Stockholm School Holidays 2026 — A Guide for Families
Updated March 24, 2026
Swedish school holidays can be confusing if you’re new to Sweden. Breaks are referred to by week number, traditions vary by holiday, and crowd levels change dramatically. Here’s everything you need to know — whether you’re an expat planning your year or a tourist timing your visit.
2026 school holidays at a glance
| Holiday | Swedish | Dates | Length | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Break (Sportlov) | Sportlov | Feb 23–27, 2026 | 1 week | ★★★☆ |
| Easter Break (Påsklov) | Påsklov | Apr 7–10, 2026 | 4 days + Easter weekend | ★★☆☆ |
| Summer Holiday (Sommarlov) | Sommarlov | Jun 12 – Aug 16, 2026 | ~10 weeks | ★★★★ |
| Autumn Break (Höstlov) | Höstlov | Oct 26–30, 2026 | 1 week | ★★★☆ |
| Christmas Break (Jullov) | Jullov | Dec 19, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027 | ~3 weeks | ★★☆☆ |
Winter Break Sportlov
Originally called "ski week" — a week off in February for winter sports. Most Stockholm families go skiing, but the city empties out less than you'd think. Indoor play centers, trampoline parks, and swimming pools get busy with the families who stay.
Easter Break Påsklov
Easter weekend (April 4–6) plus the following week. Spring is arriving — parks come alive, outdoor cafés open, and Skansen runs its famous Easter activities with egg hunts and baby animals.
Äggjakt på Ekonomiska Museet
Under påsklovet på Ekonomiska museet får du leta efter guldägg, höra om spännande skatter och lära dig mer om sedlarnas…
Påsklov på Skansen
Fira påsken på Skansen och upplev hur vårens stora högtid har firats i Sverige genom tiderna
Tom Tits Experiment
Sweden’s best science center with 600+ experiments across four floors
Tyresta Nationalpark
Ancient old-growth forest just 20 minutes from Stockholm
Summer Holiday Sommarlov
The big one. Swedish kids get roughly 10 weeks off from mid-June to mid-August. Stockholm transforms — outdoor swimming, island-hopping in the archipelago, late sunsets until 10 PM, and a general holiday mood across the city.
Eriksdalsbadet - Äventyrsbad
I äventyrsbadet finns rutschkana, vildfors, utesimningsbassäng och strömvirvel
Äventyrsgolf på Tolv Stockholm
Njut av vår äventyrsgolfbana med Stockholmstema
Postmuseum - Postis lekutställning
I Postis, vår nya lekutställning för barn, gäller det att sortera, transportera och leverera
Autumn Break Höstlov
One week off at the end of October. The weather is grey and chilly — this is peak indoor activity season. Museums run special kids' programmes, and every lekland in Stockholm is packed. Halloween events are growing in popularity.
Christmas Break Jullov
The longest winter break. Schools close around December 18 and reopen on January 11. Christmas Eve (Dec 24) is the main celebration in Sweden — not the 25th. The city is magical with lights and Christmas markets, but many things close over the actual holiday days.
Practical tips for expat families
Lovverksamhet (holiday childcare)
If your child attends förskola (preschool, ages 1–5) or fritids (after-school care, ages 6–9), they’re entitled to holiday care during all breaks. Sign up through your school, usually 2–4 weeks ahead. It’s included in your regular fees. During summer, your normal fritids may close for a few weeks and you’ll get a spot at a nearby partner school.
Week numbers matter
Swedes use ISO week numbers for everything. “Sportlov vecka 9” means the break is week 9 of the year. Your phone calendar can show week numbers — turn this on immediately. Stockholm municipality and neighbouring municipalities (Solna, Nacka, Huddinge) sometimes have sportlov on different weeks so families don’t all crowd the slopes at once.
Best time to visit Stockholm as a tourist
Late June (midsommar week is magical), August (warm, less crowded than July), or late April–May (spring, low prices, long days). Avoid sportlov week and höstlov week if you want quieter indoor attractions. Christmas markets run mid-November through late December.
Red days (röda dagar)
Sweden has public holidays called “red days” that aren’t always obvious: Epiphany (Jan 6), Ascension Day (May), Midsommar Eve (June), All Saints’ Day (Oct/Nov). Most shops close or have reduced hours. Plan groceries ahead. Public transport runs on holiday schedules.
Frequently asked questions
When are school holidays in Stockholm 2026?
Stockholm schools have five breaks: Sportlov (Feb 23–27), Påsklov (Apr 7–10), Sommarlov (Jun 12 – Aug 16), Höstlov (Oct 26–30), and Jullov (Dec 19 – Jan 10). Exact dates can vary slightly by municipality.
When is the best time to visit Stockholm with kids?
Late June or August for summer activities with fewer crowds than July. Late April–May for mild weather and low prices. Avoid week 9 (sportlov) and week 44 (höstlov) if you want quieter indoor attractions.
Which holidays make Stockholm crowded?
Summer (mid-June to mid-August) is peak season for outdoor attractions. During sportlov (week 9) and höstlov (week 44), indoor venues like play centers, trampoline parks, and swimming pools get very busy. Museums are busiest during summer and höstlov.
Do museums have special activities during school holidays?
Yes! Most major museums run special kids' programmes during every school break — workshops, guided tours, and extra exhibitions. Tekniska Museet, Junibacken, and Naturhistoriska are especially good at this. Check their websites for schedules.
Do all Stockholm schools follow the same holiday schedule?
Almost. Stockholm municipality schools share the same dates, but international schools and private schools may differ. Neighbouring municipalities (Solna, Nacka, Lidingö) sometimes have sportlov on a different week. Check your school's calendar.
How does holiday childcare (lovverksamhet) work for expats?
If your child attends a Swedish förskola or fritids, they typically offer lovverksamhet (holiday care) during breaks. You sign up in advance through the school. It's included in your regular fees. During summer, your assigned fritids may close for a few weeks, and you'll be offered a spot at a partner school nearby.