With beautifully decorated streets, atmospheric Christmas markets, and plenty of festive activities, there's something for everyone who visits the city during this magical time. Whether you want to explore the many Christmas stalls, enjoy a spin on the ice rink, or experience one of the many Christmas concerts, Stavanger is the perfect place to embrace the joys of the season.
Foto: Brian Tallman / Brian Tallman Photography
Christmas Markets galore!
If you love Christmas markets, Stavanger is the place to be in December. The city hosts not one, but two Christmas markets, where you can browse stalls filled with handmade gifts, crafts, and delicious Christmas treats. The Christmas market in Old Stavanger and the market in Byparken create a special atmosphere with their beautifully lit stalls and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread. The dates for 2024 has not yet been set.
Just an hour's drive from the city, you’ll also find the Christmas town of Egersund, known as one of Norway's best Christmas markets.
Here you will find the opening hours for 2024.
Foto: Brian Tallman / Brian Tallman Photography
Christmas at Kongeparken
Kongeparken, located south of Stavanger, is transformed into a Christmas wonderland in December, delighting both children and adults alike. Here, you can participate in Christmas workshops, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy a variety of shows and experiences that make the festive season extra magical. The park also offers Christmas lights, mulled wine, and activities where you can create your own Christmas gifts and decorations.
Gingerbread Town at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum
No Norwegian Christmas town is complete without a gingerbread town! In Stavanger, you can visit the beautiful gingerbread town at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, where the city's residents contribute imaginative gingerbread creations every year. Here, you can admire the detailed houses and imaginative structures that together create an enchanting miniature city.
Foto: Rune Egenes/Norsk Oljemuseum
Ice Skating at Kjeringholmen
One of Stavanger's most beloved Christmas traditions is a trip to the ice rink at Kjeringholmen, near the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Here, you can test your skating skills on the covered, illuminated rink, which is open regardless of the weather. Bring your own skates or rent a pair for just NOK 50 per pair (around DKK 30-35), and enjoy a fun and active Christmas experience. For those looking to explore more, there are also several nearby lakes where you can skate when the ice is thick enough.
Foto: ©Marie von Krogh/Vinterfilm/Ut i Sandnes
Christmas Concerts and theatre in Stavanger
Stavanger offers a wide range of Christmas concerts and theatre performances in December. The city's venues present everything from classical Christmas music to modern festive shows, ensuring that both young and old get into the Christmas spirit. Whether you prefer a traditional Christmas concert in one of the city's churches or a lively performance at a theatre, you'll find something to suit your taste.
Bonus Tip: Beverly Hills Fun Pub
If you're visiting Stavanger at Christmas time, a stroll down Skagenkaien is a must. The street is reminiscent of Nyhavn in Copenhagen and is part of Stavanger's historic waterfront – but in December, it’s the Beverly Hills Fun Pub that steals the spotlight from all visitors in the area. The pub is decorated with a multitude of Christmas lights, making the street and pub famous far beyond Norway’s borders – and for many locals, the lights at Beverly are a sign that Christmas has arrived in Stavanger.
Foto: Beverly Hills Fun Club
Plan Your Christmas Holiday in Stavanger with Fjord Line
Start your Christmas holiday with a beautiful sailing to Stavanger with Fjord Line from Hirtshals. After a comfortable crossing, you can easily explore the city's Christmas markets, gingerbread city, ice rink, and much more. Stavanger is the perfect destination for a Christmas filled with cosiness, traditions, and exciting experiences.
Check out our offers on crossings to Stavanger, and start planning your Christmas holiday today.
Take a look here for Fjord Line's package deals to Stavanger.
