Three Capitals: Top Christmas markets in Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm
- The editorial team
- 16 hours ago
- 9 min read
Skating under the stars in Oslo, wandering medieval streets in Stockholm, or riding vintage carousels at Tivoli. The combination of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the Scandinavian genius for creating warmth in the darkest season makes Scandinavian Christmas truly magical.
Bundle up, embrace the early darkness, and prepare for hot drinks, twinkling lights, and the unforgettable experience of Scandinavia´s Christmas magic. God jul!
Oslo: Where Mountains Meet Christmas Magic
Nestled between the Oslo Fjord and forested hills crowned by the iconic Holmenkollen ski jump, Norway's capital transforms into a winter wonderland that perfectly captures the essence of a Nordic Christmas.
Here, the boundary between city and nature blurs beautifully—one moment you're sipping gløgg at a Christmas market in the heart of the city, the next you're gazing down at the twinkling lights below from a mountaintop.
From the grand Christmas tree illuminating Karl Johans gate to the intimate glow of candles in centuries-old stave churches, Oslo offers a Christmas experience that feels both timeless and uniquely authentic.
Read more: Winter in Oslo: Embrace the Season's Best
The Christmas markets
Jul i Vinterland at Spikersuppa
Oslo's main Christmas market at Spikersuppa is the heart of the city's festive celebrations. Located directly in front of the Norwegian Parliament building, this traditional market features over 40 wooden stalls offering Norwegian handicrafts, sheepskin products, hand-knitted woolens, and delicious seasonal treats. The market includes a Ferris wheel, ice skating rink, and Santa's heated gløgg house where you can warm up by the bonfire.
Address: Karl Johans gate/Spikersuppa, 0151 Oslo
Public Transport: Metro to Stortinget or Nationaltheateret stations (all lines); Tram to Øvre Slottsgate or Stortorvet
Dates: November 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Hours:
Mon-Thu 12:00-20:00
Fri 12:00-21:00
Sat 10:00-21:00
Sun 10:00-20:00 (Closed Dec 24)
Admission: Free
Website: www.julivinterland.no/
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History Christmas Market
For a more authentic old-fashioned Christmas market experience, visit the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History at Bygdøy. Set among more than 150 historic buildings relocated from across Norway, this market features traditional crafts, live performances, and the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. The museum's 13th-century Gol Stave Church provides a stunning backdrop for the festivities.
Address: Museumsveien 10, 0287 Oslo
Public Transport: Bus 30 (Bygdøy) from Central Station or Nationaltheateret to "Folkemuseet" stop (10-15 minutes)
Dates: First two weekends of December (Dec 6-7 and Dec 13-14)
Admission: Adult 195 NOK; Children under 18 free
Website: norskfolkemuseum.no
More Must-See Attractions
Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum
Visit this iconic ski jump for winter sports history and panoramic views of snow-covered Oslo and the Oslo Fjord. The newly renovated Ski Museum (celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023) showcases 5,000 years of skiing history. Take the elevator to the top of the jump tower for Oslo's finest view—if you dare! The venue also offers a zipline experience and ski simulator. The surrounding Nordmarka forest provides excellent hiking and cross-country skiing opportunities.
Address: Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo
Public Transport: Metro Line 1 (direction Frognerseteren) to Holmenkollen station, then 10-minute uphill walk
Hours: Oct-April 10:00-16:00; May-Sept 10:00-17:00
Admission: Tower and Museum 140 NOK (adult), 70 NOK (children 6-18); Included with Oslo Pass
Website: holmenkollen.com
The Royal Palace
Watch the changing of the guard ceremony daily at 1:30 PM and admire the palace's tasteful Christmas decorations. The palace park is beautiful in winter, especially when dusted with snow.
Address: Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo
Public Transport: Metro/Tram to Nationaltheatret; short walk up Karl Johans gate
Guided Tours: Summer only; exterior and grounds always accessible
Admission: Free to walk grounds
Website: kongehuset.no
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Experience Gustav Vigeland's 200+ haunting bronze and granite sculptures dusted with snow—a uniquely atmospheric winter sight. The park covers 80 acres within Frogner Park and includes the famous Monolith sculpture.
Address: Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo
Public Transport: Tram 12 to Vigeland Park; Metro to Majorstuen
Hours: Open 24/7
Admission: Free
Oslo Cathedral
Oslo's main cathedral hosts beautiful candlelit Christmas concerts featuring traditional Norwegian carols. The baroque interior provides an intimate setting for seasonal performances.
Address: Karl Johans gate 11, 0154 Oslo
Public Transport: All lines to Stortinget or Nationaltheatret
Hours: Daily 10:00-16:00
Admission: Free; concerts require tickets
Website: oslodomkirke.no
Stockholm: Royal Elegance and Yuletide Tradition
Built across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, Stockholm in December is a vision of old-world elegance draped in holiday splendor. The Swedish capital wears its Christmas decorations like crown jewels—over a million lights illuminate bridges spanning dark waters, medieval lanes wind through Gamla Stan's ochre and rust-colored buildings, and the scent of saffron buns and glögg drifts through the crisp air.
Stockholm´s Christmas markets have been drawing crowds since the 1800s. and the magic lies in its ability to feel both grand and intimate—one moment you're standing before a magnificent palace, the next you're tucked into a tiny café experiencing Swedish coziness with locals who've gathered to escape the winter cold. With its stunning archipelago setting and perfectly preserved medieval core, Stockholm offers a Christmas experience that feels lifted straight from a storybook.
The Christmas Markets
Stortorget Christmas Market - Gamla Stan
Stockholm's most iconic market, set in the medieval square surrounded by colorful 17th-century buildings, has operated since 1837. About 40 traditional red wooden stalls offer Swedish handicrafts, Christmas decorations, Sami crafts, and endless food options. The market is particularly magical in the evening when the buildings are illuminated.
Address: Stortorget, Old Town, 111 29 Stockholm
Public Transport: Metro to Gamla Stan station; short uphill walk to square
Dates: Late November to December 23
Hours: Daily 11:00-18:00
Admission: Free
Website: visitstockholm.com
Skansen Open-Air Museum Christmas Market
One of Sweden's most beloved Christmas markets since 1903, Skansen features about 70 exhibitors among historic buildings. Experience traditional dancing, carol singing, and craftspeople demonstrating centuries-old techniques. Children can enjoy pony rides, crafts, and dancing around the Christmas tree.
Address: Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm
Public Transport: Tram 7 from central Stockholm to Skansen; Bus 67; Ferry to Djurgården
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Nov 28 - Dec 21, 2025
Admission: Adult 240 SEK; Children 4-15 free
Website: skansen.se
More Must-See Attractions
Stockholm´s Old Town
Wander the narrow, lamp-lit cobblestone streets dating from the 13th century. Browse artisan shops along Västerlånggatan and soak in medieval Christmas ambiance. The area includes Stockholm Cathedral and the Nobel Museum.
Address: Gamla Stan district
Public Transport: Metro to Gamla Stan station
Hours: Always accessible; shops/cafés have varying hours
Admission: Free to explore
The Royal Palace
One of Europe's largest palaces with over 600 rooms. Take a guided tour and witness the daily changing of the guard ceremony at 12:15 PM (1:15 PM on Sundays). The Royal Chapel and Treasury are especially impressive during the holiday season.
Address: Slottsbacken, 107 70 Stockholm
Public Transport: Metro to Gamla Stan
Hours: Varies by season; typically 10:00-16:00 in winter
Admission: Adult 180 SEK; Under 18 free
Website: kungligaslotten.se
Vasa Museum
Visit the remarkably preserved 17th-century warship, beautifully decorated for Christmas. The ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged in 1961—it's 98% original.
Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm
Public Transport: Tram 7 to Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund; Bus 67; Ferry to Djurgården
Hours: Daily 10:00-17:00 (extended summer hours)
Admission: Adult 170 SEK; Under 18 free
Website: vasamuseet.se
Nordic Museum
Experience traditional Swedish Christmas celebrations with period decorations and exhibitions about Nordic holiday traditions. The grand hall alone is worth the visit.
Address: Djurgårdsvägen 6-16, 115 93 Stockholm
Public Transport: Tram 7; Bus 67; Ferry to Djurgården
Hours: Daily 10:00-17:00 (Wed until 20:00)
Admission: Adult 140 SEK; Under 18 free
Website: nordiskamuseet.se
Djurgården Island
This green oasis becomes a winter wonderland with Christmas lights, featuring Skansen, the ABBA Museum, Junibacken (Pippi Longstocking museum), and cozy cafés perfect for fika.
Public Transport: Tram 7; Bus 67; Ferry from Slussen or Nybroplan
Admission: Free to access; individual attractions have fees
Copenhagen: Hygge, Hans Christian Andersen, and Holiday Cheer
If there's a city that has perfected the art of Christmas, it's Copenhagen. This is the birthplace of hygge, that untranslatable concept of cozy contentment that the rest of the world has tried desperately to capture, and nowhere is hygge more palpable than during Copenhagen's Christmas season.
The 175-year-old Tivoli Gardens is transformed into a glittering kingdom of lights and vintage carousels, the colorful harborfront of Nyhavn reflecting a thousand candles in the dark water, and the spirit of Hans Christian Andersen woven through every Christmas market and fairy-tale corner. Copenhagen's Christmas is whimsical yet sophisticated, family-friendly yet romantic, traditional yet surprisingly innovative. With its commitment to sustainability, bicycle culture (yes, even in December), and that distinctly Danish ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures, Copenhagen offers a Christmas experience that warms the heart even as temperatures drop. This is where fairy tales were born, and during Christmas, you'll believe in them all over again.
The Christmas Markets
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market
One of the world's oldest amusement parks transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland. With over 1,200 decorated Christmas trees, thousands of lights, about 60 festive market stalls, and vintage rides including a 100-year-old wooden roller coaster, it's an unforgettable experience. Features include an ice skating rink, festive shows, Friday night fireworks, and visits from Santa Claus. CNN named it one of the world's best Christmas markets.
Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V
Public Transport: Copenhagen Central Station is 2 minutes walk; Metro to København H
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (closed Dec 24)
Hours: Sun-Thu 11:00-23:00; Fri-Sat 11:00-24:00
Admission: Adult 155 DKK; Children 3-7 discounted, under 3 free; Unlimited rides 440 DKK
Website: tivoli.dk/en
Nyhavn Christmas Market
The picturesque harborfront with colorful 17th-century townhouses and historic wooden ships hosts a charming market. The reflection of Christmas lights on the canal creates pure magic. Perfect for browsing handmade gifts while sipping gløgg.
Address: Nyhavn waterfront, 1051 København K
Public Transport: Metro to Kongens Nytorv; Bus routes 1A, 26
Dates: Mid-November to late December
Hours: Varies; typically 11:00-21:00
Admission: Free
Højbro Plads Christmas Market
Often called "Copenhagen's cosiest Christmas market," Højbro Plads is considered one of the city's best and most traditional markets. Located in the heart of the old town between Strøget and Christiansborg Palace, this market features authentic Tyrolean-style wooden cabins beneath the statue of Copenhagen's founder, Bishop Absalon. Inspired by German Christmas markets, you'll find a diverse array of treats, including glühwein, German sausages, waffles, and currywurst, alongside Danish delicacies, Italian and French treats, handmade crafts, ceramics, jewellery, and Christmas decorations. Santa Claus visits with his sleigh, where children can deliver their wish lists.
Address: Højbro Plads, 1200 København K
Public Transport: Metro to Gammel Strand station (adjacent to market); Bus 2A to Gammel Strand/Christiansborg
Dates: November 4 - December 21, 2025
Hours: Mon-Wed 11:00-19:00, Thu 11:00-20:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-21:00, Sun 12:00-19:00
Admission: Free
Website: julemarked.nu
Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market at Nytorv
This unique market pays tribute to Denmark's famous fairy tale author. Meet Julemanden (Santa Claus) in his cottage for photos and to share Christmas wishes.
Address: Nytorv square, 1450 København K
Public Transport: Metro to Kongens Nytorv or Gammel Strand
Dates: November 14 - December 20, 2025
Hours: 1100 - 1900
Admission: Free
Must-See Attractions
The Little Mermaid
Visit Hans Christian Andersen's famous 1913 statue, often dressed in seasonal attire. The waterfront walk is beautiful in winter, especially with Christmas lights reflecting on the harbor.
Address: Langelinje, 2100 København Ø
Public Transport: Bus 26; Harbor bus 991, 992 to Nordre Toldbod
Hours: Always accessible
Admission: Free
Rosenborg Castle
Tour the royal winter residence built in 1606 and see Denmark's crown jewels in their holiday splendor. The Knights' Hall with the coronation thrones and tapestries is magnificent.
Address: Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København K
Public Transport: Metro to Nørreport; Bus 5C, 6A
Hours: Winter (Nov-May) Tue-Sun 10:00-14:00
Admission: Adult 140 DKK; Under 18 free; Included with Copenhagen Card
Website: rosenborg-slot.dk
Christiansborg Palace
Home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister's Office. Climb the 106-meter tower (free!) for panoramic views of snow-dusted Copenhagen. The medieval ruins beneath the palace are fascinating.
Address: Prins Jørgens Gård 1, 1218 København K
Public Transport: Metro to Kongens Nytorv; Bus 1A, 2A, 9A
Hours: Daily 10:00-17:00 (tower closes 16:00 in winter)
Website: christiansborg.dk
Strøget Shopping Street
Europe's longest pedestrian street (1.1 km) becomes a festive shopping paradise with decorations overhead. Browse everything from luxury brands to local boutiques, with street performers adding to the atmosphere.
Address: Runs from Rådhuspladsen to Kongens Nytorv
Public Transport: Metro to Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv; multiple bus routes
Hours: Shops typically 10:00-18:00 (later on weekends)
National Museum of Denmark
Learn about Danish Christmas traditions through fascinating historical exhibitions spanning from the Stone Age to present day. The Victorian-era Christmas displays are particularly charming.
Address: Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 København K
Public Transport: Metro/Bus to Rådhuspladsen
Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00
Admission: Free
Website: natmus.dk
Copenhagen Zoo
Over 3,000 animals from 250 species. During Christmas, the zoo is decorated with 900+ Christmas trees and twinkling lights. A small Christmas market operates late November to early December.
Address: Roskildevej 32, 2000 Frederiksberg
Public Transport: Metro to Frederiksberg; Bus 6A
Hours: Daily 10:00-16:00 (December)
Admission: Adult 249 DKK; Children 3-11 149 DKK
Website: zoo.dk
