A Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Gothenburg 2021

Glögg, the scent of sweet cinnamon, and the sparkle of a thousand twinkling fairy lights: there is perhaps no better time to enjoy the Swedish city of Gothenburg than during the winter time. When there’s always the excuse to enjoy fika and in a place where coffee shops are to be found in abundance, here’s your ultimate guide to the best Christmas Markets in Gothenburg.

Despite various shutdowns of Christmas Markets across Europe, the Gothenburg Christmas Markets are currently set to go ahead as planned. Of course, this could all change at a moment’s notice and so, while the markets are scheduled, this doesn’t mean that they will 100% happen.

Haga Julmarknad, Haga District Christmas Market

Christmas market date | 27th November -19 December 2021

Please note that this Christmas market only takes place on Saturdays and Sundays in the four weekends of Advent leading up to Christmas. The Haga Christmas market is one of the most popular and most visited in Gothenburg.

In a place which was once on the fringes of town but is now part of the Gothenburg city centre, parts of Haga district date all the way back to the 17th-century. All coffee shops and traditional wooden houses, the Haga Julmarknad market stalls can be found concentrated along Haga Nygata.

Best visited at dusk when the lights come on and hundreds of twinkling fairy lights shine above, the Haga Christmas Market is just as much about the boutique shops in the area as the pop-up stalls that line the streets. While in the area, be sure to check out the prettiest (and most Instagrammable) coffee shop in Gothenburg, Kafé Magasinet.

Kronhusjul, Kronhuset Christmas Market

Christmas market date | 2021 dates TBC

One of the best hidden gems in the city also happens to be one of the oldest buildings in the city. The Kronhuset dates all the way back to 1654 and its traditional brick architecture is easily recognisable once you round the corner.

While there are several stalls outside, the main event takes place in the hall’s interior. And so, even if it’s raining there’s plenty of craft stalls selling local wares and handmade goods to peruse.

Among some of the best stalls include those selling Christmas ornaments and another vendor selling chocolates. Nearby, the traditional sweet shop of Sibräcka Choklad AB is well worth a wander around.

Liseberg Funfair Christmas Market

Christmas market date | 19th November – end of December

As of 2020, a new feature of the Liseberg Christmas Market is its Christmas Lights show. Truth be told, the best (and largest) of Christmas markets in Gothenburg is easily that of Liseberg, which will return in 2021.

Set against the backdrop of a funfair, on the outskirts of the city, the rollercoasters carry on twisting as the chalets sell wares below and there’s even an indoor section for when it rains. Tickets for the event can be purchased from the 9th November onwards.

This enormous Christmas market is divided into various villages; there’s a medieval market (complete with its own burning fire), a children’s area, and of course, the rides are still running. Best seen midweek so as to avoid the crowds, although you have to pay to enter, entrance to the Christmas fair is included with the Gothenburg Pass.

Gothenburg Art and Design Christmas Fair

Christmas market date | TBC

One of the more unique Christmas Markets in Gothenburg is also one of the events that only takes place over the course of a weekend.

Christmas market at Tjolöholm Castle

Christmas market date | 12th November – 28th November

If you’re looking for a little early Christmas cheer, then you need to look no further than the Christmas Market at Tjolöholm Castle. The event takes place for several weeks in the middle of November and is one of Sweden’s largest Christmas markets.

As well as serving traditional Christmas market food, there’s the opportunity to purchase traditional goods and experience Christmas activities. All of this is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Tjolöholm Castle, which was constructed between 1898 and 1904.

Tips for visiting Gothenburg at Christmas

If you’re looking to take a trip to the West Coast of Sweden around Christmastime, then you’re in luck. Gothenburg is often dubbed as the ‘Christmas city’ and the entire place is decorated in fairy lights and coffee shops are to be found in abundance.

While the Christmas markets are magical, there are also plenty of museums to check out, and obviously, you can always take a road trip along the Bohuslan coastline.

Other Christmas activities in Gothenburg include ice skating and enjoying the city’s incredible foodie scene. For more ideas and inspiration, check out my guide to visiting Gothenburg in the winter.

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