As snow begins to cover the charming streets of Norway, the air is filled with the sweet smell of baked goods and the cheerful sounds of holiday music. Christmas markets are a familiar sight in many European countries, but in Norway, they take on a unique character, blending ancient customs with a warm community spirit. From Oslo to Bergen, the festivities transform town squares into enchanting winter wonderlands that are must-visits for locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will discuss the charms of Norway’s Christmas markets, including their traditions, how to enjoy them, and tips on how to get the most out of them.

Oslo Christmas Market

Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital, is home to several festive markets that capture the essence of the holiday season.

Spikersappa Christmas Winterland (November 9 – December 31)

Spikersappa’s Christmas Winterland, located along Karl Johannstrasse, is full of festive flair. Dozens of cozy wooden stalls line the market, offering handmade gifts, delicious food, and hot drinks. Visitors can warm up with a glass of mulled wine while the children participate in a gingerbread workshop or meet Santa. The market also has a large Ferris wheel and skating rink, creating an atmosphere for all ages.
Location: Karl-Johann-Straße Spikersuppa
Highlights:

• Cozy wooden stalls with unique gifts
• Delicious local food, including traditional Norwegian pastries
• Gingerbread workshops for children
• Ferris wheel with a panoramic view of the city
• Ice rink for skating under twinkling lights

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History Christmas Fair (November 30 – December 1 and December 7 – 8)

The Norwegian Museum of Folklore’s Christmas Fair will bring a festive atmosphere to the open-air museum. Traditional Norwegian houses are decorated with decorations reflecting the customs of the people who lived there. Families can take a pony ride, visit Santa’s workshop, and learn about Norwegian Christmas traditions while indulging in traditional food. The fair takes place the first two weekends in December and is a great outing for those who want to experience the traditional Norwegian Christmas spirit.
Location: Norsk Folkemuseum
Highlights:

• Authentic decorations and activities in a historical building
• Pony rides for children add to the Christmas spirit
• Opportunities to learn about Norwegian customs and traditions
• Delicious traditional foods such as cured ham and sweet pastries
• A warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for families

The Behrams Velk Christmas Market (November 23-December 22)

Located just outside of Oslo, Behrams Völk offers a unique shopping experience in a historic setting: open daily from late November, this charming market features stalls with local crafts, delicious food, and entertainment. Strolling through the beautifully decorated area, you may even come across reindeer pulling sleds, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Location: Behrams Werk
Highlights:

• Unique local crafts and handmade gifts by artisans
• Delicious traditional food such as waffles and grog (mulled wine)
• Festive entertainment including live music and performances
• Reindeer viewing and winter activities to participate in
• A picturesque setting that blends history and holiday spirit

Bergen’s Christmas Market

After exploring the capital city, head to Norway’s second largest city, Bergen. Bergen is known for its stunning scenery and Christmas spirit.

Pepparkakebyen (Gingerbread Town) (November 16 – December 31)

Each year, Bergen hosts Pepperkakebyen, the world’s largest gingerbread town. This fun event showcases elaborate gingerbread creations made by kindergartens, schools, and individuals. Made entirely of gingerbread, these miniature Bergens add a whimsical touch to the holiday season.
Location: Bergen City Hall (Rådhuset)
Highlights:

• Stunning gingerbread architecture, including some of Bergen’s most iconic buildings
• Reflects creativity and collaboration by local schools and community members
• Whimsical atmosphere perfect for families and children can participate
• There is also a chance to donate to charity, as proceeds from the event are often donated to charities
• The charming gingerbread towns and photo opportunities make for a memorable experience

Bergen Christmas Market (November 22-December 22)

The Bergen Christmas Market in Festplassen offers food, drinks, and handmade gifts. Held daily, the market’s lively atmosphere, complete with lights and decorations, will get you in the Christmas spirit. Food stalls offer seasonal treats, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine wafts through the air. With live music, performances, and other entertainment, this is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.
Location: Festplassen, Bergen
Places to Visit:

• Handmade crafts, local artwork, and unique gifts galore
• Seasonal treats including traditional Norwegian delicacies such as lefse (soft flatbread) and pepperkakel (gingerbread)
• Warm up the cold winter months with roasted chestnuts and mulled wine
• Live performances by choirs and musicians add to the festive atmosphere
• Market Square, beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, is perfect for an evening stroll

Christmas Markets in Other Norwegian Cities

Various cities in Norway have their own unique Christmas markets, allowing visitors to get into the Christmas spirit of the whole country.

The Røros Christmas Market (December 5 – December 8)

Located in Røros, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this charming market allows visitors to experience the quaint beauty of the historic copper mining town. With traditional crafts, delicious local food, and warm community spirit, the Røros Christmas Market is a wonderful way to experience the Christmas spirit in a breathtaking setting.
Location: Røros Town Square
Highlights:

• Authentic traditional crafts including handmade jewelry, pottery, and textiles by local artisans
• Tastes of the region, including cured hams, cheeses, and sweets
• Twinkling illuminated stalls add to the market atmosphere
• Visitors can mingle with local artisans and learn about the rich history and culture of Røros
• Community activities and workshops, including crafts and storytelling for children

Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires.

Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation.

During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp.

Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation.

Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.

Read more

Trondheim Christmas Market (December 4-21)

Trondheim’s Christmas Market features more than 90 exhibitors offering arts and crafts and delicious local cuisine. Live performances and a variety of cultural events also add to the festive mood. Visitors can warm up in heated tents and taste traditional food and drinks.
Location: Trondheim Torvet (town square)
Places to See:

• An array of handmade crafts from pottery to jewelry for unique holiday gifts
• Delicious local cuisine, including reindeer stew, fish dishes, and traditional desserts such as krumkake (Norwegian waffle cookies)
• Heated tents provide shelter from the cold while enjoying the festivities
• Live music by local choirs and musicians will set the lively holiday mood
• The beautifully decorated town square will be adorned with towering Christmas trees, providing a picturesque backdrop for photos

Tromsø Christmas Town (from mid-November)

Tromsø is known as Norway’s Christmas town, and the entire town center is decorated in Christmas colors. Visitors can immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of this Christmas town while enjoying cozy cafes, shopping for unique gifts, and enjoying the picturesque polar night scene.
Location: Tromsø city center
Highlights:

• Fantastic atmosphere created by the glittering lights and decorations throughout the city
• Local stores and stalls selling unique souvenirs such as handicrafts and traditional Norwegian costumes
• Warm cafes serving hot chocolate, mulled wine, and local cuisine
• A variety of events and activities to foster community spirit, such as Christmas concerts and outdoor movie screenings
• Surrounding scenery, such as snow-covered mountains and the stunning Northern Lights, adds to the Christmas spirit

Ögern’s Jurbien (December 5-8, 12-16)

A lively festival can be enjoyed at Egern’s Jurbien, also known as the home of Norway’s Santa. The market features stalls filled with Christmas decorations, textiles, and a variety of Norwegian delicacies. Entertainment and concerts also take place, creating a lively atmosphere and making it a great spot for families and visitors of all ages.
Location: Aegern town center
Places to See:

• Handmade holiday decorations, including ornaments and candles
• Traditional textiles such as blankets and knitted goods made by local artisans
• Live performances and concerts to enhance the holiday season
• A special appearance by Santa Claus, a magical experience for children
• Norwegian food stalls featuring lutefisk (a traditional fish dish), sausages, gingerbread cookies, and more

The Maihaugen Christmas Market in Lillehammer (November 30 – December 1)

Located in the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, this Christmas market takes visitors back in time and celebrates the holidays of centuries past. Traditional crafts, festive activities, and local food will immerse you in the holiday spirit of yesteryear while you enjoy the historic buildings.
Location: Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, Lillehammer
Highlights:

• Visit historic buildings decorated during the Christmas season centuries ago
• See demonstrations of traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and woodcarving
• Taste Norwegian cuisine such as lefse (potato flatbread) and yule grottos (Christmas porridge)
• Participate in family activities such as horse-drawn sleigh rides and traditional folk games
• Buy unique handmade gifts such as pottery and textiles

Hedeland Glaswerk Christmas Market (October 28 – December 23)

Beginning in late October, the Hadeland Glassverk Market offers a magical indoor experience with glass works and holiday decorations. A variety of stores and restaurants make this a great place for early holiday shopping. The glassworks also offer traditional glass-blowing demonstrations, making it a fascinating place for those interested in craftsmanship.
Location: Hadeland Glassverk, Jevnaker
Highlights:

• Watch glass-blowing demonstrations and see artisans create stunning glassware right before your eyes
• Purchase unique glass ornaments and decorations for gifts and holiday décor
• A variety of stores and boutiques offer everything from handmade goods to fine home furnishings
• Cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy warm apple cider, freshly baked pastries, and other seasonal treats
• There are activities for all ages, including candle-making workshops for children and holiday craft sessions

Features of Norway’s Christmas Markets

• Traditional Goods and Crafts
  Norway’s Christmas markets are famous for their emphasis on traditional craftsmanship. From intricate wood carvings to beautiful textiles, visitors will find a wealth of unique handmade goods that reflect Norway’s rich cultural heritage.
• Local Food and Drink
  Each market offers a wide variety of local cuisine that is sure to please the palate. Try traditional dishes such as rakfisk (fermented fish), lutefisk (dried fish), and a variety of baked goods. Mulled wine and hot cocoa are also popular beverages to warm you up while touring the festival stalls.
• Entertainment and Activities
  In addition to shopping, Norway’s Christmas markets offer plenty of entertainment. From live music to children’s activities such as gingerbread workshops and meet-and-greets with Santa, there is something for everyone, making it a great way to create memories with family and friends.

Tips for Visiting Norway’s Christmas Markets

• Dress Appropriately
  Winter temperatures can be quite cold, so warm clothing is essential. Layers of warm clothing, a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat are key.
• Must-Try Sweets
  Don’t miss the chance to taste the local delicacies: try pepperkaker (gingerbread), julegrøt (porridge), and a variety of smoked salmon. Pair these treats with a glass of glögg (Norwegian mulled wine) for the ultimate experience.
• Unique Norwegian Souvenirs
  When looking for souvenirs, seek out authentic Norwegian crafts such as handmade ornaments, woolen sweaters, and locally produced goods. These items are the perfect souvenirs to remember your festivities in Norway.

What we propose

Emma Heidi

Itinerary Expert

Let us create the perfect itinerary for you!

Start your journey to the place you have always dreamed of visiting by calling us. We will plan a customized itinerary for you, taking into account all your wishes, dreams and needs.

Contact us today, and before you know it, travel experts will create the perfect itinerary for you, including all the must-haves on your trip, with a meticulous level of planning.

Our service will save you a lot of time planning the route before the trip, ensuring peace and quiet during the trip.

Exactly tailored to your needs and desires, as well as the travel style you are looking for.

Our experts have in-depth knowledge and experience to prepare the perfect itinerary that you will not find in any ordinary travel guide.

We will provide you with all the information: from car rental to public transportation, hotels, restaurants, attractions and main places. This will make your trip perfect.

Our team is available for you during the trip if you have any questions. Every day of the trip will be perfect.

Our services cost only $220.

Click on the link to start your perfect vacation right now.

Contact us via email

Start WhatsApp
Book a chat with an expert.

How it works

• You are welcome
to contact us
• We discuss
your trip
• You fill out a special form
• We create
your itinerary
• You get it with all useful tips
• We are in touch with
you all the time