Sweden’s second-largest city is known for its rich maritime history, vibrant arts scene and beautiful archipelago. Gothenburg transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive decorations and a series of Christmas markets that attract locals and tourists alike.
In this guide, I’ll provide all the information you need, including 2024 dates, opening times, locations, and local specialties to experience at Gothenburg Christmas Markets.
During Christmas in Gothenburg, the city is adorned with twinkling lights, and a gentle snowfall often covers the rooftops, adding to the festive charm.
Local traditions such as Lucia celebrations and seasonal concerts fill the calendar, providing a sense of warmth and community during the chilly winter months.
Gothenburg Christmas Market
In Gothenburg, there are several Christmas markets and events to explore, including the renowned Liseberg Amusement Park market, the historical Tjolöholm Castle market, the cosy Haga Christmas Market and the picturesque craft market at Hönö Klåva on the Gothenburg archipelago.
1. Christmas at Liseberg
Set within the Liseberg Amusement Park, the Gothenburg Christmas Market transforms into a winter wonderland with ice skating, a Medieval camp, and over 80 rustic stalls selling local crafts and delicacies.
In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy Swedish cuisine, thrilling rides, and a beautiful display of over five million lights that create a magical backdrop for the festive season.
Gothenburg Christmas Market dates: 16th November to 30th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Liseberg Amusement Park.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 12pm to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 6:00pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Tickets are prices are available here.
Ice skating: Yes.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Scandinavia’s largest festive market; ice ballet shows; Sweden’s tallest Christmas tree; diverse local crafts and delicacies.
Recommended tour: Haga Old Town walking tour.
Specialities: Smörgåsbord dishes; traditional Swedish saffron buns; gingerbread cookies; hot glögg; festive marzipan sweets.
Where to stay: Hotel Flora is a popular hotel in central Gothenburg.
Nearby Hotels
Staying in the city centre of Gothenburg provides convenient access to various Christmas markets and central attractions.
You’ll find a range of places to stay close to transport, shopping, and dining options, making it a practical location for visitors.
Hotel Flora is a popular choice in this central area, known for its excellent facilities and prime position near the festive events.
Location of Liseberg
Recommended Tours
Exploring Gothenburg via a city tour is an effective way to appreciate the city’s vibrant culture and significant history.
The appealing old town, striking architecture, and diverse facades lend an undeniable charm to Gothenburg, making it an attractive destination, even in the colder months.
I suggest taking this walking tour of Haga Old Town as it provides an overview of this charming neighbourhood.
2. Haga
The Haga Christmas Market is set in Gothenburg’s oldest neighbourhood. The cobblestone streets, lined with traditional wooden houses, get decorated with Christmas lights and bustling Christmas stalls.
More information about this historic area.
Haga Christmas Market dates: Weekends from 22nd November to 14th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Haga District.
Opening times: Saturday and Sunday: 12pm to 8pm.
Admission: Free.
3. Tjolöholm Castle
Tjolöholm Castle Christmas Market, located outside Kungsbacka, is renowned as one of the largest Christmas markets in the west of Sweden, with a tradition that dates back to 1987.
When you visit, you can explore the enchanting Tudor-style castle and enjoy the festive atmosphere with over a hundred exhibitors selling arts, crafts, and food delicacies on the estate.
The entire grounds come alive with sparkling lights and beautiful decorations, and the market hosts diverse activities for children and adults alike.
Engage in a Christmas gift hunt, witness thrilling fire shows, and relish Christmas-inspired food and drink, with plenty of dining options to satisfy your appetite.
Tjolöholm Christmas Market dates: 8th to 24th November 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Tjolöholm Castle.
Opening times: Friday: 12pm to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 6pm.
Tickets: Buy online.
4. Hönö Klåva
For a distinct Christmas market experience, consider a visit to Hönö Klåva Christmas Market on the island of Hönö in the Gothenburg archipelago.
Accessible by ferry, this market provides a unique setting in the old fishing port of Klåva, where you can explore the cosy Christmas market with craft exhibitors, browse decorated shops, and admire the festive lights in the harbour.
Taking place on the first Advent weekend each year, Hönö Klåva offers the opportunity for Christmas shopping, enjoying delicious food, and engaging the children with entertaining Christmas activities.
During winter, the archipelago provides a tranquil yet sometimes dramatic atmosphere, with the possibility of witnessing a powdery white winter landscape adorned with ice in the harbour.
Hönö Klåva Christmas Market dates: 23rd to 24th November 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Hönö Klåva harbour.
Getting there: Information about visiting Hönö Klåva in winter.
Christmas in Gothenburg
Regional Specialties
Julbord: A Swedish Christmas tradition, Julbord is essentially a festive feast where families gather to enjoy a buffet-style meal. The spread typically includes a range of dishes such as pickled herring, liver pâté, cold cuts, gravlax, and Swedish meatballs. Vegetarian options are also made available with dishes like beetroot salad, braised red cabbage, and Janssons frestelse – a creamy potato gratin with onions and Swedish ‘anchovies’, which can be made without the anchovies for a vegetarian version.
Lussekatter: Synonymous with the festival of Saint Lucia on December 13th, Lussekatter are saffron-infused buns shaped into various forms, most commonly an ‘S’ or ‘8’. Soft, slightly sweet, and bright yellow due to the saffron, these buns are a must during the Christmas season in Sweden.
Pepparkakor: A Swedish take on gingerbread cookies, Pepparkakor are thin, crisp biscuits flavoured with spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. These cookies are often cut into various shapes like hearts, stars, and even animals, then enjoyed with a glass of glögg or hung as decorations.
Gröt: A traditional dish typically consumed during breakfast or supper, Gröt is a type of porridge made from grains like oats, rice, or rye. During Christmas, it’s customary to place one almond in the pot of rice porridge – Gröt – and the person who finds it in their serving is said to have good luck in the coming year.
Glögg: Sweden’s version of mulled wine, glögg is a hot, spiced drink usually made from red wine, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and bitter orange. It’s often served with raisins and blanched almonds, providing a warming drink perfect for the chilly Christmas season.
Köttbullar: These are Swedish meatballs, smaller than their Italian counterparts, and spiced with ingredients like allspice and white pepper. They’re traditionally served with lingonberry jam, cream sauce, and potatoes for Christmas. A plant-based version made with lentils or mushrooms can be prepared for vegetarians.
Prinskorv: Literally translating to ‘prince sausage’, Prinskorv are small, slightly smoked sausages. During Christmas, they are often fried and served as a part of the Julbord.
Risgrynsgröt: A creamy rice porridge, Risgrynsgröt is often enjoyed for breakfast or dessert around Christmas. It’s typically served with a sprinkle of cinnamon, sugar, and a pat of butter or with fruit sauce or jam. It provides a simple yet comforting dish during the festive season.
Vörtbröd: A traditional Swedish Christmas bread, Vörtbröd is a sweet, dark loaf infused with ‘vört’, a type of malt extract, along with spices like cloves, ginger, and anise. The bread often contains raisins and is typically enjoyed sliced, toasted, and buttered.
By indulging in these traditional dishes, you’ll learn about the rich and diverse culinary culture of Gothenburg and Sweden during Christmas.
At the Food Stalls
Grillad Korv: A classic Swedish street food, Grillad Korv is a grilled sausage often served in a bun with a variety of condiments like mustard, ketchup, and pickled cucumber. These hearty sausages are a popular snack during the Christmas market wanderings.
Chokladkex: Chocolate biscuits or Chokladkex are beloved across Sweden. In the Christmas markets, stalls sell these decadent treats in various forms, often adorned with festive decorations.
Lutfisk: A traditional Swedish dish, Lutfisk is made from aged stockfish or dried/salted whitefish and lye. It’s typically served with boiled potatoes, green peas, and a creamy sauce during Christmas.
Kanelbullar: These are Swedish cinnamon rolls, which are less sweet than the American versions and have a pronounced cardamom flavour. They are a staple in Swedish bakeries and a common find at Christmas market stalls.
Brända Mandlar: Literally translating to ‘burnt almonds’, Brända Mandlar is caramelised almonds often sold in paper cones at the Christmas markets. They’re toasted with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon until crisp and sweet, making a delightful snack to enjoy while browsing the market.
Varma Mackor: These are warm sandwiches, a popular and versatile street food item in Sweden. At Christmas markets, you’ll find these with a variety of festive fillings, such as Christmas ham or roast turkey.
Pommes Frites: A universally loved snack, these are French fries but with a Swedish touch. Some stalls at the Gothenburg Christmas market serve them with unique dips and seasonings.
International Christmas snacks: Besides the local delicacies, you will find universal Christmas market snacks such as roasted chestnuts, hot pretzels, crepes, and various forms of grilled sausages. These well-known treats add to the variety and cater to a wider range of tastes at the Christmas market.
Navigating the vibrant and aromatic food stalls of the Gothenburg Christmas Market will introduce you to the diverse range of Swedish and international street foods and snacks that add to the festive atmosphere.
What to Buy
Swedish Glassware: Sweden, especially the region of Småland, is renowned for its glassmaking, earning it the title ‘Kingdom of Crystal’. You will find intricately crafted Swedish glassware items at the Gothenburg Christmas market that make for beautiful, timeless gifts.
Swedish Christmas Decorations: Traditional Swedish Christmas decorations are abundant in the market. These may include straw ornaments, such as the iconic Julbock (Christmas goat), or hand-painted Dala horses, both of which represent Swedish folk art.
Hand-knitted Scarves and Mittens: The cold Swedish winters have led to a rich tradition of knitting. You can find stalls selling hand-knitted scarves, mittens, and hats made from warm, high-quality Swedish wool.
Sami Crafts: The Sami people are indigenous to the Nordic countries. Sami crafts, known as Duodji, are often made from natural materials such as reindeer antlers, birch bark, and wool and can range from intricate jewellery to functional household items.
Local Artwork: Pieces by local artists capture the essence of Gothenburg and make unique souvenirs. These can include prints, paintings, or even handcrafted sculptures.
Swedish Sweets and Snacks: A variety of packaged Swedish sweets and snacks are available, such as traditional Polkagrisar (peppermint candy), Swedish chocolate, and assorted liquorice products. These make for great gifts or treats to take back home.
Natural Skincare Products: Sweden is known for its natural skincare products, many of which are inspired by the Nordic environment. You can find items such as moisturisers, serums, and soaps made with natural ingredients like sea buckthorn, lingonberries, and birch sap.
Swedish Textiles: Quality textiles featuring traditional Swedish designs can be found at the market. Items might include tablecloths, rugs, and cushion covers, often featuring the characteristic Scandinavian minimalistic and functional design.
By exploring the Gothenburg Christmas Market stalls, you can discover this region’s unique handicrafts and products, which make for distinctive gifts or souvenirs of your visit.
To further enrich your festive Swedish experience, you might like to read my guide to the best Christmas markets in Sweden. It’s a useful for extending your trip or planning for next year.
For a comprehensive overview of things to do and the latest events in Gothenburg, you can refer to Visit Gothenburg, the city’s official tourist information resource, which provides detailed information on attractions, activities, and current happenings.
Sustainability Tips
Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Gothenburg at Christmas.
Use of Renewable Energy: Gothenburg is a city committed to sustainable living, with many of its hotels and establishments powered by renewable energy sources. Seek out and support such accommodations and businesses that utilise wind, solar, or hydro energy.
Reducing Food Waste: Embrace the Swedish concept of ‘lagom’, meaning just the right amount. When indulging in the festive delicacies at the Christmas market, order sensibly to prevent excessive food waste. Additionally, many Gothenburg restaurants participate in apps selling surplus food at discounted prices; consider utilising these to save money and reduce waste.
Ethical Consumption: When shopping at the Christmas market, consider the origins and production methods of the items you purchase. Choose handmade, local crafts and goods that support the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.
Sustainable Diets: Opt for vegetarian or vegan options when available – Gothenburg has a growing number of restaurants offering plant-based foods. Traditional dishes like ‘Pytt i Panna’, a Swedish hash, can often be found in vegan versions.
Sustainable Transport: Gothenburg has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and ferries. Use these services instead of taxis or rental cars to lessen your environmental impact. Also, the city is well-suited for cycling, and many places offer bicycle rentals for an even greener mode of transport.
Considering these points, you can contribute to Gothenburg’s sustainability efforts while enjoying the city’s festive atmosphere.
If you would like to leave a review of Gothenburg Xmas Market, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Gothenburg, Sweden. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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