Malmö is a bustling city in Skåne, southern Sweden, renowned for its modern architecture, vibrant arts scene, and waterfront views.
During winter, the city becomes a hub of festive activity centred around the Malmo Christmas Market.
In this article, I provide essential details, such as unconfirmed 2024 dates, opening times, locations, and local specialties, to help you plan your visit.
Christmas in Malmo involves a variety of winter activities, from ice skating to attending concerts.
The city is adorned with twinkling lights, and residents partake in traditional Swedish customs like Lucia celebrations.
Malmo Christmas Market 2024
The Christmas market in Malmo, located in the festively lit main square of Gustav Adolfs Torg, offers a small range of 23 Christmas stalls that enhance the holiday spirit.
As part of the larger Winter in the City initiative, the market stands out for its ever-changing lineup of exhibitors, ensuring a fresh experience for visitors each week.
Winter in the City runs from 25th November 2024 to 2nd January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Lucia ceremonies, traditional Swedish songs, and regional delicacies add to the festive atmosphere.
Dates and Location
Malmo Christmas Market dates: 23rd November to 17th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Gustav Adolfs Torg.
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday: 11am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Lucia procession: 13th December.
Christmas lights: The Lumagic light installation is at Slottsparken.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at Folkets Park.
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: Ever-changing exhibitor lineup each week, Christmas lights, Winter in the City.
Recommended tour: Sightseeing boat tour.
Specialities: Lucia bread, sugar cake, gingerbread, saffron buns.
Where to stay: Elite Hotel Esplanade is a popular hotel, located 5 minutes from Gustav Adolfs Square.
Convenient Hotels
The city centre is the most convenient area to stay in Malmo because of its proximity to the Christmas market at Gustav Adolf Torg. You’re within walking distance of the market and other key attractions here.
I recommend staying at Elite Hotel Esplanade, known for its eco-friendly comfort and excellent location near the Christmas market.
Event Location Map
Recommended Tours
Known for its mix of modern design and ancient structures, Malmo is a city worth exploring at any time of the year.
A city tour in Malmo provides an excellent opportunity to acquaint yourself with the city’s historical and cultural landmarks.
For a comprehensive view of the city, consider this sightseeing boat tour. This guided boat tour navigates Malmo’s canals and bridges while providing insights into its history and prominent landmarks.
Check out my guide for a detailed look at the best Swedish Christmas markets, including key information on dates, locations, and local specialties in various regions.
Christmas in Malmo
Food Specialties
Swedish Meatballs: A staple at Swedish markets, meatballs are usually served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes. Locals and tourists alike enjoy this hearty dish, which brings comfort in the cold December weather.
Saffron Buns: Known locally as ‘Lussekatter’, these sweet buns are flavoured with saffron and often shaped like an ‘S’. They are traditionally consumed during Advent and are a staple at the Malmo market and in the Skåne region.
Mulled Wine: Also known as ‘Glögg’, this spiced and heated red wine is often enjoyed with raisins and almonds. The drink is a Swedish Christmas tradition, and you’ll find it at various stalls throughout the market.
Smoked Fish: Smoked salmon and herring are available, often seasoned with various herbs. These fish options provide a savoury alternative to the many sweet items available.
Marinated Herring: Served in a variety of sauces such as mustard or garlic, marinated herring is a Swedish delicacy often enjoyed during Christmas.
Gingerbread Cookies: You’ll also encounter traditional Swedish gingerbread cookies called ‘Pepparkakor’. Crisp and spicy, these cookies are an essential part of Swedish Christmas celebrations.
Roasted Almonds: Roasted almonds are often coated with a layer of sugar or cinnamon. They provide a crunchy and sweet treat as you explore the market.
Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate is widely available for those looking for a non-alcoholic warm beverage. It’s a comforting option for both children and adults.
Stollen is a German Christmas bread made with nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruit. Although not native to Sweden, it’s a popular item in many European Christmas markets, including Malmo’s.
Pretzels: Originating from Germany, pretzels have found their way into the Malmö Christmas Market. These twisted breads are often enjoyed with mustard or simply on their own.
Churros: Though not a traditional Swedish snack, churros have become increasingly popular. These Spanish doughnut-like treats are deep-fried and usually covered in sugar.
Turkish Delight: For those interested in more international flavours, stalls selling Turkish delight offer a chewy and sweet experience enriched with flavours like rosewater and lemon.
Cheese Skewers: Another snack option is cheese skewers, which are often grilled and served hot. They provide a savoury break from the array of sweet treats available.
Interesting Gift Stalls
Handmade Candles: Local artisans sell handmade candles, often crafted with unique Swedish designs. These candles make for warm, inviting gifts that reflect the coziness of the Swedish winter season. Different shapes and sizes are available, allowing you to find something that fits your preference.
Swedish Glassware: Malmo is known for its exquisite glassware, which can also be found at the Christmas market. With intricately designed glasses, bowls, and vases, Swedish glassware provides a luxurious gift option.
Dalarna Horses: These traditional Swedish wooden horses are hand-painted and serve as a popular souvenir. Originating from the Dalarna region, these small figurines are symbolic of Sweden and make for a lovely, authentic gift.
Wooden Toys: Traditional Swedish wooden toys, like pull toys and puzzles, can be found at various stalls. These toys not only offer old-world charm but are also eco-friendly, being made from sustainably sourced wood.
Ceramic Ornaments: For holiday decor, ceramic ornaments are widely available. These often come in the form of snowflakes, angels, or other winter-themed shapes and are sometimes hand-painted for added detail.
Swedish Coffee: Known locally as ‘kaffe’, Swedish coffee is often sold in unique blends. Packaged in festive bags, this makes for an aromatic and enjoyable gift for any coffee lover.
Vintage Postcards: For a quirky, inexpensive gift, look for stalls that sell vintage postcards featuring scenes from Malmo or other Swedish locales. These can serve as a small but thoughtful memento of your time at the market.
Bespoke Stationery: Quality notebooks, pens, and writing sets are available from specialty vendors. These often feature handmade paper and leather-bound covers, making for a thoughtful gift for the more literary among your friends and family.
Things to Do in Winter
For the most up-to-date information on current events and winter activities in Malmo, I recommend browsing Visit Sweden, the country’s official website for visitors. As an example, here’s a list of the most popular things to do in Malmo.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Here are some suggestions for responsible travel in Malmö and Skåne this Christmas:
Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Malmo has a number of hotels that rely on renewable energy sources. When booking your stay, look for properties committed to sustainability. By choosing a hotel that’s powered by renewable energy, you’re not only enjoying your holiday but also supporting local businesses that care about the environment.
Mindful Eating at the Markets: The Christmas markets in Malmo are teeming with delicious food options. While indulging, try to reduce food waste by ordering only what you can consume. If there are leftovers, consider sharing them with others or asking for a takeaway container for later.
Ethical Consumption: Malmo’s Christmas markets offer a variety of gifts and souvenirs. As tempting as buying a bit of everything may be, consider only purchasing what you truly need or will use. Opt for handcrafted, locally made products as a way to support local artisans.
Sustainable Diets: Malmo offers a good range of vegetarian and vegan options at its Christmas markets. Opting for a plant-based meal exposes you to the local cuisine and makes a smaller carbon footprint.
Sustainable Transport: The city is known for its excellent public transport system and cycle paths. Consider using the bus or cycling to the Christmas markets. Not only will you be seeing the city from a unique perspective, but you’ll also be cutting down on emissions.
If you want to leave a Malmo Xmas Market review, comment below.
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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 Malmö, Skåne, Sweden. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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