[1] The tradition dates to the 1930s, when the two clubs IF Göta and Slottsbrons IF took to playing a Saint Stephen's Day Exhibition game.

Despite initial objections by the Church of Sweden to scheduling the game on the Saint Stephen's Day, the event grew in popularity thereafter.

[2] Historically, only a few instances of the Saint Stephen's Day match marked the season opener for Elitserien, Sweden’s top division.

Until 1999, Saint Stephen's Day bandy was the only major sports event over Christmas in Sweden.

Starting in the year 2000, its popularity led other sports to follow, such as handball and ice hockey.