Oslo during Christmas is nothing short of magical, a city where festive lights sparkle across icy streets while timeless traditions warm the winter air. Thanks to City Sightseeing Oslo, you can experience both the modern and the traditional sides of Christmas in Oslo in one unforgettable day.
Start your festive adventure in Spikersuppa, home to Jul i Vinterland, the most famous Christmas market in Oslo. Each December, this charming market transforms the heart of the city into a glowing winter wonderland.
Wander through rows of wooden stalls brimming with hand-knitted crafts, sparkling ornaments, and delicious local treats. The air is filled with the scent of gingerbread, roasted almonds, and warm gløgg, Norway’s own version of mulled wine.
At the centre of the market, an ice rink shimmers beneath fairy lights, while festive music drifts through the crisp winter air. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel for postcard-perfect views of Oslo during Christmas, blanketed in snow and twinkling beneath the Nordic sky. It’s festive, heart-warming, and quintessentially Scandinavian, a must-visit for anyone wondering what to do in Oslo during Christmas.
Once you’ve soaked up the city’s sparkle, hop aboard the bright red City Sightseeing Oslo double-decker bus and make your way to Bygdøy, one of Oslo’s most picturesque peninsulas. Here, you’ll find the Norsk Folkemuseum, home to Norway’s most beloved Christmas Fair, a true celebration of heritage and tradition.
Held over the first two weekends of December, this enchanting fair feels like stepping into a storybook. Historic wooden farmhouses and cottages from across Norway are decked out with old-fashioned decorations, flickering candles, and the sounds of folk music. The scent of freshly baked lefse, a soft, traditional Norwegian flatbread, drifts through the frosty air.
As you wander between candle-lit stalls, you can sample traditional Christmas treats, watch skilled craftsmen at work using age-old techniques, and experience how Norwegians once celebrated the festive season long before electricity or department stores. Children will delight in meeting farm animals and taking horse-drawn carriage rides, while adults can revel in the authenticity and charm that define Christmas in Oslo.
Reaching the Norsk Folkemuseum couldn’t be easier. The City Sightseeing Oslo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus stops directly outside the museum entrance, just look for the Norsk Folkemuseum stop on the route.
The journey from the city centre takes around 15 to 20 minutes and offers stunning views along the Oslo fjord before arriving at the snow-covered tranquillity of Bygdøy. Simply hop off, explore the Christmas Fair at your own pace, and then hop back on the next bus when you’re ready to continue your winter adventure around Oslo during Christmas.
From the fairy lights of Jul i Vinterland to the candle-lit cottages of the Norsk Folkemuseum Christmas Fair, Oslo during Christmas offers a festive experience like no other, blending modern cheer with centuries-old tradition.
So wrap up warm, climb aboard the City Sightseeing Oslo bus, and let the magic of Christmas in Oslo guide you through a winter’s day you’ll never forget.
© 2025 Stromma Norway AS is a part of Stromma Group | Head office: St.Olavs Gate 12, 0165 Oslo
