The Gävle Goat is the giant straw goat displayed in Gävle, Sweden, each Christmas and New Year's season.
The first Gävle Goat was erected in 1966 in Castle Square as a large version of the traditional Scandinavian Yule goat. The structure is made from straw over a framework and has become a seasonal landmark. It is normally built before Christmas and remains associated with the holiday period through New Year's Eve.
The goat is also famous because vandals have repeatedly attempted to burn or damage it. Some years it survives until removal, while in other years it is destroyed or suffers attacks. Security measures and protective treatments have changed over time, but the possibility of damage has become part of the public story surrounding the display.
The Gävle Goat is a city installation, not the name of a general Swedish New Year's custom. Its connection to New Year's celebrations comes from its display period and annual public attention.