Lesson 2.5: Swedish Holidays and Traditions in Swedish

Lesson 2.5: Swedish Holidays and Traditions – Svenska högtider och traditioner

This lesson introduces English-speaking learners to Sweden’s rich cultural traditions and holidays. Learn key dates, customs, traditional foods, and greetings associated with major Swedish celebrations.

🇸🇪 Important Swedish Holidays – Viktiga svenska högtider

English	Swedish	When?
Midsummer	Midsommar	Late June (Friday closest to June 24)
Christmas	Jul	December 24–26
Easter	Påsk	March/April (varies)
Lucia Day	Luciadagen	December 13
New Year’s Eve	Nyårsafton	December 31
National Day	Nationaldagen	June 6
Walpurgis Night	Valborgsmässoafton	April 30
Halloween (modern)	Halloween	October 31

Common Traditions & Activities – Vanliga traditioner och aktiviteter

English	Swedish
Maypole dancing	Dans runt midsommarstången
Candle processions (Lucia)	Luciatåg
Christmas markets	Julmarknader
Singing traditional songs	Sjunga traditionella sånger
Lighting candles	Tända ljus
Fireworks on New Year’s Eve	Fyrverkerier på nyårsafton
Easter witches (children in costumes)	Påskkärringar

Traditional Holiday Foods – Traditionella högtidsrätter

English	Swedish
Herring	Sill
Meatballs	Köttbullar
Boiled potatoes	Kokt potatis
Christmas ham	Julskinka
Saffron buns (Lucia)	Lussekatter
Cinnamon rolls	Kanelbullar
Pickled salmon	Gravad lax
Strawberry cake (Midsummer)	Jordgubbstårta

Holiday Greetings – Högtidshälsningar

English	Swedish
Merry Christmas!	God Jul!
Happy New Year!	Gott Nytt År!
Happy Easter!	Glad Påsk!
Happy Midsummer!	Glad Midsommar!
Happy National Day!	Glad Nationaldag!

 Mini Cultural Dialogue – Kulturell dialog

English:
– What are you doing for Midsummer?
– We’re going to the countryside to dance and eat strawberries!
– That sounds fun!

Swedish:
– Vad ska du göra på midsommar?
– Vi ska åka till landet och dansa och äta jordgubbar!
– Det låter kul!