Sweden’s biggest Christmas market at Liseberg
With half a million yearly visits, Liseberg Amusement Park is Sweden’s most popular Christmas market. No wonder. It is a truly magical place for all ages, especially during the coldest months when the entire park is transformed in to a beautiful winter wonderland. Here, you can dine at the high quality restaurants, meet with Santa and go on the winter-open carousels.
Don’t miss visiting this year’s new Christmas area “Tomtebyn” (Santa’s Village). The Christmas elves welcome you to the happiest village you can imagine, with lots of fun things to discover: magical doors, mischievous rhymes, jingling bells and the elves’ workshop.
Traditional Swedish Christmas food
Swedish Christmas food is tasty, hearty and easy to love. Sweden is a large country and there are many local varieties. The number one reason to enjoy a Christmas dinner in Gothenburg is the fish and shellfish. In addition to the compulsory gravad lax (cured salmon) and pickled herring you will find fresh crayfish, shrimp and other Gothenburg specialities.
Go Christmas shopping
Gothenburg is a handy metropolis, and if you want to go Christmas shopping you have loads to choose from within walking distance. The Haga district is filled with little shops selling presents, chocolate, toys, hats and other charming things. In and around the street Magasinsgatan you will find the latest within fashion and interior design, while the city centre and the main boulevard Avenyn house many famous brands, flagship stores and arcades. There is also a wide range of secondhand, vintage and sustainable brands – check them out in our guide to sustainable Christmas gifts!
Lots of Christmas markets
A good way to get into the right Christmas spirit is to visit a Gothenburg Christmas market. There are many markets to choose from and you will find everything from honey and wool socks to modern design items. Explore traditional Christmas markets in the beautiful 17th century area around Kronhuset or enjoy a market combined with events and concerts in the shopping centre Nordstan.
Musikhjälpen is back in town
Music aid Musikhjälpen returns to Gothenburg! The last time they visited the city was 9 years ago, and this year they choose to occupy Kungstorget, in the middle of central Gothenburg, between December 12 and 18. Musikhjälpen is a Swedish week-long live radio and TV broadcast. The mission is to create awareness of and fundraise for a hidden catastrophe around the world. Experience live music, interviews, and much more, and who knows, maybe there will be a fundraising record this year?
Visit a Christmas castle
Around Gothenburg, there are several castles and houses perfect for a Christmas day trip. Just a short drive or bus ride from the city centre is Gunnebo House and Gardens with it’s impressive organic café and restaurant. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and 18th century buildings.
Tjolöholm Castle was built in 1898–1904 and the architecture is a mix of 14th century English style, Art Noveau and innovative design features. This is also a lovely place to visit in the Christmas time
“Luciatåg” – Saint Lucy celebrations
On December 13, Swedish people dress up in white and head out early in the morning to celebrate Saint Lucia of Syracuse (also known as Saint Lucy). During the celebration, there is always one girl dressed in a white dress with a wreath of candles on her head. This is Lucia herself. The celebrations take place in churches, homes and workplaces and are extremely popular thanks to the beautiful songs and atmosphere.
But why do Swedes celebrate a Catholic saint with such enthusiasm (apparently regardless of Christian faith)? One explanation might be that the celebrations are in fact inspired by old (and often wild) festivities that used to be held to celebrate the winter solstice. These festivities could be quite burlesque – containing schnapps, crossdressing and animals that could speak (!).
A bright and friendly Christmas
The big red heart at the square Brunnsparken is a recurring winter favourite, and a very popular Instagram and TikTok-spot with the inner harbour canal that makes a beautiful background.
Paint Rosenlund! is an interactive light installation where the visitors can participate by painting the ground and the surroundings with a light source, such as a flashlight or mobile phone, in the same way as with a brush.
The winter outdoor lighting in central Gothenburg brings light to places where many people pass and contributes to public safety during the dark season. The fixed and temporary lighting that the city of Gothenburg installs are LED lamps that use very little electricity.
Christmas concerts
If you are looking for a Christmas experience with musical influences, there are plenty of cosy concerts to visit during Christmas in Gothenburg. For instance, at the theater Stora Teatern there will be Motown soul, gospel and jazz mixed with Christmas classics.
