New Year’s Day in Sweden ― Date, History, and Details
New Year’s Day in Sweden may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that.
Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of New Year’s Day in Sweden and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of New Year’s Day in Sweden and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In Sweden, New Year’s Day (Nyårsdagen) is celebrated on January 1st. This public holiday has been celebrated since 1805, when the old Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar. On this day, most Swedes spend time with family and friends, often sharing a meal and watching television. Many people also attend church services.
In recent years, a growing number of people have taken to celebrating New Year’s Eve (nyårsafton) outdoors in public spaces such as parks and squares. This tradition is known as “att gå ut och firande” (going out and celebrating). At midnight, fireworks are often set off, and many people stay up to watch the sunrise on New Year’s Day.
Sweden is generally a very safe country, but on New Year’s Eve there is an increased police presence in major cities to deal with the influx of revelers. There is also a tradition of giving gifts on New Year’s Day, although this is less common than it used to be.