Whether you dream of exploring the charming Christmas markets in the cities or finding deep holiday tranquillity in a snow-covered cabin, Norway is where the magic of Christmas truly comes to life.
Wonderful Christmas markets in Norway's cities
If you love Christmas markets as much as we do, Norway is the perfect place to experience the true spirit of the season. In the larger Norwegian cities, as well as in many smaller towns, you’ll find charming Christmas markets from the end of November. Here, you can explore traditional Norwegian gifts and local delicacies, often accompanied by a beautiful dusting of snow.
Here you can find accommodation in the cosy Norwegian Christmas towns.
We especially recommend a trip to Bergen, where you can experience the charming Christmas market, complete with a Ferris wheel and carousels, as well as the world’s largest gingerbread city. This impressive miniature city, created by locals, is a must-see and the perfect opportunity to experience the unique Christmas spirit of the city.
You can read more about Christmas in Bergen here.
For a different kind of Christmas experience, we suggest a trip to Stavanger, where Kongeparken is transformed into a Christmas paradise filled with twinkling lights, fun Christmas workshops, and plenty of activities for the whole family. And if you want to visit one of Norway’s most popular Christmas markets, head to Julebyen Egersund, just an hour from Stavanger.
Read more about Christmas in Stavanger here.
In Kristiansand in Southern Norway, you’ll find yet another atmospheric Christmas market. We recommend a stroll among the cosy stalls, where you can find handicrafts and delicious Christmas treats, and a visit to the ice skating rink "Kompis" right next to the market.
Read more about Christmas in Kristiansand here.
White Christmas and Cabin Cosiness
If you prefer peace and intimacy, we recommend spending Christmas in a traditional Norwegian log cabin. Imagine enjoying a cup of hot cocoa in front of the wood-burning stove while the snow quietly falls outside. We’re sure you’ll love the special cosiness that the locals call "hyttekos". And don’t forget to stop by the local bakeries, where you can buy Norwegian Christmas specialties like goro biscuits and krumkake – the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas cosiness.
The Christmas days can be spent with board games, books, fun on the sled, or building snowmen in the fresh snow. If you’re lucky, Christmas Eve may offer a clear, starry sky – perhaps even with the stunning Northern Lights as an extra gift.
If you’re staying near a hotel or a town with a restaurant, don’t miss out on a traditional Norwegian Christmas lunch, which offers some different – but no less delicious – dishes than you might know from home. The menu typically includes ribbe (pork ribs), pinnekjøtt (lamb ribs), and boiled cod. While dessert may sound familiar with rice pudding, it’s served with cloudberry sauce in Norway.
Enjoy winter cosiness with Norwegian "hyttekos".
Winter experiences in the Norwegian winter wonderland
Since you’re already in Norway for Christmas, you should also explore the many fantastic winter activities. We recommend trying a sleigh ride or snowshoeing – it’s a unique way to experience the snow-covered landscape. If you’re into skiing, you’ll find Norway’s ski options second to none, whether you prefer alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, or snowboarding.
For an extraordinary Christmas experience, we suggest a trip to Fjord Norway. Take the world’s most beautiful train journey on the Flåm Railway or enjoy a fjord cruise on the winter-clad Nærøyfjord – both experiences are truly special and will create memories for a lifetime.
The Christmas spirit starts on board
Your Christmas experience begins the moment you board Fjord Line. We recommend starting your journey with a relaxing cruise from Denmark to Norway, where we’ve made sure there’s plenty of Christmas spirit on board. From the end of November, our ferries are decorated for Christmas, and our restaurants and cafés offer delicious holiday treats. So you can start getting into the Christmas spirit as soon as you step on board.
Winter experiences in Norway: Ferry + car to Norway – find it here.
