When winter settles across Österlen, the wide-open landscape transforms into a serene winter wonderland. Here, glowing lanterns light up cobblestone alleys, crackling tiled stoves warm historic countryside inns, and the scent of cloves, spiced wort bread, and saffron fills the crisp air. Let yourself be inspired by Österlen’s finest Christmas markets, classic Scanian julbord feasts, artisan delicacies, and charming gift boutiques.
Classic Christmas Buffets & Gastronomic Holiday Experiences
Experiencing a traditional Swedish julbord on Österlen is a true celebration of Scanian culinary heritage, emphasizing seasonal local produce, house-cured herring, and lavish dessert tables.
1. Scanian Julbord at Brösarp Gästgifveri & SPA, Brösarp
At the time-honored Brösarp Gästgifveri, a grand, homemade Scanian Christmas smörgåsbord is served in an atmospheric historic setting. Pair this traditional feast with a dip in warm spring pools and a restful night’s sleep.
The inn is one of Österlen’s most legendary destinations, keeping its spa and restaurant open throughout the tranquil winter season.
2. Seafood Christmas Buffet at Buhres, Kivik
If you prefer the treasures of the sea, Buhres in Kivik is an undeniable favorite. Feast on Norway lobsters, smoked prawns, au gratin mussels, and an array of pickled herring while gazing out over the quiet winter harbor.
28 NOV
Seafood Christmas Buffet at Buhres
Buhres på Kivik
· 🕒 15:00
Organizer: Buhres på Kivik
Don’t miss the chance to shop for smoked fish and artisan delicacies in their well-stocked shop for your holiday table.
3. Historic Christmas Dining at Kiviks Hotell, Kivik
Overlooking the sweeping waters of Hanö Bay, Kiviks Hotell serves an acclaimed julbord featuring flavors from the sea, the nearby woodlands, and local farmsteads. An ideal haven for a relaxing, elegant Christmas celebration paired with indulgent spa time.
5 DEC
Christmas Julbord at Kiviks Hotell
Kiviks Hotell
· 🕒 18:00
Organizer: Kiviks Hotell
4. Four-Course Holiday Dining at Karnelund, Gislöv
For a more intimate, seated dining experience, Karnelund’s exclusive four-course Christmas dinner is a stellar choice. Here, classic festive notes are reinterpreted in an inviting, cozy neighborhood-restaurant setting.
5. Christmas Show and Homemade Buffet at Hannas House, Hammenhög
Hannas House in Hannas offers lively holiday entertainment alongside a generous, homemade Christmas buffet laden with house-pickled herring and regional ingredients in a charming converted barn setting.
4 DEC
Christmas Show & Traditional Christmas Buffet at Hannas House!
Hannas House
· 🕒 18:00
Organizer: Hannas House
Hannas House
Örums Stora Väg 21, 276 55 Hannas/ Hammenhög · 070-779 14 01
6. World-Class Gastronomy at Vyn Restaurant & Hotel, Brantevik
Looking to treat yourself to an unforgettable gourmet journey wrapped in winter elegance? Vyn offers breathtaking culinary artistry overlooking the sea, highlighting the absolute best ingredients of the season.
Atmospheric Christmas Markets & Holiday Events
Few places capture the advent spirit as deeply as Österlen, where medieval fortresses, museum courtyards, and cultural houses invite visitors to festive markets and seasonal concerts.
7. Christmas Market at Österlens Museum, Simrishamn
In the picturesque museum garden in the heart of Simrishamn, a traditional Christmas market comes alive with regional crafts, a glowing forge, and steaming drinks – an essential stop during the advent weekends.
29 NOV
Christmas Market at Österlens Museum
Österlens museum
· 🕒 11:00
Organizer: Österlens museum
8. Christmas Market at Tingshuset 1881, Hammenhög
Tingshuset 1881 gathers outstanding local artisans and makers for an enchanting market filled with distinctive gifts and seasonal treats set against grand 19th-century architecture.
5 DEC
Christmas Market at Tingshuset 1881
Tingshuset 1881
Organizer: Tingshuset 1881
9. St. Nicholas Eve & Medieval Lucia at Glimmingehus, Hammenhög
Scandinavia’s best-preserved medieval stronghold celebrates timeless traditions by torchlight. Meet St. Nicholas during a magical market evening or witness a spellbinding medieval Lucia procession in the ancient stone halls.
5 DEC
St. Nicholas Eve at Glimmingehus
Glimmingehus
· 🕒 16:30
Organizer: Glimmingehus
10. World-Class Christmas Concert at Tingshuset 1881, Hammenhög
Delight in soulful jazz tunes as celebrated musicians take the stage in Hammenhög for a warm, intimate evening that rings in authentic holiday serenity.
12 DEC
Jan Lundgren / Hannah Svensson / Mattias Svensson – Christmas Concert
Tingshuset 1881
· 🕒 19:30
Organizer: Tingshuset 1881
11. Christmas Show with Scen Österlen, Brantevik
Immerse yourself in holiday cheer as the talented performers of Scen Österlen present an energetic, heartwarming show filled with song, dance, and theater.
5 DEC
Christmas Show with Scen Österlen – December 5th and 6th!
Scen Österlen
Organizer: Scen Österlen
The Festive Pantry: Delicacies & Farm Shops
No holiday table is complete without Österlen’s award-winning artisan produce. Explore welcoming farm shops and fill your baskets with cold-pressed rapeseed oil, homemade mustards, fine pralines, and traditional cider.
12. Holiday Crafts and Farm Boutique at Gunnarshögs Gård, Hammenhög
At Gunnarshögs Gård you will discover prize-winning cold-pressed rapeseed oils, gourmet mustards, and elegant gift boxes. During advent, they also host craft workshops for the whole family in their mini pressery.
5 DEC
Christmas Crafting at Gunnarshögs Gård
Gunnarshögs Gård
· 🕒 10:00
Organizer: Gunnarshögs Gård
13. Kiviks Musteri – Apple Cider, Holiday Decor, and Crafts, Kivik
The shop at Kiviks Musteri smells delightfully of crisp apples and warming spices. Book a creative workshop to weave your own holiday wreath or pick up craft ciders and spiced glögg for the festive table.
26 NOV
Make Your Own Christmas Decoration
Kiviks Musteri
Organizer: Kiviks Musteri
14. Handmade Artisan Pralines at Österlenchoklad, Skåne Tranås
Tucked away in the quaint village of Skåne Tranås is this acclaimed bean-to-bar chocolate factory crafting saffron pralines, festive gift cones, and luscious hot chocolate to warm you on cold winter outings.
15. Österlenkryddor – Scents and Flavors of Christmas, Köpingebro
Step into a fragrant farm shop brimming with specialty herb salts, winter teas, and mulled wine mulling spices. Here you will find lovely host gifts and the perfect seasoning to elevate your holiday feast.
16. Börje Olssons Skafferi, Simrishamn
On Storgatan in Simrishamn, this popular gourmet boutique is packed to the brim with regional cheeses, charcuterie, artisan crackers, and curated holiday gift hampers ready for your table.
17. Ingelsta Kalkon, Smedstorp
For many Scanians, roast turkey is a cherished centerpiece during the festive season. At this farm shop outside Smedstorp, you will find succulent turkey products, specialty sausages, and premium dips.
Ingelsta Kalkon
Östra Ingelstad Brukstorp 1024, 273 98 Smedstorp · 0414-285 24
18. Sjöfolket, Simrishamn
Fresh and traditionally smoked fish are staples of Scandinavian holiday spreads. At Sjöfolket in Simrishamn’s harbor, pick up smoked herring, salmon, and unique pickled herring variations.
19. Luis Delikatesser at Svabesholms Kungsgård, Kivik
A flavorful oasis at Svabesholm offering carefully curated delicacies from near and far – ideal for assembling a tailor-made gourmet basket for the food enthusiast in your life.
20. Bagaren & Konditorn på Österlen, Simrishamn
Follow the irresistible scent of freshly baked saffron buns (lussekatter), traditional spiced bread (vörtbröd), and gingersnaps to this bakery – a must for authentic advent fika.
Bagaren & Konditorn på Österlen
Storgatan 19, 272 31 Simrishamn · 0414-100 84
Boutique Gift Shopping in Inspiring Settings
Skip the rush of crowded shopping malls and indulge in thoughtful customer service, beautiful interior design, and local artisan creations.
21. Hylkegården, Brantevik
Hylkegården welcomes visitors into an enchanting countryside setting filled with home décor, quality apparel, and antiques. Savor homemade treats in the café and discover unique ornaments for your tree and home.
Hylkegården
Höga vägen 54 (kustvägen Brantevik - Skillinge), 272 92 Simrishamn · 0414-25150
22. Svabesholms Kungsgård, Svinaberga/Kivik
At Svabesholm, enjoy a cozy farm café and country kitchen, tasteful lifestyle boutiques, and a timeless estate ambiance. A wonderful place to stroll and explore on a crisp winter day.
23. Mr. Salwator Tea & Coffee Merchants, Simrishamn
Located next to the church in central Simrishamn, this shop offers aromatic tea blends, freshly ground specialty coffee, and stylish mugs that will delight any tea and coffee connoisseur on Christmas morning.
24. ting & tang, Simrishamn
A vibrant lifestyle boutique filled with fashion, home accents, and jewelry that bring a cheerful touch to everyday life, offering plenty of inspired holiday gift ideas.
25. Barnens Bokhandel, Borrby
In the village of Borrby, discover literary adventures for readers of all ages. A heartfelt, independent children’s bookstore where every book is hand-picked with care – the quintessential thoughtful gift.
Stay Overnight & Savor the Serenity: Cozy Winter Lodging
Extending your stay overnight makes your festive journey to Österlen complete. Wake up to frosty fields and linger over leisurely breakfasts by a crackling fireplace.
26. Örum 119, Löderup
A serene, minimalist farm hotel on the southeastern plains featuring a wood-fired sourdough bakery, tasteful guest rooms, and a deep peace that restores the spirit during the winter months.
27. Hotel Svea, Simrishamn
Set right on the harbor in Simrishamn, Hotel Svea offers comfortable accommodations within easy walking distance of the town’s charming shops, cafés, and the scenic waterfront promenade.
28. Maritim Hotell & Krog, Simrishamn
A cozy hotel brimming with seaside charm directly on Simrishamn harbor, serving as a comfortable home base for exploring all of Österlen’s holiday festivities.
29. Sköllengården, Simrishamn/Brantevik
A traditional Scanian farm surrounded by rolling plains, offering uniquely decorated rooms and tranquil relaxation right in the heart of the open winter landscape.
