A clear glass plate with two desserts on a wooden table. On the left, there's a peppermint brownie with a white layer sprinkled with red peppermint pieces. On the right, a piece of gingerbread cake topped with a swirl of white frosting. — Babettes Kafferi in Linköping

When winter comes to Sweden, the warm glow of festive lights and the arrival of julbord season are not far behind. This traditional Swedish smörgåsbord, a lavish spread that graces many tables during the Yuletide, is a time-honored feast that brings families and friends together, celebrating the joy and warmth of the holiday spirit.

A bottle and a glass of dark beer with a rich, frothy head on a wooden table. The beer bottle has a colorful label with the text "Mikkeller Santa's Little Helper". There are vibrant, rainbow coasters beneath both the bottle and glass. — Backen in Linköping

As our world evolves, so do our palates and choices. Increased interest in plant-based diets has reached the snow-covered streets of Sweden, transforming the classic julbord into a tapestry of inclusive, diverse culinary experiences. Vegan and vegetarian diets are becoming central to the narrative of modern, conscious eating. From exclusively plant-based spreads that challenge the culinary status quo to traditional feasts infused with vegetarian flair, here are the julbord experiences that are redefining what it means to indulge in the festive spirit, one delicious, plant-based dish at a time.

A festive table setting with a brown beer bottle labeled "In the Bleak Midwinter 2020" with an illustration of a person holding an umbrella. Two stemless glasses filled with dark beer with froth on top. A Christmas tree with blue ornaments.

Completely Vegan Julbord

Entirely plant-based julbords are a celebration of creativity, sustainability, and the ever-expanding horizons of Swedish cuisine. By reinventing classic dishes as vegan, the essence of the julbord is not lost but rather transformed. Imagine plant-based “herring” marinated in aromatic spices, “meatballs” made of lentils and nuts, and rich, creamy “gravlax” made of seasoned vegetables. The flavors and textures are both familiar and novel, and everyone, regardless of dietary choices, can partake in the joy of the holiday season.

A brown beer bottle with a white and orange label that says "Brekeriet Lusse Lelle" between two glasses filled with hazy orange beer. Each glass has a whimsical silhouette of a monkey holding up a beer etched onto it. The table surface is dark brown.

Hermans in Stockholm offers a completely vegan julbord with vegan versions of traditional Swedish Christmas food and other dishes from around the world on December 13th-15th and 20th-22nd.

A stemless glass of dark beer with a foamy head on the left side of a dark wooden table, with a beer bottle labeled "Finn Baltic Porter" on the right. A whimsical gnome with a long red hat and a white snowflake design in the center.

Completely Vegetarian Julbords

A vegetarian julbord is a celebration of the bountiful gifts of the earth, showcasing the versatility and richness of plant-based ingredients complemented by dairy and eggs. These feasts a delightful surprise for even the most traditional palates. Think mushroom-based “meatballs,” rich and creamy cheese platters, and hearty root vegetable casseroles, all seasoned with traditional Swedish spices and herbs. Vegetarian julbords reflect a growing consciousness about food choices and their impact on health, the environment, and animal welfare.

A traditional Swedish electric candlestick with seven lit bulbs on a windowsill, casting a warm glow in a dimly lit room. The candlestick is red with greenery at its base. There are reflections of the candles in the window.

Botildenborg in Malmö specializes in seasonal, sustainable vegetarian food, and their julbord is open for reservations for individuals and smaller groups on December 13th and available to book for larger groups from December 2nd-20th.

Three red pillar candles with glowing flames stand in a row on a black plate surrounded by a green pine garland in a dimly lit room. The candles are backlit by a Christmas tree that is out of focus with its lights creating a soft bokeh effect.

Restaurang Växthuset in Stockholm, serves a Christmas dinner in 7 courses rather than as a traditional buffet Wednesdays-Saturdays through December 21st. You can also order a drink package of natural wines to pair with each course.

Two curious cats amidst a collection of wrapped Christmas presents on a table. The presents are covered in vibrant red and green paper, some adorned with stars and others with festive tags.

Places with Some Vegan Options

Some Swedish establishments that serve a traditional julbord have embraced the growing demand for plant-based dining by including vegan options. Guests can expect to find a thoughtful selection of vegan dishes that are both inspired by and distinct from the classic julbord elements.

A warm, festive flat lay composition on a wooden surface with a blank brown paper in the center, surrounded by Christmas decorations. There are candy canes, dried orange slices, pine cones, a red star ornament, and a wrapped Christmas present.

These options might include vegan versions of Swedish favorites, such as plant-based Janssons frestelse, “meatballs” made from grains and legumes, and rich, flavorful vegan gravies. Seasonal vegetables are often showcased in creative ways, bringing freshness and vibrancy to the table. Desserts, too, are reimagined, with vegan-friendly versions of traditional sweets like rice pudding and saffransbullar.

An elegantly set dining table for a Christmas dinner with a red and white checkered tablecloth. There are white plates with a festive Santa design, wine glasses, and a bottle of red wine. A lit candle in a glass holder casts a warm, inviting glow.

Rökeriet on Fjäderholmarna in the Stockholm area has a large selection of vegan dishes at their julbord in addition to the classic dishes, served every day through December 22nd.

A beautifully arranged Christmas dinner table setting featuring a festive centerpiece of red flowers, green foliage, and shiny baubles in a white pitcher. A lit red taper candle adds warmth to the scene. Each place setting includes white plates.

Sundby Gård in Huddinge in the Stockholm area has a traditional julbord and a vegan julbord with bread, cold dishes, warm dishes, and dessert, served daily through December 22nd.

A moody and atmospheric Christmas dinner table scene with a small, illuminated tree decorated with lights and a few ornaments. There is greenery hanging above the table. The table is set with dark plates and a wooden bowl on a natural woven placemat.

Ulla Winbladh in Stockholm has a completely vegan julbord along with a traditional one, served daily through December 23rd.

A sophisticated Christmas dining table is elegantly set with fine china, crystal stemware, and artistically folded black napkins. Silver and white decorative trees serve as a festive centerpiece, accompanied by greenery and pine cones.

Places with Some Vegetarian Options

In the festive landscape of Sweden's julbords, many establishments offer a blend of traditional dishes and vegetarian options where the vegetarian dishes are not just alternatives, but integral components of the julbord.

A unique Christmas tree in a cozy indoor setting decorated with a variety of beer cans as ornaments. The artificial green tree is decorated with white lights and placed next to a dark wood door and a red-striped upholstered chair. — De Klomp in Linköping

Vegetarian dishes might include creamy potato gratin, cheesy casseroles, and an assortment of pickled and fresh vegetables seasoned with traditional herbs and spices. They showcase how traditional recipes can be adapted to suit a wider range of dietary preferences, without compromising on taste or the festive essence of the julbord.

A variety of gingerbread cookies with white icing designs on a white plate. The cookies are in festive shapes, including gingerbread men, Christmas trees, reindeer heads, candy canes, and snowflakes.

Hotel Riverton in Göteborg serves a julbord with a selection of vegetarian dishes, served Tuesdays-Saturdays through December 20th.

A rustic holiday scene with iced gingerbread cookies scattered across a dark wooden table. In the center, a blue bowl overflows with cookies shaped like reindeer and Christmas trees, decorated with white icing. Some cookies are standing upright.

Ulriksdals Vårdshus in Solna serves a julbord every day through December 24th that includes cold and warm vegetarian options, a selection of cheeses and a large selection of desserts suitable for vegetarians. When you go, you can ask for a menu that shows the vegetarian and vegan options so you can be sure of which those are, and they also have a reduced price of 30% off for vegetarians and 40% off for vegans.

Enskede Värdshus in Enskede in the Stockholm area serves a traditional julbord with a good selection of vegetarian alternatives, served daily through December 22nd.

On a dark wood table, an opened can of Glögg Sour craft beer from Morgondagens Bryggeri sits next to a stemmed beer glass filled with a deep red, frothy beverage. The can has a colorful label.

Villa Godthem in Djurgården, Stockholm offers traditional julbord with a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options through December 26th.

A festive holiday scene featuring two glasses of dark beer with on a dark brown table beside a can of Nyköping Brewing Company's Proper Christmas craft beer with a traditional red and white knitted sweater design on the label.

East in Östermalm, Stockholm serves an Asian-inspired julbord with some vegetarian and vegan options through December 24th.

A curious black and white cat sits on a dark wooden table with a festive array of Christmas treats and craft beers. In front of the cat are heart-shaped pepparkakor, a red tin of pepparkakor, and a bottle of Nerdbrewing's Xmas Override.

Gamla Riksarkivet on Riddarholmen in Stockholm serves a julbord through December 23rd with traditional tables including breads, cheeses, and desserts plus a cold vegan table and a warm vegan table. They also have drink packages available.

A black and white cat with a distinctive facial pattern sits attentively on a dark brown table, surrounded by Swedish Christmas treats and beverages. The scene includes a red tin of pepparkakor and a bottle of Nerdbrewing's Xmas Override craft beer.

Agapi in Södermalm, Stockholm serves a Mediterranean-inspired julbord with vegetarian and vegan options through December 23rd.

A black and white cat with a curious expression sits on a dark wood table with a variety of Christmas items. In front of the cat, there's a tin of pepparkakor with a red holiday-themed illustration and a bottle of Nerdbrewing's Xmas Override beer.

The world of vegan and vegetarian julbord options in Sweden inspires us to think differently about festive dining. From the exclusively vegan and vegetarian establishments to those offering a thoughtful mix of traditional, vegan, and vegetarian options, there’s a vibrant tapestry of culinary innovation. The rise of plant-based options in the julbord tradition speaks to a broader shift towards more inclusive, sustainable, and health-conscious dining practices and reflects a society that values diversity. May your holiday season be filled with joy, warmth, and an abundance of delicious food!