Oslo’s Winter Wonderland opens in the city centre at Karl Johans gate and the Spikersuppa ice skating rink. Located near the Royal Palace, it’s a perfect addition to your itinerary.
Read on for confirmed details, including opening times and what to find at the stalls.
Oslo’s Winter Wonderland and Christmas Market is at the Famous Ice Skating Rink in 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Oslo dates: 9th November to 31st December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: This year’s schedule was released in June. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Information obtained directly from the organiser. Verify the details here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Karl Johans Gate and Spikersuppa.
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.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: This electric fjord cruise is one of the most popular.
Public transport: Metro: Stortinget. Tram: Øvre Slottsgate or Stortorvet.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Onepark Sentrum P-hus has accessible parking.
Where to stay: Hotel Bristol is a highly-rated hotel, 3-minutes from the event.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Yes, at Spikersuppa Ice Skating Rink.
Reason to visit: Stalls are heated traditional lavvu tents. There is a high chance of snow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Food specialities: Huge range of grilled food like Frankfurters, currywurst and traditional julepølse. Norwegian pancakes sveler and bubble waffles.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not advised due to the crowds.
Convenient Hotels
For easy access to Oslo’s winter events, consider staying in the Sentrum district. Hotel Bristol is a comfortable option in this area, just a short walk from the main attractions, including Karl Johans Gate.
Interesting Tours
Try an eco-friendly electric boat tour on the Oslofjord to see the Opera House, Akershus Fortress, and more while learning about the city’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.
Location
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
Other Events
Norsk Folkemuseum
The open-air Norsk Folkemuseum hosts one of Oslo’s popular winter events, with decorations reflecting different eras. Among the museum’s historical grounds, enjoy activities like horse-drawn carriage rides, tree decorating, and candle-making.
Norsk Folkemuseum dates: 30th November to 1st December and 7th and 8th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Museumsveien 10, Bygdøy.
Opening times: 11am to 4pm.
Information: Get the full details from the source.
What to Expect
Winter Wonderland in Oslo runs for over a month along Karl Johans Gate, near the Royal Palace. With over 60 stalls, a Ferris wheel, carnival rides, and various local and international foods, there’s something for everyone.
Enjoy free activities, from plays to concerts, and visit the Spikersuppa Ice Skating Rink, which is open from November for winter activities.
Food Specialties
- Julegrøt: Warm porridge served with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, a traditional winter treat to keep warm.
- Pølser i Brød eller Lompe: Wiener sausages served in a soft bread roll or lompe, a Norwegian potato flatbread.
- Gløgg og Kakao: Scandinavian mulled wine (gløgg) and rich hot chocolate.
- Elgkjøtt fra Grillen: Grilled elk meat from Bekkereinan, prepared using traditional methods and influenced by the natural diet of elk in southern Norway.
- Raclette: Melted Raclette cheese poured over baked potatoes and fresh baguettes.
- Korean Corn Dog: A unique snack with corn dogs fried, dipped in sugar, and served with various sauces.
- Homemade Burgers: Burgers by Flamme Burger, made from a secret recipe with select ingredients.
- Sausages from Western Norway: A selection of grilled sausages, including Bratwurst, cooked over an open flame.
- Kandiserte Epler: Traditional candy apples from Nissemors Kjøkken, glazed and topped with sprinkles.
- Greek Food: Authentic Mediterranean dishes like gyros from Taste of Greece.
- Doughnuts and Crêpes: Freshly made doughnuts and crêpes with various sweet or savoury fillings.
- Indian and Mexican Street Food: Flavourful Indian dishes and spicy Mexican street food are diverse options for visitors.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
- Decorative Rolling Pins: Patterned rolling pins from Wooden Corner are ideal for baking enthusiasts or as unique kitchen wall decorations.
- Glass Art: Handcrafted glass ornaments and door signs from Birk Glass, a family-run business.
- Norsk Strikkevarer (Norwegian Knitwear): Wool sweaters, mittens, and scarves with traditional patterns, made to last for years.
- Treleker (Wooden Toys): Wooden toys from local makers, from simple puzzles to intricate models, reflecting Norway’s woodworking tradition.
- Smykker (Jewellery): Handmade jewellery by local artisans featuring Norse symbols and semi-precious stones.
- Norsk Sjokolade (Norwegian Chocolate): Chocolates by local confectioners, often beautifully wrapped and perfect for gifting.
- Julepynt (Decorations): Decorations inspired by Norwegian nature and folklore, including hand-painted baubles and carved wooden figures.
Sustainability Tips
- Green Hotels: Consider staying in a hotel that conserves water and energy and 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 eating it later.
- Limiting Consumerism: When shopping, only buy what you really need. Support local businesses that offer sustainable products and services.
- Eating Out: Choose to eat plant-based or locally sourced meals when eating out to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Transport: Consider walking, biking or taking public transport to get around.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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