Christmas Spirit Spreads at Kalmar Castle: A Winter Wonderland Experience
The holiday season is coming alive at Kalmar Castle, offering visitors a magical winter experience filled with traditional festivities, unique exhibitions, and enchanting events throughout December.
Christmas Fair: A Festive Marketplace
From November 28th to December 1st, over 110 exhibitors will fill the castle’s beautiful halls, showcasing exquisite handicrafts and delicious delicacies. Visitors can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit by:
- Listening to festive Christmas music in the Castle Church
- Meeting Mrs. Santa Claus
- Taking guided tours about Christmas traditions
Unique Winter Highlights
The castle offers several extraordinary events throughout the season:
Krakow’s Nativity Scenes Exhibition
Opening on December 12th, this exhibition features approximately 30 colorful nativity scenes borrowed from the Historical Museum in Krakow. These intricate scenes represent a medieval crafting tradition recognized by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Christmas Voices Event
On December 15th, the castle will host its first “Christmas Voices” event, featuring diverse musical performances across different halls:
- A cappella singing in the Queen’s Staircase
- Dance bands in the Rut Hall
- Folk music in the Golden Hall
- Christmas Carols in the Kure Tower’s base
The Darkest Day Experience
On December 21st, visitors can explore the castle’s darkest room, the Confession Room, and learn about winter solstice traditions. This unique experience allows guests to understand historical practices of helping the sun return, experiencing the castle in complete darkness.
Family-Friendly Activities
Throughout the holiday period, families can enjoy:
- Guided tours about Christmas through the ages
- Historical Christmas table displays
- Christmas tree history exhibition
- Gyllenluva’s Christmas Mystery – an exciting adventure with castle gnomes
Practical Information
December Opening Hours:
- November 28th – December 1st: Christmas Fair
- December 5th – 22nd: Thursday-Sunday, 11 AM – 3 PM
- December 26th – January 6th: Daily, 11 AM – 3 PM
Note: Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
For the full program, visit: Kalmar Castle Christmas Events