Welcome to one of Stockholm’s most prestigious addresses. At Birger Jarls Torg 2A you will find Gamla Riksarkivet, a building that embodies history, exclusivity, and possibility. This magnificent property on Riddarholmen is not only a landmark in the Old Town, but also a vibrant venue for events, weddings, and culinary experiences beyond the ordinary.
For those of you who were looking for the National Archives, welcome to the Old National Archives. For the past 12 years, this venue has delivered one of Sweden’s most celebrated Christmas buffets. Outside the Christmas season, the Old National Archives hosts events, dinners, weddings, and conferences. The National Archives as an institution is something else entirely—and that is what this article will explain.
Stockholm—and our Riksarkivet venue, with its rich history and cultural heritage—offers a Christmas dining experience where tradition meets modern culinary innovation. For those seeking an unforgettable Christmas dinner, the city provides countless options, ranging from classic flavors to creative new interpretations. Among them, our Riksarkivet naturally stands out, always striving to be among the very best.
Hosting a Christmas buffet in Stockholm — or anywhere in Sweden, for that matter — is no small task. Over the years, we’ve welcomed guests from all corners of the country into our grand halls, each bringing their own idea of what a traditional julbord should be. But if there’s one thing Sweden seems to agree on after these twelve years, it’s that our Christmas buffet captures everything a true Swedish celebration ought to be.
The chef behind our Christmas buffet is none other than Niklas Ekstedt, one of Sweden’s most renowned culinary profiles. Through our holiday table and his restaurants Hillenberg, Tyge & Sessil, and Ekstedt, he has left a lasting mark on the country’s dining scene. Now, he appears on TV4 as a jury member on Sveriges Mästerkock (Sweden’s MasterChef).
The Swedish Christmas buffet, or julbord, is one of the country’s most beloved traditions—a meal that does more than satisfy hunger; it tells a story of heritage, celebration, and flavor. But what exactly defines a traditional Swedish julbord? In this article, we explore its origins, how it has evolved over the centuries, and which dishes still remain essential on every classic Christmas table.
On a Tuesday, the fourth of February, our archive had the honor of hosting the wonderful organization Min Stora Dag’s annual “Min Stora Middag.” The evening was dedicated to spreading the organization’s message.
We’ve been collaborating with Brisket & Friends since 2025, who among other things have helped us source local Swedish pork from Prästgården Grevbäck.
Another new addition this year is the salmon from Roslagsfisk, where we smoke and cure all our salmon. In traditional, wood-fired smokehouses, we collaborate with their craftsmanship and our recipes to create the selection for this year’s fish table.
One of this year’s new additions is our Cinema Bar – the perfect place for those of you who want to round off your Christmas experience in a relaxed atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a wide selection of coffee cocktails and liqueurs, or why not a warming cup of tea? Be sure to also visit our cinema, where we show the story of Riddarholmen.
This year we are open the day after Christmas Eve, December 25th. There is room here for those you didn’t celebrate Christmas with on Christmas Eve. Regardless if it is the other half of the family, friends, mother-in-law and father-in-law – welcome to celebrate Christmas with us. We also know that Christmas Day is the big day internationally, so are you visiting Stockholm during the festive days or do you have relatives and friends that are visiting? Then you are welcome to celebrate with us at Gamla Riksarkivet.
The seasonal beer tastes best when it arrives at the right time, and it is precisely through the unique character of the season that its flavor truly blossoms. We are entering our eleventh year of upholding this proud Christmas tradition, and here, the Christmas beer takes a special place in the spotlight.
The continuation of when Niklas shares his knowledge of history about Gamla Riksarkivet, which has an exciting history. Come along!
Niklas shares his knowledge of history about Gamla Riksarkivet, which has an exciting history. Come along!
Niklas shares why the Christmas feast started at Gamla Riksarkivet.
On Luciadagen, Lucia and her choir will come and sing for us at Gamla Riksarkivet.
We hung out with Niklas Ekstedt, who took us on a tour and showed us his favorite place at the National Archives, but also told us more about what happens here when it’s not Christmas dinner.
The library, our chambre séparée, is a cozy and private setting where you can toast with sparkling Christmas drinks and enjoy the delicious food. It’s perfect for those who want to soak in the festive atmosphere and the cheerful buzz from the Godisrummet (candy room), while desiring a more intimate and heartfelt gathering during the meal. Let us fill your evening with Christmas joy and warm memories.
It can accommodate up to 35 guests.
Weekends are extra special at Gamla Riksarkivet because Santa’s elves comes to visit. Santa hands out Christmas presents in the cinema to all children who are going to have the Christmas buffet. Book the earliest seating to meet Santa’s elves!
Saturday & Sunday 10:30-13.00
“This year we have chosen to do two collaborations, one is with Holy Smoke and the other is Pärlans Konfektyr. Both are dear to my heart. Holy Smoke because they are amazing at what they do and smoking is something I am very passionate about. Pärlans Konfektyr, because it is cozy and made in Stockholm. I like to preserve local products.”
– Niklas Ekstedt
“Thank you so much for the best and only Christmas dinner you need to eat. It was wonderfully good, fantastic environment and super nice staff. Already looking forward to next year!”
– Amelie
You haven’t missed that we also serve Christmas lunch from. 11/18? Book a Christmas lunch and bring your friends, family and colleagues. Treat yourself to a magical start to Christmas and book a classic Christmas table.
Something that is unique about us is our different rooms. Here you will find Forskarsalen, Arkivariet, Balkongen, Biblioteket and Salongen. If you have a favorite room, please request it when you book your table.
“The candy room at your place! Thought we were dreaming when we stepped in there last Christmas.”
– Julia
“My Christmas dinner is traditional but with new elements every year, where the green is now a matter of course. From the very beginning, the Christmas dinner is a mixture of old traditions and dishes that have been added over the years, from different times and places. The dishes remain because they are genius.”
– Niklas Ekstedt
