5 of the best Christmas markets along Norway’s coast

Before or after you sail on The North Cape Line, make time to explore Oslo. At Christmastime, the bare branches of the city’s trees are wreathed in fairy lights, the scent of fresh doughnuts wafts through the air, restaurants fill with revellers, and amazing Christmas markets fill the pavements and squares.

Jul i Vinterland takes over Spikersuppa on Oslo's main high street, Karl Johans gate, with stalls selling world foods, thick hot chocolate and warming mulled wine, and handicrafts that make the perfect Christmas gift. There are carousels, an enormous Ferris wheel, and ice-skating displays, too.

Oslo’s high streets and cool neighbourhoods have some of the best shops in Norway, but for something a bit different, time your visit to coincide with Julemarked av Oslo’s Supermarked. It’s ideal for unique gifts such as illustrations, ceramics, and edgy clothes.

Just outside Oslo, the traditional Christmas market at Bærums Verk has seasonal goodies, historic buildings, and horse and carriage rides.

Norway’s most famous Christmas market has the added advantage of being within walking distance of Bergen’s other Christmassy attractions. For much of December, the rides and stalls of Bergen Christmas Market jostle with happy shoppers along one end of Festplassen.

After you’ve browsed the stalls, taken in views across the city from the top of the big wheel, and sipped an enormous hot chocolate topped with a tower of whipped cream, it’s an easy stroll to Pepperkakebyen, the world’s largest gingerbread town, or to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen – Bergen’s former wharf area now turned treasure trove of boutique shops and galleries.

Or you can take the Fløibanen funicular up near Mount Fløyen for incredible views and walks atop the city below. There’s a gift shop up there too, just in case you didn’t check everything off your Christmas list at the market.

There’s (almost) no need for Christmas lights on Lofoten. In December, the light here is naturally beautiful. It’s Polar Night so the sky is already a tranquil shade of blue, and you might see the Northern Lights overhead too. Nevertheless, come Christmastime, the archipelago pulls out all the festive stops.

Seasonal markets pop up in cute red huts in Skårungen, a traditional Christmas market takes place in Lofoten’s oldest fishing village, Nusfjord, but the star of Lofoten’s Christmas show is Henningsvær. Its galleries, shops, and studios are filled with the creations of local artisans who specialise in everything from glassblowing to candle making. Explore it like a local on one of the blue kick sleds for the most authentically northern Norwegian experience.