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 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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 large selection of vegan dishes at their julbord in addition to the classic dishes, served every day through December 22nd.

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.

Ulla Winbladh in Stockholm has a completely vegan julbord along with a traditional one, served daily 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, served Tuesdays-Saturdays through December 20th.

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.

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

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 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.

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

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!