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- Gävle's brilliant Christmas symbol
From the first Sunday of Advent, the ten-meter-tall Gävle Goat lights up Rådhusesplanaden in Gävle – a beloved landmark and symbol of our Christmas tradition. With its central location, the goat becomes a natural gathering spot along the bustling holiday walkways, inviting people to explore Söder's cozy shopping district.
The Gävle Goat’s history goes back to 1966, when the idea of a giant straw goat was born to draw people to Söder during the holiday season. The first goat was raised on December 1, 1966, and since then, the tradition has grown into a festive event, attracting tens of thousands of Gävle residents and visitors every year. 🎄✨
Follow the Gävle Goat live, thank you for this year!
The Gävle Goat thanks everyone who followed him live this year! On the first weekday after New Year’s, he is taken down for the season, but he’s already looking forward to returning just in time for the first Sunday of Advent. Christmas begins in Gävle! 🎄✨
Follow the Gävle Goat live
Can’t be there in person? No problem. As always, we’ll be streaming the Gävle Goat live online starting 28 November.
Where can you watch the live stream? You’ll be able to find it right here on this page.
Follow the Gävle Goat live
Unfortunately, our Gävle Goat has collapsed. No one has been injured.
The Gävle Goat targeted in an attack
Tthe Gävle Goat once again met its fate as it was targeted in an attack. We find it deeply unfortunate for the residents of Gävle, visitors, and fans worldwide who can no longer experience the Gävle Goat in person at Rådhusesplanaden in Gävle.
The countdown has started
The Inauguration of the Gävle Goat
The inauguration of the Gävle Goat is approaching – the official start of Christmas! Come to Gävle and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Stroll along the festive streets, shop for unique gifts in our charming stores, and experience the inauguration of the Gävle Goat.
Book an overnight stay and experience everything Gävle has to offer. From the Gävle Goat to Christmas markets and enchanting decorations – here you’ll find the magic of Christmas. Christmas begins in Gävle!
Here's what's happening:
1. Stage programme at Stortorget 2. The Gävle Goat 3. The Christmas market in the city 4. The Gingerbread House at the County Museum 5. The ice rink 6. Christmas fun in Slottsparken 7. Pony trot 8. Christmas crafts at Agnes Kulturhus
Click the image to download the map.
News from the Gävle Goat
Watch this year's inauguration.
On stage, the nationally renowned artist Lisa Nilsson will sing in the Christmas, Sodium dance crew will showcase world-class dance, and our local parasport association KF Heros will inaugurate the Gävle Goat. All under the direction of Magnus Carlsson, a Gävle personality with love for festive shows & sing-alongs.
Watch this year's inauguration.
On stage, the nationally renowned artist Lisa Nilsson will sing in the Christmas, Sodium dance crew will showcase world-class dance, and our local parasport association KF Heros will inaugurate the Gävle Goat. All under the direction of Magnus Carlsson, a Gävle personality with love for festive shows & sing-alongs.
Opening 2023
On the first Advent at 4:00 PM, this year's Gävle Goat will be inaugurated in Gävle City. A warm welcome to the most festive and magical event of the year as the Gävle Goat is traditionally inaugurated on the first Sunday of Advent at Stortorget in Gävle, clearly indicating that Christmas begins in Gävle!
Restricted areas:
This is how traffic will be diverted during the Gävle Goat inauguration, 30 November, 12.00 – 18.00:
1 = Nygatan open for traffic, no parking
2 = Closed to all traffic
3 = Northbound – open for passenger cars
4 = Southbound – diversion for all traffic. All bus traffic in both directions.
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