Fourth Advent Sunday 2025 in Sweden

Fourth Advent Sunday marks the final Sunday before Christmas in Sweden, with the lighting of the fourth and last candle in the Advent wreath. It is a time filled with warmth, reflection, and joyful anticipation as the festive season reaches its peak.

Fourth Advent Sunday: A Public Holiday?

Fourth Advent Sunday is not an official public holiday in Sweden, but it is widely observed as an important part of the Advent season, especially when it falls close to Christmas.

Fourth Advent Sunday

Fourth Advent Sunday, or Fjärde advent, is the final Sunday before Christmas and has long been part of Sweden's Christian and cultural traditions. The Advent season begins four Sundays before Christmas, with each Sunday symbolized by lighting a candle in the Advent wreath. The fourth candle marks the end of the Advent journey and the closeness of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

In Sweden, the tradition of lighting four candles developed during the 20th century and became widely embraced in homes, schools, and churches. While the early focus was on spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus, the tradition gradually took on a broader cultural meaning. Today, even in more secular households, lighting the fourth candle is a meaningful part of the season. It represents the nearing of Christmas and the values of peace, light, and togetherness in the midst of winter.

Observance of the Fourth Advent Sunday in Sweden

Fourth Advent Sunday in Sweden is a quiet yet special day, signaling that Christmas is just around the corner. The fourth and final candle is lit in the Advent wreath, often during breakfast or evening fika. This moment creates a sense of calm and reflection before the busy celebrations begin. The candle's light adds to the warmth and atmosphere of homes, which are usually already filled with decorations, stars in windows, and the scent of holiday baking.

Many families use the day to complete their final Christmas preparations. This may include wrapping gifts, baking traditional treats, or writing cards. Some take the opportunity to visit loved ones or go to a church service. Christmas music plays in the background, and the focus shifts more deeply to togetherness. In towns and cities, the last Advent markets and concerts take place, offering festive cheer before everything slows down for Christmas Eve.

The importance of Fourth Advent Sunday lies in the sense of closeness it brings. It is not just about finishing tasks, but about preparing the heart and home for the holidays. The lighting of the final candle is symbolic—it brings a full circle to the Advent journey and sets the mood for the joy of Christmas. For many Swedes, this day is a mix of reflection, gratitude, and peaceful anticipation. It serves as a pause before the peak of celebration, and helps make the arrival of Christmas feel even more special, grounded in warmth, light, and tradition.

Fourth Advent Sunday Observances