Lidingö: Millesgården Advent Calendar Exhibition Ticket

Experiencing the Millesgården Advent Calendar Exhibition: A Festive Peek into Swedish Christmas Traditions

This tour offers a wonderful window into Swedish holiday culture, located at the beautiful Millesgården in Stockholm. For just $18, visitors get a well-rounded glimpse into the world of Christmas through the eyes of renowned artist Aina Stenberg-Masolle, featuring original watercolors from her celebrated Children’s Advent Calendar. The experience lasts a day, but it’s packed with visual delights, fascinating history, and a cozy holiday spirit.

What really stands out is the chance to see authentic artwork in a festively decorated setting, giving you a warm, nostalgic feeling—perfect for families and art lovers alike. One potential consideration is that the exhibition involves stairs, which may pose a challenge for visitors with limited mobility. Still, if you’re someone who appreciates cultural traditions and charming holiday decor, this tour is an enchanting choice, especially for those interested in Swedish Christmas customs or holiday art.

This experience is ideal for families, art enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a quieter, more meaningful holiday activity away from crowded markets or commercial festivities. It’s a peaceful, inspiring way to celebrate the season while learning about a beloved Swedish tradition.

Key Points

Authentic Artwork: Original watercolors from the renowned Children’s Advent Calendar by Aina Stenberg-Masolle showcase her fairy-tale style and holiday motifs.
Festive Atmosphere: The artist’s home is decorated for Christmas, creating a cozy, immersive environment that enhances the viewing experience.
Historical Insight: Learn how Stenberg-Masolle created Sweden’s first Advent calendar in 1934 and continued annually until 1964, shaping Swedish holiday traditions.
Inclusive Experience: Though accessible for most, the exhibition involves stairs, which might limit visitors with mobility issues.
Value for Price: At $18, the ticket offers access not only to the artwork but also to the entire Millesgården site, including the art gallery and sculpture park.
Family Friendly: The cheerful, colorful motifs appeal to children, making it a joyful outing for all ages.

A Deep Dive into the Millesgården Advent Calendar Exhibition

What Makes the Exhibition Special?

The core of this experience is the original watercolors that form the artistic basis of the Children’s Advent Calendar, created by Aina Stenberg-Masolle. Her work, beloved for fairy-tale charm and intricate detail, provides a warm, nostalgic perspective on Christmas. Visitors can see her delicate illustrations up close, appreciating the craftsmanship behind each piece—something that might get lost in digital reproductions or mass-produced cards.

The artwork isn’t displayed in a sterile gallery setting. Instead, it’s housed within the festively decorated artist’s home, which adds layers of charm and authenticity. Walking through the cozy, holiday-adorned rooms, you get a real sense of how Christmas was celebrated and visualized in mid-20th-century Sweden. This setting makes the art feel alive, blending cultural history with seasonal joy.

The Artistic and Cultural Context

Aina Stenberg-Masolle’s work extended beyond the calendar. She illustrated for numerous fairy-tale books and produced countless Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s cards. The fact that she created Sweden’s first Advent calendar in 1934 marks her as a pioneer, and her designs continued to influence Swedish Christmas imagery for decades.

Understanding her role helps you appreciate the tradition behind the Advent calendar itself—an object that many Swedes cherish as a daily countdown filled with small surprises and holiday cheer. Her motifs often feature whimsical scenes, cheerful animals, and enchanting winter landscapes, which resonate with both children and adults.

What to Expect During Your Visit

The tour starts at the reception desk, where staff are friendly and ready to introduce you to the exhibition. You’re free to explore at your own pace, with the entire Millesgården complex—including the art gallery and sculpture park—open for you to enjoy.

Expect to spend around an hour viewing the watercolors, which are displayed in a manner that invites close inspection. The artwork’s size varies, but most are detailed and full of tiny elements that reward careful viewing. Alongside the watercolors, the decorated artist’s home provides a warm, immersive experience, especially if you’re visiting during the holiday season when festive touches abound.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• The exhibition is suitable for both children and adults but note that access involves stairs, so those with mobility issues might find it challenging to navigate the space comfortably.
• The ticket includes entry to the entire Millesgården grounds, so you can explore the Sculpture Park and Art Gallery afterward—perfect if you want to make a full day of it.
• The experience runs from November 19, 2025, to January 11, 2026, giving you plenty of time to plan a holiday visit.
• Transportation: While not included, the location is easily accessible within Stockholm, with public transportation options nearby.
• Guided tours are not part of this ticket, but the friendly staff at the reception can answer questions or suggest highlights.

Authenticity and Value

At just $18, this ticket offers a surprisingly rich experience. You’re not just viewing pretty pictures—you’re stepping into a part of Swedish Christmas tradition, understanding the work of a beloved artist, and appreciating the cultural significance of the Advent calendar. The fact that the entire site is included adds extra value, especially if you’re interested in combining art, history, and outdoor strolls.

Reviews highlight how enchanting it feels to wander through the decorated spaces. One visitor mentioned, “Seeing the original watercolors in a cozy, Christmas-themed setting made me nostalgic,” which sums up the emotionally resonant aspect of this experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This exhibition is perfect for families with children, as the colorful motifs and holiday setting are engaging and joyful. Art lovers will appreciate the craftsmanship behind Stenberg-Masolle’s work, while history buffs can explore how a simple holiday tradition became an integral part of Swedish culture.

It’s also a calming, less crowded activity for those seeking a peaceful holiday experience away from bustling markets or commercialized festivities. And if you’re someone who loves discovering local traditions and stories, this tour offers a genuine glimpse into Swedish Christmas customs.

Final Thoughts

The Millesgården Advent Calendar Exhibition combines art, tradition, and seasonal cheer in a way that’s both accessible and memorable. For just $18, you get a rare look at original watercolor illustrations, beautifully presented within a festively decorated artist’s home. It’s a quiet, enriching experience suitable for all ages, with the potential to stir nostalgic feelings or spark a new appreciation for Swedish holiday customs.

While it’s not the most accessible if you have mobility issues, the overall charm and cultural insights make it a worthwhile stop during the festive season in Stockholm. Whether you’re traveling with family, exploring art, or simply seeking a peaceful holiday activity, this exhibition offers a heartfelt glimpse into Christmas through the eyes of one of Sweden’s most talented illustrators.

FAQs

Is the exhibition suitable for children?
Yes, the cheerful and colorful watercolors are designed to appeal to children, making it a joyful activity for families.

How much does the ticket cost?
The ticket is $18 per person, which provides access to the watercolors, the decorated artist’s home, and the entire Millesgården site.

Are guided tours available?
No, guided tours are not included, but staff at the reception are happy to answer questions and provide suggestions.

How long is the visit?
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the watercolors and the decorated spaces, but you can stay longer if you wish.

When is the exhibition open?
It runs from November 19, 2025, through January 11, 2026, allowing for flexible holiday planning.

Are there accessibility concerns?
Access involves stairs, so visitors with limited mobility may find it challenging to navigate the space comfortably.

What else is included in the ticket?
Your ticket also grants entry to the entire Millesgården complex, including the art gallery and sculpture park.