Sweden’s second-largest city is known for its maritime history, arts scene and beautiful archipelago. Several winter events take place across the city and archipelago. Read below for the 2024 dates, opening times and event locations.
Gothenburg Christmas Market Events Around the City
In Gothenburg, there are several winter markets and events to explore, including Liseberg Amusement Park, Tjolöholm Castle, the cosy Haga market and the craft market at Hönö Klåva on the Gothenburg archipelago.
Liseberg Amusement Park
Set within the Liseberg Amusement Park, the Gothenburg Christmas Market includes ice skating, a Medieval camp, and over 80 rustic stalls selling local crafts and delicacies.
In addition to shopping, you can enjoy Swedish cuisine, rides, and a beautiful display of over five million lights.
Gothenburg dates: 16th November to 29th December 2024 (confirmed). Not open every day. Verify the schedule here.
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 and the country’s tallest decorated tree.
Recommended tour: Haga Old Town walking tour.
Specialities: Smörgåsbord dishes, saffron buns, gingerbread hot glögg, marzipan sweets.
Where to stay: Hotel Flora is a popular hotel in central Gothenburg.
Nearby Hotels
The city centre provides convenient access to places to stay, transport, shopping, and dining options.
Hotel Flora is a popular choice in this central area, known for its excellent facilities and prime position near the festive events.
Recommended Tours
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 lovely neighbourhood.
Other Events
Haga
Set in Gothenburg’s oldest neighbourhood. Find information about this historic area.
Haga dates: Weekends from 23rd November to 15th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Haga District.
Opening times: Saturday and Sunday: 12pm to 8pm.
Admission: Free.
Tjolöholm Castle
Tjolöholm Castle is located outside Kungsbacka. It’s renowned as one of the largest Advent 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 activities for children and adults alike.
Note: This event may not take place in 2024.
Tjolöholm 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.
Hönö Klåva
The market takes place on the first Advent weekend each year and is located on the island of Hönö in the Gothenburg archipelago. Accessible by ferry, it provides a unique setting in the old fishing port of Klåva.
Hönö Klåva dates: 30th November to 1st December 2024 (confirmed). View the full details here.
Location: Hönö Klåva harbour.
Opening hours:
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 4pm.
Getting there: Information about visiting Hönö Klåva in winter.
What to Expect
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.
Regional Specialties
- Julbord: A Swedish holiday 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. 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.
- 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.
- Prinskorv: Literally translating to ‘prince sausage’, Prinskorv are small, slightly smoked sausages.
- Risgrynsgröt: A creamy rice porridge, Risgrynsgröt is often enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. It’s typically served with a sprinkle of cinnamon, sugar, and a pat of butter or with fruit sauce or jam.
- Vörtbröd: A traditional Swedish 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.
At the Food Stalls
- Grillad Korv: A classic street food of grilled sausage often served in a bun with condiments like mustard, ketchup, and pickled cucumber.
- Chokladkex: Chocolate biscuits or Chokladkex are beloved across Sweden.
- 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.
- Kanelbullar: These are cinnamon rolls, which are less sweet than the American versions and have a pronounced cardamom flavour.
- Brända Mandlar: Literally translating to ‘burnt almonds’, Brända Mandlar is caramelised almonds often sold in paper cones. They’re toasted with sugar and cinnamon until crisp and sweet.
- Varma Mackor: These warm sandwiches are a popular and versatile street food.
- Pommes Frites: A universally loved snack. They are French fries with a Swedish touch with unique dips and seasonings.
- International snacks: In addition to the local delicacies, universal snacks include roasted chestnuts, hot pretzels, crepes, and various forms of grilled sausages.
What to Buy
- Glassware: Sweden, especially the region of Småland, is renowned for its glassmaking, earning it the title ‘Kingdom of Crystal’. Intricately crafted Swedish glassware items make beautiful, timeless gifts.
- Decorations: These may include straw ornaments, such as the iconic Julbock (Christmas goat), or hand-painted Dala horses, representing Swedish folk art.
- Hand-knitted Scarves and Mittens: The cold Swedish winters have led to a rich knitting tradition. Stalls sell 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. These can include prints, paintings, or even handcrafted sculptures.
- Sweets and Snacks: Traditional Polkagrisar (peppermint candy), Swedish chocolate and assorted liquorice products.
- Natural Skincare: Moisturisers, serums, and soaps made with natural ingredients like sea buckthorn, lingonberries, and birch sap.
- Textiles: Tablecloths, rugs, and cushion covers, often featuring the characteristic Scandinavian minimalistic and functional design.
Sustainability Tips
- Green Hotels: Many hotels in the region are powered by renewable energy sources. Support these places.
- Food Waste: Embrace the Swedish concept of ‘lagom’, meaning just the right amount. Order sensibly to prevent excessive food waste.
- Ethical Consumption: Consider the origins and production methods of your purchases. 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 many restaurants offering plant-based foods. Traditional dishes like ‘Pytt i Panna’, a Swedish hash, can often be found in vegan versions.
- Transport: Take advantage of the extensive and efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses and ferries. The city is also well-suited for cycling, and many places offer bicycle rentals for an even greener mode of transport.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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