Joyful Christmas city breaks
Give yourself a treat before Christmas! Experience the holiday atmosphere.
8 ways to experience the
Norwegian Christmas spirit
It's the cosiest time of the year! Cold outside, but warm inside, with candles, buzzing bars, and joyful Christmas fairs.
Norway goes into full Christmas mode starting in about mid-November. If you are lucky, you will be surrounded by whirling snowflakes!
It's not just the festive season. It's also the perfect time for doing something extra for someone special. For spending time together with those you love the most.
So, this Christmas, offer your time as a gift to friends and family. Invite them to join you on a magical holiday in Norway and experience the authentic spirit of Norwegian Christmas!
1. Let there be light
It's the dark time of year, but it's also full of lights! Both outside and inside. Marvel at the cosy and down-to-earth Norwegian Christmas spirit in November and December.
2. Cosy Christmas fairs
Soak up the atmosphere at one of Norway's many Christmas markets and fairs and find traditional tastes and gifts you won't get anywhere else.
3. Find unique gifts
Fairs are a good place to find a very special gift for a very special person, thanks to skilled Norwegian craftspeople.
Gift tip: Pick up a pair of Norway's iconic Selbuvotter (Selbu mittens). Read the unique story of how they were developed!
4. Meet the Fjøsnisse
Visit one of popular Christmas fairs held in one of Norway's open air folk museums in Oslo or Lillehammer during the first weekends in December. There, you can meet fjøsnissen, the authentic "Norwegian Santa". Taste his delicious porridge!
5. Santa's post office
Did you know that all mail sent to Santa Claus ends up in the cosy little village town of Drøbak, outside Oslo? Visit Tregaardens Christmas House and send your Christmas cards and wish lists from Santa’s official post office!
Over the years, the post office has received more than 500,000 letter addressed to Santa at 1440 Drøbak!
What's on your wish list this year?
6. The World's Largest Gingerbread Town
There can be no true Norwegian Christmas without pepperkaker, gingerbread cookies! In Bergen, you can experience the world’s biggest gingerbread city, all baked and arranged by locals!
7. Tasty Christmas food
Christmas traditions in Norway are as varied as the country itself. Learn more about tasty Norwegian holiday treats likepinnekjøtt, ribbe, lutefisk, medisterkaker and pickled Christmas herring.
...you might get snow in many places. But your chances are better if you head to the traditional timber town of Røros, or the skiing paradise of Lillehammer.
Or go all the way north to Tromsø, in the Arctic. You might also glimpse both Rudolph and the northern lights!
Escape the hustle and bustle on a visit to Førjulseventyret, "the pre-Christmas fairytale", in Henningsvær, an idyllic fishing village in Lofoten.
Norwegian Christmas miracles
Watch these cute videos on the authentic Norwegian Christmas spirit.
Christmas GIFT from NORWAY TO LONDON
Norwegian knitting pattern: the story of Selbu Rose | VISIT NORWAY
The Story of Santa's Post Office in Norway | Visit Norway
The World's Largest Gingerbread Town - Pepperkakebyen in Bergen | Visit Norway
Norwegian Christmas stories: volunteer from Tromsø | Visit Norway
Norwegian Christmas: fjøsnisse and his porridge | Visit Norway
The taste of Norwegian Christmas
Christmas traditions in Norway are as varied as the country itself. Here are some of the tastiest Norwegian holiday treats.
Christmas skiing
The slopes are opening! Combine a Christmas break with a ski holiday.
Christmas the Norwegian way
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Discover more Norwegian holiday traditions and treats.
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
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Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
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Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
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