This Weekend!

December 3rd, 4th & 5th

Winter has a tight grip on northwest Europe. This has caused quite a lot of travel disruptions... we hope that your travel plans aren't affected! Stockholm has become a winter wonderland with lots of activities going on.

• I have written earlier about all of the Christmas markets in the city. This weekend there is a special market open at Drottningholm Palace. It is a little bit outside of the city, but worth the trip. A popular market... here you will find all sorts of traditional handicaft, hand made holiday decorations as well as delectable treats. While you are there, see the palace as well. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List! The easiest way to get there from the hotel, besides driving, is to take the subway to Brommaplan (green line) and from there take bus #301-323, or 177 & 178 to Drottningholm. More info!
• The Architecture Museum is having their 20th annual gingerbread house exhibition. It is running from December 1st to January 9th... but the competition is only until December 10th, and the public gets to vote! This year's theme is "I'm home now" and there are three categories: Professional architects & bakers, amateurs and children up to 12. The winners will be announced on December 12th. The museum is open 10am to 6pm all weekend and can be combined with the Modern Art Museum that is just next door.
• After 5 years in Malmö, Leksaksland (a museum dedicated to toys) is returning to Stockholm... with the premiere this weekend. Perfect for children or parents experiencing nostalgia, it is located in the downtown area so it is easy to pop in and take a break from holiday shopping.

And now for something happening on Monday, December 6th: Hammarby Ski Slope is opening for the season! Thanks to the cold weather and early snow, the slope is opening earlier than usual. It is a small slope but offers an unique experience... from the top of the mountain you can see out over Stockholm! It is located just to the south of the Södermalm neighborhood. During the first week they will be open in the evenings (5pm to 10pm) on the weekdays and 9am to 6pm on the weekends. They do rent ski equipment there. Contact me at the hotel for more information.

The weather this weekend? A little colder on Friday & Saturday (between -5 and -10 degrees Celsius) with it warming up on Sunday to about -3. Cloudy with some snowfall.