The Yule Goat is the traditional Christmas goat associated with Swedish Christmas celebrations.
Known in Swedish as julbock, the Yule Goat is a major Scandinavian Christmas symbol. Modern versions are often made from straw and decorated with red ribbons. The goat can appear as a small household ornament or as a large public structure.
The tradition has older Scandinavian roots, including connections with the god Thor’s goats in pre-Christian mythology. Over time, the goat also became linked with Christmas gift-giving. In some traditions, a person dressed as a goat delivered presents before Santa Claus became dominant.
The best-known modern example is the Gävle Goat, a giant straw Yule Goat erected annually in the Swedish city of Gävle since 1966. “Yule Goat” refers to the broader tradition, while the Gävle Goat is one particular public installation.