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DISCOVER NORWAY

Seven of the most unmissable events in Norway in December 

Christmas markets, daily performances, standup shows and World Cup action are among the best events in Norway during December. 

Published: 23 November 2023 11:47 CET
Updated: 30 November 2023 09:43 CET
Pictured is the Lillomarka forest in Oslo during winter, with snow on the ground .
There are a number of fantastic events happening in Norway during December. Pictured is the Lillomarka forest in Oslo. Photo by Tord Sollie on Unsplash

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History’s annual Christmas fair

One of Norway’s most unique Christmas events will be held at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History during the first two weekends in December. 

The fair will host market stalls, exhibitions and showcases of Norwegian Christmas traditions throughout history. 

Houses from different periods will also be decorated for Christmas in the style of the time, and there will be family shows and carol concerts. 

Obos members can go for free on December 2nd. They can bring up to four non-members with them, too. 

Adult tickets cost 180 kroner, and children under 18 go for free. There are a number of discounts for pensioners and students. 

READ ALSO: Ten of Norway’s best and most-loved Christmas markets

Torshovbyen’s julekalender 

From one of Oslo’s most unique Christmas events to another, the Christmas calendar event in Torshov, Oslo, puts a spin on the traditional advent calendar. 

Every evening, there will be a live performance from the window of one of the resident’s homes. 

The shows are put on for free, and anybody can come along to watch. Music performances, recitals from Norway’s best-loved Christmas films, and choirs make up the bulk of the entertainment. 

Following the organiser’s social media accounts will let you know where each event is held. 

FIS World Cup trials and Handball WC in Trondheim 

Not all of the events featured in this month’s list will have a festive focus, although the Christmas market in Trondheim also opens on December 3rd. 

Sports fans in the city have plenty to look forward to, which is just as well, given local football team Rosenborg’s struggles this year. 

On Friday, December 15th, until Sunday, December 17th, a taste of the FIS World Cup comes to Granåsen as trials will be held. Day tickets will cost 250 kroner for adults. 

Between December 6th and December 12th, one of the best Norwegian handball teams of all time will compete on home soil at the Handball World Cup. The games are being held at the Trondheim Spectrum. 

English standup comedy in Oslo 

Thursday, December 14th, will see an English standup comedy night held at Nieu Scene in Torshov. Tickets are already available and cost 200 kroner. 

Several great acts from Norway and overseas will be performing.  

Bergen Christmas Market

In the super central location of Festplassen in the heart of Bergen is the city’s annual Christmas market. The market will feature a Ferris wheel and horse carousel. If those aren’t enough, the large Christmas tree will help create a holiday atmosphere. 

Those in Bergen should remember to check out the nearby gingerbread village, which is the world’s largest. The market opens at the start of December and will remain open until December 22nd. 

Nidaros Boys’ Choir 

One of Norway’s oldest boys’ choirs will hold several concerts in December. The shows will be held in the stunning Nidaros Cathedral on December 8th, 9th, and 10th. 

In addition to the choir, the Trondheim Soloists and violinist Joakim Røbergshagen will also be performing. Information on tickets can be found here. 

Egersund Christmas market

The exceedingly popular Christmas market in Egersund, near Stavanger, will be open to the public between December 7th and December 10th and then December 14th and December 17th. 

The Christmas market in Egersund takes inspiration from British and German markets. The town centre will be turned into a “Christmas town”, which will host a number of performances, concerts and stalls. 

Egersund has long been considered one of Norway’s favourite Christmas destinations. 

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DISCOVER NORWAY

Eight unmissable events happening in Norway in May 2024 

A trio of jazz festivals, a new museum opening, and the seven mountain hike in Bergen are among the best things happening in Norway in May. 

Published: 25 April 2024 12:09 CEST
Eight unmissable events happening in Norway in May 2024 

Three different jazz festivals 

May is looking to be a good month for music lovers in Norway, as three different festivals will be held throughout the country.

First up, is Maijazz Stavanger. The festival started in 1989 and is one of the largest events in the Stavanger region. 

The festival begins on May 3rd and runs until May 8th. Tickets are available for individual concerts and shows. 

This is followed by Jazzfest Trondheim, which commences on May 6th. The festival will run through to the 11th. Jazzfest places a focus on jazz music and musicians from Norway, the Nordics and northern Europe. 

The festival also includes workshops and jam sessions. 

Bergen Jazz Festival then closes out a month of concerts. The week-long festival begins on May 24th and extends into the beginning of June.

New museum in Kristiansand 

A grain silo from 1935 will get a new lease of life when Kunstsilo opens in Kristiansand on May 11th. 

The museum will combine three permanent collections, the Tangen collection, the Sørlands collection and the Christianssands Picture Gallery.

The museum’s collection will comprise the world’s largest collection of Nordic modernism. Visitors can also enjoy international digital contemporary art, temporary exhibitions, lectures, concerts, dining experiences, workshops, function rooms, and events.

May 17th and public holiday galore 

It doesn’t matter where you are in the country. May 17th promises to be a special day across Norway. 

The country’s national day will see the public dressed in folk costumes and attend parades with marching bands. 

Oslo is set to have the largest parade, which makes its way up Karl Johan Street to the Royal Palace. 

Wednesday, May 1st will see workers off for Labour Day, this is followed by Ascension day on May 9th. 

This is followed by Whit Monday on May 20th, meaning workers in Norway will have a long weekend between Constitution Day and Whit Monday. 

Bergen International Festival 

Norway’s oldest cultural festival (established in 1953), the Bergen International Festival (Festspillene i Bergen), is scheduled to take place between May 22nd and June 5th.

The festival usually offers visitors a blend of theatre, dance, music, opera, and visual art, showcasing both Norwegian and international talent.

Each year, the Bergen International Festival captivates audiences with hundreds of live performances staged both indoors and outdoors.

Seven mountain hike in Bergen 

The annual seven mountain hike in Bergen will see residents and visitors scramble across the seven peaks that sit above the city. The whole day can be used to complete the 30 km-long route.

You can also opt to do just five or three mountains instead. The event begins on May 26th. 

Oslo medieval festival 

The Oslo Medieval Festival is at Akershus Fortress in the capital. Each day promises fun events for the whole family, with the fortress, which dates back to the 1200s, providing plenty of authentic medieval atmosphere. 

Wandering jugglers, jesters, musicians, beggars, historical plays, longbow shooting, and concerts with medieval songs and instruments are all on the itinerary. All this is in addition to the market selling goods from Norway and abroad. 

The festival takes place between May 26th and May 29th. 

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