Christmas time, mistletoe and wine! Before long, Christmas will be knocking at the door, and we want you to have plenty of reasons to really enjoy the festive season. So, we’d like to tell you about 11 wonderful Christmas markets in Norway where you’re certain to find some “hygge”.
Eastern Norway
1. Christmas in Bærums Verk
One of the country’s most charming Christmas streets will be ready to receive visitors on 26 November. In Bærums Verk, just outside Oslo, you can truly get in the mood for Christmas as you watch Christmas tree lights being turned on as choirs fill the village with beautiful hymns! You can also enjoy horse and carriage rides, dog sledding, plays and Christmas porridge. The tiny house and handmade sweets and gifts are a delight for people of all ages. The market stalls are open every weekend until 23 December.
When: 26 November - 23 December 2022
Where: Bærums Verk, Bærum
Find out more about Christmas at Bærums Verk here.
2. Christmas at Norsk Folkemuseum
The Christmas market is just part of what awaits you here at Norsk Folkemuseum, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, in the run-up to Christmas. This large and very beautiful museum has more than 100 stalls. Children can even make their own Christmas presents in the Santa’s workshop! Try traditional Norwegian “Hardanger Lefse”, a sweet and soft flat bread that is fried on an iron griddle. Join us on a journey back in time to numerous cities in Norway. You can also admire various cabins, smallholdings and apartments that have been decorated for Christmas just as they were in the time period they represent!
When: 3-4 December and 10-11 December 2022
Where: Bygdøy, Oslo
Find out more about what awaits you at Norsk Folkemuseum.
Experience a traditional Christmas with memories of bygone days, and see how people prepared Norwegian Christmas pork ribs back in the 1920s. Photograph: Haakon Harris / Norsk Folkemuseum
3. Christmas in Winterland (Jul i Vinterland)
Right in the centre of Oslo, Spikersuppa is transformed into a wonderful winter wonderland! Come here to buy seasonal food and handmade gifts from the stalls. You might even like to try a ride on the Ferris wheel for stunning views of the city! Other attractions include a skating rink, Christmas workshop and gingerbread decoration!
When: 12 November 2022 - 1 January 2023
Where: Spikersuppa by Karl Johan, Oslo
Read more about Jul i Vinterland.
4. Maihaugen’s Christmas market
Every year, during the first weekend of advent, there is a Christmas market in wonderfully traditional Maihaugen. With stalls featuring lots of artisan crafts and handmade items, you’re sure to find some special Christmas gifts. In addition to plenty of activities for children and adults, many houses have also been transformed to depict how they would have looked way back. Come and see how people decorated their homes at Christmas time throughout the ages from the Middle Ages right up to the 1950s!
When: 26-27 November 2022
Where: Maihaugen, Lillehammer
Find out more about Maihaugen’s Christmas market.
5. Christmas market at Fredriksten Fortress
The local tourist office organises a stunning Christmas market at the historic fortress in Halden. So, go ahead and combine a visit to the fortress with some warming gløgg (mulled wine), smultringer (doughnuts) and Christmas shopping!
When: 19-20 November 2022
Where: Fredriksten Fortress, Halden
Find out more about what’s on.
Photograph: Visit Halden
6. Christmas market in Geilo
Christmas markets aren’t just found in cities! You’ll even find some in the mountains. In Geilo, there is a small and charming Christmas market (think “hygge”) in the centre of town. Come and browse the stalls full of locally produced food, handmade gifts and a wonderful bonfire!
When: 18-20 November 2022
Where: Vesleslåttvegen, Geilo
Find out more about the Christmas market in Geilo.
Western Norway
7. Bergen Christmas Market
The city between the Seven Mountains is preparing for the Bergen Christmas Market. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to make the most of it as it will be open almost all throughout December! Come to Festplassen to enjoy a nice hot drink as you mingle around the many stalls. You can find everything from clothes and design to Christmas decorations, festive food and drinks here. And if you’re in Bergen between 13 November and 31 December, you really must make sure to visit the world’s largest gingerbread town! It’s quite an experience.
When: 25 November - 22 December 2022
Where: Festplassen, Bergen
Find out more about Bergen Christmas Market.
Will you be among the visitors? Photograph: Bergen Julemarked
8. Stavanger the Christmas Town
In Stavanger, several cozy Christmas markets are arranged - in Byparken and in Old Stavanger. There will be something for all ages!
When: 27 November - 19 December 2022
Where: Central Stavanger
Find out more about the Christmas market in Byparken here and the Christmas market in Old Stavanger here.
9. Bypatrioten’s Christmas market in Ålesund
Indoors, inside the Korsatunellen, right in the middle of Ålesund sentrum, the Sunnmøre region’s largest Christmas markets awaits you! On the third weekend of Advent, the place is filled with handicrafts, local food and entertainment for both young and old.
When: 10-11 December 2022
Where: Korsatunellen, central Ålesund
Follow the link to find out more.
Trøndelag (central Norway)
10. Christmas market in Trondheim
The Christmas market in Trondheim welcomes visitors on no fewer than nineteen days! In addition to pottery, knitwear and jewellery, you can also buy Christmas trees here and plenty of edible Christmas goodies from the farmers market.
When: 1-18 December 2022
Where: Torvet, Trondheim
Find out about the Christmas market in Trondheim.
11. Christmas market at Røros
In December, the shopping streets in central Røros are filled with festive cheer as the Christmas market stalls open for business! Come here to enjoy wonderful Christmas food and mulled wine, as well as a great selection of handmade crafts. With plenty of Christmas elves (julenisser), singing, music and magical horse and carriage rides, and sledding too, you’re certain to have a great time!
When: 1-4 December 2022
Where: Bergmannsgata and Sangerhuset, Røros
Find out more about the Christmas market at Røros.