Events include Midsummer; the Lucia festival in December, (it commemorates the martyrdom of a pious Sicilian Girl), parades, plenty of glögg , (an alcoholic fruit punch), for adults, and singing. Christmas trees are decorated, cooking and baking begins and Santa delivers presents in person to each child. Ham is the major Christmas fare, complete with the tradition of "dipping in the pot," when slices of bread are soaked in ham juices. New Year’s Eve is widely celebrated and fireworks play a big part in the celebration.

Easter in Sweden incorporates the pagan belief that witches hang out and Walpurgis Night in April is a pagan festival celebrating winter’s end with bonfires and fireworks. May Day is observed by marches, parades and labor movement events. Sweden’s National Day is held in June. The King and Queen traditionally visit Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum. They raise the Swedish flag and honor chosen volunteers with a gift of their own flag. Tel. 46/8/442 80 00.