Norway in December is a softer kind of bright: candlelit windows, pine on the air, and that deep blue twilight we call the “blue hour.” From the big-city sparkle of Oslo to snow-dusted mining towns like Røros, our Christmas markets are where Norwegians meet friends, sip hot gløgg, and pick up wool mittens or handmade woodcrafts for gifts. If you are visiting, these markets offer a concentrated taste of Norwegian winter culture in a single stroll.
If you are short on time and want quick picks: Jul i Vinterland in Oslo is the most central and convenient, Bergen’s Christmas Market pairs perfectly with the city’s famous Gingerbread City, Trondheim’s Julemarked brings traditional food and Sami-inspired handicrafts under a warm lavvo tent, and Røros’ Christmas market feels like stepping into a snow globe. For day trips from Oslo with strong craft traditions, Bærums Verk and Hadeland Glassverk are reliable favorites.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the best Christmas markets in Norway and how to make the most of them.
Oslo: Jul i Vinterland at Spikersuppa
Oslo’s main market sits between the National Theatre and the Parliament along Karl Johans gate, easy to reach by tram, metro, or on foot from most downtown hotels. Expect wooden stalls selling knitted hats, carved spoons, nougat, and proper Norwegian treats like smultringer (ring donuts) and brente mandler (sugared almonds). There is often an ice rink and a Ferris wheel, and the whole place glows once the sun dips behind the city skyline.
Insider tips from a local: arrive around blue hour for the most atmospheric photos; grab your gløgg and then take a slow loop toward the National Theatre side where the lights reflect off the skating rink. Most vendors take card and mobile payments, but carry a bit of cash if you like to drop coins in street musicians’ buckets.
Oslo’s Museum Markets: Norsk Folkemuseum & Bygdøy
Oslo also has beloved weekend markets at the Norsk Folkemuseum on Bygdøy. Wandering the open-air museum’s historic farmhouses with lanterns glowing in the windows feels straight out of a storybook. You will find traditional foods like risengrynsgrøt (rice porridge) and lefse, plus demonstrations of old crafts. Dress warmly; salt air from the fjord and a light breeze can make it feel colder than the temperature suggests.
Bergen: Festplassen Market and the Gingerbread City
Bergen’s central market typically sets up at Festplassen, a level walk from Bryggen and the harbor. Wooden chalets sell wool goods, candles, and regional snacks; the city’s mountains frame the lights beautifully. The must-see extra is Pepperkakebyen, Bergen’s famous Gingerbread City, built from countless gingerbread houses made by locals and schools. It is whimsical and very Norwegian.
Local rhythm: Bergen weather shifts quickly. Bring a compact umbrella and a breathable rain shell, even on seemingly clear evenings. Warm up with fish soup nearby, then loop back through the market for a final cup of gløgg before calling it a night.
Trondheim: Julemarked on Torvet
Trondheim’s square, Torvet, hosts one of the coziest markets in the country. A large lavvo tent often anchors the scene, offering a warm place to sit with reindeer stew, mulled cider, or a plate of spekemat and cheese while folk musicians play. The vendor mix leans artisanal: hand-sewn mittens, leatherwork, woodcarvings, and local farm products. Pair your visit with a quiet evening walk to Nidaros Cathedral for carols or simply to admire the façade under winter lighting.
Pro tip: Take breaks indoors in Trondheim’s cafés to keep fingers and toes happy, then hop back out for another lap. Layering is everything in central Norway’s inland chill.
Røros: The Fairytale Christmas Market
If you picture timber houses, horse-drawn sleighs, and snow creaking underfoot, you are probably imagining Røros. This UNESCO-listed mining town turns magical under fresh snow. Stalls line the narrow streets, torches flicker, and you can taste sodd (a hearty meat soup), krotekaker, and rich hot chocolate. It is a smaller market than the big-city versions, but the setting is unmatched.
Getting there: The Rørosbanen railway route is a scenic winter ride. Book accommodation early; the town fills up quickly, and part of the charm is staying right among the wooden houses so you can pop in and out between snow showers.
Lillehammer: Maihaugen’s Christmas Market
At Maihaugen, the open-air museum becomes a living Advent calendar. Historic homes are decorated as families would have done a century ago, and the atmosphere is intentional rather than flashy. Expect carol singing, craft demos, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Norwegian grandparents bring their grandkids here for a reason: it is nostalgic, gentle, and genuinely educational.
What to buy: Hand-woven textiles, locally made candles, and wooden toys that can survive generations. If you like marzipan, look for kransekake bites to try before committing to a larger ring cake.
Bærums Verk: A Craft Village Christmas near Oslo
Just outside Oslo, Bærums Verk is a historic ironworks village that lights up beautifully in December. The river, the timber facades, and the permanent artisan workshops make this more than a seasonal pop-up. You can watch a blacksmith at work, step into small galleries, and then warm up with a cinnamon bun in one of the cafés. It is excellent for quality gifts without the downtown crowds.
Getting there is simple by bus or car, and the compact layout works well for multi-generational groups. If you are shopping deliberately rather than browsing for fun, this is your spot.
Hadeland Glassverk: Glassblowing and a Big Christmas Shop
North of Oslo along Randsfjorden, Hadeland Glassverk turns festive early, often with illuminated displays, a large Christmas store, and glassblowing you can watch up close. The focus is design: ornaments, tableware, and Scandinavian décor. It is a full-day outing with cafés, galleries, and space for kids to run between buildings.
Money-saving tip: Ask about seconds or outlet items for high-quality glass at friendlier prices. Pack a tote bag with soft layers to protect fragile purchases on the way back.
Tromsø: Arctic Glow and Northern Lights Chances
Tromsø’s market season feels different under the polar night. Stalls pop up along Storgata and small squares, often with duodji (Sami handicrafts) like woven bands, knives with carved reindeer-antler handles, and beadwork. You will find cloudberry jam, Arctic char, and smoked reindeer among the food offerings. The joy here is the contrast: twinkly lights downtown and, if you are lucky, auroras arching overhead later that night.
Practicalities: Footwear matters more than fashion in Arctic Norway. Wear insulated boots with good grip; sidewalks can be hard-packed snow. Most places are cashless, so phone-based payments and credit cards are the norm.
Stavanger and the South: Cozy Streets and Egersund’s “Christmas Town”
Stavanger’s compact center dresses up beautifully, with stalls around the harbor and Fargegata’s colorful houses strung with lights. It is easy to pair market browsing with a long, unhurried meal; this region takes Christmas dinners seriously. A standout south of Stavanger is Egersund Juleby, a dedicated “Christmas Town” experience with chalets, performances, and a small-city friendliness that many visitors fall for. Consider it if you want something festive without big-city bustle.
Kristiansand: A Family-Friendly “Julebyen”
In Kristiansand, the market spreads across the central square with rides, a big tree, and easy walking between stalls. It is great for families: flat terrain for strollers, plenty of sweets, and cafés conveniently close when small hands get cold. Locals book tables for a traditional julebord dinner after shopping, so make reservations if you plan to follow suit.
Drøbak: Norway’s Christmas Town on the Oslofjord
An easy day trip from Oslo, Drøbak leans into its holiday identity with Tregaarden’s Christmas House open year-round and a post office that receives letters to Santa. In Advent, small markets and decorated streets make it a charming place to spend a slow afternoon. If you are collecting gifts, the smaller shops here have a knack for sourcing Scandinavian brands you might not find in typical tourist strips.
What To Eat and Drink at Norwegian Christmas Markets
Start with gløgg, our spiced mulled drink. Non-alcoholic versions are common; alcoholic gløgg might come with a discreet splash of aquavit or red wine. Look for pepperkaker (thin ginger cookies), krumkaker (delicate cones), riskrem with berry sauce, and pinnekjøtt or ribbe plates if the market offers hot meals. In the west you might find svele pancakes, and just about everywhere will have something warm, sweet, and nostalgic.
Allergy note: Stall staff are used to questions about nuts, gluten, and dairy. Ask directly; Norwegians appreciate straightforwardness.
Shopping Smarter: What’s Worth Packing Home
If you want gifts with real Norwegian character, aim for wool, wood, and ceramics. A pair of mittens knitted in traditional patterns will get used for years. Hand-carved spoons, cutting boards, and ornaments travel well and age nicely. Candles are popular, but remember airline rules for packing. For kids, look for simple wooden toys or a small nisse figure to guard the bookshelf back home.
Many markets use reusable cup systems with a small deposit. Return the cup to get your coin back, or keep it as a souvenir.
Practical Planning Tips
Timing and daylight: Most markets run from late November through December, peaking on Advent weekends. In the south, you will get short afternoons; in the north, it may be fully dark. Plan outdoor time earlier in the day and save indoor museums or cafés for later.
Clothing: Think layers. Merino base layer, insulating mid-layer, wind- and water-resistant shell. Add a wool hat, scarf, and lined gloves. If you will stand around listening to carols, tuck a hand warmer in each glove.
Money and payments: Norway is largely cashless. Contactless cards and mobile pay are standard. Keep a credit card handy for small purchases and a debit card for ATMs if needed.
Transport: Winter trains run reliably; roads are well maintained, but drive only if you are confident on snow. City centers are walkable, and public transport apps make trams and buses easy.
Crowds: Early afternoon on weekdays is calmest. If you go Friday evening, expect a lively after-work crowd and a festive buzz.
How to Choose Which Market Fits You
- If you want maximum convenience and urban energy: Oslo’s Jul i Vinterland.
- For coastal charm plus a unique add-on: Bergen and its Gingerbread City.
- To soak up traditional crafts and warming food under canvas: Trondheim.
- For storybook streets and deep winter atmosphere: Røros.
- If you are focused on quality shopping and artisan workshops near Oslo: Bærums Verk or Hadeland Glassverk.
- For Arctic vibes and aurora chances: Tromsø.
- With kids in tow: Kristiansand or Maihaugen in Lillehammer.
Whichever you pick, give yourself time to linger. Norwegian Christmas markets are less about speed and more about the small moments: the first sip of hot gløgg, a choir starting up somewhere you cannot quite see, snow catching in your scarf while you decide between berry jam and brown cheese fudge. Bring warm layers, an open schedule, and a bit of appetite, and you will leave with both gifts and a good story.