Nu tändas tusen juleljus…

It is becoming increasingly popular in Sweden to decorate for Christmas “American style” – that is, outdoor decorations that include elaborate light displays on your home or in your yard and inflatable or light up holiday decorations.

Although we can’t be in Sweden to check out the lights on our own, we can use the power of the internet to peruse photos and plan a visit (or take inspiration for our own decorations… Next year in my front yard: life-sized light-up moose like the ones in Sergels Torg in Stockholm….or maybe on the Augustana quad outside of the Swenson Center…)

Stockholm:

The link below leads you to the English-language site:

https://stockholmsjul.se/english

But the Swedish site has better photos of the various displays. Click on “Dekorerade Gator” at the top of the page for individual photos of this year’s decorations.

https://stockholmsjul.se/

Follow Stockholms Jul on Instagram for more photos.

https://www.instagram.com/stockholmsjulofficial/

As well as the Creative Adventurer Blog:

https://thecreativeadventurer.com/easy-self-guided-tour-of-stockholms-christmas-lights/

Göteborg:

The amusement park Liseberg is famous for its elaborate Christmas lights but they are closed this year because of the pandemic. To make up for it, the city has set up a walking tour of light art around the city. See photos here:

https://www.goteborg.com/en/christmas-in-gothenburg/light-art-walk/

Malmö:

Sweden’s third largest city is known for its annual Christmas market but, like many traditions, it has been put on hold this year. Like Stockholm and Göteborg, Malmö has upped their public display game this year. Their website is not as easily navigable for non-Swedish speakers, but you can click around and see pictures of their displays. (Hint: “Ljus” means lights so anywhere you see that word is probably a good link to check out…)

https://malmo.se/Uppleva-och-gora/Evenemang/Vinter-i-City.html

Quad Cities:

Since we know that pictures are not quite the same as seeing lights in person, here is a list of worthwhile displays in the Quad Cities courtesy of Visit Quad Cities.

https://visitquadcities.com/plan-your-trip/insiders-blog/holiday-lights-qc

If you’re up for a little road trip, head up to Clinton for the Symphony of Lights (https://www.symphonyoflights.org/) There is an impressive house on the way near the intersection of Main Avenue and Stockwell Ln. They win Kimberly’s “Best in the Area” Award in the Non-Animated Category for 2020. (Oh, yes. There are categories. And runner-up options. No actual prizes though…Just admiration)

Main Photo Credit: stockholmsjulofficial via Instagram