The Easter celebrations at Skansen, Stockholm's well-known outdoor museum, highlight the pagan as well as the Christian origins of the holiday.

Children who dress up as witches are admitted for free and they knock on doors asking for sweets - just like at Halloween.

They are supposedly on their way to the mythical mountain of Blakulla to dance all night.

The child witches can participate in a broom-making workshop at Skansen as if they were about to fly off to Blakulla.

Skansen is on one of the islands of the Stockholm archipelago and an outdoor museum has been built here with 18th and 19th century buildings recreating life as it was in Sweden in the old days.

Around 150 historic buildings have been moved here from all over Sweden and the museum is staffed by volunteers in period costume demonstrating the old skills such as weaving and glass blowing.

There is a mid-19th century town as well as farmsteads in the "countryside" of the Swedish provinces.

The zoo has large natural enclosures housing Scandinavian animals and birds, including brown bears, elk, wolverines, lynx and seals.

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While many Europeans this winter opt to take an active ski holiday in the French or Swiss Alps, those of us who would rather spend a few days relaxing and embracing culture should consider the much under-visited Sweden. Yes, the Swedish Alps are noted among the Scandinavians for those who do wish to travel to the country for snowsports, but its capital city Stockholm has so much more to offer in the way of laid back cool and culture.

Absorbing the sights of Stockholm

Stockholm stands as one of the most beautiful European capital cities. A triumphant blend of the most forward-thinking of Scandinavian architecture and medieval fairytale towers, it is the stuff that modern myths are made of. It is a city very much made up of water, consisting of 14 islands, which are connected by the most brilliant mix of crisp and efficient overpasses and ornate wrought iron bridges. Two-thirds of Stockholm is made up with either water or greenspaces and parks, making it the ideal location for anyone seeking a relaxing and picturesque break but in an electric cosmopolitan city, alive with culture and historic delights.

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Tennis players fresh from the US Open are expected to attend the 40th birthday of the If Stockholm Open in the ATP series.

A rock concert has been organised to kick off proceedings at the Kungl Tennishallen on October 4th with a Queen tribute act and the help of 106.7 Rock Classics.

Tickets to the event are available through the If Stockholm Open website and match tickets are also on sale for games between Jonas Bjorkman, Roger Federer, Thomas Johansson, David Nalbandian and Robin Soderling.

Sadly this year has been marked by the death of tennis player Sven Davidson who helped start the If Stockholm Open in 1969.

He died after battling illness aged 79 in May this year.

Side events at the tournament include a singles night for those looking for love on October 6th and a business day focusing on the stock market on the 10th.

Make sure you sleep in comfort ready for the next day's round by booking into one of the best hotels in Stockholm.

The Kungl Tennishallen or Royal Lawn Tennis Club of Stockholm is situated in the city centre off major Lidingovagen, which hosts some of Sweden's military buildings.

It is expensive to play tennis here, but hiring a court is possible.
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Now festivals dripping with the sweet brown stuff are held all over the world in cities like Barcelona, Paris and New York.

They are also now held all over Sweden too after the success of the original Nordiska Museet meet in 2002.

From October 10th to 12th visitors will be able to sample delights from patisseries, restaurants and chocolate suppliers at an exhibition in the Museum's main hall and go on a guided tour through the museum's history of chocolate.

There is a Cake Maker of the Year contest and demonstrations to show you how to make chocolate cakes and desserts, with guest appearances from international stars.

You can also take part in competitions too, as there are sections for amateurs and professionals.

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Visit Europe. Pay less. Book affordable accommodation in Stockholm with Eurobookings.
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For fine dining coupled with spectacular city views, head to the Veranda in one of the city's most venerable hotels.

The Grand Hotel eatery combines opulence, romance and Swedish cuisine at its mouthwatering best with a smorgasbord to die for.

The multi-course buffet-style meal usually starts with herring dishes, before moving onto local speciality gravid lax, served with a mustard and dill sauce.

Next comes a helping of salad and cold meat cuts before tucking into the hot dishes, of which meatballs with lingonberries is a must.

Pudding rounds off the meal, before kicking back to enjoy the stunning window views of the harbour, Old Town and Royal Palace.

An a la carte menu is also available, with delicacies including filet of reindeer marinated in red wine and braised wild duck with an apple-cider sauce.

The Grand Hotel itself is an excellent accommodation choice for those too full to stagger any further. It opened in 1874 and offers 374 rooms, of which 42 are luxury suites.

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Treat yourself to one of the best hotels in Stockholm. Because you deserve a break. More