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. The park is seasonally open from November 18 to January 7, 2024.
This year, visitors can experience the brand new themed Winter Market area and a commemorative exhibition about Liseberg’s 100-year history. The Winter Market consists of 19 new trade stalls, ice-skating and igloos gathered at the foot of the new snow-capped mountain.
Also don’t miss visiting the 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 fresh fish and shellfish. In addition to 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 conscious Christmas shopping!
Lots of Christmas markets
A good way to get into the right Christmas spirit is to visit a Gothenburg Christmas market. Among the wide selection, you will undoubtedly find a market that suits you and your company, whether you are looking for traditional craftsmanship, unique design, or delicacies for the Christmas table.
“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. Se our full guide to Gothenburg’s Lucia celebrations.
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 (!).
Visit castles and manors during the Christmas season
Around Gothenburg, there are several castles and manors perfect for a day trip.. Just a short ride from the city centre is Gunnebo House and Garden, which has a cosy café with an organic and locally sourced menu. Heading south, you’ll come across Tjolöholm Castle with nearly 30 buildings, several beautiful gardens, and extensive natural surroundings. In Lerum, there’s Nääs Castle, which boasts Sweden’s best-preserved late 19th-century environment. All three castles host atmospheric and traditional Christmas events in November and December.
At Gunnebo Castle, you also have the opportunity this year to visit the new Winter Lights attraction. Bring your friends and family and stroll through the castle’s gardens to experience a spectacular light and sound performance that you won’t soon forget!
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. This year the heart is lit from November 18 all the way to Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024.
On November 17, the Clarion Hotel Post at the square Drottningtorget will traditionally light up the Christmas bow that adorns the hotel during the holiday season.
Spend the Christmas school break in Gothenburg
There are many fun and exciting activities to enjoy in Gothenburg during the Christmas season! In our Christmas school break guide, we gather some of our best tips for the whole family; Christmas at Liseberg and Winter Lights at Gunnebo, both open until January 7th, holiday activities at the city’s museums, ice skating, sledding and much more.
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.
