Visiting Liseberg Christmas Market in Gothenburg

Liseberg Christmas Market, Gothenburg

Stockholm might be Sweden’s largest city but it’s secondary to Gothenburg in the battle of the Christmas markets. Liseberg Christmas Market is the biggest of its kind in Scandinavia, and pulls out all the stops for a show-stopping event.

During the festive season, visitors can enjoy 5,000,000 twinkling lights, an assortment of stalls, roller-coaster rides, glögg (mulled wine), gingerbread cookies and a spectacular ice show.

With so many seasonal offerings, it’s the perfect place to indulge in the holiday festivities. Located in Haga, the old and picturesque quarter of Gothenburg, Liseberg Christmas Market is a must-do activity for anyone exploring the city at this time of year.

Gothenburg, Liseberg Christmas Market

Liseberg Christmas Market

The stalls at Liseberg Christmas Market

The heart and soul of the Liseberg Christmas Market are its stalls, which offer a delightful array of handmade crafts, traditional Swedish delicacies, and unique gifts. From intricately designed Christmas ornaments to cosy knitted mittens and locally produced culinary delights, there’s something for everyone.

For those seeking the perfect holiday gifts, the market is a treasure trove. Indulge in Swedish craftsmanship as you explore wooden toys, leather goods, and a variety of artisanal products that showcase Sweden’s talent and creativity.

In addition to this, there’s also a variety of amusement rides to enjoy too, and for a panoramic view of the city, don’t miss a ride on the Ferris Wheel.

The Ferris Wheel in Liseberg Amusement Park

Trying the local food

As I was walking around, lapping up the sights and sounds of Christmas joy I found my stomach grumbling as I passed by the stalls. Unable to put my hunger at bay, I picked one of the longer queues and hoped that its popularity would be reflected in the taste.

I’m not a fussy eater, but when I discovered I’d just paid for a reindeer doner kebab (I’d like to say it was a smörgås or open sandwich as it translates to in English, but it was definitely more like a kebab), I was quite surprised.

However, I’ve eaten reindeer a few times in Norway as it’s a local and common meat, just like sheep in the UK or kangaroos in Australia, so I didn’t waste time tucking in.

Reindeer meat might seem odd if you’re from the UK or other parts of the world, but like I said, it’s no different to eating pork, lamb, or beef if you’re in Sweden or other places across Scandinavia.

Reindeer sandwich in Gothenburg, Sweden

However, just two minutes after eating the reindeer meat and with the taste still lingering in my mouth, a Sami man walked past with two reindeer in tow!

Admittedly, I did feel a pang of guilt so I had to remind myself that I was in a country where reindeer are common and part of Scandinavian culture and cuisine.

This is especially true in places like the Arctic where types of fruit and vegetables cannot survive under severe climates and animals like reindeer can be essential for a healthier diet.

Reindeer at Liseberg Christmas Market

What does reindeer taste like?

It’s difficult to describe, but somewhere between lamb, beef and duck is how I’d describe it (others may object – feel free to add your thoughts in the comment box).

I’ve tried it in various forms, including salami and steak, and as you can probably imagine, steak is the best. It’s incredibly tender and delicious.

Soaking up the Xmas festivities in Gothenburg

Festivities in Gothenburg don’t stop at Liseberg. The centre of Gothenburg is decorated with simple and elegant lights in a way that pays homage to the minimal style synonymous with Scandinavian design.

But the Clarion Hotel Post shows that not all the decorations are so understated, dressed up as a huge present and elaborately wrapped up in a red and gold bow especially for Christmas!

Clarion Hotel Post, Gothenburg

The streets were brimming with colour and twinkling with lights.

Christmas lights in Gothenburg

Christmas lights in Gothenburg

If you’re looking for Christmas gifts and edible treats, then Kronhuset is a great place to visit.

You’ll find a glass-blowing shop, handmade crafts and clothing, and an old-school sweet shop filled with chocolates and sugar coated treats of all colours and variety.

I saw a house made of ginger biscuits that for a moment lured me in like Hansel and Gretel. I seriously considered buying it before having a stern word with myself. 

Chocolate Shop Gothenburg, Sweden

Santa Claus chocolate in Gothenburg

Chocolate shop, Gothernburg

Merry Christmas to all ye reading this.  Be happy, eat the size of a small baby, have a drink or two, sing-along to Wham, and fall asleep.

Would you like to visit Liseberg Christmas Market in Gothenburg?

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Hi, I'm Shing

Welcome to The Culture Map, a place where I share my travel guides, adventurous tales, and capture the inspiring diversity of our world.

8 Responses

  1. Well, you already took away my opportunity at the “Rudolph” jest at you 🙂 I get it though in eating what is available in the country you’re in. I’ve never had reindeer but I’m definitely intrigued after your description, Shing! Plus you mentioned duck which I think is amazing. Roasted my first one earlier this year and it was beyond yummy. Oh btw…I really like what you said about your concern with how the animals are raised and treated. That made me smile. Your photos are absolutely spectacular as always! It’s so beautifully festive there! But the food and treat pics. Now you’ve got my stomach grumbling…again! Merry Christmas to you and your’s, our friend! Mike and Phoenix 🙂

    1. I often think about becoming a vegetarian, for environmental reasons and so I don’t have to think about whether or not the meat I eat is ethically sourced and reared but I am weak minded. However, I think eating meat in moderation is the right balance for me and allows me to appreciate the various types of food in the places I visit. Plus, as you said, duck is beyond yummy and proves difficult to resist.

      I hope you’re planning to have copious amounts of food tomorrow and plenty more to save for the days following! 😀

  2. Those sweets must have been so good. They tend to step it up for the holidays. I feel there’s a cluster of continental, northern European lands including Sweden that have perfected the art of making chocolate.

    1. I actually didn’t try enough chocolate to make an accurate judgement, but the sweets were great. I usually savour my appetite for savoury food, which in Sweden is amazing. They take such care and pride in knowing where their ingredients come from.

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