Oslo transforms Spikersuppa into the Winter Wonderland in November, with the Oslo Christmas Market bringing a buzz to its already vibrant atmosphere.
Famous for its majestic fjords and Viking history, the city invites you to experience a Norwegian Christmas at its best.
In this article, you’ll discover essential information to plan your visit, including unconfirmed 2024 dates, opening times, and what local treats to expect.
Oslo Christmas Market 2024
Oslo’s Winter Wonderland is the city’s main Christmas market that runs alongside the Spikersuppa ice skating rink.
Centred around Karl Johans Gate, just a short walk from the Royal Palace, the market lasts over a month.
This year, the market has more than 60 stalls along the main thoroughfare, where you can find gifts, clothing, toys and decorations. There is a new Ferris wheel and several carnival rides.
Traditional Norwegian Christmas dishes are served alongside international street food to give you a taste of both Norway and the wider world.
You’ll have access to free Christmas activities, from plays to concerts featuring well-known artists, all designed to get you into the festive mood.
The Spikersuppa Ice Skating Rink is a highlight of the market, which opens in November and is an idyllic setting for winter activities.
Dates and Information
Oslo Christmas Market dates: 10th November to 31st December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Spikersuppa near Karl Johans Gate.
Opening times: Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 8pm. Friday: 12pm to 9pm. Saturday: 10am to 9pm. Sunday: 10am to 8pm.
23rd December: 10am to 6pm.
Christmas Eve: Closed.
Christmas Day: Open, 12pm to 8pm.
30th December: 12pm to 9pm.
New Year’s Eve: 12pm to 6pm.
Admission: Free.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Yes, at Spikersuppa Ice Skating Rink.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not advised.
Reason to visit: The market is held in heated traditional lavvu tents. Likely chance of a white Christmas. Excellent ice skating.
Recommended tour: This electric fjord cruise is one of the most popular in Oslo.
Specialities: Frankfurter, curry sausage, bratwurst or traditional Christmas sausage julepølse, moose burger, gnocchis or Spanish churros, Norwegian pancakes sveler, bubble waffles.
Where to stay: Hotel Bristol is a highly-rated hotel, 3-minutes from Karl Johans Gate.
Convenient Hotels
To stay near Oslo’s festive celebrations at Spikersuppa, the area around Karl Johans Gate is ideal, but anywhere in the Sentrum district would be fine.
Hotel Bristol is just a short walk from Karl Johans Gate and is a comfortable and convenient base for your time in Oslo.
Location
Interesting Tours
I recommend the guided Oslofjord by electric boat tour for an eco-friendly glide past the city’s aquatic landmarks.
It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting to see Oslo from a different perspective. You’ll quietly cruise by the Opera House, Akershus Fortress and the Oslo Fjord Sauna, learning about the area’s history and marine life.
Alternatively, this street food culture walking tour is an excellent choice if you’re keen to get into Oslo’s culinary scene.
Norway has many popular winter destination like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Alesund. Read my guide to the best Christmas markets in Norway for more information.
Norsk Folkemuseum
The open-air Norsk Folkemuseum holds one of Oslo’s most popular winter events. The museum is decorated according to festive periods over different eras.
You can experience a range of activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas tree decorating and candle making while enjoying the cosy atmosphere of the museum’s historic grounds.
Norsk Folkemuseum dates: 1st to 2nd and 8th and 9th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Museumsveien 10, Bygdøy.
Opening times: 11am to 4pm.
Oslo at Christmas
Local Specialties
Julegrøt (Warm Christmas Porridge): A comforting bowl of warm porridge is a staple at Santa Claus’ Gløgghus. Often served with a pat of butter, sugar, and cinnamon on top, it’s a simple yet satisfying treat to ward off the chill.
Pølser i Brød eller Lompe (Wiener Sausages in Bread or Lompe): Choose between a soft bread roll or lompe, a traditional Norwegian potato flatbread, to wrap around your sausage. It’s a popular quick meal that you can grab while you browse the market.
Gløgg og Kakao (Mulled Wine and Cocoa): For a warming drink, try the traditional gløgg, a Scandinavian mulled wine, or a cup of rich hot cocoa, often topped with whipped cream.
Elgkjøtt fra Grillen (Grilled Elk Meat): Offered by Bekkereinan from Kvinesdal, the elk meat is grilled according to age-old traditions. The flavour is influenced by the natural diet of the elk in Norway’s southern forests.
Raclette: Enjoy the rich, melted Raclette cheese drizzled over baked potatoes and fresh baguettes.
Korean Corn Dog: These aren’t your typical corn dogs – after being fried, they’re dipped in sugar and served with a choice of sauces, creating a unique sweet and savoury snack.
Homemade Burgers: Flamme Burger sells burgers crafted from a secret recipe. The burgers are assembled with select ingredients for an unforgettable taste.
Sausages from Western Norway: Savour the rich variety of sausages, including traditional Bratwurst. All are grilled over an open flame for the best taste.
Kandiserte Epler (Candy Apples): At Nissemors Kjøkken, traditional candy apples are a sweet snack. These glazed apples come with sprinkles, making for a festive and fun treat.
Greek Food: For a Mediterranean twist, Taste of Greece serves up authentic dishes like gyros, bringing the flavours of Greece to the heart of Oslo.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
Decorative Rolling Pins: At Wooden Corner, you’ll find these beautifully patterned rolling pins, perfect for baking enthusiasts looking to add a Scandinavian touch to their pastries. These rolling pins aren’t just for use in the kitchen; they also make charming wall decorations.
Glass Art: Birk Glass offers a range of glass art, from festive ornaments to bespoke door signs. As a small family-run business, they take pride in crafting each piece by hand, ensuring every item has a distinct and personal touch.
Norsk Strikkevarer (Norwegian Knitwear): Woollen sweaters, mittens, and scarves featuring traditional Norwegian patterns can keep you warm throughout the winter. These garments are often made with high-quality wool and can last for years.
Treleker (Wooden Toys): Traditional and timeless, wooden toys from local makers are popular among both children and collectors. These toys range from simple puzzles to intricate models, reflecting Norway’s longstanding woodworking tradition.
Smykker (Jewellery): Local artisans offer a variety of handmade jewellery. From simple silver pendants reflecting Norse symbols to elaborate pieces incorporating semi-precious stones, there’s something to suit every style.
Norsk Sjokolade (Norwegian Chocolate): Chocolates made by local confectioners using traditional recipes are always popular. These can come in beautifully wrapped boxes, making them perfect gifts or stocking fillers.
Julepynt (Christmas Decorations): Unique Christmas decorations, often inspired by Norwegian nature and folklore, can range from hand-painted baubles to carved wooden figures of trolls and other mythical creatures.
Further Information
You can find travel information about visiting Oslo at the tourist office, including everything from the top tourist attractions and events to dining, accommodation and transportation options.
Sustainability Tips
If you want to be more sustainable on your visit to Oslo, here are some specific ideas you can consider:
Renewable Energy: Consider staying in a hotel that uses renewable energy for its electricity.
Reducing Food Waste: Over-purchasing at the food stalls can be tempting. Try to plan your meals carefully to avoid overbuying and wasting food. If you have leftover food, consider taking it with you to eat later.
Limiting Consumerism: Only buy what you really need when shopping. Support local businesses that offer sustainable products and services.
Sustainable Diets: Choose to eat plant-based or locally sourced meals when eating out to reduce your carbon footprint.
Sustainable Transport: Consider walking, biking or taking public transportation to get around.
If you want to leave a review of Oslo Xmas Market, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Oslo, Norway. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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