Activities for children in Stockholm over the Christmas holidays

Activities for children in Stockholm over the Christmas holidays

Whether you live in the city or are just passing through, Stockholm is a fun and atmospheric place to be over the Christmas holidays, with plenty of activities for old and young alike. You'll find festive activities to boost your Christmas spirit, but also activities for when you need a break from all things Christmas-related. Play minigolf, head out into the great outdoors or try long-distance ice-skating if it's cold enough - the possibilities are endless. We've rounded up the best tips for things to do in Stockholm over the Christmas holidays, whatever your age and interests. Bring the whole family along!

In this guide
  1. Museums
    1. Livrustkammaren – Christmas at the palace
    2. Paradox – Fun illusions
    3. Hallwylska museet – Christmas with the Von Hallwyl family
    4. Junibacken – In a fairytale world
    5. Tom Tits Experiment – Experiment every day
    6. Etnografiska museet – Art camp
    7. Historiska museet – Vikings and sagas
    8. Medelhavs­museet – Hieroglyphics workshop and family tours
    9. Östasiatiska museet – Samurai holiday at the East Asian Museum
    10. Fotografiska – Photographic exhibitions for the whole family
    11. Sveriges museum om Förintelsen – Life stories from the Second World War
    12. Upplevelse­museet – Experiences from all over the world
  2. Activities
    1. Skansen – Christmas market and other festive fun
    2. O'Learys – Festive buffet and activities
    3. BallBreaker – Bowling and masses of other activities
    4. La Botanica
    5. Boulebar – Challenge the family to boules
    6. Extremfabriken – Hundreds of challenges
    7. Hellasgården – Natural surroundings
    8. Bodyflight – Try out flying
    9. JumpYard – Run, jump and throw
    10. Aspuddsparken – Meet the animals
    11. Stockholmsjul – A tour of the Christmas illuminations
    12. Birka Bowling & Dart – Huge bowling alley
    13. Klättercentret – Climbing for kids and young people
    14. Fryshuset – Skate at Stockholm skate park
  3. Shows
    1. Zita – Barnens Bio
  4. When the weather allows
    1. Hammarby­backen – Skiing in the city
    2. Skating rinks – Bambi on ice
    3. Sledging slopes – Ready, steady, go!
    4. – Lake skating

Museums

Livrustkammaren – Christmas kids' activities
Livrustkammaren
Livrustkammaren – Christmas kids' activities
Livrustkammaren
Livrustkammaren – Christmas kids' activities
Livrustkammaren
Livrustkammaren – Christmas kids' activities
Livrustkammaren
Livrustkammaren – Christmas kids' activities
Livrustkammaren
Livrustkammaren – Christmas kids' activities
Livrustkammaren
Livrustkammaren – Christmas kids' activities
Livrustkammaren
Livrustkammaren – Christmas kids' activities
Livrustkammaren
Livrustkammaren – Christmas kids' activities
Livrustkammaren
Livrustkammaren – Christmas kids' activities
Livrustkammaren

Livrustkammaren

Christmas at the palace

The Royal Armoury, Sweden's museum of royal history, is housed in beautiful basement vaults next to the Royal Palace. View a huge collection of fascinating objects and artefacts from the time of Gustav Vasa. There are special areas for children and exciting holiday activities.  

Paradox Museum – Christmas kids' activities
Paradox Museum
Paradox Museum – Christmas kids' activities
Paradox Museum
Paradox Museum – Christmas kids' activities
Paradox Museum
Paradox Museum – Christmas kids' activities
Paradox Museum
Paradox Museum – Christmas kids' activities
Paradox Museum
Paradox Museum – Christmas kids' activities
Paradox Museum
Paradox Museum – Christmas kids' activities
Paradox Museum
Paradox Museum – Christmas kids' activities
Paradox Museum
Paradox Museum – Christmas kids' activities
Paradox Museum
Paradox Museum – Christmas kids' activities
Paradox Museum

Paradox

Fun illusions

The Paradox Museum is open throughout the Christmas holidays for surprising experiences and tricksy illusions. There are over 70 interactive exhibitions here, all offering new perspectives on things. Take the opportunity to take fun photos at the various stations and immortalise all the fun.

Hallwylska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Hallwylska museet
Hallwylska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Hallwylska museet
Hallwylska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Hallwylska museet
Hallwylska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Hallwylska museet
Hallwylska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Hallwylska museet
Hallwylska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Hallwylska museet
Hallwylska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Hallwylska museet
Hallwylska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Hallwylska museet
Hallwylska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Hallwylska museet
Hallwylska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Hallwylska museet

Hallwylska museet

Christmas with the Von Hallwyl family

The popular Christmas drama show "Christmas at the palace" is back at Hallwylska museet. Experience how the staff at this perfectly preserved family mansion at Hamngatan 4 prepared for Christmas in the olden days. What was life like for the staff in a house like this and how did the family celebrate Christmas? Get into the Christmas spirit with the museum's dramatised tour through the palace.

Junibacken – Christmas kids' activities
Junibacken
Junibacken – Christmas kids' activities
Junibacken
Junibacken – Christmas kids' activities
Junibacken
Junibacken – Christmas kids' activities
Junibacken
Junibacken – Christmas kids' activities
Junibacken
Junibacken – Christmas kids' activities
Junibacken
Junibacken – Christmas kids' activities
Junibacken
Junibacken – Christmas kids' activities
Junibacken
Junibacken – Christmas kids' activities
Junibacken
Junibacken – Christmas kids' activities
Junibacken
Junibacken – Christmas kids' activities
Junibacken
Junibacken – Christmas kids' activities
Junibacken

Junibacken

In a fairytale world

Enjoy fairytale adventures at Junibacken, home of Pippi Longstocking and other beloved Swedish children's book characters. Meet Alfons, Emil in Lönneberga and other characters brought to life through play and storytelling. There are also festive theatre performances, Pettson gets a Christmas visit, based on Sven Nordqvist's Christmas story of the same name.

Tom Tits Experiment

Experiment every day

Tom Tits is open throughout the Christmas holidays with fun scientific experiments for large and small. Explore technology, biology and illusions over four floors, through experiments and experiences using the whole body and mind.

Etnografiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Etnografiska museet
Etnografiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Etnografiska museet
Etnografiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Etnografiska museet
Etnografiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Etnografiska museet
Etnografiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Etnografiska museet
Etnografiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Etnografiska museet
Etnografiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Etnografiska museet
Etnografiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Etnografiska museet

Etnografiska museet

Art camp

In the workshop at the Museum of Ethnography, you can learn to make Mexican paper flowers or paint with watercolour paint on watercolour paper, make your own instrument from recycled materials and just jam. Check the website for the programme, price and age limit.

Historiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Historiska museet
Historiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Historiska museet
Historiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Historiska museet
Historiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Historiska museet
Historiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Historiska museet
Historiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Historiska museet
Historiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Historiska museet
Historiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Historiska museet
Historiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Historiska museet
Historiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Historiska museet
Historiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Historiska museet
Historiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Historiska museet

Historiska museet

Vikings and sagas

Discover the world of vikings and listen to sagas from Norse mythology. The World of the Vikings exhibition at the Swedish History Museum takes you on a journey into the past and you can create your own Viking amulet in the workshop.

Medelhavs­museet – Christmas kids' activities
Medelhavs­museet
Medelhavs­museet – Christmas kids' activities
Medelhavs­museet
Medelhavs­museet – Christmas kids' activities
Medelhavs­museet
Medelhavs­museet – Christmas kids' activities
Medelhavs­museet
Medelhavs­museet – Christmas kids' activities
Medelhavs­museet
Medelhavs­museet – Christmas kids' activities
Medelhavs­museet
Medelhavs­museet – Christmas kids' activities
Medelhavs­museet
Medelhavs­museet – Christmas kids' activities
Medelhavs­museet
Medelhavs­museet – Christmas kids' activities
Medelhavs­museet
Medelhavs­museet – Christmas kids' activities
Medelhavs­museet

Medelhavs­museet

Hieroglyphics workshop and family tours

Take part in the hieroglyphics workshop at the Mediterranean Museum where you can learn to write and decipher hieroglyphs, wander around the museum or go on a family tour. The family tours are aimed at children aged 5–12 and highlight time, space and exciting objects around the museum.

Östasiatiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Östasiatiska museet
Östasiatiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Östasiatiska museet
Östasiatiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Östasiatiska museet
Östasiatiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Östasiatiska museet
Östasiatiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Östasiatiska museet
Östasiatiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Östasiatiska museet
Östasiatiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Östasiatiska museet
Östasiatiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Östasiatiska museet
Östasiatiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Östasiatiska museet
Östasiatiska museet – Christmas kids' activities
Östasiatiska museet

Östasiatiska museet

Samurai holiday at the East Asian Museum

Take a deep dive into samurai culture at the East Asian Museum. At Ateljé Draken, you can create a samurai figure out of Japanese paper using traditional folding techniques, or just explore the history of the samurai through the exhibitions. There will also be Japanese printing on fabric and postcard production on the theme of the animals of the zodiac.

Fotografiska – Christmas kids' activities
Fotografiska
Fotografiska – Christmas kids' activities
Fotografiska
Fotografiska – Christmas kids' activities
Fotografiska
Fotografiska – Christmas kids' activities
Fotografiska
Fotografiska – Christmas kids' activities
Fotografiska
Fotografiska – Christmas kids' activities
Fotografiska

Fotografiska

Photographic exhibitions for the whole family

Stockholm's Museum of Photography is open every day, even on Christmas Eve. Go on a guided tour and experience a photography exhibition with the whole family or try out working in a tv studio. There's free admission for children under 13 years old and during the Christmas holidays teenagers aged 13-19 get in for a discounted price.

Sveriges museum om Förintelsen – Christmas kids' activities
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen – Christmas kids' activities
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen – Christmas kids' activities
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen – Christmas kids' activities
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen – Christmas kids' activities
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen – Christmas kids' activities
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen – Christmas kids' activities
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen – Christmas kids' activities
Sveriges museum om Förintelsen

Sveriges museum om Förintelsen

Life stories from the Second World War

The Swedish Holocaust Museum preserves the memory of the Second World War through testimonies and stories from survivors, Sweden's Holocaust Museum. The museum regularly holds guided tours of the exhibits, which include items such as diaries, photographs, striped prisoners' jackets, suitcases and other artefacts that take us on people's journeys through the war, to their arrival in Sweden.

Upplevelse­museet

Experiences from all over the world

At Upplevelsemuseet, visitors are free to look, touch, smell, taste and try out exciting things from all over the world. You can, for example, hold an enormous tooth fossil, taste sweets from different countries, learn more about ancient cultures and challenge your fear of heights with VR.

Activities

Skansen

Christmas market and other festive fun

It doesn't get much more Christmassy than Christmas at Skansen. There's fun and festivities for all ages, from Christmas crafts and pony rides to the traditional advent Christmas market, with masses of presents and goodies. Peek into the various houses and farmsteads to see how Christmas was celebrated in olden days.

O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
O'Learys Event Center Tolv Stockholm

O'Learys

Festive buffet and activities

At O'Learys Tolv Stockholm Event Center you'll find 5000 square metres of fun and activities, such as bowling, adventure golf, arcade games, shuffleboard, table tennis and darts. During the Christmas holidays they also serve a kids' buffet where children can tuck in and fill up.

BallBreaker – Christmas kids' activities
BallBreaker
BallBreaker – Christmas kids' activities
BallBreaker
BallBreaker – Christmas kids' activities
BallBreaker
BallBreaker – Christmas kids' activities
BallBreaker
BallBreaker – Christmas kids' activities
BallBreaker
BallBreaker – Christmas kids' activities
BallBreaker

BallBreaker

Bowling and masses of other activities

Do you feel like staying indoors but still doing something fun? The activity centre BallBreaker in Kungsholmen has everything from bowling to shuffleboard, sports simulators and masses of other activities for all levels and ages.

Boulebar Liljeholmen – Christmas kids' activities
Boulebar Liljeholmen
Boulebar Liljeholmen – Christmas kids' activities
Boulebar Liljeholmen
Boulebar Liljeholmen – Christmas kids' activities
Boulebar Liljeholmen
Boulebar Liljeholmen – Christmas kids' activities
Boulebar Liljeholmen
Boulebar Liljeholmen – Christmas kids' activities
Boulebar Liljeholmen
Boulebar Liljeholmen – Christmas kids' activities
Boulebar Liljeholmen
Boulebar Liljeholmen Boulebar Rådhuset Boulebar Haga
Boulebar Liljeholmen
boulebar.se/bar-restaurang/liljeholmen-stockholm
Boulebar Rådhuset
boulebar.se/bar-restaurang/radhuset-stockholm
Boulebar Haga
boulebar.se/bar-restaurang/stockholm-haga
Boulebar Liljeholmen Boulebar Rådhuset Boulebar Haga

Challenge the family to boules

You can play boules and eat French food all year round at Boulebar, so gather up your family or a group of friends and challenge each other to a game or two. If you visit the Boulebar locations in Liljeholmen, Haga and Rålambshovsparken you can enjoy both French Christmas music and boules throughout December. Bring along your family and friends for a fun outing.

  • Hantverkargatan 8, Kungsholmen Liljeholmsvägen 14, Hägersten-Liljeholmen Annerovägen 4, Solna
    Boulebar Rådhuset
    Hantverkargatan 8, Kungsholmen
    Boulebar Liljeholmen
    Liljeholmsvägen 14, Hägersten-Liljeholmen
    Boulebar Haga
    Annerovägen 4, Solna
  • Boulebar Liljeholmen
    boulebar.se/bar-restaurang/liljeholmen-stockholm
    Boulebar Rådhuset
    boulebar.se/bar-restaurang/radhuset-stockholm
    Boulebar Haga
    boulebar.se/bar-restaurang/stockholm-haga
    Boulebar Liljeholmen
    08-714 04 20
    Boulebar Rådhuset
    08-714 04 20
  • Boulebar Liljeholmen Boulebar Rådhuset Boulebar Haga

Extremfabriken

Hundreds of challenges

With hundreds of different challenges to choose from, Extremfabriken in Kallhäll is a real dream factory for kids. There's parkour, an assault course, ninja training, trampolines, a foam pit and much more. It's open to children seven days a week during the school holidays.

Hellasgården

Natural surroundings

Take a day trip out to Hellasgården in Nackareservatet nature reserve and get a taste of the great outdoors just outside the city centre. Go for a long walk, have a coffee, grill sausages and more. If it's cold enough, there's a sledging hill, cross-country ski tracks and a lake to ice skate on.

Bodyflight Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
Bodyflight Stockholm
Bodyflight Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
Bodyflight Stockholm
Bodyflight Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
Bodyflight Stockholm
Bodyflight Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
Bodyflight Stockholm
Bodyflight Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
Bodyflight Stockholm
Bodyflight Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
Bodyflight Stockholm
Bodyflight Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
Bodyflight Stockholm
Bodyflight Stockholm – Christmas kids' activities
Bodyflight Stockholm

Bodyflight

Try out flying

Experience the feeling of floating in the air - the same feeling as jumping out of an airplane. The world's highest wind tunnel makes it possible, and of course the right equipment ensures that you fly safely. Before the flight, you're given a safety briefing, then you just take off while your group looks on. Suitable for children aged three and up.

JumpYard Nacka Forum JumpYard Barkaby
JumpYard Nacka Forum
jumpyard.se/nackaforum
JumpYard Barkaby
jumpyard.se/barkarby
JumpYard Nacka Forum JumpYard Barkaby

Run, jump and throw

Get your body moving at the JumpYard activity centre. Play dodgeball, jump on trampolines and do parkour, among other things. Action and adventure for all the family, or take your friends along and get sweaty together.

  • Forumvägen 14, Nacka Veddestavägen 15, Järfälla
    JumpYard Nacka Forum
    Forumvägen 14, Nacka
    JumpYard Barkaby
    Veddestavägen 15, Järfälla
  • JumpYard Nacka Forum
    jumpyard.se/nackaforum
    JumpYard Barkaby
    jumpyard.se/barkarby
    JumpYard Nacka Forum
    08-121 336 88
    JumpYard Barkaby
    08-36 20 80
  • JumpYard Nacka Forum JumpYard Barkaby

Aspuddsparken

Meet the animals

Say hello to animals such as goats and rabbits, ride ponies and grill sausages at Aspuddenspark in Aspudden, south of the city. They also have a large playground that draws in crowds of kids (and parents) of all ages.

Stockholmsjul

A tour of the Christmas illuminations

Check out the sparkling Christmas lights that illuminate Stockholm every year. With a Map of Lights from #Stockholmsjul you can go on a walk around the city centre and check out the streets and squares that are bedecked with Christmas lights. You'll find the map on #Stockholmsjul's website and at hotels and tourist offices.

Birka Bowling & Dart – Christmas kids' activities
Birka Bowling & Dart
Birka Bowling & Dart – Christmas kids' activities
Birka Bowling & Dart
Birka Bowling & Dart – Christmas kids' activities
Birka Bowling & Dart
Birka Bowling & Dart – Christmas kids' activities
Birka Bowling & Dart
Birka Bowling & Dart – Christmas kids' activities
Birka Bowling & Dart
Birka Bowling & Dart – Christmas kids' activities
Birka Bowling & Dart

Birka Bowling & Dart

Huge bowling alley

Birka Bowling & Dart is an enormous bowling alley that's been drawing in bowling aficionados and keen amateurs since the 1970s. There's also a restaurant here so you can combine your bowling with a burger.

Klättercentret Telefonplan Klättercentret Solna Klättercentret Akalla
Klättercentret Telefonplan
klattercentret.se
Klättercentret Solna
klattercentret.se
Klättercentret Akalla
klattercentret.se/akalla
Klättercentret Telefonplan Klättercentret Solna Klättercentret Akalla

Climbing for kids and young people

Klättercentret arranges Christmas holiday camps for children and young people who want to learn to climb. Everyone can learn to climb here, whatever your level of experience. Learn through games, technique practice and group exercises.

  • Tellusgången 22-24, Hägersten-Liljeholmen Banvaktsvägen 20, Solna Vandagatan 3, Kista
    Klättercentret Telefonplan
    Tellusgången 22-24, Hägersten-Liljeholmen
    Klättercentret Solna
    Banvaktsvägen 20, Solna
    Klättercentret Akalla
    Vandagatan 3, Kista
  • Klättercentret Telefonplan
    klattercentret.se
    Klättercentret Solna
    klattercentret.se
    Klättercentret Akalla
    klattercentret.se/akalla
    Klättercentret Telefonplan
    08-730 00 93
    Klättercentret Solna
    08-730 00 93
    Klättercentret Akalla
    08-730 00 93
  • Klättercentret Telefonplan Klättercentret Solna Klättercentret Akalla

Fryshuset

Skate at Stockholm skate park

Stockholm Skatepark at Fryshuset has pretty much everything a skater could desire. There's a mini ramp, concrete bowl, a large street area and Stockholm's only vert ramp. They also run a skate camp for young skaters over the Christmas holidays.

Shows

Zita

Barnens Bio

Barnens Bio (Children's Cinema) at Zita shows quality classic and contemporary films for movie buffs of all ages on weekends and during the holidays.

When the weather allows

Hammarby­backen

Skiing in the city

All ages and abilities can enjoy skiing at Hammarbybacken. Pre-book your Skipass and rent skis online on their website, and check which lifts and runs are open at the moment.

Skating rinks

Bambi on ice

Several artificial ice rinks open up around Stockholm when it gets cold enough, including rinks in Kungsträdgården and Vasaparken. Don't miss Scandinavian Ice Adventure, new for this year. You'll find information on where and when the rinks are open on Stockholm city's website.

 

  • Kungsträdgården, City/Norrmalm Vasaparken, Vasastan
    Kungsträdgården
    Kungsträdgården, City/Norrmalm
    Vasaparken
    Vasaparken, Vasastan

Sledging slopes

Ready, steady, go!

When the snow finally covers the city, it's time to pull on your salopettes and get out onto the slopes with a sledge. There are lots of great sledging slopes in central Stockholm, we've listed some of the best below.

Vitabergsparken, Södermalm
Tanto, Södermalm
Stora Blecktornsparken, Södermalm
Vasaparken, Vasastan
Observatorielunden, Vasastan
Rålambshovsparken, Kungsholmen
Kronobergsparken, Kungsholmen
Humlegården, Östermalm

  • Vitabergsparken, Södermalm Tantolunden, Södermalm/Hornstull Katarina Bangata 80a, Södermalm/Skanstull Vasaparken, Vasastan Observatorielunden, Vasastan Smedsuddsvägen 6, Kungsholmen Kronobergsparken, Kungsholmen Humlegården, Östermalm
    Vitabergsparken
    Vitabergsparken, Södermalm
    Tantolunden
    Tantolunden, Södermalm/Hornstull
    Stora Blecktornsparken
    Katarina Bangata 80a, Södermalm/Skanstull
    Vasaparken
    Vasaparken, Vasastan
    Observatorielunden
    Observatorielunden, Vasastan
    Rålambshovsparken
    Smedsuddsvägen 6, Kungsholmen
    Kronobergsparken
    Kronobergsparken, Kungsholmen
    Humlegården
    Humlegården, Östermalm

Lake skating

You'll find numerous open-air natural skating spots outside the city where you can skate when the ice is at least 20cm thick. Be careful and never skate alone. You'll find information on the various lake and sea-skating spots on Stockholm city's website.

 

 

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At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.