Christmas
Latest news, information and cultural background about Christmas and yuletide traditions.
What you should be aware of if you're travelling in Norway this Christmas
Norway's big Christmas get away is upon us but if you are travelling during the festive season it's important to know what awaits you whether on road, rail or in the air.
How to wish people a happy Christmas in Norwegian
There's probably no country in the world that takes Christmas as seriously as Norway and the "julehilsen", or "Christmas greetings" are no exception. Here are the main ones and how to use them.
Why Norwegians can't get enough of rice porridge on Christmas Eve
Rice porridge is a treasured Christmas Eve staple in Norway, but in recent years, more and more Norwegians have started eating porridge throughout the festive period.
Heavy snow warnings issued in Norway as Christmas travel period begins
Christmas travel is beginning under tough weather conditions across Norway. If you plan to travel this Friday, consider allowing extra time on the road.
Will Oslo get a white Christmas this year?
It is the question everyone asks in Oslo in December. While the festive lights are up, the streets are currently bare. So, will snow arrive in time for Christmas Eve? And what can you do if you absolutely need a White Christmas in Norway?
The postal deadlines for sending gifts from (and within) Norway in 2025
The Norwegian postal service, Posten Norge, has advised customers to send Christmas cards, letters, and parcels in advance to ensure they arrive before Christmas Eve.
Five Norwegian Christmas traditions foreigners find strange
Whether it's the food, games, approach to advent calendars or the weird dub of a Czech retelling of Cinderella, Norwegians have several traditions that seem strange from the outside looking in.
'Go early on weekdays': How to make the most of Oslo's Christmas markets
If you want to experience the best of Oslo's wide choice of Christmas markets this winter, then this guide from Mari Wachelke is essential reading, especially for parents in Norway's capital.
Why do the Nordic countries light candles on each Sunday of Advent?
The tradition of lighting candles during Advent in the Nordics has a rich history that stretches back centuries.
Julebord and julelys: Why does Norway's Christmas season start so early?
It might be early November but the Christmas season in Norway is well underway. Irene Andrade explains why the festive season kicks off so early here compared to most other countries.
The traditional Norwegian Christmas foods foreigners have to try
Some of the most popular delicacies and foods served in Norway during the holidays will have you heading back for seconds.
Julestemming: How do Norwegians get into the Christmas spirit?
Norwegians take their Christmas preparations seriously, creating a warm and festive atmosphere called 'julestemming'. From Advent celebrations to Christmas Eve dinner, here’s how you can join in on the fun.
'Tre nøtter til Askepott': Explaining Norway's peculiar Christmas tradition
Every year since 1996, Norwegians have gathered on Christmas morning (in Norway that’s the 24th) and switched on their televisions to watch 'Tre nøtter til Askepott'.
Which parts of Norway will get a white Christmas this year?
Many dream of a white Christmas and idyllic snowy scenery over the holidays, but meteorologists have warned that large parts of Norway may be left disappointed with the weather.
When you can buy alcohol in Norway over the 2024 Christmas holidays
Purchasing alcohol over Christmas in Norway takes some preparation and planning due to closures of stores and state-owned wine monopolies, with the sale of alcohol also prohibited on public holidays.
What you need to know about travelling in Norway this Christmas
Towards the end of the week, hundreds of thousands of Norwegians will take to the roads, rails and skies to visit their loved ones inside and outside the country. Here's what you need to know about the heaviest travel days.
How likely are flight delays and cancellations in Norway this Christmas?
Travellers flying in and out of Norway during the Christmas season should be prepared for potential delays and cancellations. Here's what you can do if your journey is disrupted.
What’s open and what closes in Norway over Christmas?
Christmas is a holiday and a time for family get-togethers in Norway, meaning you can expect a fair deal of shops to close their doors. Here’s what stays open.
11 Christmas gift ideas to stay connected with friends and family back home
The festive season can be difficult for people living abroad far away from their loved ones back home, but we've put together a few gift ideas for staying close to friends and family.
The deadline for sending Christmas gifts from Norway to other countries
The final deadline for sending gifts to friends, family and loved ones outside of Norway is soon approaching. So, what are the cut-off dates if you want a parcel to arrive by Christmas?
Why Norway gifts the UK a Christmas tree every year
Every year since 1947, Norway has gifted the UK a Christmas tree to be displayed in Trafalgar Square during the festive period.
The 11 must-try food and drinks at Norwegian Christmas markets
Visiting Christmas markets in Norway is a unique experience. These winter wonderlands are also a perfect place to try traditional foods and drinks.
How to put your Christmas wishes on Norway’s Vipps payment app
Norway’s popular payment app, Vipps, has launched a new feature which allows you to make your Christmas (or any wish list) available to fellow users.