Now is the perfect time to consider a destination for a winter holiday, and today we head straight to Gothenburg, Sweden—a city that becomes even more magical during the Christmas season. There are many Christmas markets in Gothenburg to explore, offering a unique way to discover the city under a sparkling festive glow.
On the weekend of the first Advent, the city lights up the winter darkness with enchanting decorations on streets and squares and traditional Advent candleholders in every window. The opening ceremony features the Lucia Choir of Gothenburg, performing in Götaplatsen and processing from Gustav Adolf Square.
The largest Christmas market in Sweden opens at Liseberg amusement park from November 16–18, transforming into a dazzling winter wonderland with millions of Christmas lights. The “Singing Christmas Tree”—a choir arranged in the shape of a tree—performs daily in Kungsportsplatsen. You’ll find a variety of Christmas concerts, from intimate performances in local churches to spectacular outdoor shows.
Christmas shopping in Gothenburg is a real treat. Unique holiday gifts can be found at traditional Christmas markets as well as design markets, and you can sample local delicacies at the city’s two covered markets or in the charming shops of Haga, the oldest district. Gothenburg is also renowned for its cafés, perfect for warming up between visits and indulging in “lussebullar,” saffron-flavored Christmas buns. From late November through Christmas, many restaurants offer “Julbord,” Sweden’s festive holiday buffet featuring hot and cold specialties—a must for seafood lovers. Everywhere, you’ll catch the scent of “Glögg,” Swedish mulled wine, traditionally served with almonds and raisins.
The first and most famous of Gothenburg’s markets is the Liseberg Christmas Market, opening from November 15 right in the heart of the city. Starting December 6—just in time for Sant’Ambrogio weekend—all the city’s holiday lighting installations are switched on, making the atmosphere even more magical.
The Liseberg Christmas market is a must-see: as the biggest in Sweden, it’s held inside the amusement park and shines with 5 million lights. The market is open Friday–Sunday until November 25; from November 29 to December 1, Thursday–Sunday; then every day from December 4–23, with a special opening from December 26–29.
Here are some of the top Christmas markets:
- Liseberg. This large amusement park invites you to discover a real “Christmas planet”, illuminated by five million lights. With around 80 stalls, an ice skating rink, Santa and his reindeer, concerts, an ice ballet, and more. Arrive by Paddan boats from Kungsportsplatsen—blankets, mulled wine, and lanterns keep passengers cozy. Open: 16-18/11, 23-25/11, 29/11-2/12, 5-9/12, 11-23/12, and 26-30/12
- Haga: The early 1800s streets of Haga create a charming setting for the Christmas market. Outdoor stalls offer homemade and local products, alongside trendy boutiques and vintage shops on the main street. Open weekends from 24/11 to 16/12.
- Kronhuset: Gothenburg’s oldest 17th-century building becomes a traditional bazaar, where artisans in period dress sell crafts and treats. Open 1-22/12.
- Nordstan – Artisans and artists display Swedish contemporary design and crafts in this shopping mall. Open daily from 16/11 to 30/12.
- Inside Röda Sten’s former boiler house—now a vast contemporary art center—a unique art and craft market is held. Open 30/11-2/12.
- About 80 emerging designers gather at Auktionsverket for a London-inspired Christmas market: unique handmade clothing, accessories, art, and décor. Open 23-25/11.
The city becomes one big Christmas market: from Nordstan to Haga, Kronhuset to Gustav Adolf Square, even out to the splendid Gunnebo Castle in the suburbs.
You’ll also find other Christmas markets dotted around Gothenburg. Here are more details:
- Haga Christmas Market: Vintage style, open Saturdays and Sundays from November 30 to December 22.
- Kronhuset Christmas Market: Artisans in period dress exhibit their crafts. Open November 30–December 15, closed Mondays.
- Nordstan Shopping Center Christmas Market: Artists and artisans show a variety of goods daily from November 14 to December 30.
- Röda Sten Art Centre Christmas Market: Held in the captivating space called The Cathedral, open November 20–December 1 (Friday 17:00–20:00, Saturday–Sunday 12:00–17:00).
- Gunnebo Castle Christmas Market: Just outside Gothenburg, offering organic food and local crafts. Stalls are open November 23–24 and November 30–December 1; the castle is open for tours year-round.
For a break from the cold, don’t miss a Swedish fika (coffee break) at one of Haga’s cozy cafes in the historic center. Sample lussekatter (homemade saffron buns for Christmas) or giant cinnamon rolls (kanelbullar) at Café Husaren.
The famous Swedish smörgåsbord becomes Julbord for Christmas, featuring marinated herring in all styles, venison pâté, smoked reindeer, gravad lax (marinated salmon)—all washed down with beer and aquavit.
You can also enjoy a day trip into nature or along the coast, where you’ll find more Christmas buffets and magical landscapes.
At Gunnebo Castle—one of Northern Europe’s main neoclassical country estates—a market of about 35 organic food and craft stalls is held, with guided tours and free entry to the grand gardens (open 24-25/11 and 1-2/12). The neighboring restaurant serves a fantastic Christmas buffet with organic ingredients. Gunnebo can be reached in 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by tram and bus.
Locals love visiting Styrsö in the Gothenburg archipelago for the Christmas buffet at Styrsö Skäret guesthouse, with homemade specialties, fresh fish and seafood from the surrounding ocean, and local products. The buffet is available November 23–December 15. Reach the island in 15-25 minutes by ferry from the Saltholmen tram stop in southwest Gothenburg.
Fifty minutes northwest of Gothenburg lies the picturesque island of Marstrand—teeming with life in summer but peaceful in winter, ideal for those seeking a tranquil West Coast atmosphere. At the summit stands Carlstens Fortress, which hosts a popular Christmas market from November 8–11. The fortress is dressed up for the season, illuminated by torches and decorated with Christmas cheer. Many of Sweden’s best artisans exhibit here, and you can taste and buy local specialties. Marstrand is accessible by bus or car.
Herring lovers should book a Christmas package at the floating hotel Salt&Sill on Klädesholmen island, 50 minutes north of Gothenburg—famous for serving herring in every style. Package includes overnight stay, breakfast, glögg, and Christmas buffet, November 23–December 13, 1,325 SEK/person (126 euros).
The SANTA LUCIA Festival
Santa Lucia celebrations are among Sweden’s most cherished traditions. Every December 13th, Swedes mark the festival with songs, candles, and saffron pastries called “lussebullar.” In offices, schools, and homes, the day begins with the Lucia procession, everyone in white with candles in hand, Lucia herself wearing a crown of candles. There will be concerts in several city churches, including the Cathedral on December 9, 12, 13, and 15, and Haga church on December 13.
How to get there: Flights with a stopover available from Rome with Norwegian.
