Christmas in Oslo and Norway: markets and lights

A Weihnachten wird die Hauptstraße von Oslo, Karl Johans Gate, beleuchtet und die Eislaufbahn eröffnet, die mit einem traditionellen Eistanz eingeweiht wird. Ab diesem Moment fühlt man wirklich die Atmosphäre von Weihnachten in der Stadt und zahlreiche Aktivitäten für Besucher und Touristen beginnen.

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 radically, thanks to the many markets that bloom everywhere 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 artisan tradition: sweaters and woolen garments, slippers, decorations made of 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.

On the occasion of Christmas, the houses are decorated according to the ancient traditions of their inhabitants. Walking 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 typically Norwegian sweets and treats.

Bærums Verk: juletre

A Bærums Verk, et håndverksenter fra 1600-tallet, som i dag er et kjøpesenter bestående av små butikker, finnes et av de største juletrærne i hele Norge. I løpet av desember arrangeres 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 furniture. 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 outdoor 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: Lichtfestival

In Bergen, der Hauptstadt der Fjorde, beginnen die Feierlichkeiten zum Beispiel am 29. November mit dem Lichtfestival: Familien versammeln sich auf dem wunderschönen Lille Lungegaardsvann Platz, der mit Fackeln, Kerzen und einem wundervollen Feuerwerk taghell erleuchtet wird.

Eine unerschütterliche Tradition ist auch das Nachbauen der Stadt in Miniaturform, mit Lebkuchen und Ingwerplätzchen. Eine Arbeit, die Groß und Klein, Schulklassen und Liebhaber einbezieht und Miniaturhäuser, Brücken, Autos, Züge und Schiffe wieder zum Leben erweckt – alles perfekt essbar.

Der erste Adventssonntag ist der Tag, an dem die Lichter und Kerzen des großen Weihnachtsbaums in der Stadt angezündet werden; während man zuhause am 23. Dezember, dem offiziellen Datum, darauf wartet, ihn mit glänzendem Schmuck und Dekorationen zu schmücken. Der Heiligabendabend ist schließlich der Moment für das große Familienessen mit den reichhaltigen traditionellen Gerichten, zu denen Lamm- oder Schweinerippchen nicht fehlen dürfen.

The Winter Park of Hunderfossen

The Winter Park of Hunderfossen, in a magical setting of ice and snow, lends itself to rides in horse-drawn sleighs and quads, as well as snow rafting. It features adventure trails and snowmobile raids. And, when fatigue sets in, you can treat yourself to a fully 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 produced and handcrafted items.

Markets of Egersund

Egersund, a town in southern Norway, is the Norwegian reinterpretation of the Christmas of German towns: colored lights, stalls selling Christmas foods and gifts, wooden sculptures, knitted garments and colored fabrics in unique pieces that you will not find in shopping malls. To savor the true tradition, you can walk 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 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 among the houses and the over 100 stalls, you can taste typical Norwegian food and buy Christmas gifts that you won’t find 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 experience 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 offering many gift ideas. Here you can find handmade traditional Norwegian items, typical dishes, and Christmas trees. Additionally, you can attend outdoor theatrical performances, take a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, or enter a typical lavvu tent and listen to traditional Norwegian fairy tales.