If you've ever dreamed of spending the holidays inside a Christmas postcard, December in Norway is your chance to live it. Festive lights glowing against snow-covered rooftops and cozy wooden cabins with fires crackling inside make it the most magical time of the year.
Norway in December offers a magical mix of tradition, adventure, and unforgettable memories. It offers experiences for every traveler. Here are the best things to do in Norway in December to make your holiday truly special.
1. Skiing and Snowboarding: Winter Sports in Norway's Best Resorts
December is a prime time for skiing and snowboarding in Norway. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's a ski resort for every level. Norwegian ski resorts are known for their excellent snow conditions, well-maintained slopes, and friendly après-ski culture.
Voss: Adventure and Scenery
With stunning mountain views and family-friendly slopes, Voss is a great spot for both skiing and relaxing. The resort offers a good mix of alpine and cross-country skiing opportunities, plus unique experiences like skiing combined with cultural tours.
Voss is also known for its extreme sports opportunities, including backcountry skiing, snowshoe touring, and even 9-day ski road trip for the truly adventurous. The town itself offers charming accommodation options and excellent restaurants serving traditional Norwegian cuisine.
Local Tip: Many resorts offer ski packages that include everything from rentals to guided tours, so you can maximize your time on the slopes. Consider purchasing a ski pass that covers multiple resorts in the region for the best value.
Trysil: Family-Friendly Excellence
Norway's largest ski resort offers a wide range of slopes and is perfect for families and beginners. With over 70 slopes and 31 lifts, Trysil provides something for everyone. The resort is particularly known for its excellent ski schools and children's programs.
The resort features dedicated beginner areas with gentle slopes and magic carpet lifts, making it easy for newcomers to learn. For families, there are specially designed slopes and play areas, while more advanced skiers can enjoy challenging off-piste terrain. The resort also offers night skiing under floodlights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Hemsedal: The Scandinavian Alps
Known for its more advanced slopes and vibrant après-ski scene, Hemsedal is a great choice for experienced skiers. The resort offers some of Norway's most challenging terrain, including steep off-piste areas and terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
The village comes alive in the evening with numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The après-ski culture here is legendary, with live music, dancing, and traditional Norwegian celebrations. The resort also offers excellent ski-in, ski-out accommodation options.
2. Christmas Markets: Shop for Unique Norwegian Treasures
Norwegian Christmas markets are a must-see in December, where you can find handcrafted gifts, local delicacies, and traditional holiday cheer.
Oslo Christmas Market
Located in the heart of the city at Spikersuppa, this market transforms the capital into a winter wonderland from late November through December. The market is known for its charming wooden stalls filled with festive decorations, handcrafted gifts, and local treats like gingerbread cookies and mulled wine (gløgg). You'll find everything from traditional Norwegian sweaters and handmade ornaments to locally produced honey and artisanal chocolates.
The market also features live entertainment, including traditional Norwegian folk music and Christmas carols. Children will love the small amusement rides and the chance to meet Norwegian Christmas characters. The surrounding area is beautifully decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for evening strolls.
Bergen Christmas Market
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Festplassen, a vibrant public square. This market offers a festive atmosphere with crafts, food, and entertainment. The historic wooden buildings provide an authentic medieval setting that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time.
Local artisans showcase their work, including traditional Norwegian woodcarvings, handwoven textiles, and silver jewelry inspired by Viking designs. The food stalls offer regional specialties like Bergen fish soup, reindeer sausages, and traditional lefse flatbread.
Local Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to visit Pepperkakebyen (the World's Largest Gingerbread Town in Bergen). It’s open to the public from mid-November throughout December.
Tromsø Christmas Market
For a truly northern experience, visit Tromsø's main Christmas market, where you will find local Sami handicrafts, festive lights, and warm Arctic cheer. This market is set in a central square and is one of the few places where you might shop under the Northern Lights, if you are lucky with the weather. It’s a unique seasonal experience you won’t find throughout the entire city.
Local Tip: Don't miss the traditional Norwegian Christmas sweets like "krumkake" (wafer cookies) and "riskrem" (rice pudding with berry sauce) while you're browsing the stalls! Many stalls also offer samples, so you can try before you buy.
3. Northern Lights: A December Dream Come True
For many, December is the perfect time to chase the Northern Lights in Norway. The long winter nights provide the perfect backdrop for this awe-inspiring natural light show. With up to 19 hours of darkness in northern Norway, your chances of witnessing this phenomenon are excellent.
Tromsø: The Northern Lights Capital
Widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, Tromsø offers clear skies and Northern Lights tours. It’s a natural phenomenon that depends heavily on weather. You’ll need a clear, cloud-free sky, which doesn’t happen every night in Tromsø.
Many tours include professional photography services, so you can capture the perfect shot of the aurora dancing above the Arctic landscape. The city also offers Aurora forecasting services and apps to help you plan the best viewing times.
Local Tip: Make sure to bring a good camera for photos, but also download a Northern Lights app to help predict the best viewing times. The Aurora forecast typically provides 3-day predictions, and KP-index ratings help you understand the intensity of expected activity.
4. Cozy Cabins and Holiday Retreats
Escape to one of Norway's cozy cabins, where you can enjoy the serenity of winter in a traditional Norwegian hideaway. These cabins, called "hytte" in Norwegian, are an essential part of the country's culture and offer the perfect base for winter adventures.
Voss: Mountain Paradise
With its stunning mountain landscapes and easy access to skiing, Voss is perfect for a winter getaway. Book a cozy cabin with a fireplace, and enjoy the festive spirit of Norway from a warm and secluded spot. The area offers everything from luxury chalets with modern amenities to traditional log cabins that provide an authentic Norwegian experience.
Many cabins come with private hot tubs where you can relax while watching the snow fall.
The area around Voss offers excellent cross-country skiing trails, snowshoeing paths, and ice fishing opportunities. Local grocery stores provide everything you need for self-catering, including traditional Norwegian ingredients for preparing authentic meals.
Geilo: Winter Sports Haven
Known for its winter sports, Geilo also offers charming cabins for a quiet retreat, complete with a sauna and breathtaking snowy views. This mountain resort town provides the perfect combination of active adventures and peaceful relaxation.
The cabins range from rustic mountain huts to luxury retreats with spa facilities. Many include traditional Norwegian amenities like wood-burning stoves, sheepskin rugs, and locally crafted furniture. The area offers excellent alpine and cross-country skiing, and many cabins provide direct access to ski trails.
Haukeliseter: High Mountain Retreat
Nestled high in the mountains, Haukeliseter offers stunning views, cozy cabins, and the perfect spot for a peaceful winter holiday. This location provides some of the most pristine winter landscapes in Norway, with opportunities for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing.
The historic mountain lodge dates back to the 1800s and offers both traditional rooms and modern cabins. The area is known for its reliable snow conditions and offers guided winter activities including glacier walking and ice climbing for the more adventurous.
Local Tip: Many Norwegian cabins come with a traditional wood-burning stove, ideal for relaxing after a day in the snow. Most cabins also include access to cross-country skiing equipment, and many offer lessons for beginners.
Norway's December Magic
December in Norway is a magical time full of festive cheer, unique traditions, and winter adventures. Whether you're sipping hot chocolate at a Christmas market, chasing the Northern Lights, or relaxing in a cozy cabin, Norway offers many things to do in December.
The country offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, allowing visitors to create unforgettable memories while experiencing authentic Norwegian winter traditions. Explore winter activities.
Embrace the holiday spirit and make unforgettable memories in this winter wonderland. Norway in December offers experiences that will stay with you long after the holiday season ends.
Ready to Experience Winter Adventure with Us?
Outdoor Norway offers winter outdoor adventure tours to help you make the most of your December visit. We curate winter tours that blend adventure, culture, and the raw beauty of Norway’s snowy landscapes.
If you’re after a quick getaway, our 3-Day Ski and Snowshoe Experience in Voss is perfect for families and friend groups.
If you are craving for more, our 9-Day Norway Ski Road Trip takes you from Bergen through Western Norway’s most spectacular winter terrain.
Start your adventure here.
Need more details? Check out our travel guide and let the winter magic begin!
