Stockholm might be Sweden’s largest city, but it’s second 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.
As soon as you walk inside, the festive aroma hits you: the smell of candied almonds, pine, and wood smoke. It definitely feels like Christmas.
During the festive season, visitors can enjoy a whooping 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, Liseberg Christmas Market is the perfect place to soak up the festive spirit. Located in Haga, the old and picturesque quarter of Gothenburg, a trip to the Christmas market is a must-do activity for anyone exploring the city this time of year.
The stalls at Liseberg Christmas Market
The heart and soul of the Liseberg Christmas Market are the stalls. They offer a delightful array of handmade crafts, traditional Swedish delicacies, and unique gifts. So if you’re still looking for stocking fillers – your mission is complete.
There’s something for everyone: from festive ornaments to cosy knitted mittens and from locally produced culinary delights to beautiful woven textiles.
Amusement rides
The old-fashioned carousel and gentler rides are perfect if you’re with kids – or just want to lean into the festive nostalgia. For a panoramic view of the city, don’t miss heading up on the Ferris Wheel.
And if you’re looking for a way to warm up, a few laps around the ice ring might just do it. Though if you’ve been necking down the glögg, skating might not come so easily. I don’t want anyone leaving Liseberg with a broken arm.
Trying the local food
Eventually the intoxicating smell of food was proving too difficult to resist. 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 was rather surprised. 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.
Reindeer meat might seem odd if you’re from the UK or other parts of the world, but it’s actually no different to eating pork, lamb, or beef if you’re in Sweden or other places across Scandinavia. Nevertheless, after my initial hesitation, I decided to tuck in.
However, only 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!
Oh, the guilt! It was hard not to feel a certain way so I had to remind myself that I was in a country where reindeer are common and play a part in 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.
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 now tried the meat in various forms, including salami and steak, and as you can probably guess, steak is the best.
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.
However, the Clarion Hotel Post decided to buck the minimal aesthetic for Christmas and dressed up as a huge present, elaborately wrapped up in a red and gold bow!
Elsewhere, the streets were brimming with colourful decorations and twinkling with lights. Nothing too over-the-top like you might find in other in other cities. I think Warsaw still wins for me in the battle of the Christmas decorations.
Where to buy Xmas gifts
If you’re looking for Christmas gifts and edible treats – and didn’t manage to find anything at Liseberg – Kronhuset is the perfect 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 reminded me of Hansel and Gretel. I seriously considered buying it before having a stern word with myself.
Where to stay in Gothenburg
I stayed at the Clarion Hotel Post which, as mentioned, went all out with their Christmas decorations. I would recommend staying here if you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable hotel at a relatively affordable price (Sweden in general isn’t exactly cheap as most of you probably know!). It’s quite a big hotel yet manages to feel intimate and cosy.
If you’re looking for something extra special, Dorsia Hotel is the best boutique accommodation in Gotherburg. I went inside for a drink, and absolutely loved the ambience and theatre of it all. I also had a peek inside the rooms which are furnished to nines. This place definitely ticks the boxes for those who looking for a unique overnight stay.
Merry Christmas to all ye reading this. Go fourth and eat your body weight in treats, have a drink or two, sing-along to Wham, and fall asleep in front of the TV. Oh, and don’t forget to offer to help wash up the dishes!
8 responses
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 🙂
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! 😀
Anywhere that has a drink called glogg sounds good to me. Merry Christmas to you!
Festive wishes Mr Beer Man!
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.
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.
I love that sign: “Chocolate doesn’t ask silly questions!, ahahahahah!!!
I’ve eaten too much chocolate this festive season. When temptation is great, I usually fail to resist!