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.

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. 

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.

Hermans in Södermalm, Stockholm offers a completely vegan julbord with vegan versions of traditional Swedish Christmas food and other dishes from around the world on December 8th-10th and 15th-17th.

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.

Åkeshof Slott in Bromma serves vegetarian jullunch and julmiddag fixed price menus through December 20th. They also have staycation packages where you can combine julmiddag with a hotel stay.

Botildenborg in Malmö specializes in seasonal, sustainable vegetarian food, and their julbord is open for reservations for smaller groups of 10 or fewer people on December 6th, 15th, and 18th, and for larger groups through December 22nd.

Restaurang Växthuset in Södermalm, Stockholm, serves a Christmas dinner in 7 courses rather than as a traditional buffet through December 16th. You can also order a drink package of natural wines to pair with each course. 

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. 

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.

Rökeriet on Fjäderholmarna in the Stockholm area has a table at their julbord, served through December 22nd, that is all vegan.

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 through December 22nd.

Ulla Winbladh in Djurgården, Stockholm has both a traditional and a completely vegan julbord, served through December 23rd.

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.

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.

Hotel Riverton in Göteborg serves a julbord with a selection of vegetarian dishes, through December 21st.

Kanalkrogen Delimo in Vreta Kloster in the Linköping area serves a julbord on December 8th-9th with a few vegetarian options on their warm dishes table plus plant-based balls and vegan sausages, a cheese and bread table, and desserts suitable for vegetarians.

Ulriksdals Vårdshus in Solna serves a julbord through December 25th that includes cold and warm vegetarian options, a selection of cheeses and a large selection of desserts suitable for vegetarians.

Enskede Värdshus in Enskede in the Stockholm area serves a traditional julbord with a selection of vegetarian alternatives through December 23rd.

Villa Godthem in Djurgården, Stockholm offers traditional julbord with a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options through December 26th, and vegetarians and vegans also get a 30% discount.

Restaurang Solliden at Skansen in Djurgården, Stockholm serves a traditional julbord with some vegetarian alternatives through December 22nd.

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

Gamla Riksarkivet on Riddarholmen in Stockholm serves a julbord through December 25th with traditional tables including breads, cheeses, and desserts plus a cold vegetarian table and a warm vegetarian table. They also have drink packages available.

Agapi in Södermalm, Stockholm serves a Mediterranean-inspired julbord with vegetarian and vegan options through December 22nd.

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!