Sweden Events and Festivals

12/24/2009 - 12/24/2009Christmas Eve

As with many countries around the world, Christmas in Sweden is a special time of the year and an opportunity to be with friends, family and loved ones. But unlike many other countries, on Christmas Eve Swedes carry out many of the traditions usually reserved for Christmas Day in other countries with a large meal and the giving of presents. The day usually begins with a visit to church for 'Julottan', the early morning church service. This is usually followed by a lavish meal with family and friends consisting of traditional foods such as pickled herring, liver pate, smoked sausages, cabbage, meatballs and a dish known as 'lutfisk' (dried fish soaked in lye) - a traditional delicacy eaten at this time of the year.