Christmas in Norway

The Christmas celebration

Christmas presents from close family members and close friends are common among the Norwegians; the presents will normally be stored under the Christmas tree and then after dinner and the walk around the Christmas tree, they will be opened.
A visit from Santa Claus (father or family member) on Christmas Eve is also quite common among families with children.

Where Norwegians spend Christmas

As Norway is located far north, the days are short in December, thus the Norwegians really appreciate their Christmas celebration, lighting up the dark days! Most Norwegians start planning the Christmas holiday and decorating indoor & outdoor in early December, or even before.
Norwegians normally celebrate Christmas at home with the close family, or at their “hytte” in the mountains (mountain cottage).

Spending week-ends and winter holidays on the “hytte” is typical Norwegian, and skiing is a favourite activity.
About winter in Norway

Christmas trees

In rural areas it is still common for Norwegians to cut their own Christmas tree in the nearby forests, but most people nowadays buy their Christmas trees. The traditional Norwegian Christmas tree is a spruce, but some Norwegians prefer pine trees, and artificial Christmas trees have become quite popular.

Traditional Christmas meals in Norway:

The Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve is the main Christmas meal, usually served between 5 and 8pm. The meal traditions vary according to the geography of Norway, although the traditions are spreading throughout the country.

In the eastern parts of Norway and mid-Norway they normally eat crisp ribs of pork (called “ribbe” in Norwegian) as the main course.

In the western parts of Norway they prefer dried ribs of mutton (called “pinnekjott”), with potatoes and mashed kohlrabi (German turnip).

In northern Norway they eat “pinnekjott” as well, while some stick to the old tradition with Arctic cod.

On December 25 a large Christmas breakfast or brunch buffet (late) is quite common, and for the rest of the Christmas Holiday the Norwegians normally gather with family and friends for coffee and typical Norwegian Christmas cakes and cookies.

Suggested Christmas tours in Norway:

You can experience a magic Christmas at Unesco Roros or at the mountain village of Geilo, with exciting excursions.

You can also choose a relaxing & comfortable Christmas time on a Havila ship – the most eco-friendly ships cruising along the Norwegian coast.

You can book safely with Fjord Travel Norway – a local, Norwegian company. We have been in business for more than 20 years, offering eco-friendly tours based on public transport.

View our Christmas tours & cruises:

About Roros:

In this authentic, former mining town you will find about 80 tiny wooden houses in its hilly town center. Roros is located at an altitude of 650 metres above sea level, in a dry inland climate, thus a snowy and wintery December is common.

Make sure to bring warm winter clothes, a woolen hat, mittens and proper winter shoes!

Norwegian Christmas at UNESCO Roros

An exotic Christmas package starting in Oslo, then by train to Hamar & the Roros Railway to magical Roros – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend 3 nights with local Christmas traditions, a dog sledge in the wilderness & a ride through winterly Roros in an open horse carriage.
Continue by train to historic Trondheim, with a private guided tour of the town before you head south by train for a final night in Oslo.
Duration: 7 nights. Christmas

Christmas holiday in Norway

Enjoy a peaceful, white Christmas, a traditional & authentic Norwegian Christmas celebration, horse sleigh ride, the scenic Bergen rail line, the famous Flåm Railway & an amazing fjord cruise!
Starting in Oslo, followed by 3 nights stay at the beautifully located mountain village of Geilo, then on to Bergen, where you will join the amazing Norway in a Nutshell® full day excursion.
Optional: Return to Oslo by train.
Duration: 6 nights. Christmas

Christmas cruise package

This cruise package starts with a night in Bergen, followed by a 4 nights cruise with Norwegian Christmas traditions & traditional Christmas meals, then 2 nights in beautifully located, Arctic Tromso, before heading south for a final night in Oslo.
You can add extra nights & Northern Lights trips in Tromso
• Excursions: Aurora Safari in Tromso
• Duration: 8 nights

Norwegian Christmas & Northern Lights cruise

A Christmas cruise package starting in Oslo, then on to the Arctic town of Kirkenes, located close to the Russian border, with overnight in an exotic Gamme cabin.
Board the ship for a 5 nights cruise from Kirkenes to Bergen, with traditonal Norwegian Christmas celebration on board, finishing with a night in Bergen.
• Excursion: Dog sledding in Kirkenes
• Duration: 8 nights

Northern Lights Christmas cruise

Celebrate Christmas at the Snow hotel in Kirkenes! This adventurous trip starts in Oslo, followed by a scenic train trip to historic Trondheim, where you board a ship for a 4 nights cruise to Arctic Kirkenes.
Enjoy an overnight stay in a tiny Gamme cabin by the Kirkenes Snow hotel, before your return to Oslo.
You can add extra nights, overnight in the Snow hotel & Snowmobile safari
• Excursions: North Cape, Reindeer sledge, Dog sledge, King crab safari
• Duration: 9 nights