Lillejul or Lilla Julafton – What’s That?

Even though Christmas is officially celebrated on December the 25th in the christian calendar, this tradition is mainly observed by catholics and orthodox christians. In Sweden, a country predominantly protestant since the Reformation in 1527, the main celebration takes place on December the 24th, Christmas Eve, called Julafton. December 25th remains a quieter day, reserved for rest or visits to close family, while all festivities, meals and gifts are focused on the 24th.

However, Swedes have found a way to extend the celebration by starting it a day earlier with Lillejul or Lilla Julafton, literally “Little Christmas.” But what exactly do these terms mean?

• Jul = Christmas
• Afton = the evening before an event, so Julafton = Christmas Eve, December 24th
• Lille / lilla = little, or a kind of “prelude” if you want to be a bit poetic

In other words, Lilla Julafton is “Little Christmas,” celebrated on December 23rd, to get into the festive spirit before the big night. It’s a chance to extend the magic, gather with family, friends or colleagues, and enjoy the celebration… a day earlier, with smiles and treats!

When and how is Lilla julafton celebrated?

Although Lillejul is not an official holiday, it is widely practiced in Swedish homes, and sometimes even in schools or workplaces. It’s a time when both children and adults can gather before the bustle of December 24th, share a meal, sing a few traditional songs and start decorating the house.

You could think of Lillejul as a “warm-up” before the main Christmas Eve: families prepare the tree, check that the lights are working, test recipes for the Julbord and make sure everything is ready for the big night. In some homes, there’s even a mini dress rehearsal, tasting dishes, trying desserts, and checking candles and decorations to ensure everything is perfect for December 24th.

For children, it’s a magical pre-celebration: they can taste the first Christmas cookies, listen to Christmas songs and start getting familiar with Swedish traditions. For adults, it’s a time to relax and enjoy each other’s company, share laughters and stories, exchange small gifts and soak in the Christmas spirit without the stress of preparing for the main event.

In short, Lillejul is a taste of Christmas, a warm and joyful moment that puts everyone in the holiday spirit before the frenzy of December 24th truly begins.

The meal: a mini julbord to stimulate the appetite

At the heart of Lilla Julafton is, of course, the meal! Even though it’s a “pre-celebration”, Swedes take this moment very seriously. It often features a mini-julbord, a smaller but equally delicious version of the traditional Swedish Christmas buffet. Each dish has its own story and place in tradition:

• Jansson’s Frestelse (“Jansson’s Temptation”): This creamy gratin of potatoes, onions and anchovies is a Christmas staple. Slightly salty and comforting, it’s usually one of the first dishes to disappear from the buffet, and it’s almost impossible to take only one serving. The dish is said to have been popularized in early 20th-century Stockholm. Its name comes either from the famous 19th-century Swedish actor and opera singer Per Adolf Jansson, who loved the dish so much that friends called it his “temptation,” or from a Jansson family who served it at a dinner, inspiring the same nickname.

• Köttbullar: The famous swedish meatballs, tender and flavorful, devoured by children and adults alike. These are a staple at family gatherings and part of the traditional husmanskost (home-cooked) cuisine.
• Prinskorv (“Prince Sausages”): These small, slightly smoked sausages are perfect for children, as well as for anyone nibbling while waiting for the main dishes. Created in the 19th century for royal banquets, they were considered a refined delicacy. Today, they are mostly served at Christmas, grilled or pan-fried, and their elegant small size recalls their “noble” origin.

Meatballs and prince sausages (Photo recept.se)

• Marinated Fish: Herring, salmon or other local fish are prepared according to Swedish traditions, often marinated with vinegar, sugar, herbs or spices like dill. These dishes bring a fresh and tasty touch, with sweet, sour, and aromatic notes typical of Nordic festivities. Marinated fish are a must on Swedish Christmas or Midsummer meals, offering authentic flavors and a variety of textures and colors on the table.

• Risgrynsgröt: The famous warm rice pudding, often served with butter, cinnamon, and a hidden almond. According to tradition, whoever finds the almond will have good luck all year: that makes each bite suspenseful

Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Additional items often include bread or crispbread (knäckebröd), homemade sauces, small winter salads, and sweet treats. To drink, there’s glögg, a spiced hot wine with cinnamon and cloves that warms both body and soul during cold December evenings. Non-alcoholic versions are also made for children, often with almonds or raisins added for extra flavor.

Songs, decorations and atmosphere

Lilla Julafton transforms the home into a little Christmas kingdom. Garlands sparkle, candles cast a soft, warm glow, and the tree is decorated with colorful baubles, ribbons and handmade ornaments. Christmas songs fill every room, sometimes sung in chorus, sometimes hummed softly, creating a cheerful festive hum. Children, eyes widen with excitement, eagerly taste the first Christmas cookies fresh from the oven, while their laughter mingles with the familiar melodies. Some sneak peeks behind curtains, hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus or his elves, adding to the magic of anticipation.

For adults, it’s a time to relax and enjoy each other’s company, sip a warm drink, sample treats, try new recipes and share stories. The atmosphere is both joyful and cozy, slightly offbeat, far from the frenzy of Christmas Eve, as if time slows down just enough to let everyone fully enjoy the festive anticipation.

Lilla Julafton is thus an enchanted prelude to Christmas, a mix of traditions, laughter and lights that wraps the whole family in warmth and joy before the big night.

Credits: Emmie Bolmstedt/imagebank.sweden.se

What makes Lillejul / Lilla Julafton unique is its ability to combine tradition and cheerfulness. It’s a moment where families laugh, sing, eat and share stories: a true taste of Christmas, a time to dream and savor every moment. Even for foreign visitors, it’s a wonderful way to discover Swedish customs, taste traditional dishes and get into the festive spirit before the big day.