From zombies and demons to enchanting creatures and magic, you'll find it all at the theme parks as they celebrate Halloween in autumn and spread Christmas cheer in December. Here are the highlights!
The leaves are changing colour and we're heading into the cold and crisp season, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop at some of Norway's biggest theme parks! Several of them are actually open throughout autumn and winter. Take part in everything from spooky Halloween fun to cosy Christmas celebrations and magical winter days.
Frightful fun and Christmas spirit at Dyreparken in Kristiansand
Dyreparken, just outside Kristiansand, is open all year round. Families travel from all over the country to visit the adorable animals and familiar characters like Captain Sabertooth.
In autumn, the popular Scary Days kick off in three spooky arenas. After dark, older kids can explore the scariest attraction, «Curse of the Wilderness», which exists both in real life at Dyreparken and virtually on Fortnite. Younger children older than three can visit KuToppen to attend the show «Klara and the Bully Mystery». Kids from six years and up can head to Estragon's World, to meet Estragon and Glambek the undertaker, armed with a sledgehammer. Spooky stuff!
Glambek is taking things one step further this year, opening a spooky pop-up accommodation in Julius’ Forest: «Glambeks hvilested - dødsbra overnatting». Do you dare to check in? Families with children aged eight years and up are more than welcome.
There's a relaxed atmosphere in the park at this time of year, meaning that it's even more fun to explore the other areas too.
As always, you can see the famous chimp Julius and the other monkeys at Sjimpansehuset.
In the run-up to Christmas, Klara and Mosk invite families to enjoy festive fun at KuToppen. Soak up the Christmas spirit with delicious seasonal food at Setra, cosy up by the fire pit in the courtyard, and browse market stalls offering Christmas dishes and activities for all ages.
Ghosts and goblins in Kongeparken, Stavanger
Kongeparken, just outside Stavanger, is Western Norway's biggest theme park, offering plenty of fun for the entire family! In autumn, brave visitors, both young and old, can encounter witches, zombies and demons during the Spooky Nights.
On Halloween itself, little ones can carve pumpkins and meet scarecrows and Brumle and Brumleline, and ride the attractions in between the scares. When darkness falls, the bravest can venture into the haunted house «Freakshow», where twisted versions of circus performers come to life. In «The Last of You», you’ll encounter creatures in an abandoned, fog-covered area.
Leading up to Christmas, the pumpkins are swapped for festive decorations as Kongeparken is transformed into a magical kingdom, with elves spreading Christmas cheer. Enjoy Christmas workshops, gløgg (Norway's answer to Glühwein), and a visit from Father Christmas himself!
Halloween at Tusenfryd, Oslo
At Norway's largest theme park just outside Oslo, more than 30 exciting attractions await, and in October it's time for some ghostly fun! The bravest of the brave are sure to feel a thrilling mix of fear and excitement in the terrifying mazes Zombie Lab and Bloody Smiles, while younger visitors can enjoy the less-scary Children's Maze. You can also test your courage in The Dungeon, a horror maze with things lurking around every corner! Stay on your guard, as the monsters are released several times a day!
Tusenfryd is closed during the winter months, but has special opening hours for Halloween.
Autumn and winter at Hunderfossen Fairytale Park, Lillehammer
Experience trolls and fairytales at Hunderfossen Fairytale Park in Lillehammer! One of the park's main attractions is the 14-metre-high Hunderfossen Troll, which watches over Gudbrandsdalen and is quite possibly the most photographed troll in the world.
The climbing park is open during the Norwegian autumn half-term and the main park welcomes visitors on Saturday and Sunday during the same period. The Children's Farm is open every day until mid-October.
After this, the park closes for the season and reopens in February for the Winter Park.
In 2023, Hunderfossen won an award from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), often referred to as the "Oscars" of the theme park industry, for its new attraction, Musikkfabrikken, in the "limited budget" category.
