When it comes to Swedish Christmas markets, you pretty much know what to expect after you've been to Skansen or Stortorget in Stockholm's Old Town. Always charming and festive, these markets offer a glimpse into Christmas past and give a boost of juletide cheer, but handcrafted cheese slicers and moose sausage will only get you so far.

‘Tis the season to hunt for stocking stuffers, so where do you find some of that famous Swedish innovation and design to put under your own holiday tree? Look no further – here is all the Scandinavian form and functionality you could want – and even some you didn’t know you needed.

STOCKHOLM

Designgalleriet
Location: Odengatan 21
Time: December 2nd – 22nd
Tuesday - Friday 11 am – 6 pm
Saturday 11 am – 3 pm
Information: www.designgalleriet.com

Twenty-four products for the 24 days of December before Christmas. Designgalleriet’s annual Christmas Market opened on Dec 1. The market features products handpicked by Designgalleriet as well as the Santa of the Year, Eero Koivisto, from the design and architecture firm Claesson Koivisto Rune. The selection was based on design quality, creativity and festiveness. All of the products were launched in 2008.

The objects, by both independent artists and established design companies, are SEK 100 kronor, SEK 500 kronor or SEK 1,000. The idea is to represent all types of design, including fashion, interiors, graphics and handicraft. The selection features works by Fuldesign, Karin Robling, Jarl Fernaeus, Rörstrand, Kosta Boda and Rosenthal. The products are available for sale from Dec 1st-22nd.

COPENHAGEN

Christiania's Christmas market
Location: Christiania
Time: December 6th – 20th
Information: www.christiania.org

A little anarchy is a good thing when it comes to gift-giving.


ArtRebels
Location:Flæsketorvet 17-19, Ködbyn
Time: December 3rd - December 24th
Wednesday-Friday 12 – 8 pm
Sat-Sun 12 – 6 pm
Information: www.artrebels.com

ArtRebels is a professional network for Danish artists, designers, musicians, deejays and other creative souls. The Christmas market features products available on their online shop, as well as never-before-seen creations from their artists, musicians and designers. 

Originally published on The Local December 5, 2008.