the nightlife establishments, museums also become attractive destinations during Stockholm's winter nights. Some exhibitions, such as the Museum of Performing Arts, offer extended opening hours on specific occasions, allowing visitors to explore the exhibits in a much more leisurely fashion. This nocturnal experience adds a special dimension to the city's cultural offerings.

On the other hand, the city, strategically lit to counteract the darkness, invites you to stroll through its picturesque streets and squares even after the sun goes down. Stockholm during the eternal nights transforms into an urban canvas that combines historical beauty with modernity, offering those who explore it at night a fascinating experience.

Stockholm's frozen canals offer arguably the most characteristic landscape of the Swedish capital in January. However, these canals are not only an eye-catching tourist attraction because of their beauty, they also offer winter activities, such as becoming natural ice-skating rinks. An experience that allows locals and visitors alike to glide smoothly over the frozen surface of the canals.

One of the most famous canals for ice skating is the Strömmen, which winds through the center of Stockholm. With its frozen waters and historic buildings on its banks, it provides an ideal backdrop for those looking to enjoy this adventure, which is one of the best things to do in the city in winter.

The Djurgårdsbrunn canal, which borders the island of Djurgården and provides the opportunity to skate in a natural and picturesque setting, is another outstanding option.

In addition to ice skating, the frozen canals provide the perfect setting for other winter activities, such as impromptu ice hockey and scenic walks. Some venues even set up small kiosks along the canals, offering hot drinks and food for those looking to recharge during their sports day.

Djurgården is undoubtedly Stockholm's winter wonderland. From January onwards, this site transforms its extensive grounds and attractions into a magical setting. Moreover, due to its location in the heart of the city, it becomes an ideal retreat to rest between excursions or to make an intermediate stop while visiting the best museums of the Swedish capital, which are located in nearby areas.

The island of Djurgården is home to a perfect combination of nature and culture. Its vast parks and wooded trails are covered with snow, creating an idyllic landscape for strolling. In addition, visitors can enjoy the historic architecture and charming buildings that dot the island. On the other hand, in January you can still find some of the luminous decorations that characterize Stockholm during Christmas.

Djurgården is also home to several museums and attractions, such as the Vasa Museum, which houses an old warship salvaged from the depths of the harbor. In winter, these venues offer a unique cultural experience, with fewer crowds and the opportunity to explore the exhibits in a more leisurely fashion. This museum, as well as several others in the city, is included in the Stockholm Tourist Card.

Ice skating in Stockholm's Kungsträdgården Park is a winter experience that combines the thrill of sport with the beauty of a historic and cultural setting. This iconic canal-side park transforms into an outdoor ice rink in winter, offering a unique opportunity to glide across the ice in a picturesque setting.

The ice rink at Kungsträdgården is surrounded by Stockholm's majestic architecture. The experience of skating in this historic park becomes a unique fusion of winter tradition and contemporary city life. The lights of the capital city and its festive atmosphere create an ideal backdrop for ice skating.

In addition, the park is also surrounded by characteristic cafes and stores. After a few laps on the ice, you can relax with a cup of hot chocolate or browse the antique stores. This wintry corner of the park is an ideal place to enjoy the season and breathe in the lively atmosphere that only Stockholm can offer during the coldest month of the year.

January is the coldest month of the year in Stockholm, with temperatures that can reach -5° during the day and exceed -10° at night. During clear, snow-free days, the average can reach 4°.

This intense cold causes ice to form on the Swedish capital's bodies of water, including its famous canals, transforming the city into a beautiful setting for winter sports and photography. Temperatures usually start to rise in Stockholm from March onwards.

January is part of the low season in Stockholm, so the city experiences less tourism compared to the summer months, as the sub-zero temperatures and longer nights may deter some visitors. However, those who choose to explore the Swedish capital during the first month of the year will find a quiet and picturesque city away from the crowds.

Tourists who venture to Stockholm in January are attracted by the authenticity of the Swedish winter, the chance to witness the Northern Lights and participate in typical winter activities, such as ice skating in the parks and canals or visiting museums with extended opening hours.

Unlike if you visit Stockholm in April, when spring begins, in January you will find better prices in the Swedish capital. Some services and accommodations may offer less expensive rates compared to the high season, although you should keep in mind that this destination is known to be considered relatively expensive year-round, so I advise you to plan your budget carefully.

Dining in Stockholm can have varying prices, with options ranging from elegant restaurants to cozy cafes offering more economical menus. Some establishments often have special offers to attract visitors during the winter season. In addition, taking advantage of local cultural activities and events, such as free museum exhibits, will save you money during the winter.

January is the coldest month of the year in Stockholm, so I advise you to pack the following items to help you cope with the cold temperatures:

• Winter coats
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Thermal socks
• Waterproof and tactile gloves
• Woolen hat
• Woolen scarves
• Raincoat
• Wool sweaters
• Fleece pants
• Thermal fleece