Five reasons to plan a December getaway to Umeå

1. The Events

Get your pulse racing with SOS – A Tribute to ABBA a dazzling show filled with glitter, nostalgia and timeless hits. Or let Moneybrother, Mammas Nya Kille or Norrlandsoperan steal your time (and maybe your heart) in exchange for unforgettable moments.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
From 19–21 December, hardcore history will be written as Refused makes a comeback — and a final farewell — right here in their hometown. After sold-out tours across Europe and the US, the shows in Umeå will be their last in Sweden and ever. A historic opportunity to see the band that put the city on the world’s rock map.

Find more events here! 
 

Refused play their final show ever in Umeå. Photo: Press image

2. Tempt Your Taste Buds

On 12 December, you can sip on the same ice cider that’s been served at the Nobel Banquet and at fine restaurants around the world. In Vännäsby, just 30 km west of Umeå, you’ll find Brännlands Isciders tasting room, where you can sample the cider and learn the fascinating story behind it.

If you want a taste of Christmas but prefer to save the traditional flavours for the big day, try one of Umeå’s modern takes on the holiday flavours. At Lilla Krogen a Christmas-inspired four-course menu is served in a captivating setting. Along the Vindelälven River, Wild River offers a seated buffet full of creativity and unexpected flavours. And for those who like dinner with a sea view, Kvarken Fisk serves a Christmas buffet where the sea provides the perfect backdrop.

See the full list of Christmas buffets here!
 

Lilla Krogen. Photo: Lilla Krogen. Brännland Iscider was the first Swedish wine ever served at the Nobel Banquet. Photo: Brännland Iscider.

3. Time to Unwind

Go offline for a while and watch the northern lights from bed in an Aurora Tepee Hut or reconnect your senses at the peaceful Granö Beckasin. Book a spa ritual above the clouds at Elements Spa or give yourself a soul-soothing restart with a dip at Umeå Kallbad the serene cold bath oasis on Bölesholmarna along the river promenade.

Sleep well in an Aurora Tepee Hut. Photo: Amanda Sveed. Relax and take in the stunning view. Photo: Clarion Hotel Umeå.

4. Explore Umeå’s Christmas Markets

The Christmas market season begins on 22 November at the interior design shop Ett hus blir ett hem in Holmsund – and continues with around twenty markets leading up to the third Sunday of Advent.

On 6 December, the Christmas spirit spreads through the streets of Öst på stan, as the cultural hub Pilgatan hosts its annual Christmas Market. At the same time, Bildmuseet fills with creativity as students from Umeå’s award-winning art, design, and architecture schools sell their unique works. Make sure to also take a trip to Olofsfors Bruk, one of Sweden’s best-preserved industrial heritage sites where a charming Christmas market takes place on 6–7 December. The historical setting adds a magical 19th-century feel to the experience.

For those longing for a touch of local tradition, mark 14 December in your calendar. That’s when Vindelns hembygdsgård invites you to a traditional Christmas market where local crafts take centre stage. Could there be a cozier way to explore the winter idylls around Umeå?

Get more information about these and other Christmas markets here!
 

Cold dip or Christmas market? Why not both! Photo: Amanda Sveed.
 

5. Delightful Christmas Music

On 7 December, Sarah Dawn Finer celebrates the season with her heartwarming show Winterland. Or tap your feet on 10 December, when Samuel Ljungblahd, Linnea Henriksson, and Sabina Ddumba join Norrbotten Big Band for The Soul of Christmas – the season’s grooviest soul concert.

The Snowflake Singers invite you to En vintersaga – a sparkling show filled with energy and joy. Or let December fade out in gentle tones as Kraja step forward in the winter darkness with warm folk music and Nordic harmony.

Let yourself be embraced by the warmth of winter and welcome December with us in Umeå!