It’s fair to say that winter is marked by warmth in Trondheim despite the cold weather. The city is famous for its historic cathedral, vibrant arts scene and cosy events.
Over two weeks in December, the Trondheim Christmas Market is one of these welcoming events.
I’ll provide essential information in this article, such as the confirmed 2024 dates, opening times and where to go.
Trondheim Christmas Market 2024
Dates and Location
Trondheim Christmas Market dates: 4th to 21st December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Torvet (Town Square).
Opening times: 11am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: No switch on date.
The Lavvo: 11am to 8pm. Until 10pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Ferris wheel: 11am to 7pm.
Horse and carriage rides: Monday to Friday: 3pm to 7pm. Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 7pm.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport or walk.
Reason to visit: Over 90 exhibitors, Norwegian crafts, snow covered landscapes.
Recommended tour: 2 hour town centre walk.
Food specialities: Klippfisk, raspeballer, warm drinks by the fire, traditional Norwegian sweets.
Where to stay: Britannia Hotel is the most popular hotel in the city centre.
Convenient Places to Stay
Staying in the city centre puts you near the Christmas market and other key sites. Midtbyen, the central district, has a mix of shops, cafes, and historic landmarks.
Britannia Hotel is the most high-rated hotel in this area and is a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere to stay.
Location of the Market
Recommended Tours
Even in winter, the city centre of Trondheim remains inviting. Taking a city tour in Trondheim lets you learn about its historical significance and cultural aspects.
I suggest the 2-hour stroll through Trondheim’s town centre, as it’s an excellent way to familiarise yourself with critical landmarks when guided by a local expert.
I recommend reading my Norway Christmas Markets guide, as it provides a useful list of the best Christmas places to visit.
Christmas in Trondheim
The nearby fjord and snow-capped mountains create a stunning backdrop for the Christmas season. You’ll also notice a unique emphasis on local traditions, from regional food to customary decorations, setting the city apart.
The Christmas market in Trondheim has grown significantly since its inception in 2003, when it had just five stalls.
Now featuring over 90 exhibitors, it takes place in the city centre every December and adds a unique Norwegian flavour to Christmas.
Along with quality crafts and traditional Christmas food, the market includes events such as concerts, theatre shows, and horse and sleigh rides.
During the evening, the “den blå timen,” or blue hour, casts a magical glow, complementing the lights and decorated stalls.
Choose from one of ten Lavvo, a type of traditional tent, where you can enjoy local food and drinks by the fire, accompanied by troubadours and folk tales.
Market Specialties
- Raspeballer (Potato Dumplings) Raspeballer are potato dumplings commonly eaten in Norway. In Trondheim market, you can find them served with meat and a rich gravy.
- Pinnekjøtt (Cured Lamb Ribs) Pinnekjøtt consists of salted and dried lamb ribs. Traditionally eaten during Christmas, this dish is steamed and often accompanied by mashed kohlrabi. The dish is more common in the western part of Norway but has found its way to Trondheim’s market stalls.
- Gravlaks (Cured Salmon) Gravlaks are salmon cured with a mixture of sugar, salt, and spices. The fish is thinly sliced and often served with mustard sauce.
- Lutefisk (Dried Fish) Lutefisk is made from dried whitefish reconstituted in a lye solution before being cooked. It’s a dish with a gelatinous texture and is commonly served with boiled potatoes and peas. Lutefisk is often eaten around Christmas in Norway, making it a fitting choice at the market.
- Gløgg (Mulled Wine) A warm cup of gløgg is a typical way to keep the chill at bay. It’s made from red wine and spices. This aromatic drink is popular during Christmas.
- Kransekake (Ring Cake) Kransekake is a tower of concentric almond flour rings glued together with icing. This dessert is often decorated with small Norwegian flags and is a highlight at festive events.
- Pepperkaker (Gingerbread Cookies) Pepperkaker are thin, crispy gingerbread cookies. They’re a festive favourite, and you’ll find them in various shapes and sizes at the Christmas markets.
- Rømmegrøt (Sour Cream Porridge) Rømmegrøt is a sour cream porridge, often sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, then drizzled with melted butter. This dish is a comfort food staple in Norwegian cuisine and is especially warming on a cold day.
- Rakfisk (Fermented Fish) A specialty in Trondheim, Rakfisk is trout or char that has been salted and fermented for several months. It’s an acquired taste, served with flatbread and sour cream.
- Pølse med Lompe (Hot Dog with Potato Flatbread) The Pølse med Lompe is a simple dish of a hot dog wrapped in a soft, thin potato flatbread. It’s a fast-food favourite that’s widely available, providing a quick and easy option for visitors.
- Eplegløgg (Apple Mulled Wine) Eplegløgg is a non-alcoholic variant of traditional mulled wine made with apple juice and spices. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a warm, festive drink without alcohol.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
- Trøndelag Wool Products In Trondheim’s market, you can find wool products like mittens, scarves, and hats locally made in the Trøndelag region. The wool is sourced from local sheep farms and crafted by skilled artisans. It’s a practical gift that also supports local businesses.
- Sámi Handicrafts (Duodji) Duodji, the traditional Sámi handicraft, includes items like knives with intricately decorated handles and reindeer-hide pouches. The Sámi are the indigenous people of Norway, and their crafts are deeply rooted in their culture. Buying Duodji helps to preserve the Sámi heritage.
- Trondheim Ceramic Art Items often showcase traditional Norwegian patterns or symbols specific to the region. These ceramics combine utility with artistic value, making them an excellent choice for a unique gift.
- Norwegian Cheese Tools Cheese slicers and other cheese tools are popular gifts. Crafted in wood or stainless steel, these utensils are designed specifically for slicing Norwegian cheeses like brunost (brown cheese). They offer a taste of Norwegian kitchen culture.
- Tinn (Pewter Ornaments) Pewter ornaments, known locally as Tinn, make for a classic Trondheim keepsake. They come in different shapes, including local landmarks and Christmas motifs.
- Norsk Honning (Norwegian Honey) Local honey is a sweet gift option. Vendors often sell honey that has been harvested in the surrounding areas, sometimes even flavoured with local herbs or berries. It’s an authentic and naturally made product.
- Rosemaling Items Rosemaling is a traditional Norwegian art of decorative painting. At the market, you’ll find household items like bowls, trays, and even furniture adorned with Rosemaling. Each piece is unique and hand-painted by local artisans.
- Norwegian Language Books For those interested in the Norwegian language or folklore, a range of books in Norwegian are available. Titles often include Norwegian fairy tales, folklore, or history, providing cultural context in written form.
- Traditional Norwegian Games Classic Norwegian games like “Kubb” can be found at the market, often made by local woodworkers. These games are easy to learn, family-friendly, and come with rules in English for ease of use.
- Wood-Carved Utensils Carved wooden utensils like spoons, spatulas, and bowls are both beautiful and functional. Artisans often use locally sourced wood, and the items might carry inscriptions in Norwegian, adding an extra layer of authenticity.
- Local Craft Beer Trondheim has a growing craft beer scene, and local breweries often have stalls at the Christmas market. You can buy bottled craft beers, often brewed using local ingredients, as a gift for beer enthusiasts.
Sustainable Travel Tips
I’ve got some tips on how you can travel more sustainably in Trondheim at Christmas.
- Choose Eco-friendly Hotels: In Trondheim, hotels are increasingly switching to renewable energy sources. Pick one of these environmentally conscious hotels to reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll not only be supporting businesses that care for the planet but also taking direct action to minimise waste and energy consumption.
- Minimise Food Waste: The Christmas markets in Trondheim are known for their variety of local dishes. While it’s tempting to try everything, be mindful of how much you’re ordering. Any leftovers often end up as waste, which puts a strain on both resources and the environment.
- Ethical Consumption: When shopping in Norway, buy only items you genuinely need or intend to use. The markets have a mix of handicrafts, clothing, and decorations, all of which require materials and energy to produce. Buying only what you will use lessens your environmental impact.
- Sustainable Diets: Select dishes made from locally sourced or seasonal ingredients. Many market stalls provide organic or sustainably raised food products, contributing less to carbon emissions than imported or non-organic options.
- Use Sustainable Transport: Trondheim has an efficient public transport system that includes buses and trams powered by renewable energy. Instead of driving around, use these more sustainable options for getting from one place to another. This minimises your impact on the city’s air quality and decreases carbon emissions.
By making these choices, you’ll be doing your part for sustainability while enjoying everything Trondheim has to offer during the Christmas season.
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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