One of the trips I look forward to the most every year is my Christmas holiday. This year, I decided to spend my Christmas in Norway and immerse myself in the magical atmosphere of this winter wonderland. Norway, especially during Christmas, seems to be under a spell, transforming into a fairy-tale world. Whether it’s the blanket of snow or the mesmerizing Northern Lights, or the thick holiday atmosphere, I quickly fell in love with this place.
For those of you planning to visit Norway, I highly recommend Wingbuddy, a fantastic travel platform that can help you effortlessly plan an unforgettable trip. Whether you’re looking for the perfect Christmas itinerary or personalized travel arrangements, Wingbuddy offers tailor-made travel packages to help you enjoy a carefree and joyful holiday. Now, let me take you through my Christmas adventure in Norway, sharing the must-try activities and places that I highly recommend.
1. The Beauty of Norwegian Winter: Snow, Northern Lights, and Romance
The first impression I had of Norway during Christmas was “pure” and “serene.” The sky was always a bit gray, as if snowflakes could fall at any moment, and the entire world seemed to be covered by a thick layer of snow. Walking through the streets of Oslo, I felt the fresh, crisp air, with snowflakes gently landing on my shoulders. Norway in winter gives off a warm and peaceful feeling, as if all the hustle and bustle of life have been covered up by the snow, leaving behind a tranquil winter landscape.
1.1 The Dream of the Northern Lights: A Miracle Under the Arctic Sky
One of the dreams of every traveler visiting Norway is to witness the Northern Lights. So, I decided to head to Tromsø, a city in the far north, often called “The Gateway to the Arctic.” Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights, and each winter it attracts thousands of aurora chasers from all over the globe.
I joined an Aurora chasing tour arranged by Wingbuddy and headed towards the observation points. As the night sky darkened, a faint green glow began to appear on the horizon, slowly spreading across the sky like a green ribbon. At that moment, I could hardly believe my eyes—the beauty of the Northern Lights was beyond words. Every time it moved, I felt my heart race as if I had entered a dreamlike world.
1.2 Skiing and Snow Adventures: The Perfect Combination of Challenge and Fun
Of course, Norway is not just a paradise for the Northern Lights; it’s also a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. I chose Hafjell, a ski resort near Oslo, to enjoy skiing. The ski slopes here are top-notch, and the scenery is breathtaking. Skiing down the snow-covered mountains, with the cold wind on my face, was such a refreshing and exhilarating experience.
Apart from skiing, I also tried dog sledding. Can you imagine sitting in a sled, being pulled through a snow-covered forest, with only the sound of barking dogs and the sled scraping against the snow? It felt like being in close contact with nature, and it was an experience I’ll never forget.
2. Christmas Activities: Norway’s Holiday Magic
Norway during Christmas is full of special charm. From traditional Christmas markets to picturesque little towns adorned with holiday lights, Norway during the Christmas season is filled with warmth, joy, and festive blessings.
2.1 Christmas Markets in Oslo: A Paradise for Shopping and Food
During Christmas, I couldn’t resist visiting Oslo’s famous Christmas markets. The market is full of the enticing smells of delicious food, with stalls overflowing with holiday decorations, handmade crafts, and cozy winter clothing. Every booth was crowded with visitors, and I happily wandered around, picking out some unique Christmas gifts, fully embracing the holiday spirit.
What I enjoyed most at the Christmas market were the warm food stalls, especially the hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. These treats are perfect for a cold winter day. Holding a cup of hot mulled wine in my hands, surrounded by twinkling lights and the sounds of laughter, I felt incredibly warm inside.
2.2 Christmas Markets in the Small Towns: A Blend of Tradition and Warmth
In addition to Oslo, I also visited a few smaller towns that had a deeper traditional holiday atmosphere. For example, in a small town in the Nordland region, I explored a typical Christmas market. The market was filled with traditional Christmas decorations, and stalls sold local handcrafted goods and holiday treats. Everyone was bundled up in warm winter clothes, and their faces were filled with smiles. This scene made me feel like I had returned to my childhood and could once again experience the purest form of holiday joy.
2.3 Meeting Santa Claus: A Mysterious Figure in the Arctic
One special event during Christmas in Norway is visiting Santa Claus’ home. I joined a tour arranged by Wingbuddy to visit Santa’s house, located near the Arctic Circle. The small cabin was full of a fairy-tale atmosphere, with Santa and his helpers welcoming both children and adults.
In Santa’s workshop, I handmade some Christmas ornaments and even had a photo taken with Santa Claus. For the children, this place is a dream come true, and for me, it brought back the childlike wonder and joy I hadn’t felt in years.
3. Norwegian Cuisine: Warmth on the Winter Table
When in Norway, you can’t miss out on trying the local Christmas dishes. Every year at Christmas, Norwegian tables are filled with a variety of traditional and distinctive holiday delicacies.
3.1 Christmas Ham (Julepølse) and Roasted Lamb (Pinnekjøtt)
One of the must-try dishes on Norway’s Christmas table is Christmas ham (Julepølse) and roasted lamb (Pinnekjøtt). I had the chance to try these in a traditional restaurant in Oslo. The roasted lamb had a crispy outer layer and tender meat on the inside, paired with mashed potatoes and red cabbage—it was simply a perfect winter meal.
The Christmas ham is another classic dish, with its incredibly tender meat and perfect roasting, making it a truly unforgettable dish.
3.2 Christmas Cookies (Kakemen)
I also got to try Norway’s traditional Christmas cookies—gingerbread. The scent and the crispy texture of these cookies reminded me of childhood holiday memories. I even joined the locals in making some Christmas cookies, and the whole experience, full of laughter, made me feel the true warmth of the holiday season.
4. Accommodation in Norway: Winter Warmth and Luxury
During Christmas, Norway offers a special kind of accommodation experience. Whether staying in a cozy cabin or a luxurious ice hotel, every place I stayed made me feel incredibly comfortable and relaxed.
4.1 Ice Hotel: Experiencing the Cold and Luxury of the Arctic
In Tromsø, I stayed in an ice hotel, where the entire hotel was built from ice and snow sculptures. The rooms had thick blankets and fur rugs, providing warmth and comfort despite the cold surroundings. The luxurious experience in the icy cold environment was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I felt like I was living in a magical world of the Arctic.
4.2 Cozy Cabins: Close Contact with Nature
In the countryside of Norway, I stayed in a small wooden cabin, nestled by a lake or in the mountains. From the window, I could see the beautiful snowy scenery. Here, I was able to completely relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of life, fully embracing the peace and beauty of the Nordic nature.
5. Transportation in Norway: Easy Travel, Enjoyable Journeys
Getting around Norway is incredibly convenient. Whether it’s taking the train between cities or the bus to small towns, everything is very efficient. If you want a more comfortable and flexible travel experience, Wingbuddy also offers private car services, making it easier for you to explore everything, from Oslo to the Arctic Circle and Santa’s village. All your trips can be planned effortlessly with Wingbuddy.
6. Embark on an Unforgettable Christmas Journey with Wingbuddy
Norway’s Christmas experience—whether it’s the stunning Northern Lights, the joy of skiing, or the rich holiday atmosphere—gave me a unique and unforgettable holiday. With the help of Wingbuddy, I was able to plan and experience all of this with ease and comfort. If you too want to experience the magic of Norway this Christmas, I highly recommend that you take action now and let Wingbuddy guide you through an unforgettable holiday adventure