Can't make it to Norway this Christmas? Never fear! Here are some videos and photos from Norway's capital city, Oslo, during the festive season.
Over the past month, winter has arrived in the Norwegian capital city of Oslo. That means ice and snow on the ground, dark skies, and shortening days.
But as the days get ever shorter, the city is brightened up with festive decorations. The light portal pictured above provides a fantastic welcome to the Christmas market, open from mid-November, and a focal point for the city’s winter light displays.
One thing that’s often missing from Oslo’s Christmas celebrations in December is snow. While there has been snowfall this year, you need to head to the hills to see it stay on the ground.
It’s well worth the trip on the light rail T-Bane system up to Holmenkollen or Frognerseteren for the views of Oslo as well as the snow.
Video: Christmas in Oslo
If you prefer video, then you're in luck! Enjoy a highlights video from the Christmas season in Oslo below:
If you enjoyed that video, read on for lots more pictures and information.
Grand Hotel
At the heart of downtown Oslo, the Grand Hotel on Karl Johans gate is one of the most notable buildings that gets a festive coat. Throughout December, the hotel exterior is adorned with winter lights.
Back in the UK, most Christmas lights are multi-coloured. But in Scandinavia, winter lights tend to be white or yellow, rather than bright colours. I'm not sure why, exactly, but I've always assumed it's to do with the darkness outside.
The same is true on Christmas trees. Take a look at the one outside the Norwegian Parliament, close to the Grand Hotel, for an example. The being said, there are more colourful trees dotted around too, especially inside the shopping centres.
Even if you're not staying at the Grand, it's worth popping inside to take a look at the grand decor. Maybe you should grab a coffee at the foyer bar, or even enjoy a Christmas dinner at the fine restaurant.
In December of 2022, an impressive gingerbread house stood inside the foyer of the hotel.
Upon closer inspection, I realised it was a gingerbread version of the hotel! According to the note to one side, two of the hotel's apprentices spent 80 hours building it.
Oslo Christmas Market
Back in England, the one thing I really looked forward to every year was the Frankfurt Christmas Market in the city centre Birmingham. This enormous market was a must-visit after work for a mug of mulled wine and a frankfurter.
Since living in Trondheim, I always enjoy popping into the Trondheim Christmas market each December. But as nice as it is, it's not on the same scale as the Birmingham event. That's not a bad thing, of course, but I do miss the bustle.
Oslo's take on the traditional Norwegian Christmas market is a bigger affair, however. Built around the public park between the Norwegian Parliament and the National Theatre, the market has a popular ice rink at its centre, with skates available for rental.
Traditional fairground rides, loads of food stalls, and various other events and attractions combined to make this my favourite of Norway's festive markets.
Named Jul i Vinterland (Christmas in Winterland), the market starts in mid-November and runs to the end of December. The market is open daily until 8pm (9pm on Fridays and Saturdays) and stays open until New Year’s Day, although it is closed on Christmas Eve.
Oslo Central Station
I mentioned earlier there are some more colourful Christmas trees in Oslo. One such example is inside the city's main railway station, Oslo S, or Oslo Central Station.
Oslo Central Station is Norway’s biggest and busiest train station. Many commuter services from all over the south and east of Norway arrive here throughout the day.
So do long-distance trains such as the Oslo to Trondheim route and the Bergen line. So there's plenty of people passing through each day to appreciate the festive decor!
In addition to the tree, there are other decorations dotted around the station concourses including this bright train, which appears to be transporting some of Santa’s presents.
Let's just hope there is no train replacement bus service required, or there'll be some very disappointed children this year.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
A visit to the Vigeland sculpture park is a must at any time of year in Oslo, but there is a very special atmosphere during the winter. That being said, there is no Christmas transformation. In fact, there are almost no decorations whatsoever.
However, the often-seen dusting of snow gives visitors a whole new perspective on many of the sculptures. Although the famous Vigeland monolith is ice-free, the steps to get there can be a little slippery, so take great care when visiting.
The surrounding parkland and the ice gathering on the park's lake are yet more reminders of the season.
Although beautiful, a walk around the lake's perimeter, usually busy at other times of the year, is reserved for only the keenest of local dog walkers.
The Oslo Waterfront
Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen are popular year-round destinations in Oslo for shopping and dining. As with other parts of the city, the redeveloped waterfront areas are lit up with bright, white lights.
Head behind the main waterfront and you'll find this fantastic Christmas bauble, brightly-lit at night and a perfect spot for that festive selfie. Nearby, you'll find another Christmas tree with muted white lights.
Then of course, there's the Oslo Tree behind Tjuvholmen. This modern art installation isn’t a Christmas decoration, as it's in place year round, and has been for several years now.
However, the ever-changing colours from the 150,000 LED lights on this artificial tree add a festive touch to the otherwise commercial district.
Standing 14 metres high, the tree’s lights are dimmed at night. That means the best time to appreciate the artwork is in the early evening. At this time the tree's lights are still bright, but the sun has long since set on Oslo.
With its bustling christmas market and quieter tourist attractions, the run-up to Christmas in Oslo could be the perfect time for you to visit Norway’s capital. Just wrap up warm as temperatures will likely be below freezing throughout December.
