Christmas markets in Oslo are an essential part of the holiday season in Norway. Full of fairy lights, the sweet smell of glogg, fuzzy woollen sweaters, and fun in the snow. Here, you can find a full list of the best Oslo Christmas Markets in 2024 with their description and opening times.
If there is one thing before the holiday season, that Norwegians do well, is a celebration of all things festive. The moment Halloween is over, the whole country moves into the Christmas season, with all things Christmas. Christmas in Norwegian is Jul, so Christmas Markets are called Julemarkeder, and everything that is associated with Christmas has “Jul” in its name. Julekaffe, juleboller, julekake, julebrus, even jule-herring. You find them all, and more, on Christmas markets in Oslo.
If you’re heading to Oslo, I’ve written a full list of cool things to do in Oslo in winter. Which, of course, also involves visiting Oslo Christmas Markets (up until Christmas). In the weeks before Christmas, Christmas markets are happening every day. Norwegian Christmas markets are full of lights, traditional Norwegian winter clothes, woollen gloves or socks, yummy comfort food, mulled wine, and fireplaces. Oslo Christmas Markets are also a perfect place to pick up some Norwegian gifts or souvenirs to take back home.
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Oslo Christmas Market City centreBest Christmas Markets in Oslo 2024
Some people say that the best Christmas markets in Europe are in Germany, but isn’t Scandinavia a motherland of Christmas? There is always snow here in winter and Santa Claus lives on the North Pole, so close to Svalbard. Some of the biggest markets in Norway for Christmas are located in Oslo, and here is the list of the best Christmas Markets in Oslo in 2024.
A good idea for exploring Oslo Christmas Markets and the seasonal charm is to take a guided Christmas walking tour.Interested in things to do around Oslo?
After living in Oslo for 6+ years I’ve created a map with almost 300 marked places on Google Maps, organized in categories, with details and photos, and unique spots around Oslo. From the best hikes to the most cozy cafes through camping places, museums, attractions, viewpoints, and more. Save yourself long hours of research and start exploring! Get your map here!
Ferry wheel in Oslo Christmas Market in Spikkerstupa# Oslo Christmas Market in Spikkerstupa – Jul Vinterland
Opening dates: November 12 – January 1 Opening times: open every day, usually from 12:00-20:00 or 21:00 Oslo Christmas Market Jul in Vinterland in Spikkerstupa is the biggest and the most central Christmas market in Oslo. It’s located in Spikersuppa in Oslo city centre, next to the National Theatre and Karl Johans Gate. You can find there an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and a lot of sales stands with gifts, clothing, souvenirs, and more. There is, of course, a lot of local food as well, including some international flavours. If you would like to explore this market with a guided tour, taking this Oslo Christmas Tour is a good idea. You will learn about Christmas in Norway, and Oslo’s history while warming yourself up with the traditional Norwegian drink, “gløgg” (mulled wine).
Read more: Ice skating in Oslo and Norway – frozen fjords and lakes
# Christmas market at Hadeland Glassverk
Opening dates: Every weekend in the period 30-October-19 DecemberA Christmas market at Hadeland Glassverk is a market inside the red-painted glasswork village. There, you can combine Christmas shopping with good food and fun experiences for the whole family.
# Oslo Christmas Market at SALT
Opening dates: Weekends of November 26 and 27, December 3 and 4, and December 10 and 11 Opening times: 12.00-17:00The Christmas market at SALT is a different, edgy, and cosy Christmas market with different content every weekend. If you want to find unique Norwegian gifts for Christmas or support local brands and eat delicious food, head there on the first three weekends of Advent. And when you are in SALT, why not try their big sauna with a DJ and a bar? I share more about my experience there in this post.
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Glogg at Christmas market in Oslo# Christmas Market at Folk Museum
Opening dates: Two first weekends of December. At the Christmas market at the Norwegian Folk Museum, you can enjoy Christmas shopping in historical surroundings and then take a break and wander around the decorated open-air museum. Visiting the museum is a lot of fun in itself, and definitely one of the coolest things to do in Oslo in winter.# Christmas Market in Bærums Verk
Opening dates: Every day from November 26 – December 23.Julemarked in Bærums Verk is technically not in Oslo, but in Bærum, however, it’s still very close to the city (15-20 min drive, or a train to Sandvika and then a bus). This is probably my favourite Christmas Market in Oslo. It’s full of traditional craftsmanship, beautiful art, plenty of gift options, and food choices. All of that is located in the atmospheric surroundings of old traditional wooden Norwegian houses from the 17th century, along with the beautifully decorated paths by the river in Bærums Verk. A must-visit!
Christmas Market in Bærums Verk# Christmas Market in Vulkan, Oslo
Opening dates: weekendsVulkan Julemarked is an urban experience Christmas market. Located in the vibrant Vulkan neighbourhood, it focuses on local, smaller brands with interesting backgrounds and great quality.
# Christmas Market in Lavvos at Youngstorget
Opening dates: Every day until 21st December.If you ever get cold during Norwegian winter weather, but you still want to keep doing your Christmas shopping, you can move indoors into the Julemarked in Lavvos in Youngstorget. There, you can find a magical atmosphere in 5 large Christmas-decorated Lavvos and shop in warm surroundings. I am not going to lie, I’ve stopped there more than once to warm myself up during the walk around Oslo in winter and to try some of the local food served there! Take this “Oslo: Christmas Spirit Private Walking Tour” that stops at this Christmas Market, learn about Norwegian Christmas traditions and more.
Oslo Christmas Market in Lavvos at YoungstorgetChristmas Markets around Oslo
Oslo Christmas Markets are not the only markets in the Oslo region. If you have a car and the will to drive around, you can visit some more markets in the area. I recommend combining them with some of Oslo’s day trips.# Christmas market in Viken
Opening dates: Weekends until the end of December.
Opening times: 11.00 – 18.00
This Christmas Market Jul I Viken is located in Lillestrøm, a 10-minute train ride from Oslo. There is an entry ticket of 175 NOK per person. It includes entry to the Christmas market, outdoor and indoor carnival, exhibitions, concerts, Christmas workshops, and more.
# Christmas Market in Old Town in Fredrikstad
Opening dates: Weekends in December until the 18th.
Christmas Market in Gamlebyen, Fredrikstad is a traditional market located in the old town of Fredrikstad – a very nice day trip from Oslo!
Fredrikstad old townWhat to do at Oslo Christmas Markets
If you’ve ever been to a Christmas Market before, I’m sure you know what to do there. Pretty much – shop, eat and drink! But there are a few special things you can do at Oslo Christmas Markets, listed below.#1 Try Glogg – a traditional Christmas drink
Glogg can be found at every Christmas market in Norway and Oslo. Sometimes it’s with alcohol (like a mulled wine), and sometimes it’s a warm fruity drink served with raisins and almonds.#2 Eat Pepperkake (gingerbread) and roasted almonds
Norwegians love Pepperkake (gingerbread), and roasted almonds, so you can find them everywhere in the Christmas markets.#3 Go Ice skating
Ice skating in Oslo and in Norway is extremely popular. Especially at the Christmas Market in the National Theatre, you can try ice skating on the ice rink in the middle. This guided Oslo Christmas Spirit Tour goes to the most famous central ice rink in Oslo Christmas Market at the National Theatre.#4 Shop local souvenirs
On every Julemarked you will find an array of local products to choose from. Traditional winter Norwegian souvenirs include
woollen sweaters, traditional cheese slicers, local cheese and meats, Nordic Santas, and more.#5 Sit by the fire
On many of the Christmas Markets, you will find firepits, where you can sit down and warm yourself up.#6 Admire the fairy light decorations
Norwegians love decorating everything for Christmas with a lot of lights, candles, and fire, so you can be sure that there will be plenty of light in the Christmas Markets in Oslo.#7 Listen to the talking moose
Every year’s attraction of a Christmas Market in Spikkerstupa are two talking moose heads that tell funny jokes and sing Merry Christmas.
Ice rink at Christmas Market in Spikkerstupa
Churros are another popular snack on Christmas markets in Oslo
Local food at Christmas MarketWhere to stay in Oslo
If you’re visiting Oslo for a few days, I recommend staying in the city center. For more info on where to stay in Oslo click the highlighted link, where I explain different parts of Oslo and recommend specific hotels.
Here are a few recommendations for hotels in Oslo for different budgets:$ Saga Poshtel Oslo Central – one of the cheaper hotels, located in Oslo city center with beds starting from € 39 and very high reviews.
$$ Oslo Guldsmeden – an eco-friendly hotel with Balinese decor and organic breakfast is one of the best hotels in Oslo. I stayed there for several days on one of my work visits and totally loved it. It offers a spa and a relaxing atmosphere. Highly recommended. Check prices and availability.
$$$ Thief Hotel – if you want to treat yourself, that’s the place. The location is perfect – in the heart of the most expensive Oslo area, Aker Brygge, just by the waters of the Oslo Fjord and a few steps from many pubs and restaurants. Check prices and availability.
Oslo Christmas decorationsDiscover Oslo’s surroundings!
After living in Oslo for 6+ years I’ve created a map with almost 300 marked places on Google Maps, organized in categories, with details and photos, and unique spots around Oslo. From the best hikes to the most cozy cafes through camping places, museums, attractions, viewpoints, and more. Save yourself long hours of research and start exploring! Get your map here!
Have you been to any Oslo Christmas markets? Which one is your favorite?
Read more about Norway:
Where to stay in Oslo – best Oslo hotels on every budget + Oslo districts explained
19 Most Interesting Day Trips From Oslo
Norway winter clothing – what to pack for Norway in winter
Norway in a budget – Local tips for cheap Norway travel
The best things to do in Oslo in winter
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