While lots of European cities have popular festive markets, the Gothenburg Christmas markets offer all of the traditional attractions – and yet the city manages to be different. That includes sustainable markets (Kronhuset), a theme park (Liseberg) and fashionable stalls in a trendy area (Haga). There’s also a vegan Christmas market and a market held at an art school.
That’s when Sweden’s vibrant coastal city morphs into a festive fun destination with several Christmas markets, each with its own distinct character.
Here, the Christmas.co.uk offer tips and advice to ensure your trip to this festive event is as enjoyable as it should be.
When are the Gothenburg Christmas markets in 2024?
Sweden’s second city offers a variety of Christmas markets, each catering to different interests. Here are some of the most popular:
Liseberg Christmas market: Located at the Liseberg amusement park, this market offers a combination of festive fun, thrilling rides and dazzling illuminations. Visitors also get ice skating, and more than 80 stalls packed with delicacies and local crafts.
The Liseberg Christmas market runs from November 16 to December 29 2024
It’s worth noting that there are several entrance prices to the market. You can get basic admission to have a stroll around the park and stalls for 120 SEK or £9. There’s a general entry ticket for a little bit more that gives access to the rides. And if you buy the Gothenburg City Card then the entrance price to Liseberg’s Christmas market is included. The card costs from 355 SEK (£34) for 24 hours and provides access to various attractions.
- Haga Christmas market: Held on the picturesque Haga Nygata Street in Gothenburg’s historic Haga district, this market boasts a traditional atmosphere with local crafts, Swedish delicacies and charming wooden stalls. It runs on weekends from November 30 to December 22, 2024
- The Kronhuset Christmas market: Found in the historic Kronhuset building, this market offers a curated selection of high-quality Swedish design, art and fashion alongside gourmet food stalls. In 2024, the Kronhuset Christmas market will be held between the 1st and 3rd of December.
Other Christmas markets in Gothenburg:
- Tjolöholm Castle: Held on various weekends in November and December – in 2024, it will be the weekends between November 22nd to December 8th
- Hönö Klåva: Located on the Gothenburg archipelago – held on Saturday, November 30th 2024
- Nordstan shopping centre – December 3rd to December 23rd, 2024
- Vegan Christmas market at Ringön – November 25th, 2024
- Hönö Klåva in Advent: December 2-3 on an island called Hönö Klåva in the northern archipelago of Gothenburg
- Knippla Christmas market: December 9 among the harbour boathouses
- Bohus fortress: The market is held on December 2–3 at the impressive medieval fortress.
There’s more information about these markets, and others, on the official Gothenburg website.
Why visit the Christmas markets in Gothenburg?
Not only are Gothenburg’s Christmas markets different but they are a feast for the senses. We loved the city’s markets for their:
Festive treats: Steaming mug of glögg (mulled wine) infused with cinnamon, cloves and citrus. Plus, traditional Swedish treats like pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies), lussekatter (saffron buns) and varmkorv (hot dogs) served with a variety of toppings. Sample a bowl of julbord, a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet featuring herring, cured meats, cheeses and other delicacies.
- Handcrafted treasures: Explore a treasure trove of Swedish craftsmanship with unique glass ornaments depicting Swedish landmarks, hand-knitted woollen mittens and scarves perfect for the chilly weather, intricately carved wooden toys from local artisans, and traditional textiles featuring vibrant Swedish patterns. Be impressed by the skill of glassblowers, woodcarvers and textile weavers showcasing their talents.
- Festive entertainment: We loved the heart-warming atmosphere with traditional Swedish carols sung by local choirs. The light displays illuminating the city’s architecture are dazzling and Christmas decorations in the streets are excellent.
To underline what a great destination this city is, Gothenburg also offers lots of other attractions including:
- The Volvo Museum: Learn about the history of Sweden’s iconic car brand at the Volvo Museum, showcasing a collection of classic cars, interactive exhibits and the story of car maker’s innovation
- The Maritiman Museum: The city’s maritime heritage is on show at the Maritiman Museum, featuring historic ships, exhibitions on shipbuilding and seafaring, and an aquarium showcasing marine life from the North Sea
- Feskekörka Fish market: Feskekörka Fish market is a bustling marketplace housed in a beautiful redbrick building, offering fresh seafood, local delicacies and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Archipelago adventure: Take take a trip to explore the scenic Gothenburg archipelago and visit car-free islands like Styrsö or Brännö, known for their charming fishing villages, hiking trails and stunning landscapes.
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Christmas in Gothenburg at Liseberg
The Christmas market at Liseberg Amusement Park is the focus of this video from CrazyTroll – Travel Norway as the park transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland.
The venue is one of Europe’s most popular amusement parks and attracts fans that are young and old.
Spread across its 25 hectares, the park has a bustling hub of attractions, shops, eateries, concert venues and picnic spots.
After paying the entrance fee, there’s a great festive atmosphere to soak in.
The presenters make clear that for anyone wanting to enjoy the rides, then the all-in-one bracelet (Alt i Ett) will offer unrestricted access to all open attractions.
In 4K, the video footage of the rides at Liseberg Park are impressive and the festive lights help create a stunning attraction. The wooden roller coaster manages to look even more daunting when lit in festive lights!
You can also visit Santa Claus’s house, or Tomtefar in Swedish. Here, you can pen your Christmas wish list and hopefully, receive a friendly wave from Santa himself!
The park also hosts a chocolate lottery where you can try to win a giant chocolate bar.
Throughout the park, there are lovely Christmas market stalls offering gifts, souvenirs and tasty treats.
And next to the summer concert stage is a skating rink, complete with lights and music.
The park’s mascot, a family of green rabbits, even has its own underground attraction called ‘Underlandet’.
The video makes clear that as a destination for a Christmas market, there’s a lot to enjoy at Liseburg for everyone.
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The history of Gothenburg’s Christmas markets
Gothenburg’s Christmas markets tradition dates to the late 19th century, when they were originally established as a seasonal market for locals.
Over time, they have evolved into major attractions, showcasing Swedish culture and traditions while retaining their warm and welcoming spirit.
The charming wooden stalls often reflect the city’s architectural heritage, adding to the authentic atmosphere.
We think there are several factors that make these Christmas markets stand out:
- Festive fun for all ages: Gothenburg caters to all interests and Liseberg Christmas market offers a wonderland of rides and attractions for families. while the Haga’s market provides a charming and traditional experience. The Kronhuset Christmas market appeals to those seeking unique Swedish design
- Archipelago charm: We can recommend visiting Gothenburg’s stunning archipelago with more than 20 islands waiting to be explored. They can be reached by ferry and most offer tranquillity – the markets held on them are certainly worth a detour
- A culinary adventure: This is a great opportunity to indulge in the unique tastes and flavours of Swedish cuisine. This includes the traditional julbord and the city’s vibrant food scene offers everything from fresh seafood to Michelin-starred restaurants. The market stalls also offer tasty, fresh Swedish delights.
Tips to enjoy Gothenburg’s Christmas markets
It’s well worth taking to time to plan your visit to Gothenburg, especially if you want to add a trip to one of the islands. Here are some tips:
Planning: Aim to visit on weekdays, if possible, to avoid weekend crowds, especially at Liseberg Christmas market. Book your accommodation well in advance, particularly during peak season
Clothing: Gothenburg winters can be chilly, with temperatures hovering around freezing. That means packing warm layers – thermals, a winter coat, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots with good grip are essential
- Currency: Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK) so carry some cash – not all the stalls will accept cards.
- Souvenirs: Keep an eye out for unique Swedish keepsakes such as a hand-blown glass ornament depicting a Swedish elk or a traditional dala horse, a beautifully crafted wooden toy. We can recommend locally produced jams, chocolates and sweets to take a taste of Sweden back home
- Basic Swedish phrases: It’s not the easiest of languages to learn but using a few basic Swedish phrases will be appreciated – and practising will help! For example: ‘Hej’ (Hello), ‘Tack’ (Thank you), ‘Varsågod’ (You’re welcome), ‘Ursäkta mig’ (Excuse me), and ‘Hur mycket kostar det här? (How much does this cost?).
Other Christmas markets to visit
Along with the smaller markets being held on the islands, a trip to Gothenburg could also include a trip to these Christmas markets:
- Copenhagen Christmas markets: This Danish city is a magical place during Christmas with excellent Christmas markets to visit. Usually open from mid-November to December 31st, with some smaller markets closing a bit earlier. The city offers a wonderful festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, Christmas music and locals enjoying the spirit of the season. Read about our visit to the impressive Copenhagen Christmas markets – you can catch trains that will do the 87 miles or 313 km journey in 3.5 hours.
- Oslo Christmas markets: Oslo boasts several Christmas markets with a festive atmosphere and a chance to experience Norwegian holiday traditions. The most popular is the market at Jul i Vinterland (Christmas in Winterland) at Spikersuppa in the heart of the city. It has lots of stalls, an ice-skating rink and a Ferris wheel for a touch of magic.
It’s also worth noting that Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, has a charming Christmas market offering local crafts, Swedish delicacies and a beautiful setting.
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Liseberg’s Christmas market – Gothenburg
Here’s another video of Liseburg Christmas market (it really is a popular attraction) from Peter’s Gothenburg Guide.
The visit is much busier than seen in the video above and the festive lights help this market stand out.
There’s a great selection of food stalls and the ice rink is very popular.
The buildings and attractions have been bedecked in lights and the chocolate lottery is popular – you really can win huge bars of chocolate that need two arms to carry.
There’s no commentary but the video offers a good perspective of what is on offer.
The market has the usual gifts and souvenirs so if you want something unusual, it looks like you might struggle here.
Otherwise, the market is easy to get to, the entrance fee is cheap and there’s a lot to do and enjoy. The rides are great and there’s a good mix of stalls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kMXJILgwjQ
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How to visit the Gothenburg’s Christmas markets
- Flying: Numerous airlines offer direct flights from major UK airports to Gothenburg Landvetter Airport. Flying from the UK to Gothenburg for the Christmas markets is quite straightforward. There are flights from London Heathrow, Manchester, Stansted, Gatwick and Edinburgh. Flights are available from Ryanair, British Airways, KLM and Lufthansa. Flying direct in December with British Airways can cost around £211 and take two hours on Booking.com. Other carriers have stopover flights for similar prices, but the journey takes twice as long.
- Train: Taking the train from London to Amsterdam and then connecting to Gothenburg by train is another option. This route offers the chance to explore another European city on your journey.
- Driving: Driving from the UK is also possible, but be prepared for potential tolls, wintery road conditions and ferry costs. Most routes will go Holland, for example from Harwich and Hull, and you’ll have to drive from there.
- Bus: It’s a 30-hour trip but costs from £63, according to Flexbus.
Where to stay in Gothenburg
We found that Gothenburg offers a variety of accommodation options, from charming waterfront hotels to cosy guesthouses and Airbnbs.
Here are some ideas for budget accommodation during the Christmas markets: Linnéplatsens Hotell och Vandrarhem is an unpretentious option with shared kitchen facilities, starting at £38 per night. It’s located close to the Haga Christmas market.
If you want something a bit plusher for your stay, then the Scandic Göteborg Central is a contemporary hotel with chic restaurant and rooftop bar, starting at £83 per night. It’s situated near the Nordstan Christmas market. Hotel Riverton and Göteborg Mini-Hotel are worth considering. There is also the Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel is a polished property with a spa, indoor pools, harbour views, and starts at £97 per night. It’s close to the Liseberg Christmas market.
For a luxurious treat, there’s the Hotel Pigalle which is a two-star boutique hotel with a rating of 9 out of 10 according to TripAdvisor.
Or there’s the Hotel & Ristorante Bellora, another luxurious boutique hotel with unique designs.
A great alternative to hotels in Gothenburg are Airbnbs and there’s an impressive selection. You can find Airbnbs throughout Gothenburg, including cosy cabins in the archipelago or apartments right in the city centre.
Prices start around £50 per night, but can vary depending on size, location and amenities.
If you haven’t been to Gothenburg before, here are the best areas to consider for your stay:
For first timers looking for a central location then Centrum in the heart of Gothenburg is perfect for sightseeing with its historical canals, shopping streets, and easy access to public transport. It offers a variety of accommodation options.
You should also consider Linné and Haga which were once the hipster havens of Gothenburg and still offer a unique atmosphere. Linné is now known for its peaceful streets and family-friendly cafes, while Haga boasts a historic atmosphere with charming wooden houses.
If you are on a budget then Majorna is cheaper than the city centre, while still offering a lively atmosphere with young people, bars and restaurants.
Budgeting for your Christmas market trip
There’s a lot to see and do in Gothenburg and to help you put together a budget, this is what you could spend:
Food and drink: Christmas market food: £5-£10 per meal; coffee/tea: £2-£3; glögg (mulled wine): £4-£5; beer: £4-£6 and a restaurant meal (mid-range) is £20-£30. You should try the traditional Swedish Christmas buffet, or ‘Julbord’, which usually includes, pickled herring, liver pate and Swedish meatballs. This is also the chance to taste great local specialities such as traditional saffron buns, marzipan sweets and gingerbread cookies. Expect to spend around £20-£50 per day.
- Accommodation: Budget hotels: Prices start from around £50 per night (hostels start at £25); mid-range hotels: Prices range from £80 to £150 per night; luxury hotels: Prices start from around £200 per night. Airbnb: Prices vary greatly but you can expect to spend around £60-£120 per night.
- Transport: Gothenburg has an extensive public transport system including trams and buses. A day pass for public transport in Gothenburg costs around £8. A taxi is around £15, and Uber and Bolt rides are cheaper.
- Souvenirs and gifts: Again, the cost for souvenirs and gifts can vary greatly depending on what you buy, but you can expect to spend around £10-£50.
Christmas markets in Gothenburg
Gothenburg’s Christmas markets offer a captivating blend of festive cheer, traditional Swedish charm and some come with a unique archipelago setting.
We found the markets were very different from German offerings and the diverse markets cater to all interests. There’s also plenty of delicious Swedish food – and it’s not all about meatballs!
With the islands and great tourist attractions nearby, there’s a lot to recommend the Christmas markets in Gothenburg.
