An Inside Look at Norway's Best Christmas Markets
When you picture Christmas, there are a few things you’ll likely see, including snow, cold, and a heap of presents. Luckily, these can all be found throughout Norway, especially during the Christmas season. One major part of Norwegian life around Christmas time is the dozens of bustling Christmas markets located throughout the entire country.
If you have never had the opportunity to take advantage of the round trips to Norway, you might not have any idea about what goes on at Norwegian Christmas markets. If that is the case for you, this guide will provide a valuable inside look at what you can expect to experience at some of Norway's biggest, and most magical, Christmas markets.
Photo: Designernes Eget Julemarked
The Designers’ Own Christmas Market
Located in Oslo, this unique Christmas market is all about unique gifts. Unlike the mass-produced goods found in many retail stores, the Designers' Own Christmas Market hosts over 140 different Norwegian designers that come together to offer handmade or individualized products that will be unable to be purchased anywhere else during any other time of the year. If you have someone that is particularly hard to shop for, then this can be the perfect place to go during the Christmas season.
Photo: Bjørg Moen Skancke
Røros Christmas Market
If you are looking for a picture-perfect place that resembles the essence of Christmas, then there are few better options than the town from Disney’s “Frozen.” Although you, unfortunately, cannot visit that exact location, you are capable of visiting the inspiration behind it, which many sources say is the Norwegian town of Røros. During the winter season, Røros becomes a snowy wonderland that is the perfect location for Christmas activities.
This is one of the reasons why the Røros Christmas Market world-renowned for its beauty and entertainment. You will come for the old wooden houses covered in snow that appear that they’re taken straight out of the pages of a fairytale, but you will end up staying for the chance to taste the famous Røros butter as well as have the opportunity to take a ride in a reindeer-pulled sleigh.
Photo: Robin Strand
Bergen Christmas Market
Serving as one of the longest-running Christmas markets in Norway, the Bergen Christmas market operates from the end of November until December 22nd every year. Each day, 12 new vendors are brought in to provide visitors with a wide range of local products that make excellent gifts.
In addition to the excellent shopping opportunities, this Christmas market also allows both adults and children to be thoroughly entertained as they have the opportunity to ride the giant Ferris wheel or take a turn on the horse carousel, as well as the many other attractions.
Photo: Paal Mork
Norsk Folkemuseum’s Annual Christmas Fair
This is by far one of the most popular Christmas markets in all of Norway, and rightfully so. The open-air market in Oslo includes over 100 old-fashioned wooden stalls where vendors display their unique Christmas products.
It also has a range of activities that allows visitors to see how Christmas was celebrated in the country hundreds of years ago and has progressed throughout the years. In addition to this look back in time, there is also the opportunity to visit Santa's workshop, get pulled by a horse-drawn sleigh, and have some hands-on activity by creating homemade crafts.
Photo: Robin Strand
Experiencing Christmas in Norway
Spending the Christmas season in Norway is a truly spectacular idea. Whether you attend one of these Christmas markets, a different Christmas market, or one of the other many fantastic things to do in Norway, you will be sure to have a magical Christmas season.
As you might understand by now Christmas in Norway is something truly special. The cold climate and crisp fresh air creates the perfect environment for lifting your Christmas spirit and setting you in a calm Christmas mood. If you would like to know more about Christmas in Norway, find out how to Experience Christmas in Norway here.
- How to: Explore Christmas Norway