Stockholm, Sweden
Since 1915, the charming Gamla Stan (Old Town) of Stockholm is brightened by the yearly market in the Stortorget that takes place from late November until Christmas Eve. The market appears to be a small village because of the charming setting of the tall medieval facades that surround the square.
The small cabins are decorated with traditional Swedish handicrafts made of wood, straw, woven paper, wool, and embroidered fabrics. The open-air museum turns into a festive market and studio tour on weekends in the ancient village of Skansen across the harbor. The village is filled with the aroma of baked cookies and bread, while craftsmen show traditional skills inside buildings that have been preserved from all over Sweden. The queen of light is crowned here on December 13 during a festival that features a parade, carols, and regional cuisine. Several of Stockholm's art and design schools have their own weekend Christmas markets, such as the Design Christmas Market, where you can see contemporary and traditional designs in home decor, jewelry, clothing, paper goods, and holiday decorations made by up-and-coming artists.
