Christmas in Oslo with children - magical memories for the entire family
When the Christmas lights are turned on, the ice rink opens and the smell of roasted almonds fills the air, Oslo is transformed into a Christmas wonderland for young and old. We've put together a few ideas for a family weekend full of quality time, yuletide cheer and child-friendly experiences - from check-in to the journey home.
Friday - Lights and laughter
Check-in:
Choose one of our family-friendly hotels with plenty of space and close to everything - such as Thon Hotel Panorama, Thon Hotel Opera or Thon Hotel Spectrum.
Afternoon:
Start the weekend with a visit to the Jul i Vinterland christmas market at Spikersuppa. Here the children can go on rides, skate on the ice rink and greet Santa in Santa’s house. The ambiance, smells and lights set the tone for the weekend.
Dinner:
Eat at Egon Karl Johan - with a children’s menu, play area and Christmas lights in the windows - or try Pincho Nation, a fun and circus-style restaurant experience where everyone is welcome that serves dishes that are to sure to please young and old.
Evening:
Take a short stroll up Karl Johans gate to see the Christmas lights and Christmas tree in front of Stortinget before returning to the hotel for a relaxing evening and perhaps a gingerbread cookie or two.
Saturday - Adventure day
Breakfast:
Start the day right with Thon Hotels’ award-winning breakfast buffet. The children can put together their own breakfast while the adults relax with a cup of coffee.
Late morning:
Visit the Norwegian Folk Museum on Bygdøy for the traditional Christmas market. Here you can admire houses decked out for Christmas, see wooden toys being made, enjoy singing and a horse-drawn sleigh ride. A Christmas adventure for young and old alike.
Lunch:
Back in the city centre, stop by Haralds Vaffel on Torggata for an informal, simple lunch of waffles, hot chocolate and smiles in true Christmas spirit.
Afternoon:
Get some fresh air and experience Christmas spirit at Aker Brygge - with free Christmas activities for children, an outdoor theatre performance and the opportunity to greet Santa Claus. Alternatively, you can relax in your hotel room and watch a Christmas movie.
Dinner:
Share a pizza at Mamma Pizza Osteria Italiana on Øvre Slottsgate or Villa Paradiso on Solli plass - authentic Italian cuisine, a warm ambiance and perfect for families.
Evening:
If the children are old enough, you can spend Saturday evening watching a Christmas performance such as Christmas in Blåfjell, The Nutcracker, Journey to the Christmas Star or Annie - guaranteed to be a memorable experience!
Sunday - Smiles, snow and gingerbread
Breakfast:
Start the day with another round of delicious breakfast and get ready for your last day in Oslo.
Late morning:
Go back to Spikersuppa and rent ice skates at the pavilion next to the ice rink. Ice skating to Christmas music in the heart of the city is a memorable experience for the entire family.
Lunch and playtime:
Afterwards, take the tram to Bjørvika and stop by Talormade - famous for its colourful donuts. Continue to Deichman Bjørvika, where an entire floor is designed for children with books, drawing tables and small discovery rooms. Outside, there is also a playground on the seaward side of Oslo S central railway station and along the promenade towards Salt.
After checkout:
Before heading home, take a short walk past the Opera House and go out onto the roof, weather permitting - the perfect end to your Christmas adventure in Oslo.
Experience a magical family weekend in Oslo with Thon Hotels - where memories are made.
