Christmas in Oslo and Norway: markets and lights

A 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 this moment, you can truly feel the atmosphere of Christmas in the city and numerous activities for both visitors and tourists begin.

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 covered with lights and the streets change their look drastically, thanks to the many markets that bloom all over and that, every year, attract crowds of visitors. A must-see is the one in the town hall square, in whose wooden huts you can find crafts from the rich Nordic craftsmanship: sweaters and wool garments, slippers, decorations made of wood and natural materials, sweets, typical specialties, and many curiosities.

Christmas Markets at the Norwegian Museum of Folklore in Oslo

As tradition goes, the Norwegian Museum of Folklore 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.

On the occasion of Christmas, the houses are decorated according to the ancient traditions of their inhabitants. Walking among the over 100 stalls, visitors can make discoveries and find special gifts for family and friends: decorations, antiques, floral arrangements, essences and incense, and of course, typically Norwegian sweets and treats.

Bærums Verk: juletre

I Bærums Verk, et håndverksenter fra 1600-tallet, nå et kjøpesenter med små butikker, ligger et av de største juletrærne i hele Norge. I løpet av desember arrangeres det underholdningsaktiviteter for alle smaker.

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, clothes, 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, well-known Norwegian artists will perform open-air concerts in support of the Salvation Army.
Also, 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 the traditional Christmas songs.

Bergen: Festival of Lights

In Bergen, the capital of the fjords, for example, the celebrations begin on November 29 with the Festival of Lights: families gather in the beautiful Lille Lungegaardsvann Square, which is lit up brightly 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 task that involves both young and old, 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 Christmas tree in the city are lit; while, at home, people wait until December 23, the official date, to decorate it with ornaments and shiny trinkets. The evening of Christmas Eve is, finally, the time for the big family dinner, around rich traditional dishes, including lamb or pork ribs, which cannot be missing.

The Winter Park of Hunderfossen

The Winter Park of Hunderfossen, in a magical setting of ice and snow, offers horse-drawn sled rides and quad biking to snow rafting. It features adventure trails and snowmobile raids. And, when fatigue 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 the months of November and December (November 3 – December 17), one 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 much experience in the field, display and sell locally and handcrafted items.

Markets in Egersund

Egersund, a town in southern Norway, is the Norwegian reinterpretation of the Christmas in 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 shows and choral singing.

Maihaugen at Christmas

At Maihaugen, an open-air museum with houses from different eras, on December 2 and 3 from 11 am to 5 pm, you can see how Christmas is celebrated in Norwegian homes from 1780 to today. Walking among the houses and the over 100 stalls, you can taste typical Norwegian food and buy Christmas gifts that cannot be found anywhere else.

Christmas Market in Røros

Not to be missed is the Christmas market in the heart of Røros. With its colorful wooden houses covered in snow, Røros enchants both young and old. It is the ideal setting to savor the Christmas spirit by visiting the market stalls. Period: December 7-10. Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Trondheim at Christmas

Also Trondheim 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 objects from Norwegian tradition, typical dishes, and Christmas trees. You can also watch outdoor theatrical performances, take a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, or enter a typical lavvu tent and listen to traditional Norwegian fairy tales.