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In Sweden it is traditionally just a few days before Christmas Eve when the tree finally makes its grand entrance. This helps to build up excitement at just the right time (damn all those early Christmas adverts!) and is a great family activity.
Those in the city will buy their tree from a street corner or square while those living in the Swedish countryside will fetch and fell the trees themselves. Should you be an urban-ite then don't head to your local park with an axe, but maybe try and hold off as long as you can, raise that suspense.
(But who are we kidding, it's Christmas time, we all want that tree)
As well as the typical Christmas decorations like baubles, lights and tinsels, decorations typical Swedish decorations include wall hangings depicting brownies (the fairy-tale kind, not the baked goods) and white wintery scenes.
Should you be in real Scandi mode and wish to pick up some original and designer handmade Swedish decorations or presents, then head to Lena M in Stockholm, or, for another touch that is typical of a Swedish Christmas (and easier if you aren't going there!) put hyacinths throughout the house, letting their fragrance waft through and herald a Scandi Christmas-tinged on the way.
A Christmas spread is almost the most important part of the day - time to pile on those roast potatoes and slip into something a bit 'looser', but to add that special Scandi vibe to your Christmas meal, include some Christmas ham, pickled herring, rye bread (vörtbröd) or even a potato salad.
All perfect leftover treats for Boxing Day, too.
Whip out that tinsel and get your festive cheer on as Gothenburg’s epic Liseberg Park plays host to Sweden’s biggest Christmas Market. A land of mulled wine and carolling glory, five million twinkling lights, 700 Christmas trees and 70 rustic market stalls.
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Stockholm - Culture fans are set to be thrilled when Stockholm's Nationalmuseum finally re-opens this Autumn after a 5 -year renovation. Founded in 1792 by a very generous King Gustav III, Stockholm’s Nationalmuseum is one of the oldest public museums in the world, and their booty spans hundreds of years of European art.
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Gothenburg's foodie scene has sprung up to international attention in the last few years - check out this guide for the best on Sweden's cosy 'Little London' coast.
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Gardeners, botanists and lovers of woodlands flock to the Gothenburg Botaniska - 200 acres of flora, fauna and rare species thrive here including the famous Rhododendron Valley.
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Meet Maria Svensson and Esmeralda Vidfar, two wool-loving ladies from Gothenburg on the Swedish west coast. Based in an art-collective studio space with ten other designers and artists, they create the knitwear that they had always dreamed of wearing.
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Palm house meandering, the tropics, lost species, history and the perfect green escape in the city - explore these botanical gardens inspired by royals and a love letter to science.
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Austria's Vienna is an age-old hotspot for Christmas markets. A magical city of nostalgia, romance and old-time glamour, Advent glamour started here.
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The famous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen stage a special winter theme of Winter wonderlands from fun rides, Christmas markets and festive biscuits.
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A lakeside Christmas market of twinkling lights and boats drifting below the mountains - Bavaria's Tegernsee is a winter wonderland of tradition meets cool.
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Four cute bastions of style and snuggle up in the duvet sentiments for winter, none of which are in France.
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This Stockholm design guide sees a legacy of craft meet cutting-edge fashion, art + architecture, creating a refined experience for all design aficionados from all walks.
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Lars Fredriksson was no stranger to innovative skincare when he developed Verso, a brand that was launched in 2013. Minimising skin exposure to unnecessary ingredients, Verso’s products are high quality and add easily to everyday life.
Get the insider news and lowdown on what we've been up to, where we've been, and who we've met along the way. Be the first to discover new places and get the scoop on our favourites.