Shop and experience old-fashioned Christmas spirit in Arvika!
As Christmas approaches, Arvika dresses up in its winter finery, and the town fills with lights, scents, and anticipation. In the town center, around sixty shops and businesses await, offering almost everything you need and wish for – from heartfelt Christmas gifts to delicacies for the holiday table – always with personal service and a warm smile included.
Christmas Market in town– November 30
On the first of Advent the entire town sparkles with Christmas spirit, shop windows compete in creative holiday displays, and in the square stands the grand Christmas tree, glittering in the winter darkness. Around the tree, you’ll find an old-fashioned Christmas market offering everything from beautiful decorations and handicrafts to the flavors of Christmas. Stroll among the stalls, listen to live Christmas music, meet Santa, and let the scent of pine, mulled wine, and gingerbread lead you through the market and the town. It’s a day filled with warmth, togetherness, and Christmas cheer – just the way it should be.
When you need a break, Arvika’s cosy cafés are right around the corner. Sit down with a steaming cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a classic Swedish fika.
And did you know that the town center shops are open every Advent Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00? Here, you can shop in peace and quiet, without stress, in a delightful atmosphere that blends tradition with harmony.
Christmas gifts with care and quality
For those looking for that extra-special Christmas gift, there are many hidden gems to discover. Visit Klässbols Linneväveri or Arvika Konsthantverk, where you’ll find timeless, handcrafted gifts of genuine quality.
Or why not give an experience as a Christmas gift that becomes a warm memory to share? Create your own experience package with a trip to Arvika, a wonderful weekend at a hotel, and activities of your choice. Have a look at our tips for bookable holiday packages, or contact us at Arvika Tourist Center – we’ll be happy to help with ideas and inspiration.
Christmas markets and traditions throughout the region
Many of the area’s local heritage centers host Christmas markets and bazaars during late autumn and Advent. One of the largest and most popular is the Christmas market at Skutboudden by Brunskog’s Local Heritage Center, taking place this year on November 22–23.
A taste of Christmas
Arvikas restauranger dukar upp med julens delikatesser!
- Olssons Brygga – Central location with an amazing view over Lake Glafsfjorden.
- Gate Gästgiveri – Cozy inn in one of Arvika’s oldest buildings.
- Anno 1815 – Centrally located and fancy at Scandic Hotel.
- Värdshuset Tvällen – Traditional Swedish Christmas dinner table and wild game specialties.
- Sandvikengården i Edane – The good flavors of Christmas in an old-fashioned setting by Lake Värmeln.
- Skutbouddens restaurang at Brunskogs Hembygdsgård – Christmas delicacies in a scenic, historic setting.
- Café Carl – Classic Christmas dishes and homemade, locally produced food and drink with inspiration from the forest in the Glaskogens Nature Reserve.
- Café Elis på Rackstadmuseet – Christmas dining in a cultural setting.
- Restaurang Jennys – Christmas-themed lunch in central Arvika.
Cosy Cafés
- Elins Bakgård – Homemade lunch and pastries in a charming setting.
- Nordells – Well known bakery right on the town square.
- City Konditoriet – Traditional pastries in an authentic 1940s ambiance.
- Café Elis – Tasty sandwiches and pastries at lovely Rackstadmuseet.
- Espresso House – The largest coffee shop chain in the Nordics.
Magical holiday music in Arvika
Arvika is a city with a rich musical selection. Among other things, Musikhögskolan Ingesund (Academy of music) and Estetiska skolan (junior high school) and the high school education “Stage and Perform” are located here. During the time around Christmas, a whole series of concerts and events are held with Christmas notes that enhance your experience.
- 30/11 Musik i advent – Traditional christmas concert with Trefaldighetschoir and Gejerskolans chamber choir
Trefaldighetskyrkan, 18.00 - 6/12 Musikhögskolan Ingesunds Christmas concert – A sparkeling concert with all kind of music.
Arvika sporthall, 16.00 - 7/12 Bach: Juloratorium
Trefaldighetskyrkan, 18.00 - 12/12 Lucia celebration – Atmopheric celebration with students of Musikhögskolan Ingesund.
Musikhögskolan Ingesund, 12.00 - 21/12 Christmas Concert with Arvika Stadsmusikkår
Trefaldighetskyrkan, 18.00 - 28/12 Gospel Concert – Traditional christmas concert with the gospel choir Sing Out.
Trefaldighetskyrkan, 18.00
Family-friendly activities
Arvika offers fun for all ages to enjoy alongside the holiday festivities, with sports facilities, museums, and one of Sweden’s oldest operating cinemas.
SPORTS AND FITNESS
Padel Arvika
Arvika Simhall
- Arvika Simhall – Recently renovated, with a diving tower, slides, and rehab pools.
- Padel Arvika -Year-round play in a welcoming environment for all.
- Bowling – Arvika Bowlinghall/Downstairs and O’Learys – combine bowling with delicious food!
FILM & CINEMA
- Filmhuset Palladium – Built in 1925, this cinema is one of Sweden’s oldest still in operation. It is a beautifully blending modern elements with its historic charm.
MUSEUMS
Rackstadmuseet
Arvika Fordonsmuseum
- Rackstadmuseet – Fantastic turn-of-the-century art from the Rackstad Colony era is blended with contemporary exhibitions, handicrafts, musical performances, and much more.
- Arvika Fordonsmuseum – A fantastic experience for anyone interested in vehicles, history, color, shape, and design.
Stay in Arvika
Make your visit to Arvika something truly special. Combine festive concerts, Christmas markets, and delightful Christmas buffets with a relaxing overnight stay and time for peaceful Christmas shopping in the town’s cosy atmosphere. During the winter, you can stay at one of Arvika’s charming hotels, a hostel, or a campsite open for the season – where tranquillity, warmth, and genuine Värmland hospitality await you.
Hotel Bristol
Ingestrands Camping
Scandic Hotel
- Home Hotel Bristol – Central location with free WiFi and gym.
- Scandic Hotel – Centrally located with a high charm and coziness factor, relaxation area and restaurant
- Go To Sleep – Central, modern, and luxurious hostel accommodation in central Arvika. Breakfast, dinner, bath, relax, and gym are optional.
- Jennys – Centrally located mid-range hotel with lunch service.
- Ingestrands Camping – Beautifully located on the shore of Lake Glafsfjorden, nice cottages as well as a relaxation area with a sauna.
Julens evenemang
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Christmas market in Brunskog
Brunskog Hembygdsgård – the Local Heritage Centre, Arvika
22 Nov – 23 Nov
Arvika Konsthantverk: Christmas exhibition
Arvika Konsthantverk, Arvika
22 Nov – 6 Jan
Christmas Market in Gunnarskog
, Arvika
11:00
First sunday in December
Arvika town centre, Arvika
12:00
Christmas music
, Arvika
18:00
Christmas market at Hantverksmagasin
, Arvika
6 Dec – 7 Dec
Ingesunds Christmas Concert
, Arvika
16:00
Christmas gospel
, Arvika
18:00
If you wish to visit a traditional Christmas mass or devotion in one of our beautiful churches in the municipality during Christmas, you will find information about times and places on Arvika Pastorat’s website.