Third Advent in Uppsala: Where the City Lights Up
The smell of roasted almonds and glögg hits you before you even see the stalls. It's the third Sunday of Advent, and Uppsala's city centre is wrapped in thousands of fairy lights — strung across shop windows, woven through the bare branches of the trees along the Fyris River, and reflected in the dark water below. Locals in thick wool coats move between market stalls with paper cups of warm glögg in hand, while the sound of a children's choir drifts from somewhere near the cathedral. This is the weekend when Uppsala feels most like itself: a university town that takes its traditions seriously, but never solemnly.
In 2026, the third Sunday of Advent falls on December 13. That's the day to plan around — the city's Christmas markets, concerts and public celebrations reach their peak, and the streets around the cathedral and the river fill with people who've come out to soak up the atmosphere.
Christmas Markets That Anchor the Weekend
Uppsala's Christmas markets are the heart of the Advent season, and several run through the third weekend in December. You'll find them scattered across the city and its surroundings, each with its own character.
- Historical Christmas Market in Gamla Uppsala — Set against the ancient burial mounds and the medieval church, this market leans into the town's deep history. Expect traditional crafts, food stalls and an atmosphere that feels a world away from the modern city, even though it's just a short bus ride north.
- UF Christmas Market at Forumtorget — A central, easy-to-reach market in the heart of Uppsala, ideal if you're combining shopping with a walk through the city centre. It's a good spot to pick up locally made gifts and seasonal treats.
- Chocolate Factory market — For anyone with a sweet tooth, this market focuses on chocolate and confectionery, making it a worthwhile detour if you're after edible gifts or something to warm you up.
- Ekbolanda Farm — A farm-based market that brings a rural, handmade feel to the Advent season, with local produce and crafts.
- Salsta Castle Christmas Market — Held on December 6, 2026 (the second Sunday of Advent), this market at Salsta Castle in Vattholma is worth noting if you're in the region for the whole Advent period. The market runs 10:00–15:00 in Nya stallet, with the castle open 11:00–17:00. There's a talk on Sweden's first Christmas trees at 13:00 and an Advent concert at 15:00 in the castle. Entry to the market is free; the concert requires a paid ticket. It's organised by Vattholma Kultur- och hembygdsförening and Alla tiders slott och kultur, and listed on Destination Uppsala.
For the third Sunday itself, check Destination Uppsala's event listings closer to the date — the regional tourism site is the most reliable place to confirm which markets are running that exact weekend and what hours they keep.
Concerts, Carols and the Sound of Advent
Music is woven through Uppsala's Advent calendar, and the third Sunday is no exception. The city's churches and concert halls host Advent concerts throughout December, from traditional carol services to fuller choral performances.
Salsta Castle's Advent concert, held at 15:00 on December 6, 2026, is one example of the kind of event that fills the season — a ticketed performance in a historic setting. Closer to the third Sunday, keep an eye on Uppsala Cathedral and the city's other churches for Advent concerts and carol services. The cathedral, with its towering Gothic architecture, is a particularly atmospheric place to hear seasonal music.
If you're travelling with children, look out for family-friendly concerts and Lucia processions. Lucia Day falls on December 13, which in 2026 coincides exactly with the third Sunday of Advent — making that weekend especially rich in music and light.
Street Life, Lights and Public Celebrations
The third weekend of Advent is when Uppsala's streets feel most alive. The city centre, particularly around Stora Torget and the pedestrian streets, fills with shoppers, families and students. The Christmas lights along the Fyris River are a highlight — walk the riverside path at dusk and you'll see the reflections stretch across the water.
Lucia processions are a defining feature of December 13 in Sweden. In Uppsala, you can expect to see Lucia trains — groups of singers in white gowns, led by a girl with candles in her hair — performing in churches, schools and public spaces. The exact schedule varies year to year, so check local listings for times and locations.
Fireworks and large-scale public celebrations are less standard for the third Sunday itself in Uppsala, but the city does mark the season with organised events. Destination Uppsala's calendar is the best place to confirm what's happening on the day.
What to Eat and Drink While You're There
Advent in Uppsala is as much about the food as the festivities. The Christmas markets are your best bet for seasonal eating — here's what to look for:
- Glögg — Swedish mulled wine, served warm with almonds and raisins. You'll find it at market stalls and cafés throughout the city.
- Roasted almonds — A market staple, sold in paper cones and eaten while you walk.
- Pepparkakor — Thin, spiced gingerbread biscuits, available at markets and in every grocery shop.
- Lussekatter — Saffron buns shaped like curled cats, traditionally eaten around Lucia on December 13. Bakeries across Uppsala sell them fresh in the days leading up to the third Sunday.
- Local crafts and delicacies — The Salsta Castle market, for instance, offers homemade treats and seasonal decorations alongside gifts, and similar stalls appear at Gamla Uppsala and Forumtorget.
For a sit-down meal, Uppsala's café culture is strong. Duck into a konditori (bakery-café) for a fika — coffee and something sweet — and you'll be in good company.
Getting Around and Making a Day of It
Uppsala is compact and walkable, and the third Sunday of Advent is a good day to explore on foot. Start in the city centre, where the Forumtorget market and the main shopping streets are clustered together. From there, walk along the Fyris River toward the cathedral, then loop back through the older parts of town.
If you want to venture further, Gamla Uppsala is a short bus ride north and makes a rewarding half-day trip — the market there is set among the burial mounds and the church, giving you a dose of history with your Christmas shopping. For a bigger excursion, Salsta Castle in Vattholma is reachable by car or public transport, though its market falls on December 6 rather than the third Sunday.
Wherever you go, dress for the cold. December in Uppsala is dark and often snowy, and the daylight hours are short — but that's part of the charm. The city's lights and the warmth of its cafés and market stalls are what make the third Advent Sunday feel like a proper celebration.
Start planning your trip around December 13, 2026, and keep Destination Uppsala's event calendar bookmarked. That's where you'll find the confirmed times for markets, concerts and Lucia processions as the date approaches. Book your accommodation early — Advent is a popular time to visit — and pack your warmest coat. Uppsala in December is cold, dark and full of light, and the third Sunday of Advent is when it all comes together.