From Arlanda Airport take the Arlanda Express (fastest, ~20 min) to Stockholm Central; alternatively Flygbussarna airport coach is cheaper (~45 min). Buy tickets in advance on apps or at machines.
Drop bags and freshen up — staying central keeps walking and public-transit connections easy. Choose a hotel near T-Centralen or Gamla Stan for best access.
Classic Swedish cuisine in historic surroundings — both serve seasonal winter dishes; dinner service typically runs into late evening but reserve ahead.
See the 17th-century warship salvaged nearly intact — museum hours in winter are usually ~10:00–17:00 but check NYE special hours and book tickets online.
Historic buildings, animals and traditional Swedish holiday atmosphere; on New Year’s Eve Skansen hosts an official fireworks display at midnight — buy NYE-event tickets in advance and note access/closing times.
Many restaurants run special NYE menus; if you want the Skansen fireworks join their ticketed celebration (book early) — public transport will be very busy after midnight.
Contemporary photography museum with large temporary exhibitions; Fotografiska often operates extended hours even on holidays (confirm opening times for Jan 1).
Östermalmshallen is a historic indoor food market ideal for sampling Swedish delicacies and buying snacks for transit; many stalls open from ~10:00 (check exact holiday hours).
Visit the Royal Apartments and see the changing of the guard (if scheduled). The Palace museums generally open ~10:00–16:00 in winter; check exact Jan 2 hours and book tickets for the Royal Apartments/Treasury.
Short visit to the Nobel Prize Museum to learn about laureates, followed by a cozy lunch at a Gamla Stan café; museum hours usually ~11:00–17:00 but verify holiday hours.
Some operators run short year-round archipelago or city cruises in winter — check schedules (many operate only seasonally), otherwise take a scenic ferry to Djurgården or Skeppsholmen (SL ferry/bus/tram).
For your 01:00am flight on Jan 3, leave central Stockholm around 23:15–23:30 to allow check-in and security time. Arlanda Express is fastest (~20 min), Flygbussarna coach is cheaper (~40–45 min). At 23:15–00:00 hours options vary — confirm last trains/buses and consider taxi for guaranteed timing.
Arrive at least 60–90 minutes before departure for domestic/EU flights and 2–3 hours for intercontinental; confirm airline check-in/boarding time for this early hour.