Christmas in Oslo and Norway: Markets and Lights

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

Christmas Markets in Oslo

On November 29, the celebrations officially begin also in Oslo, the capital of Norway. In the main square, the large Christmas tree is adorned with lights and the streets undergo a radical transformation, thanks to the many markets that spring up all around and that, every year, attract crowds of visitors. A must-see is the one in the town hall square, where in the wooden huts you can find crafts from the rich Nordic artisanship: sweaters and woolen garments, slippers, decorations in wood and natural materials, sweets, typical specialties, and many curiosities.

Christmas Markets at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Oslo

As is tradition, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History also organizes the annual Christmas market: the buildings that make up this unique open-air museum, all original, have been transported to the Bygdøy peninsula from various regions of Norway.

During Christmas, the houses are decorated according to the old traditions of their inhabitants. Strolling among the more than 100 stalls, you can make discoveries and find special gifts for family and friends: decorations, antiques, floral arrangements, essences and incense, and of course typical Norwegian sweets and delicacies.

Bærums Verk: Weihnachtsbaum

A Bærums Verk, centro artigianale del XVII secolo, oggi centro commerciale composto da piccole botteghe, si trova uno dei più grandi alberi di Natale di tutta la Norvegia. Durante il mese di dicembre vengono organizzate attività di intrattenimento per tutti i gusti.

Market at the Norwegian Centre for Design in Oslo

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

Christmas Notes in Oslo

Throughout the month of December, renowned Norwegian artists will perform open-air concerts in support of the Salvation Army.
Additionally, on the occasion of 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 capital of the fjords, for example, the celebrations 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 to rebuild the city in miniature, using gingerbread cookies and sweets. A work that involves both adults and children, school groups, and enthusiasts, who recreate houses, bridges, cars, trains, and ships in miniature, 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, people wait until December 23rd, the official date, to decorate it with ornaments and shiny trinkets. Christmas Eve evening is, finally, the time for the big family dinner, around rich traditional dishes, including lamb or pork ribs, which cannot be missed.

The Hunderfossen Winter Park

The Hunderfossen Winter Park, in a magical setting of ice and snow, offers horse-drawn sleigh rides and quad biking to snow rafting. It features adventure trails to snowmobile raids. And when fatigue sets in, you can treat yourself to a truly 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 the months of November and December (November 3 – December 17), you can witness an unusual event. From Friday to Saturday (from 11 am to 4 pm) everyone is invited to try a new Christmas shopping experience: away from the classic shopping centers, local artisans, with extensive experience in the field, display and sell locally made and handcrafted items.

Markets of Egersund

Egersund, a small town in southern Norway, is the Norwegian reinterpretation of the Christmas of German towns: colorful lights, stalls selling food and Christmas gifts, wooden sculptures, sweaters, and colorful fabrics in unique pieces that you will not find in shopping centers. To savor the true tradition, you can stroll through the cozy alleys and enjoy the scent of polenta, mulled wine, and gingerbread. For enthusiasts, Egersund offers puppet theater performances and choral singing.

Maihaugen zu Weihnachten

Im Maihaugen, einem Freilichtmuseum mit Häusern aus verschiedenen Epochen, kann man am 2. und 3. Dezember von 11 bis 17 Uhr sehen, wie Weihnachten in norwegischen Häusern von 1780 bis heute gefeiert wird. Beim Spaziergang zwischen den Häusern und den über 100 Ständen kann man typische norwegische Speisen probieren und Weihnachtsgeschenke kaufen, die es nirgendwo sonst gibt.

Julemarked i Røros

Ikke gå glipp av julemarkedet i hjertet av Røros. Med sine fargerike trehus dekket av snø, fortryller Røros både unge og gamle. Det er det ideelle stedet for å oppleve juleånden, mens du besøker bodene på markedet. Periode: 7.-10. desember. Åpningstider: 11.00-16.00.

Trondheim at Christmas

Also Trondheim dresses up for Christmas: every year in December the market square comes alive with lights, colors, and Christmas stalls with many gift ideas. Here you can find handmade objects of Norwegian tradition, typical dishes, and Christmas trees. You can also attend outdoor theatrical performances, take a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, or enter a typical lavvu tent and listen to traditional Norwegian tales.