I found the Christmas decorations in Stockholm and Helsinki absolutely charming. Christmas felt more magical and less commercial. Real Christmas trees rather than artifical ones was one huge factor. Decorations were tasteful and not gaudy like it can be in Singapore. Mostly white or warm yellow lights were used on the trees. Candles were lit and made the city so pretty.
Though I am sure a lot was spent on lighting at the upscale department stores like NK in Stockholm and Stockman’s in Helsinki, especially for the huge pieces. I guess the winter setting helps with the real Christmas feeling and I can imagine how amazing it will be once it snows. And the very unique thing about Christmas in Sweden especially were the trolls and Tomte – Father Christmas.
Here are some shots of my early Christmas experience in Stockholm.
And here are some from Helsinki, Finland.
Gorgeous photos! The 6th photo looks like some’s chucked away a wee, scawney little Christas tree 🙂 I’d love to visit Stockholm one day! I hear winter is the right time to go.
yeah I think Christmas would be a great time to visit Sonia….it’ll be magical with the snow 🙂
So pretty!! I went to Norway too early and missed out on all the Christmas decorations! Was it freezing?
I wish I had gone a week later too…I was so hoping for snow. It was about 2-8 degrees but at times Helsinki felt colder..with the rain and icy winds.
The chandelier in the second picture was GORGEOUS. I also love the LEGO santa claus.
I have to agree that I would call the Xmas decorations in Singapore many things, but subtle or tasteful wouldn’t necessarily make the list.
It’s only now that I truly realize how gaudy and tacky our decorations can be…very artificial too. Never experienced Christmas out of Asia before. Now I feel like getting some tea lights and candles. And real Christmas trees make a world of difference.