The Nordic Nomad

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm’s best authentic ‘julbord’ Christmas buffets (tip: book early!)

The Nordics • Eat & drink • Stockholm’s best authentic ‘julbord’ Christmas buffets (tip: book early!)

Stockholm’s top ‘julbord’ buffets for an authentic Christmas feast

The Swedish julbord, or translated into English, Christmas table, is a grand festive tradition that dates back to the Viking era, evolving over centuries into the lavish holiday buffet it is today. Historically tied to both pagan and Christian rituals, the julbord was originally a midwinter feast celebrating the return of the sun. By the Middle Ages, the tradition began to incorporate Christian customs, including fasting before Christmas, and eventually expanded into a Christmas feast. Today, the julbord features a spread of cold and warm dishes, with essentials like pickled herring, ham, meatballs and Jansson’s frestelse (a creamy potato dish with sprats). The meal is often accompanied by festive drinks like glögg (mulled wine) and snapps.

Tornvillan

Tornvillan, set in the scenic Nacka Strand, offers an exquisite julbord crafted by the renowned Mathias Dahlgren. The festive meal starts with mulled wine and includes a series of beautifully presented dishes rooted in Swedish traditions. The julbord features sections dedicated to breads, meats, seafood, shellfish accompanied by a bountiful dessert table. The historic 19th-century villa, with its elegant design and waterfront views, provides a perfect backdrop for the experience. Among the standout dishes are the house-made pickled herring and the signature Mathias Dahlgren schnaps, a zesty concoction flavoured with dill and lemon.

Tornvillan
Augustendalsvägen 36
Stockholm
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Tornvillan

Gamla Riksarkivet

Gamla Riksarkivet’s julbord, led by renowned chef Niklas Ekstedt, offers an extraordinary Christmas dining experience in Stockholm. Set within the historic building on Riddarholmen, the venue’s grand architecture and stately rooms provide a majestic backdrop. The buffet features a rich selection of Swedish classics, with dishes like lutfisk served directly to the table and the addition of more wild game this year. A particular highlight is the dessert spread and the famed godisrummet (the sweets room), brimming with traditional sweets and indulgent treats. Unique creations such as the julgroni cocktail elevate the festive atmosphere.

Gamla Riksarkivet
Birger Jarls Torg 2a
Stockholm
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Gamla Riksarkivet

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Ulriksdals Värdshus

Ulriksdals Värdshus, located in the serene Ulriksdal Palace Park just outside Stockholm, offers a traditional Swedish julbord in an enchanting natural setting by the water. The buffet is served in seven courses, featuring classic dishes like pickled herring, smoked fish and Swedish meatballs, along with fresh vegetables from the venue’s own garden. The meal concludes with a dessert table filled with sweet treats and local cheeses. The venue’s focus on sustainability is highlighted through its use of Swedish meats and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also enjoy drinks in the cosy bar, starting with a glass of glögg mulled wine.

Ulriksdals Värdshus
Slottsallén
Stockholm
Sweden

Ulriksdals Värdshus

Ulla Winbladh

Ulla Winbladh, located on Djurgården, offers a quintessential Swedish julbord experience that pays meticulous attention to both traditional and vegan dishes. With a festive atmosphere framed by fragrant fir trees, glowing candles and starched linen napkins, the venue creates a perfect holiday setting. The buffet features an impressive selection of 23 varieties of herring, including flavours like curry-apple and orange-citrus, alongside gravlax, traditional meatballs and a variety of warm vegetables and game sausages. Desserts such as ris à la Malta and saffron pastries add a sweet finish. Their vegan spread is equally elaborate, ensuring all guests enjoy the holiday feast.

Ulla Winbladh
Rosendalsvägen 8
Stockholm
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Ulla Winbladh

Villa Godthem

Villa Godthem’s julbord is a festive celebration steeped in Swedish tradition, offering a warm, homely vibe in its historic 19th-century villa. Alongside classics like pickled herring, sausages and gravlax, the buffet also features traditional sweet treats such as saffron-infused desserts. The villa’s elegant and cosy interior, with crackling fireplaces and mulled wine, enhances the dining experience, making it a perfect setting for gathering with family and friends. The location on Djurgården, with scenic views over the water, adds a magical touch to the experience, ensuring guests leave with both their stomachs and hearts full.