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.

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. 🎄✨

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.

The countdown has started

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.

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].

The inauguration of the Gävle Goat