On a bright yet cold winter morning in December, the Bergen Christmas Market was a wonderful time! Photo by: Evan Berman

Christmas is a wonderful time. Between the food, drinks, and merry attitudes, it’s hard not to enjoy this time of year. One of the best parts is exploring Christmas markets. During my time in both Bergen and Oslo, I visited their markets. While Bergen’s was extra special, both were great.

This recap is a part of the larger Nordic Expedition. For more on this trip, follow these links:

Intro

Flight: Delta Comfort+, CHS-JFK

JFK Lounges

Flight: Norse Airways Economy, JFK-OSL

Flight: Norwegian Economy, OSL-BGO

The Magic of Bergen, Norway

Christmas Markets (This Article)

Hotel: Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret, Bergen, Norway

Flight: SAS Economy, BGO-SVG

Flight: SAS Economy, SVG-OSL

2 Days in Oslo, Norway

Oslo Restaurants

Hotel: Comfort Karl Johan, Oslo, Norway

Flight: SAS Economy, OSL-TOS

Terrific Tromsø, Norway

A Whale of a Meal, Tromsø, Norway Restaurants

Seeing the Northern Lights

Hotel: Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora, Tromsø, Norway

Hotel: Clarion Collection Hotel With, Tromsø, Norway

Flight: SAS Economy, TOS-OSL

Flight: Norse Atlantic Airways Economy: OSL-JFK

December in New York

Lounges at LGA

Flight: Delta Economy, LGA-CHS

Conclusion

Summary:

Christmas markets are a very popular destination in Europe during the month of December. While many people think of them in Germany and Austria, they can be found in most every country in Europe. There are lots of sweets, handicrafts, mulled wine, Christmas songs, and festive decorations and clothing. I had the opportunity to experience a Christmas market in both Bergen and Oslo, Norway.

Bergen:

Bergen is a medium-sized city and it has an extra-fun sized Christmas market, the Bergen Julemarked! For those curious, in 2023, the market will be available from 10am-9pm November 25th- December 22nd. When I stopped by on the first Saturday in December this past year, there were carolers, traditional Norwegian dances, many types of food, and Gløgg, the Norwegian name for mulled wine.

The market, was bustling with children of all ages, including those young at heart. From cheese, chocolate, and fish to sweaters, mittens, and candles, there was something for everyone! I had a tremendous time walking around looking at all of the little shops and sipping on a wonderful Gløgg. There truly is nothing better on a cold winter day!

While most everywhere in Norway accepts credit cards, I did run into a situation where a merchant only accepted NOK, so I had to return the gift I intended to purchase. It’s worth noting that you may sometimes need cash in Norway, though almost always credit will be taken (and preferred).

In all, I spent a bit over 1 hour at the Bergen Christmas Market. It was incredible and well worth the time if you visit in December. I would not recommend coming just for the market, but it certainly adds the cherry on top of the magical Bergen ice cream sundae!

Oslo Christmas Market

After returning to Oslo later that day, I planned my visit to the capital city’s Christmas market, Juli Vinterland, on Sunday. The picture below shows the market at night while the above shows the market during the day. While this market seemed a bit more commercialized (ex. no carols and carnival style games), it was once again a very nice experience.

I opted for an interesting snack combo of churros with ice cream. While I wouldn’t recommend, it’s always fun to try new things! Once again, I opted for a Gløgg. Admittedly, this one was not quite as good as at the Bergen Julemarked, but it was still a great drink to warm up on a cold morning! There were many different food options and the highlight of the experience was a giant spin the wheel featuring prizes such as a reindeer stuffed animal or cup of Gløgg!

The market is open from 10am-6pm every day. There is a ferris wheel and the opportunity to play many games or even ice skate! This market is much larger than Bergen’s, but it still has many good qualities and is worth a visit.

Recap:

Sine I was in Norway during December, I made sure to visit Christmas markets in both Bergen and Oslo. Between the costumes, food, drinks, and general festiveness, both markets were a fun experience. If you find yourself in Europe during late November or December, make sure to check out a Christmas market!

Evan