Christmas in Oslo - lights, joy and warmth
In December, Oslo sparkles in its own unique way. Karl Johans gate, Aker Brygge, Grünerløkka, Bjørvika and Spikersuppa are decorated with Christmas lights and Christmas music fills the air. Whether you’re on a romantic weekend for two, family holiday or trip with friends, you’ll find the magic of Christmas in Oslo.
The best Christmas markets in Oslo
- Jul i Vinterland (Spikersuppa) - Oslo’s largest Christmas market is located in the very heart of the city. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel, go ice skating, try your luck on the chocolate wheel of fortune, race down the Lille Korketrekker'n spiral slide and buy handmade Christmas gifts.
- Oslo’s Supermarked at SALT - Want to experience a different kind of Christmas market? At the waterfront at SALT, artists and designers sell handicrafts you won't find anywhere else. Buy a unique ceramic bowl, jewellery or interior design piece and enjoy the music of one of the many concerts performed during the Christmas market.
- Norwegian Folk Museum - Step back in time and experience an old-fashioned Christmas. On the first two weekends of December, market stalls fill the open-air museum on Bygdøy, the historic houses are decorated and children can go on a horse and carriage ride.
Food and fun
The Christmas spirit in Oslo is best experienced with something good to drink and eat. Start your day at one of the city’s numerous cafés - where the scent of coffee and gingerbread meets the sounds of Christmas music. For lunch, visit Mathallen, where you'll find local delicacies and a lively ambiance.
When evening falls, you can find Christmas menus and delightful restaurants in all price ranges - from classic Norwegian flavours at Bristol Grill and Engebret Café to modern dishes and panoramic views at Ekebergrestauranten. Around Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, the lights sparkle along the water and you'll find both restaurants and wine bars for a relaxing winter evening.
Whether you want to eat out, enjoy a drink with friends or simply take a break from your routine, Oslo is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit.
Christmas shopping in Oslo - shops open on Sundays in December
If you want to do a lot of holiday shopping in a short space of time, Karl Johans gate and Bogstadveien are the places to start. The streets are lined with shops and with a little luck, you’ve have knocked off half your gift list by lunch.
Looking for something unique? Head to Grünerløkka or Frogner. Here you'll find lots of boutique shops with design products, second-hand treasures and local crafts, and you're never from from a café for a refill of mulled wine or hot chocolate. In Oslobukta in Bjørvika, you can shop while enjoying views of the fjord.
Lots of shops are open on the last three Sundays before Christmas.
Christmas concerts and Christmas performances in Oslo
For many people, a Christmas performance is as much a part of the holiday season as gingerbread cookies. At the Oslo Opera House, the National Ballet dances The Nutcracker to Tchaikovsky’s music and at Christiania Theater, the blue elves are back on stage at Jul i Blåfjell (Christmas at Blåfjell). Folketeateret has its own Christmas tradition with the musical Annie about an orphaned girl who never stops believing that tomorrow will be brighter. Young children can also look forward to Putti Plutti Pott at Oslo Spektrum.
If there are only adults in your group, Julelatter at Latter is a great place to start the evening. If you prefer to sit quietly and listen to music, Oslo Cathedral and the city’s other churches will be hosting Christmas concerts throughout December.
Tickets to the most popular performances sell out quickly, so don't wait too long to buy yours.
Hotel in the centre of Oslo - the heart of Christmas magic
If you stay in the city centre, you can walk from the Christmas market to a restaurant and on to a theatre without having to worry about taking a tram or taxi. At Thon Hotel Cecil, you are a stone's throw away from Stortinget and Jul i Vinterland is right around the corner. Thon Hotel Astoria is located right next to Karl Johans gate and what you save on your room, you can spend on Christmas gifts. If you have tickets to The Nutcracker or plan to go to the Christmas market at SALT, Thon Hotel Opera in Bjørvika is the perfect choice.
When you return to the hotel with shopping bags and cheeks flushed from the cold, a comfortable bed awaits. In the morning, the breakfast buffet welcomes you with freshly baked bread, freshly brewed coffee and dishes made from scratch. Breakfast is always included in the rate.
Find your hotel in Oslo and get into the Christmas spirit with us.