Christmas in Oslo and Norway: Markets and Lights

At Christmas the main street of Oslo, Karl Johans Gate, is illuminated and opens the ice skating rink which is inaugurated with a traditional ice dance. From that moment on, you truly feel the atmosphere of Christmas in the city and numerous activities begin for both visitors and tourists.

Christmas Markets in Oslo

On November 29th, celebrations officially start in Oslo, the capital of Norway. In the main square, the large Christmas tree is draped in lights and the streets undergo a radical transformation, thanks to the many markets that bloom everywhere and annually attract crowds of visitors. A must-see is the one in the town hall square, where wooden stalls offer crafts from the rich Nordic artisan tradition: sweaters and wool garments, slippers, decorations made of wood and natural materials, sweets, typical specialties, and many curiosities.

Christmas Markets at the Norwegian Folk Museum in Oslo

As tradition dictates, the Norwegian Folk Museum also hosts the annual Christmas market: the buildings that make up this particular open-air museum, all original, were transported to the Bygdøy peninsula from various regions of Norway.

During Christmas, the houses are decorated according to the ancient traditions of their inhabitants. Walking among over 100 stalls, you can make discoveries and find special gifts for family and friends: ornaments, antiques, floral arrangements, essences and incense, and naturally, typically Norwegian sweets and delicacies.

Bærums Verk: Christmas Tree

In Bærums Verk, a 17th-century craft center now a shopping area with small shops, you find one of the largest Christmas trees in all of Norway. Throughout December, entertainment activities are organized for all tastes.

Market at the Norwegian Centre for Design in Oslo

For those seeking an original gift idea, we also recommend the Market at the Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture: Norwegian designers sell their products, clothes, jewelry, bags, accessories and home furnishings. Those looking for unusual and original pieces can comb through the market at the Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture.

Christmas Notes in Oslo

Throughout December, well-known Norwegian artists perform open-air concerts supporting the Salvation Army.
Additionally, during Christmas, the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the Gospel Choir and the Children’s Choir, hold numerous concerts in the city. The main ingredients are traditional Christmas songs.

Bergen: Festival of Lights

In Bergen, the Fjord capital, for example, festivities begin on November 29th with the Festival of Lights: families gather in the beautiful Lille Lungegaardsvann Square, which is lit up with torches, candles, and a wonderful fireworks display.

An unbreakable tradition is also recreating the city in miniature using gingerbread cookies and sweets. This activity involves adults and children, school groups and enthusiasts, who bring to life miniature houses, bridges, cars, trains and ships – all perfectly edible.

The first Sunday of Advent is the day when the lights and candles of the large city Christmas tree are lit; while at home, December 23rd is the official date for decorating it with glittering ornaments and trinkets. Christmas Eve night is, finally, the time for the big family dinner around the rich traditional dishes, including lamb or pork ribs that cannot be missed.

The Winter Park of Hunderfossen

The Winter Park of Hunderfossen, in a magical setting of ice and snow, is perfect for horse-drawn sleigh and quad rides as well as snow rafting. It features adventure tracks and snowmobile raids. And when tiredness sets in, you can treat yourself to a true Nordic rest by staying at the Ice Hotel, the southernmost ice hotel in all of Scandinavia.

Henningsvær at Christmas

In Henningsvær in the Lofoten Islands, during November and December (November 3 – December 17), you can witness a unique event. From Friday to Saturday (from 11 am to 4 pm) everyone is invited to try a new Christmas shopping experience: far from classic malls, local artisans with extensive experience display and sell locally made handcrafted items.

Markets of Egersund

Egersund, a town in southern Norway, offers a Norwegian take on German city Christmas: colorful lights, stalls selling Christmas foods and gifts, wooden sculptures, sweaters and colorful fabrics in unique pieces you won’t find in shopping centers. To savor true tradition, stroll through cozy alleys and enjoy the aroma of polenta, mulled wine and gingerbread. For enthusiasts, Egersund offers puppet theater and choral singing performances.

Maihaugen at Christmas

At Maihaugen, an open-air museum with houses from different eras, on December 2nd and 3rd from 11 am to 5 pm, you can see how Christmas is celebrated in Norwegian homes from 1780 to today. Walking between houses and over 100 stalls, you can taste typical Norwegian food and buy Christmas gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Christmas Market in Røros

The Christmas market in the heart of Røros is not to be missed. With its colorful wooden houses covered in snow, Røros enchants both young and old. It’s the ideal setting to experience the Christmas spirit while visiting the market stalls. Period: December 7-10. Hours: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Trondheim at Christmas

Trondheim also dresses up for Christmas: every December, the market square comes alive with lights, colors and Christmas stalls full of gift ideas. Here you can find handmade Norwegian traditional items, typical dishes and Christmas trees. You can also attend open-air theater performances, take a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, or enter a traditional lavvu tent and listen to Norwegian folk tales.