Sweden: The Yule Goat and winter horse rides

While Sweden’s most famous Christmas symbol is the Julbock (Yule Goat), horses have their own special place in Swedish Christmas traditions. In rural Sweden, particularly in areas like Dalarna, horses have traditionally been essential for winter transport, and Christmas wouldn’t be complete without them.

Swedish families traditionally took horse-drawn sleighs to Christmas church services, wrapped in warm blankets. The journey through the snowy forest by sleigh, with only the sound of bells and horse hooves, was considered part of the sacred Christmas experience. While cars have replaced sleighs for most church trips now, many Swedish communities keep the tradition alive with organised Christmas sleigh rides.

On Christmas Eve, Swedish tradition dictates that all animals should receive extra food and care, as a way of honouring their work throughout the year. Horses get special Christmas meals with extra oats, root vegetables, and apples. Some Swedish stables hold ‘Julbord for horses’ – Christmas buffets where horses receive an array of treats presented in festive buckets. It’s a joyful way to include horses in the family’s Christmas celebration and show appreciation for everything they do.

Did you know?

The famous Dala horse – those bright red wooden horses with floral decorations – originated in the Dalarna region and are now iconic Swedish Christmas decorations. While they’re toys and ornaments, they represent the deep respect Swedish culture has for horses. During Christmas, Swedish children often receive Dala horses as gifts, and families tell stories about the real horses that inspired these beloved symbols.