Heidi Gothenburg, the pearl of Sweden’s west coast, transforms every winter into the enchanting Julstaden (Christmas City). With thousands of twinkling lights, atmospheric Christmas markets, and unique festive events, this is the perfect destination for your winter city break in 2025.
Discover the essential tips below for an unforgettable Christmas in Gothenburg, ensuring you don’t miss any of the magic!
Julstaden Gothenburg: Sweden’s Christmas City
The Christmas season in Gothenburg officially begins with the lighting of the festive decorations. The city is traditionally illuminated around mid-November. In 2025, Julstaden opens on 14th November and runs until 7th January 2026 (just before St. Knut’s Day), meaning you can enjoy the Christmas spirit for even longer!
The Singing Christmas Tree (Den Sjungande Julgranen) was definitely one of my favourites. A simple but brilliant concept that delivers instant Christmas joy.
Christmas at Liseberg: Sweden’s largest festive market
Jul på Liseberg is not just any Christmas market; it’s the largest in Sweden, drawing around 500,000 visitors annually. The famous Liseberg amusement park is transformed into a sparkling Christmas paradise, illuminated by no fewer than 5 million Christmas lights!
What to Expect: Eighty charming stalls, winter-open rides, cosy fireplaces to warm up by, and a variety of food options. Even though we visited on a rainy day, the thousands of lights are truly magical. So, even if you don’t go on any rides, Liseberg is certainly worth a visit during the festive season.
Every opening day concludes with a show on the ice rink. In previous years, the ice ballets ‘The Nutcracker’ and ‘Swan Lake’ have been performed. This ice show is followed by a fireworks and laser display. During the day, there are also various performances and entertainment throughout the park.
All information regarding the programme, opening times, and prices can be found on their website.
The Julpaddan to Liseberg: unique festive transport
Make your visit to Liseberg extra special with the Julpaddan, a Christmas version of the famous sightseeing boat. Your adventure begins at Kungsportsplatsen with traditional glögg (Swedish mulled wine) and pepparkakor (ginger biscuits), after which you sail through the historic canals and the Mölndalsån river to the park. An onboard guide will point out the sights along the way. The Julpaddan only sails from Friday to Sunday and on the last few days before Christmas. Check here for more information. On certain days, you can also take an old tram to Liseberg. This tram departs from Drottningtorget.
Christmas in Haga: traditional Swedish charm
The historic district of Haga, with its picturesque cobblestones and wooden houses, is the perfect backdrop for a traditional Christmas. Here you’ll find the ultimate Swedish mys (cosiness).
Highlights: Besides the stalls of local traders, brass bands, majorettes, and perhaps even a visit from Father Christmas add extra atmosphere. Warm up with a fika (coffee break with treats) in one of the cosy cafés such as Husaren, Kringlan, or Hebbelelle.
Haga Christmas Market 2025: The traditional Christmas market along Haga Nygata takes place during the four Advent weekends from 29th November to 21st December 2025 (Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm).
Gothenburg’s Christmas markets & festive shopping
Kronhusjul at Kronhuset & Kronhusbodarna
It was here I discovered the silversmith where I bought my favourite earrings. Kronhusjul offers a traditional Christmas market in Gothenburg’s oldest building. Kronhuset dates back to 1654. Here you’ll find a Christmas market with many authentic handmade products. The artisans in the small houses around Kronhuset also open their doors. You can watch them work and, of course, pick up some lovely Christmas presents. For a light bite or fika, head to Café Kronhuset.
Kronhusjul practical info: the Christmas market in Kronhuset and Kronhusbodarna is open from 27th November to 21st December 2025. Check their website for the most recent information.
Christmas shopping in Gothenburg
Gothenburg is an excellent city for Christmas shopping.
- Nordstan Christmas Market: Besides the more traditional markets, you can also visit the Nordstan shopping centre for a large Christmas market featuring various handmade products (expected: 1st to 23rd December 2025).
- Beyond Retro: For fans of the ‘ugly Christmas jumper’, the Beyond Retro shop (near Arkaden) is often the place to find the best and most unique examples in December.
- Sales (Rea): Note: most shops close early on 24th December. But the good news: the annual Swedish sales (rea) traditionally begin on 26th December!
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day in Gothenburg
Conclude your winter trip with the turn of the year.
- Countdown Moment: Around midnight, up to 15,000 revellers gather at Götaplatsen to count down to the New Year together.
- New Year’s Fireworks: The newspaper Göteborgs-Posten annually treats the city to a spectacular fireworks display on 31st December at 5:00 pm. The best place to see this is along the quays by the Gothenburg Opera House.
