Dreamy December
It's the most wonderful time of the year ...
… and the countdown to Christmas has begun!
Have you ever experienced …
1. Norwegian Christmas
Christmas workshops, traditional Christmas dishes like pinnekjøtt and ribbe, Christmas markets and sleigh rides in a winter wonderland!
2. Christmas towns
Get in a festive mood by strolling through cosy, picturesque streets, and experience the cosy atmosphere of Christmas markets. Sip cocoa at a local café and stay at a hotel adorned in Christmas decorations.
3. A gift to remember
“What should I buy for a present this year?” – the eternal question …
Rudolph might have the answer! How about gifting an experience? It may just be the most memorable present you've ever given.
Reindeer sledding, a kayak trip or a weekend getaway?
4. Get nostalgic
Jump back in time and see how Christmas was celebrated in bygone times.
Numerous folk museums across the country organise Christmas markets in December. Some of the most popular are at the Maihaugen Museum in Lillehammer and Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo.
5. Røros – the ultimate Christmas town
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Then your safest bet is to head to the historic mining town of Røros!
Enjoy the small town's charming, narrow alleys, local handicrafts, and sleigh ride tours. Make sure to book early, because you will not be the only one who wants to stay in this picturesque place in December.
6. Santa's post office
Did you ever wonder where your letters to Santa ended up? This is the place, and he is still receiving them!
Santa's house is located in Drøbak, just 30 minutes from Oslo, with lots of quaint shops and bakeries worth exploring.
Visit the cosy centre of Drøbak and get to know the Norwegian Santa
7. Bergen's gingerbread city
Each year, nurseries, schools, businesses and hundreds of locals collaborate to create the world's largest gingerbread city.
The exhibition, open from the end of November and all through Christmas, is located in the central square of Bergen. Go check it out – and be amazed!
8. Sleep in a gingerbread house
If you really love gingerbread, here's some excellent news: A gingerbread house you can stay in!
The house, known as Nissehuset (Santa's house) is located in the small village of Savalen, where there are plenty of fun holiday activities on the weekends. Santas from around the world also gather here to compete in the annual Santa Claus Winter Games. Don't miss it!
9. Ice hotels
Speaking of cool places to stay …
How about sleeping like a fairytale princess or prince?
10. Binge watching
Want to get away from it all?
Sometimes, the hotel itself is the destination, especially when the views are like this!
How about combining it with binge watching your favourite Christmas movies?
Book a unique place to stay
11. The start of skiing season!
1-2-3 ski! If you love alpine activities, the wait is over!
Many ski resorts open some of their slopes this time of the year. This may of course vary due to local snow conditions, so make sure to check opening hours at the destination before you go.
12. Happy New Year!
Wondering where to celebrate New Year's Eve?
Whether you are looking for a quiet stay in nature or an urban getaway where you can watch the fireworks at midnight, Norway has it all!
A new year awaits!
Get ready for January!
Learn about the climate and discover more amazing winter experiences in Norway.