Christmas and New Year

Christmas in Kiruna is calmer than in most other places. In December, when the sun goes into winter hibernation, we also slow down our pace. Instead of Christmas stress, we prefer to enjoy hot chocolate by the fire and spend time with our loved ones. Sparkling snow in the moonlight and the polar night’s darkness with undulating Northern Lights. Here you’ll experience Arctic Christmas magic with reindeer sleigh rides through snow-covered forests, cozy Christmas markets, Christmas events, and of course, traditional Christmas buffets.

The Countdown Begins on the First Sunday of Advent

The first Sunday of Advent and the Christmas window shopping day mark the start of Christmas. We light the first candle in our Advent candlestick, shops are decorated, and we browse through crafts and homemade goods at the Christmas market. On December 13th, we celebrate Lucia with the traditional Lucia procession singing in schools, churches, and sometimes out in the streets. The scent of coffee and saffron buns spreads everywhere. It’s a quiet day. On the evening before Christmas Eve, known as ‘dan före dopparedan,’ it’s a tradition to stay up late watching Bingolotto. We buy lottery tickets, set out snacks, warm up mulled wine, and settle in front of the TV – this year I’ll definitely win!

When Christmas Eve finally arrives on December 24th, we start the day with Christmas porridge for breakfast, peek in the stocking for Christmas gifts, and the Christmas bustle in the kitchen begins. At 3 o’clock, we drop everything and young and old gather as it’s once again time for Donald Duck and his friends to wish us a Merry Christmas. In the afternoon, we enjoy the Christmas buffet laid out with all the classic Christmas dishes, including meatballs, herring, cocktail sausages, Jansson’s temptation, egg halves with caviar, dried reindeer meat, and of course the Christmas ham. In the evening, we get a visit from Santa Claus who comes to distribute gifts to all who have been nice.

If you come here in December, you’ll experience the beautiful twilight of the polar night, the Arctic hour that colors the landscape blue, and of course the Northern Lights that add extra winter magic. As a visitor, you can take part in winter activities, shop at Christmas markets, or just take a walk in the snowfall. If you want to enjoy a Christmas buffet, there are several restaurants serving both classic and local dishes. Christmas in Kiruna isn’t about rushing to do everything. It’s about being here and experiencing. But remember to book all your experiences well in advance!

Celebrate the New Year

New Year’s in Kiruna is calm but still special. Many gather at home or with friends, cook something delicious, and make sure everything is nice before midnight. Others book dinner at a restaurant and let someone else take care of the food. As the clock approaches midnight, people go outside, pull up their jacket collars, and look to the sky. Some set off fireworks from their yards while others are content to see the light reflected in the snow.

For those who want to experience more than fireworks, there are plenty of alternatives. Dog sledding tours, Northern Lights excursions, or just a walk in the blue twilight make the New Year’s celebration memorable. It’s still polar night, but we know the sun will soon return.