Often underrated compared to Stockholm, Gothenburg is a hidden gem in West Sweden just waiting to be discovered. As the world’s most sustainable destination, and 2020’s European Capital of Smart tourism, Gothenburg really is making a name for itself. Hence my recent visit to experience the famed Gothenburg Christmas market. During our three day city break, we explored multiple Swedish Christmas markets, shopped from local designers and embraced the Swedish fika culture. Here is my definitive guide to the Gothenburg Christmas markets, including other things to do in Gothenburg, how to get there, where to stay and where to eat.
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Liseberg Christmas Markets in Gothenburg
The best place in Gothenburg to get into the Christmas spirit has to be Liseberg Amusement Park.
Nearly 100 years old, it is home to the largest Christmas markets in Sweden and regularly pulls in half a million visitors.
For Christmas, Liseberg is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Not only can you ride the rollercoasters, but you can visit Santa in his workshop, see the festive ice skating show, enjoy a Swedish Christmas buffet and visit several of Gothenburg’s Christmas markets all in one place.
Christmas at Liseberg is made even more special by the five million Christmas lights that illuminate the theme park.
Of course being based in Gothenburg, the world’s most sustainable city (4 times in a row), means the Christmas lights are all powered by Liseberg’s very own wind turbine.
Just one of the ways that the city of Gothenburg is setting an example for the rest of the world.
Christmas at Liseberg 2022 is due to open from November 19–20, 25–27 and December 1–4, 7–11, 14–30.
Don’t miss the new feature for 2022: the Live at Liseberg concert screenings by Lilla Scenen.
TOP TIP: Entrance to the park can be combined with ride tickets depending on what you want to experience.
Liseberg Old Fashioned Christmas Market
Enjoy the Gothenburg at Christmas atmosphere at Liseberg’s winter wonderland.
Rows of Christmas market stalls fill the amusement park, selling everything from Christmas decorations and gifts to toffee apples, hot chocolate, churros, mulled wine and roasted nuts.
Liseberg Designer Christmas Market Sweden
Take the festively decorated escalator up to the indoor Liseberg’s designer market in Liseberg Tower.
The Liseberg atmosphere is much more modern here.
You’ll find beautiful Christmas presents including designer goods and crafts from well known Swedish brands as well as independent exhibitors.
Swedish Christmas Buffet at Liseberg
Once you’ve shopped till you drop, and ridden one rollercoaster after another, you’ll be ready to enjoy a Swedish Christmas buffet called a ‘julbord’.
The Stjärnornas Krog restaurant at Liseberg is a favourite, so make sure you book well in advance.
Enjoy hot and cold traditional Swedish favourites such as ‘julskinka‘ (Christmas ham), ‘gravad lax‘ (cured salmon), ‘sill’ (pickled herring), ‘lussekatter’ (saffron buns) and ‘risgrynsgröt‘ (rice pudding).
However, don’t forget to leave space for the all important ‘gottebord’.
It is the finale of any Swedish Christmas meal and includes a long table filled with sweet and chocolatey treats.
The perfect place to live out your Charlie and the Chocolate factory dreams!
Ice Skating at Liseberg Sweden
Youngsters can get into the festive spirit and join Julius the Rabbit on an ice skating adventure.
Adults don’t need to miss out though as Ice skating is included in the cost of admission, you just need to leave 50 SEK deposit for the skates.
Booking is not required, so make sure you enjoy the disco lights and music with your friends and family at After Ice.
Liseberg Rides and Attractions
Wild rollercoasters, dizzying rides, and spinning carousels make up just some of the 30 rides and attractions at Liseberg.
During the Christmas season there are special ride passes available, some include express passes that will help you skip the queue.
These are definitely recommended if you want to save time, and minimise your time in the cold.
Liseberg includes everything from bumper cars, a haunted house, a ferris wheel and plenty of rides for children.
Just remember to wrap up warm and don’t underestimate the weather.
The night we visited hit -5 degrees but the speed of the rides coupled with the wind chill meant it felt a lot colder.
I can highly recommend the fire pits found throughout the amusement park, they are the quickest way to stay warm!
Ride recommendations: Balder & Valkyria. Both very different, faster than expected and lasted longer than anticipated.
Haga Christmas Market in Gothenburg
Haga Nygata is home to one of the most visited Gothenburg Christmas markets.
The charming streets are decorated in spruces, and exhibitors sell unique products as well as delicious Christmas delicacies.
The most unique offering is horse riding for children along the cobbled stone streets of Haga Nygata alongside the live music.
The Haga Christmas market is open on weekends between November 27 2022 and December 19 2022.
Kronhuset Christmas Market in Gothenburg
Visit the traditional Gothenburg Christmas markets in Kronhuset, one of the cities oldest buildings.
The indoor market stalls sell traditional items from local craftsmen and it is the best place to enjoy a glass of glögg – Swedish mulled wine.
New for 2022, the St. Lucia parade with child artists from the Swedish Ballet School, expect dancing gingerbread cookies! From 8-11 December 2022.
Kronhuset Christmas market Gothenburg is due to open from 27 November to 19 December 2022.
TOP TIP: If you have a sweet tooth visit Choklad & Karamellfabrik. This shop is filled with unique chocolates, fudge, gingerbread and sweets.
Christmas Market in Nordstan
Located at Nordstan Shopping Center, this Gothenburg Christmas market is a great option if you want to keep warm and stay inside.
There are different handicraft exhibitors and on stage performances of Christmas and classic St. Lucia songs.
Open from 2 – 22 December 2022.
Gothenburg Art and Design Christmas Fair – *Not Opening in 2022*
Open for one weekend only, the Art and Design Christmas Fair is based at the iconic Röda Sten Konsthall.
Once a boiler house, it was saved from demolishment and is now a space for Swedish and international artists to exhibit their work and run creative workshops and lectures.
The Art and Design Christmas fair fills the cathedral space and offers plenty of decorative gifts.
It is the most modern of the Gothenburg Christmas markets, and steers away from traditional items, instead opting for contemporary Christmas gifts created by local, national and international designers and artisans.
The Röda Sten Art centre is located under the Älvsborg bridge at the harbour entrance.
The easiest way to reach it is by a 15 minute ferry from the city centre.
The Gothenburg Art and Design Christmas fair is due to open Friday 29 November 5– 8pm, Saturday 30 November 12 – 5pm, Sunday 1 December 12 – 5pm
Entrance fee: 20 SEK. Free up to 26 years and for members of Röda Sten Cultural Association.
DON’T FORGET to bring SEK in cash. Card is often not accepted unless you have enabled the Swedish Swish mobile payment method.
6 More Things to do in Gothenburg Sweden
The below options are easy to fit into a weekend city break in Gothenburg, but if you have more time make sure you check out the other fun things to do in Gothenburg.
1. Join the Paddan tour
Running most of the year round, the Paddan sightseeing boats start from the city centre and allow visitors to explore the 17th century canals that run through Gothenburg.
We joined the Paddan Christmas tour, which included mulled wine and gingerbread cookies.
The journey lasted 40 minutes and took us on the scenic route from the city to Liseberg Christmas market.
TOP TIP: The Paddan sightseeing tour AND entry to Liseberg amusement park is FREE with The Go City Gothenburg Pass
2. Visit the Gothenburg Palm House
Arguably one of the best free things to do in Gothenburg is the Palmhuset.
Open daily from 10am – 4pm, this lush greenhouse is filled with natural beauty from all corners of the globe.
Experiencing the warmth of this tropical hideaway, makes you feel a thousand miles away from winter in Sweden.
3. Visit the Fish Church
Just a stone’s throw away from Haga, is Feskekôrka, a mecca for fish and seafood lovers.
The Feskekôrka, or Fish Church as its affectionately known, is an indoor fish market dating back to 1874.
With fresh fish for sale and a popular restaurant, this canalside “church” is a must see in Gothenburg.
4. Shop at Magasinsgatan
Magasinsgatan is home to local Swedish fashion brands and interior shops like Acne, Velour, Grandpa, Heyday, Nudie Jeans and Artilleriet.
It’s a great place to shop local for homeware and unique gifts, all year round especially if you visit outside of the Gothenburg Christmas markets.
My favourite shop in this area has to be, Floramor och Krukatös, a flower shop hidden away in the backyard of Da Matteo.
5. Listen to the Christmas Carols and Songs by the Moat *Not on for 2022*
Another one to add to the list of free things to do in Gothenburg in winter.
Head down to Kungstorget, and listen to a unique choir singing your favourite Christmas music whilst they drift by on the Paddan sightseeing boats.
These Christmas concerts are on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 28 November to 19 December.
This is not found near any of the Gothenburg Christmas markets so you need to do a special trip, but it’s totally worth it!
There are also some special performances by more local and well known artists on stage between 15 to 19 December 2022.
6. Visit the Christmas Markets on the Outskirts of Gothenburg in December
If you want to see more of West Sweden, visit the archipelago island of Hönö, home to the Hönö Klava market.
Hönö island can be reached from the centre of Gothenburg by boat from the Stenpiren pier.
The Christmas Markets in Hönö are due to be held on 26 to 27th November 2022.
If you want to experience something truly unique, enjoy the Christmas markets inside some of Sweden’s famed castles!
- Tjöloholm Castle – Built from 1898 to 1904, the architecture is a mix of 14th century English style, Art Nouveau and includes some innovative design features. The Christmas markets in Tjolöholm castle are running from 11 to 27th November 2022.
- Gunnebo Slott – Just a short drive or bus ride from the city centre of Gothenburg, this 18th century building is home to some of the most beautiful gardens you’ll see. The Christmas markets at Gunnebo Slott are running from 19 to 20 and 26 to 27 November 2022.
- Nääs Fabriker – A beautiful estate not far from Gothenburg, you can even rent rooms here if you want to stay for the weekend. Christmas markets at Nääs Slott are due to be run on 26 to 27th November 2022.
Photo by Will Rose
Guided Tours in Gothenburg
If you would prefer to join a guided sightseeing tour of the Christmas city of Gothenburg Sweden, check out the below.
How to get to Gothenburg City
Swedens second city is easily accessible via plane, train and bus.
You can fly into Gothenburg Landvetter international airport (GOT), one of the worlds few carbon neutral airports. GOT can be reached directly from London in less than two hours.
In addition, the airport is located only 20km from the city centre, meaning a journey time of thirty minutes on the Flygbussarna shuttle bus.
Flights from London to Gothenburg Christmas Markets start from £20, and a shuttle bus ticket costs £12 if booked online.
If you prefer a private airport transfer you can book one here.
If you prefer to travel by train, you can reach the Scandinavian capitals. The journey times are just under 4 hours from Oslo, 3 hours from Stockholm and 3.5 hours from Copenhagen.
Buses are also an option. Long distance and express bus companies like Flixbus, Nettbus and Bus4you, connect Gothenburg with the rest of Scandinavia.
The journey time is 3.5 hours from Oslo, 6.5 hours from Stockholm, 3.5 hours from Malmö and 5 hours from Copenhagen.
In and around Gothenburg you can use trams or ferries, but most of the city including the Gothenburg Sweden Christmas market can be reached on foot.
Where to Stay for the Gothenburg Christmas Markets
Hotel Bellora
Situated in the city centre and within walking distance of all the main attractions is Hotel Bellora. A boutique hotel with a stylish and bustling Italian restaurant.
The decor is a unique mix of floral and dolce vita, that needs to be seen to be appreciated.
The breakfast is a highlight, with plenty of choices. Everything from cereals, yoghurt, fruit, eggs, breads, cheese and cold and cooked meats.
TOP TIP: Even if you aren’t hungry, try the “make your own” crispy waffle station at breakfast. Remember to add jam and cream, you won’t regret it!
Where to Eat in Gothenburg Sweden
Gothenburg in Sweden is a foodies paradise.
Portions are just the right size, and you never feel like you’ve over done it.
Gothenburg is also much more affordable that Stockholm, but encompasses the same high quality ingredients and flair that the Swedish capital is famous for.
From Swedish fika to three course meals, the below are all great options to keep your hunger at bay.
Da Matteo – THE place for fika. You’ll find branches dotted all over Gothenburg.
Da Matteo pride themselves on their coffee and run several masterclasses for visitors interested in learning.
Cafe Husaren – Found along the charming streets of Haga, this classic cafe is officially home to the largest cinnamon buns in Sweden.
However, the secret is out, and this cafe is popular with tourists. Be prepared to wait for a table or visit during the week when its quieter.
Saluhullen market hall – The market hall has retained its old world charm since 1889.
Centrally located, it is a great place to sample delicacies as well as tuck into an affordable lunch.
Restaurant Atelier – This beautifully decorated restaurant is found on the 4th floor of the Hotel Pigalle.
During the week, there is a different daily lunch menu, including fish or vegetarian options.
During the summer, the rooftop bar is one the best places to enjoy the weather.
Swedish Taste – The perfect place for brunch is located in the 18th century vaults of the Nordiska Kompaniet.
Fresh and local produce makes this restaurant a hit.
Kafe Magasinet – An instagrammable orangery serving pizza and salads. Perfect for weekend lunches with friends.
Restaurant Gården – An ever changing menu that focuses on local ingredients and what’s in season. Try the three course meal here and let the waiter decide what to bring you.
Restaurant vRÅ – This newly renovated restaurant is found in the Clarion Hotel Post.
This fusion restaurant combines Japanese flavours with Scandinavian ingredients, and is excellent value for money.
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I hope this covers everything you need to plan your trip to one of the best Scandinavian Christmas markets. Feel free to leave any comments or queries below.
Disclaimer: My Gothenburg Christmas markets trip was organised by the Goteborg tourism board however opinions as always are my own.
