Gothenburg's main boulevard will shine brighter than ever this holiday season. All 80 trees along Avenyn will feature Christmas lighting starting November 14. This marks a dramatic increase from just 32 illuminated trees last year. The expansion ends years of debate about holiday decorations in Sweden's second-largest city.
Christmas lighting on Avenyn has sparked recurring discussions in recent years. The debate centered on whether to have decorations, their scale, and who should pay for brightening the boulevard during dark Nordic winters. For years, the city's tourism organization handled Christmas decorations. They draped trees with light strings and transformed flagpoles into glowing Christmas trees.
After Christmas 2020, responsibility shifted to the Avenyn Association. Tourism officials said lighting no longer aligned with their city marketing mission. Multiple factors influenced this decision. Previous Christmas lighting involved shared funding from several parties, but their interest faded. The Christmas tree-like flagpoles disappeared due to safety concerns. Light strings proved too heavy and risked damaging flagpoles.
In 2021, the Avenyn Association declared street decoration too expensive. The following year, trees received limited lighting because of soaring electricity prices. Now a new collaboration between Gothenburg City and the Avenyn Association solves the funding problem. Both parties share costs equally.
Sofie Ragnar, project manager for place development at Avenyn Association, called this an excellent example of cooperation. She said property owners and the city created something that enhances safety and beautifies the city. The lights will remain in trees year-round and illuminate each winter for at least four years.
Ulrika Ă…kerlind, planning manager at Gothenburg City, explained their joint work through City Collaboration. They developed goals and strategy for seasonal lighting in the city center. This Christmas lighting represents the first step in implementing those goals.
More holiday attractions await visitors this season. Kungsparken transforms into a glittering interactive light park for the second consecutive year. New this year is The Bell Game installation measuring 18x18 meters and standing 9 meters high. It comes alive with sound and light shows every full hour. Visitors can influence the display by scanning a QR code. More participants create stronger lighting effects. The Bell Game opens November 14.
Parking spaces disappeared from Grönsakstorget last year when a summer market moved in. This year marks the first winter market at the square. Christmas trees, evergreen plants and seating will create an inviting space for rest and play. Another interactive light installation will feature here. The winter market opens November 21.
This lighting expansion reflects Gothenburg's commitment to urban beauty during dark months. The solution addresses both aesthetic and practical concerns. Shared funding ensures sustainable holiday lighting for years to come. The city clearly recognizes how public lighting affects mood and commerce during Sweden's darkest season.