New Year’s Eve has a way of overpromising and underdelivering. All that planning and hype, only to spend the evening navigating long queues and drinking lukewarm champagne while wishing you’d stayed at home and watched the countdown on TV. But not this year. Not in the Open City! From daytime activities and delicious dining spots to a shindig at Scandinavia’s biggest gay club, this itinerary has everything you need for a spectacular New Year’s Eve in Stockholm.
Where to stay
First things first, let’s talk accommodations. You’ll need a fabulous place to base yourself, and this city has no shortage of LGBTQ-welcoming boltholes to choose from. For New Year’s Eve in Stockholm, it’s all about location, location, location. You’ll want to be central, with easy access to Gamla Stan for daytime adventures, Djurgården for cultural stops, and Johanneshov, where your night will end with a bang.
If you’re after a lively, boutique hotel with a strong connection to the city’s music and entertainment scene, check into Hotel Rival in Södermalm – owned by ABBA’s Benny Andersson! For something more contemporary and boutique, Villa Dagmar in Östermalm offers refined elegance with a modern twist, not to mention a spa that’s perfect for New Year’s Day recovery. If you’d prefer something more detached from the bustle, Hotel Skeppsholmen is ideal. Perched on its own peaceful island, this hotel is an oasis of Scandinavian design and historic charm and is just a stone’s throw from the city centre.
What to do during the day
New Year’s Eve might culminate in a ten-second countdown, but the real magic happens in the hours leading up to midnight. Stockholm is a city that shines in the winter, so make the most of the day with some cultural exploration and indulgence. Start your morning with a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s picturesque old town, then stop by the Royal Palace, where you can walk the halls of Swedish royalty and see the throne of Queen Kristina – a historical figure rumoured to have been queer!
After all that walking, it’s time for fika, Sweden’s cherished ritual of coffee and pastries. Your first stop should be Chokladkoppen in Gamla Stan, one of the city’s first openly LGBTQ-friendly cafés. Its cosy vibe and delicious cinnamon buns make it the perfect place to recharge. But since it’s New Year’s Eve, why not indulge in a second fika? Head to Djurgården, where you’ll find charming cafés surrounded by the winter wonderland of Stockholm’s snow-covered green (now white) lung.
Of course, no queer itinerary for New Year’s Eve in Stockholm would be complete without a visit to ABBA the Museum. Located in Djurgården, this glittering shrine to Sweden’s most iconic export is a must for fans and casual admirers alike. Dance through the band’s greatest hits, marvel at their dazzling costumes, and immerse yourself in a celebration of queer joy and pop history.
Where to eat
By the time evening rolls around, you’ll be ready for a meal that sets the tone for the night ahead. For those looking to pair their dinner with jaw-dropping views, Gondolen is the place to be. This beloved Stockholm institution is perched above the city, offering elevated Swedish cuisine alongside panoramic vistas of the waterways and rooftops below.
If you’re in the mood for something more casual and sociable, Giro Pizzeria is calling you. Forget your assumptions about pizza in cities outside of Italy – this spot serves authentic Neapolitan pies that are the real deal. Perfect for a night with friends, paired with wine and plenty of laughs.
Where to party
With your appetite satisfied, it’s time to get ready for the main event. Head back to your hotel, freshen up, have a nap if you need to, and throw on your most dazzling outfit – this is New Year’s Eve, after all. When you’re ready to hit the town, make your way to Club Backdoor.
Known as “the gayest club north of Ibiza,” Backdoor is the beating heart of Stockholm’s queer nightlife scene. Their New Year’s Eve bash is nothing short of legendary, with top-tier DJs, an electric atmosphere, and a crowd that knows how to celebrate. Expect high-energy dancing, extravagant outfits, and an unforgettable countdown to midnight.
Where to recover
New Year’s Day is all about recovery, and thankfully, our three recommended hotels are more than equipped to help you ease into 2025.
Breakfast in bed, anyone? At Hotel Rival, you can have a luxurious breakfast delivered straight to your room for you to scoff under the covers. If you’ve opted for Hotel Skeppsholmen, take advantage of the serene surroundings with a leisurely walk around the island, followed by coffee and a light bite at Restaurant Långa Raden. It’s the perfect way to clear your head and soak up some quiet after the night’s revelry. And if you’re staying at Villa Dagmar, there’s no better way to recover than with a visit to Dagmar Spirit & Retreat. Whether it’s a soothing massage, a revitalising facial, or a session of sound healing, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the year ahead. Happy New Queer, everyone!