Students' Nobel Nightcap

For almost 50 years, the Students' Nobel Night Cap, SNNC, has served as the official afterparty to the Nobel Banquet on December 10. It is one of the absolute highlights of the Nobel Week and, for many of its guests, offers a well-needed break from the public spotlight.

The first SNNC, with Nobel Laureates in attendance, was held in 1978 as an initiative by Mats Nyqvist, then a student at the Stockholm School of Economics. Ever since the first SNNC, it has been organized entirely by university students and run on a voluntary basis. Today, the party has become an established part of Nobel Week, attended by many banquet guests and widely regarded as one of its highlights.


A secret oasis


After an intense week in the public eye, the Nobel Laureates and their guests can relax at the event. Journalists are not invited, and photography is prohibited. At the same time, students have the opportunity to take part in the celebrations and experience the legacy of Alfred Nobel.

In addition to Nobel Laureates and students, the event is attended by academics, policymakers, and other invited guests. The dress code follows the Nobel Banquet: white tie. All the guests get to experience unlimited entertainment, and also a generous open bar and free food. 

Each year, the event is built around a theme that is only revealed when guests arrive at the venue. Previous themes include “Stages of the World” (2018), “The Human Body” (2019), and “Swedish Traditions” (2004). Each theme is reflected in different rooms and environments, creating a varied experience throughout the venue.The location changes depending on which student association hosts the event: the Student Association at SSE (SASSE), THS at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the Stockholm University Student Union (SUS), or the Medical Students’ Association at Karolinska Institutet.


Hundreds of students volunteer


The Students’ Nobel NightCap is organized by several hundred student volunteers each year. The project is led by two general managers, supported by a core committee responsible for areas such as finance, partnerships, logistics, and communication. A broader project group coordinates the planning and delivery of the event, while room and process managers are responsible for specific areas of the venue and guest experience. During the event itself, a large team of volunteers supports operations, including setup, service, and coordination throughout the evening, as well as dismantling after the event. Students are involved in all stages of the process, from planning and construction to execution and post-event work.2026, the Students Nobel NightCap is organized by SASSE.