Last Updated on April 15, 2025 by Monica Morville

Spring in Stockholm is magical, especially around Easter. The vibrant Swedish capital bursts to life as days grow longer, flowers bloom, and locals gather for festive traditions. If you are planning to celebrate Easter in Stockholm in 2025, there are so many options of fun, family-friendly activities you can join. However, behind the colorful scenes, there is a spooky historical twist of Easter that made people dress up as witches and lit bonfires! Fear not, we will dive right into how these interesting Easter customs came about, and how the Swedish are celebrating Easter in Stockholm now. 

Historical Significance & Traditions of Easter in Stockholm

Easter in Stockholm holds deep historical roots, combining Christian and ancient pagan traditions. While it is celebrated to honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ with church services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, it also reflects older springtime rituals. These rituals are from the pagan communities that marked the spring season as a time of renewal, celebrating the return of light and fertility.

One of these rituals is the legend of the Easter witches “påskkärringar”. According to folklore, it was believed that witches flew to a place called Blåkulla during Holy Week to meet the devil. To protect themselves, people lit bonfires and made loud noises to scare the witches away—customs that can still be seen in some Swedish Easter celebrations today, especially in rural areas. This is also the reason why children dress up as Easter witches, with rosy cheeks, headscarves, and long skirts, going from door to door offering homemade cards in exchange for sweets.

Over time, Easter in Stockholm evolved into both a spiritual and cultural holiday, celebrated not only with religious services but also with family meals, decorated eggs, and folklore-based traditions. These layered meanings have given Easter in Stockholm its rich, historical character, blending rituals with joy, color, and community spirit. For celebratory Easter dishes, Swedish people enjoy pickled herring, cured salmon, boiled eggs, and cold meats, alongside crisp bread, potatoes, and a shot of aquavit for good cheer.

Top 5 Exciting Activities for Easter in Stockholm

Whether you’re planning a family stroll through Stockholm’s beautiful parks or curious to see the bonfires and little Easter witches in action, we have put together a list of activities that are sure to match your interests. Here are five of the best Easter experiences that blend history, celebration, and local charm—perfect for making your spring visit truly unforgettable.

1. Easter Egg Hunt at the Royal Palace

One of the most thrilling ways to celebrate Easter in Stockholm is by joining the Easter egg hunt at the Royal Palace. Taking place from April 12 to 21, this event is perfect for families and offers a unique way to explore the stunning historical surroundings.

Children aged 6 to 12 can join the exciting search for golden eggs hidden in the palace’s luxurious staterooms. Upon entry, visitors receive an interactive map guiding the hunt, available in multiple languages including English, Swedish, and Finnish. Participants who complete the hunt earn special rewards, making this an unforgettable experience for the little adventurers.

This is a fantastic opportunity to soak up the Swedish royal culture, blending history and fun seamlessly. Don’t miss this captivating Easter tradition that captures the spirit of Stockholm!

2. Family Art Activities at Moderna Museet

Art enthusiasts celebrating Easter in Stockholm shouldn’t miss the family-friendly workshops at Moderna Museet. Scheduled between April 12 and 20, the museum hosts a series of engaging art activities specifically designed for families with children.

Visitors can participate in guided tours and drawing workshops, experimenting with various artistic techniques. Even if you don’t have previous art experience, it does not matter! This is a perfect creative outing to inspire young children and bond as a family.

After the art session, you can explore the museum’s impressive collection, featuring works from renowned international and Swedish artists. Visit the museum to create a day filled with imagination, creativity, and cultural enrichment—ideal for a memorable Easter weekend.

3. Walpurgis Night Celebrations at Skansen

If your visit to Stockholm extends through late April, Walpurgis Night celebrations at Skansen on April 30 cannot be missed. This traditional Swedish celebration marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring with lively festivities.

Skansen, the world-famous open-air museum, hosts vibrant celebrations featuring bonfires, folk music, and traditional choral singing. It is a picturesque event that combines history and Swedish culture, where locals and visitors alike gather around the massive bonfire to welcome warmer days ahead.

Join in on this joyous evening, immerse yourself in Swedish traditions, and experience firsthand how Stockholm comes alive with music, laughter, and warmth as the city embraces springtime!

4. Easter Egg Hunts in Stockholm’s Parks

Easter in Stockholm would not be complete without participating in one of the numerous egg hunts held across city parks. Djurgården and Hagaparken are particularly popular, offering scenic surroundings perfect for outdoor family fun.

These events usually include additional entertainment like face painting, crafts, and games, making them ideal for families with young children. Children eagerly search for colorful eggs hidden throughout the parks, turning these scenic areas into playful and vibrant settings.

Bring a picnic and relax afterwards, enjoying Stockholm’s beautiful spring atmosphere. This is truly a charming way to celebrate Easter in Stockholm like a local, creating wonderful memories for the entire family.

5. Springtime Boat Tours in the Archipelago

If you are looking for a different scenery for your Easter experience, consider exploring Stockholm by water with a relaxing boat tour through the archipelago. During spring, these boat tours offer breathtaking views of the city and its natural surroundings.

Special Easter-themed cruises feature brunch options and guided sightseeing, showcasing Stockholm’s iconic landscapes, including islands and historical waterfront buildings. This unique vantage point highlights Stockholm’s beauty as nature awakens in spring.

Whether you choose a leisurely brunch cruise or a sightseeing expedition, this peaceful journey is an unforgettable way to spend Easter in Stockholm, connecting with nature and enjoying delicious food.

Conclusion

Easter in Stockholm is a vibrant blend of Christian and ancient pagan traditions, where church services, folklore like the Easter witches, colorful customs, and festive foods come together to celebrate the arrival of spring. From adventurous egg hunts at the Royal Palace to vibrant Walpurgis Night celebrations, Stockholm has something special for everyone. Make your spring memorable by embracing these festive traditions, creative art workshops, and beautiful cruises! If you are planning on visiting Stockholm soon, take a look at this guide to find the best things to do. Sounds interesting? Then join us to create unforgettable moments this spring by booking a walking tour with Amitylux! You never know—you might be lucky enough to get a sneak peek into the local bonfire event during the tour!

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