The Christmas city Gothenburg has a lot to offer but lots of cozy markets, Christmas at Liseberg, magical Christmas concerts and shows, ice skating and a lovely atmosphere. Gothenburg offers a blend of traditional Swedish Christmas celebrations, festive markets, and winter activities that create a warm and inviting atmosphere during the winter months. Christmas time is one of the most wonderful times of the year in our opinion, so we have compiled some of our Christmas favorites in Gothenburg, as well as what happens at the hotel.

Christmas at Hotel Riverton

Are you still looking for inspiration for what to do during the Advent weekends, Christmas or the intervening days? Christmas is the most atmospheric time of the year and we have several offers to make your holiday in Gothenburg an unforgettable time. Unwind in our SPA, have dinner with a fantastic view of Gothenburg or explore everything that the christmas enchanted city of Gothenburg has to offer. We also recommend our popular Christmas table, which is served from the end of November to the middle of December.

Christmas activities in Gothenburg

Experience "Jul på Liseberg": Liseberg amusement park hosts a special Christmas event called "Jul på Liseberg." Jul på Liseberg is a beloved annual event that attracts both locals and visitors from around the world. It combines the thrill of an amusement park with the charm of a Christmas market, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere that captures the essence of the holiday season.The park is beautifully decorated with lights and decorations, and you can enjoy festive entertainment such as concerts, Christmas shows, and ice skating apart from the thrilling roller coasters. Jul på Liseberg offers a variety of entertainment options and shows that are suitable for visitors of all ages. The park hosts live concerts, choir performances, and captivating stage productions with a Christmas theme. These performances feature talented artists, musicians, and dancers who create a joyful and festive atmosphere.

Enjoy ice skating in the city: Gothenburg offers several outdoor ice rinks during the winter. One popular spot is the ice rink at Kungstorget, where you can rent skates and glide across the ice while enjoying the festive surroundings. Liseberg is another popular spot which sets up an outdoor ice rink where visitors can lace up their skates and glide across the ice as a part of their holiday experience in the park. 

Take a Winter Boat Tour along the canals: Taking a winter boat tour in Gothenburg is a unique and enchanting way to explore the city's canals and waterfront during the colder months. Although it may be chilly, you can still experience the beauty of Gothenburg's canals and waterfront on a winter boat tour. As you cruise along the canals and waterways, you'll have stunning views of Gothenburg's architecture, historical landmarks, and charming waterfront areas. The wintery landscapes with snow-covered buildings and icy waters create a beautiful and serene atmosphere.

Christmas shopping in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a big city with a small-town feel! This means, among other things, that you have an incredible shopping selection within walking distance, which can be perfect for those of you who are looking for Christmas presents. In cozy Haga there are plenty of small shops with unique gifts and delicacies. Haga is a great place to find handmade crafts, antiques, vintage items, and traditional Swedish souvenirs. In the neighborhoods around Magasinsgatan and Vallgatan, you will find independent boutiques, concept stores and interior design stores whilst in the center of Gothenburg you will find all the big brands, flagship stores and malls (we recommend NK and Arkaden).

Christmas markets in Gothenburg

Spruce rice, roasted almonds and steaming hot mulled wine. Christmas markets are one of the coziest things we know, and in Gothenburg there are many to choose from.. Going to a Christmas market in Gothenburg is both fun and atmospheric, where you will find everything from home-knitted scarves to close-baked honey and Christmas delicacies.

For many, Christmas in Gothenburg is almost synonymous with Christmas at Liseberg, Sweden's largest Christmas market, which also offers young and old tickling carousels and, of course, the opportunity to leave the wish list to Father Christmas. At Christmas, the Liseberg amusement park turns into a fantastic winter fairy tale with millions of lights, glittering snow and of course lots of fun carousels.. Look around in over 80 stalls with everything from sweets to Christmas stockings, and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. The stalls and booths are selling a wide array of traditional crafts, handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, and delicious seasonal treats. You can browse through the market, shop for unique items, and enjoy the festive ambiance. The park is beautifully decorated with lights and decorations, and you can enjoy festive entertainment such as concerts, Christmas shows, and ice skating.

Experience a traditional Christmas market in the beautiful Kronhusbodarna which each Advent weekend has a different theme. The market at Kronhusbordarna sometimes offers workshops and activities for visitors to participate in. It offers a traditional and nostalgic Christmas experience. The historic buildings and cobblestone streets create a picturesque backdrop, evoking a sense of old-world charm. The market is usually open on weekends but please check the official dates and opening hours closer to your visit.

You will also find a cozy Christmas market in Haga. During each Advent weekend, exhibitors with food, design, crafts will exhibit along Haga Nygata. It is promised to be a wonderful Christmas atmosphere with choir singing, entertainment for young and old.

The Christmas Market at Gustav Adolfs Torg is one of the most popular and beloved Christmas markets in Gothenburg. It is known for its delectable food and drinks. You can indulge in Swedish delicacies like glögg (mulled wine), gingerbread cookies, traditional sausages, smoked salmon, and other seasonal treats. It provides an opportunity to savor the flavors of Swedish cuisine while enjoying the festive atmosphere. The market often features live performances, music, and entertainment to enhance the festive ambiance. You may come across choirs singing Christmas carols, musicians playing traditional instruments, or even Santa Claus making appearances.

Christmas concerts in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is renowned for its music scene, and during the holiday season, there are numerous Christmas concerts held in the city's churches and concert halls. Experience the beautiful sounds of choirs, orchestras, and soloists performing traditional Christmas music during your vist in Gothenburg. Some examples of locations where you can experience Christmas concerts in Gotheburg arew Lorensbergsteatern, Scandinavium, Göteborgs Konserthus, Stora Teatern to Oscar Fredriks church, Kajskjul 8 and Annedalskyrkan. On 10-13 December 2022, the Cathedral invites you to its annual Lucia concert with its talented Boys' and Girls' Choirs.