It's almost time again! Excitement is building as Gävle prepares for this year's Gävle Goat. Follow the countdown to the first Sunday of Advent, when the giant straw goat returns to the city. Come and celebrate the inauguration with us!
The Gävle Goat – A Christmas tradition to look forward to
Countdown begins
This year's inauguration
Sunday 29 November 2026 at 4:00 pm
Stortorget, Gävle
Celebrate the first Sunday of Advent and the Gävle Goat's 60th anniversary with us! Christmas festivities, activities and experiences for the whole family await in Gävle.
Follow the Gävle Goat live
The livestream begins on Thursday 26 November! Watch the Gävle Goat take shape from the first day of construction and follow the Christmas celebrations in Gävle.
Wherever you are in the world, you can watch the famous straw goat around the clock and experience one of Sweden's most beloved Christmas traditions.
What is the Gävle Goat?
The Gävle Goat is one of Sweden's most famous Christmas symbols. Every year, from the first Sunday of Advent, he stands at Rådhusesplanaden in the heart of Gävle, where he has become an essential part of the city's Christmas celebrations.
1966
First Gävle Goat
10 m
Tall
7 m
Long
Approx. 3 tonnes
Weight
The tradition began in 1966, when the first Gävle Goat was erected to attract visitors to the city. Since then, he has become an international celebrity with followers around the world – and a Christmas tradition that continues to fascinate, inspire and bring people together.
60 years of memories with the Gävle Goat
The first Gävle Goat was erected in 1966. Since then, he has become part of Christmas for many people. Some remember seeing him for the first time as a child; others recall an unveiling with their family or a photo from a visit to Gävle. As we celebrate his 60th anniversary, we want to collect the moments, big and small, that people have carried with them over the years.
It all began at Café Lido
Stig Gavlén, creator of the Gävle Goat
We're in the land of Christmas
John, Aileen, Mary-Anne and Tim follow the Gävle Goat on the webcam every year. One year, they travelled all the way from the United States to see him in person and celebrate Christmas in Gävle.
Minne minne lorem ipsus. Minne minne lorem ipsus. Minne minne lorem ipsus. Minne minne lorem ipsus.
Orvar
Minne minne lorem ipsus. Minne minne lorem ipsus. Minne minne lorem ipsus. Minne minne lorem ipsus.
Ingrid, 78 år
Do you have a memory of the Gävle Goat?
Perhaps you attended an unveiling, saw him as a child or brought someone to Gävle to show him off. We’d love to hear your story – and see a photo, if you have one.
You are responsible for ensuring that you have the necessary rights to any images you submit. We reserve the right not to publish inappropriate submissions. By emailing us your image and text, you agree that we may publish the material on our websites and social media channels.
Email your story or a short quote, along with any photo, to [email protected].
Discover more about the Gävle Goat
Behind the world-famous straw goat lies a fascinating history, impressive craftsmanship and countless memories. Discover how it all began in 1966, how the Gävle Goat is built and why he continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. This year, we're also celebrating 60 years of Christmas tradition in Gävle!
60 years of Gävle Goat memories
60 years of Christmas traditions, stories and memories! Meet the people behind the Gävle Goat's history and discover personal stories from Gävle and around the world.
The history of the Gävle Goat
From the first straw goat in 1966 to a world-famous Christmas tradition. Explore the fascinating history of the Gävle Goat through the years.
How the Gävle Goat is built
How do you build a ten-metre-tall straw goat? Discover the craftsmanship, the people and the work behind Gävle's most famous Christmas symbol.
Press room – Gävle Goat
Here you'll find press information, images and contact details for anyone looking to cover the Gävle Goat.
Christmas begins in Gävle
The Gävle Goat is just the beginning of the Christmas experience! As Christmas approaches, Gävle comes alive with festive markets, music, delicious food and activities for all ages. Stroll through the city, discover cosy cafés and restaurants, or enjoy a Christmas concert. Why not stay a little longer? A Christmas weekend in Gävle gives you time to experience even more.
Find the Gävle Goat
The Gävle Goat stands at Rådhusesplanaden in the heart of Gävle. You can easily get here by train, car or bus. It's just a short walk from Gävle Central Station.
Ahead of this year's inauguration, we'll publish more practical information about parking, road closures and the best ways to get to the Gävle Goat.
Contact the Gävle Goat
Contact Gävle Municipality or follow the Gävle Goat on social media for news and updates.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +46 26 17 80 00 (Gävle Municipality's customer service)
FAQ about the Gävle Goat
Follow the Gävle Goat
When does construction of the Gävle Goat begin?
Construction of the Gävle Goat begins on the Thursday before the first Sunday of Advent.
Where is the Gävle Goat located?
The Gävle Goat stands at Rådhusesplanaden in central Gävle.
Can I watch the Gävle Goat live?
Yes! You can watch the Gävle Goat live via his webcam, from the start of construction on the Thursday before the first Sunday of Advent until after New Year.
How tall is the Gävle Goat?
The Gävle Goat is ten metres tall and seven metres long.
When is the inauguration?
The Gävle Goat is inaugurated every year on the first Sunday of Advent. The inauguration is a much-loved Christmas tradition that marks the beginning of the festive season in Gävle.
Follow the Gävle Goat on Instagram! Discover photos, news and behind-the-scenes moments – from Christmas preparations to the biggest events of the season.
|
|
@gavlebocken → |
What do you want to do?
