Christmas Cheer in Kristiansand
Just a short ferry ride from Denmark lies Kristiansand, where the festive spirit flourishes in the final months of the year.
The city's streets, alleys, and historic quarters transform into a true Christmas wonderland, where lights, decorations, music, and delicious treats combine for an unforgettable experience.
Explore the festively decorated streets of the city
Kristiansand is the perfect place to find those special Christmas gifts and enjoy the atmosphere in the city's many shops and galleries. As December approaches, the streets are beautifully adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, making your shopping trip an extra cosy experience. Whether you're looking for unique handicrafts, local delicacies, or traditional Christmas ornaments, there's something for everyone in the city's small shops and charming districts.
Be tempted by the Christmas markets of Southern Norway
Christmas in Kristiansand offers several atmospheric Christmas markets where you can experience the true Norwegian festive spirit. The Christmas market at Torvet, which opens on the last weekend of November and lasts until Christmas Eve, is one of the city's highlights. Here, you can find everything from handmade gifts to local delicacies and crafts.
It's also where you can experience the city's 20-year tradition of free Christmas concerts from the Cathedral Tower every afternoon from the 10th to the 23rd of December. This creates a unique atmosphere as the Christmas lights twinkle in the dark evening. Typically, these concerts take place every afternoon from the 10th to the 23rd of December, but the exact dates for 2024 have not been set yet.
Foto: Flickr/Sørlandet
If you're visiting the city on the last weekend of November, make sure to stop by Posebyhaven in Posebyen, where houses and courtyards are decorated, and the local shops, galleries, and eateries are offering food, crafts, design, vintage goods, and much more.
If your Christmas trip is planned for early December, you may have the opportunity to visit one of Sørlandet's largest Christmas markets when Kristiansand Museum typically opens its doors to a market with nearly 40 different stalls. The exact dates for 2024 have not been set yet.
Foto: Flickr/Sørlandet
Taste the local Christmas delicacies
When in Kristiansand during the festive season, it’s the perfect time to taste some of the many local Christmas delicacies. The cosy cafés and restaurants offer everything from traditional dishes like ribbe, lutefisk, and pinnekjøtt to sweet treats like rice pudding with cloudberry sauce and krumkake with cloudberry cream. Whether you're into savoury or sweet, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the flavours of Christmas in the city.
Foto: Gettyimages
Hit the ice at Torvet’s skating rink
For some extra festive fun, you can visit the artificial skating rink, KOMPIS, located right by the Christmas market at Torvet. Here, both young and old can try their hand at skating on the smooth ice. If you don't have your own skates, it's possible to rent them on-site, so the whole family can take an active break from the Christmas shopping.
Foto: Flickr/Sørlandet
Bonus Tip: Christmas at KuToppen in Dyreparken
If you're bringing the kids on a Christmas trip to Kristiansand, you must not miss Christmas at KuToppen in Dyreparken. On selected weekends in December, the farm is transformed into a Christmas paradise with Christmas trees, decorations, and plenty of activities that guarantee festive cheer for the whole family. Meet Santa Claus, take part in the Christmas workshops, and enjoy the special Christmas atmosphere that spreads throughout the park.
Plan Your Christmas Holiday in Kristiansand with Fjord Line
Travel to Kristiansand with Fjord Line from Hirtshals and start your Christmas holiday in the best possible way. With a comfortable crossing to the capital of Sørlandet, you'll quickly find yourself in the heart of Christmas cosiness.
Kristiansand offers everything you could wish for in terms of festive experiences, and with our offers on crossings to Kristiansand, you can easily plan your next Christmas holiday.
Fjord Line also offers package deals that include hotel accommodation, so you can enjoy the Christmas spirit in Kristiansand with ease.