What Is Midsummer, Anyway?
If you’ve seen the horror movie Midsommar, don’t worry our celebration will be far less terrifying. The only thing getting sacrificed is a few hours of sleep under the midnight sun.
In Sweden, Midsummer is one of the most beloved holidays, rivaled only by Christmas. It’s a joyful festival held on the longest day of the year, celebrating light, nature, and togetherness. Expect flower crowns, maypole dancing, singing, laughter, and late nights spent enjoying the endless summer glow.
Dancing, Flower Crowns & Midsummer Magic
Everywhere you look, fresh flowers and greenery are woven into the day, most famously into flower crowns worn by nearly everyone. The centerpiece is the maypole, a tall birch pole dressed in leaves and blossoms. Around it, friends and strangers join together for playful folk dances and games, from the silly “Little Frogs” song to classic circle dances. Laughter, music, and the glow of the midsummer sun carry the festivities late into the night, creating a celebration that feels both timeless and magical.
Endless Daylight
Midsummer falls near the longest day of the year, so the sun barely sets. Expect bright evenings that feel like afternoon and late-night celebrations under a golden sky. Pack an eye mask if you need total darkness to sleep, but we promise, there’s something magical about the never-ending light.
Food is at the heart of Midsummer in Sweden. Traditionally, families gather around long tables filled with herring, new potatoes, fresh bread, strawberries, and plenty of snaps for toasting. Meals stretch into the evening, often with songs and laughter between courses.
For our celebration, we’ll be honoring the spirit of this tradition, long, shared meals and time together, while keeping the menu closer to what we’re used to at home. Expect fresh, seasonal food, plenty of variety, and of course something sweet to finish.
Feast & Tradition
Learn & Join In
One of the best parts of Midsummer is that it’s for everyone, whether you’ve grown up with the traditions or are experiencing them for the first time. If you’d like to join in the fun, here are a few ways to get familiar ahead of time:
Små grodorna (The Little Frogs Song) – Watch the dance or listen to the song.
Flower Crowns – How to make your own.
The Atmosphere – See a first-time visitor’s experience.
Midsummer Music – Traditional playlist to set the mood.
Digging deeper on the songs - Learn four midsummer songs and what they mean
Learning about Midsummer from a Swede - Watch a little explanation of the festival
