As the dark days of winter settle in, Lund takes on a festive atmosphere that draws visitors. Known for its historic architecture and university, the city celebrations Advent with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the city centre and a small three-day Christmas Fair at Kulturen.
In this article, I’ll provide details for each event, including the 2024 dates and where to go.
Lund Christmas Market 2024
During Christmas, Lund’s medieval city centre takes on a cosy atmosphere with streets adorned with festive lights. The lighting of the Christmas tree and decorations takes place on the first day of Advent.
The main square becomes a hub of activity where children enjoy ice skating while shops showcase Swedish products.
As you explore, pause for a warm cup of glögg and a pepparkaka (gingerbread cookies) to complete your festive experience.
For festive stalls, Lund Christmas Market is actually a small fair at Kulturen, an open-air museum and event space that includes visits with Santa and Lucia trains.
Dates and Information
Lund Christmas Market dates: 30th November to 2nd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Kulturen.
Opening times: Friday: 4pm to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 5pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Adult: SEK 160. Pensioner: SEK 100. Student: SEK 100.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 2nd December at Vinterlund in Stortorget (unconfirmed).
Santa: Yes. Greet Santa and his helpers.
Ice skating: Yes, at Stortorget.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Medieval city centre backdrop and access to nature in the Skåne region.
Food specialities: Glögg, pepparkaka, pickled herring, saffron buns.
Where to stay: Magles Smiley Inn is a popular hotel, located 4 minutes from the market.
Convenient Hotels
Staying close to Stortorget and Tegnérsplatsen provides easy access to Christmas events and things to do in Lund. The area is central, making it convenient for exploring other parts of Lund.
For a good hotel option near the market, consider Magles Smiley Inn. This place gets good reviews for comfort and cleanliness.
To get more information about Christmas markets in Sweden, read my guide, which lists the best places to visit in the region.
Location
Christmas in Lund
Market Specialties
Knäckebröd (Crispbread) Crunchy and baked to a golden brown, knäckebröd is a Swedish staple. Vendors in Lund often sell crispbread with toppings like cheese or cured meats. It’s a snack that’s both satisfying and straightforward.
Pepparkakor (Gingerbread cookies): These Swedish gingerbread cookies are spiced with cinnamon and cloves. Unlike the softer variety, pepparkakor are thin and crisp. They’re popular during the Christmas season and make for a tasty walk-around snack.
Lussekatter (Saffron buns): Yellow and twisted into intricate shapes, lussekatter are saffron-flavoured buns. Eaten particularly during winter, these buns often come with a sprinkle of raisins for added flavour. Lund’s market stalls often have them fresh out of the oven.
Glögg (Mulled Wine): Keeping you warm in the chilly weather, glögg is a spiced, often alcoholic, drink. It contains ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. You can find it at multiple stalls, served hot in small cups.
Köttbullar (Swedish Meatballs): Unlike their everyday counterparts, köttbullar at the Christmas market often has a festive twist like lingonberry sauce. These are meatballs in true Swedish fashion, often served with potatoes or a side of vegetables.
Gravlax (Cured Salmon): Often enjoyed on rye bread, gravlax is cured salmon seasoned with dill and spices. It’s a seafood option that provides a lighter alternative to the meat-based dishes at the market.
Risgrynsgröt (Rice Porridge): A warm, comforting bowl of risgrynsgröt provides a much-needed respite from the winter cold. This rice porridge is simple, often garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar or a dollop of butter.
Kanelbullar (Cinnamon Rolls): Unlike their American counterparts, kanelbullar are less sweet and often more spiced. They make for an excellent dessert or snack as you roam the stalls, exploring the market’s various offerings.
Punsch (Swedish Punsch): A liquor-based drink, punsch is enjoyed both hot and cold. This Swedish favourite often includes arrack and is flavoured with spices. It’s another way to keep warm while taking in the market scene.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
Dalarna Horse (Dala Horse): Originating from the Dalarna region but beloved throughout Sweden, the hand-carved and painted Dalarna Horse is a classic Swedish symbol. In Lund, you’ll find various sizes and colours, each created with meticulous craftsmanship. These horses make for timeless gifts and home decor items.
Swedish Crystal: Known for its high quality, Swedish crystal items range from vases to ornamental pieces. In Lund, you can find vendors selling uniquely designed crystal products, often incorporating traditional Swedish elements. These pieces serve as elegant gifts and also act as conversation starters.
Hand-knitted Woollen Goods: Locals in Lund take pride in knitting skills passed down through generations. Stalls are dedicated to hand-knitted scarves, mittens, and hats, all made from quality wool. These items not only keep you warm but also carry a piece of Lund’s artisanal tradition.
Traditional Wooden Toys: Especially popular among families with young children, conventional Swedish wooden toys provide quality entertainment. From classic pull toys to intricate puzzles, each item reflects the simplicity and durability of old-world craftsmanship. They offer a change from the typical plastic toys commonly found elsewhere.
Smoked Fish: Swedish smoked fish, often packaged in vacuum-sealed bags, is a popular edible gift. Originating from local fisheries, the most common types include salmon and mackerel. Convenient to pack and take home, these make for special gifts that bring a taste of Lund to your kitchen.
Locally Sourced Honey: Produced in the farms surrounding Lund, locally sourced honey comes in jars of various sizes. It’s pure, unfiltered, and rich in natural flavours. A jar adds a sweet touch to any gift basket or could be a thoughtful present.
Vintage Swedish Books: For book lovers, several shops sell vintage Swedish books. These range from children’s stories to classic Swedish literature, often in well-preserved condition. They make for unique gifts and provide a literary glimpse into Swedish culture.
Travel Information
You’ll find a wealth of practical information and updates on the latest winter activities and events on the city’s website, Visit Lund.
Sustainable Travel Tips
A few tips can go a long way in helping you travel more responsibly in Lund this Christmas.
Eco-Friendly Hotels: In Lund, several hotels operate solely on renewable energy. Book one of these green options, as it helps reduce your carbon footprint during your stay.
Reducing Food Waste at Markets: At the Christmas market, vendors often sell freshly made, perishable items. Consume or share portions soon after buying to reduce waste. Many vendors gladly offer smaller portions upon request, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Ethical Consumption: Markets in Lund are teeming with handmade crafts and artisan products. Purchase only what you’ll use or genuinely appreciate. Overbuying contributes to waste and the clutter of unwanted items.
Sustainable Diets: Lund has various vegan and vegetarian options, including the local speciality ‘Grönsaksspett’ (vegetable skewers). Opting for a plant-based diet even temporarily reduces your environmental impact.
Sustainable Transport: The city centre of Lund is highly walkable, and the local public transport includes eco-friendly buses. Cycling is also popular, with numerous bike lanes making it easy and safe. Use these options to move around sustainably.
These tips are specific to Lund and can make your holiday experience not just enjoyable but also responsible.
Comment below if you want to leave a review of Lund Xmas Market or have any questions.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Lund, Sweden. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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