Christmas Events for Kids in Oslo (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

6 min read · Les på norsk

For 2026, we confirmed 8 Christmas events for kids in Oslo, running from November 21 to December 20. Of these, 4 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Norway.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Oslo and Bærums Verk: 8
  • First: Christmas Market and Pre-Christmas Cheer at Bærums Verk 2026, Bærums Verk, November 21
  • Free events: Christmas Workshop and Family Film at Deichman Bjørvika, Christmas-Decorated Foyer at the Opera, Opening of Christmas in Bjørvika 2026: Watch the Nisse Rappel Down from the Munch Museum and Christmas Workshop at the Vigeland Museum

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Oslo

Kids’ Christmas events
8 confirmed for 2026
Towns
Oslo and Bærums Verk
Season
November 21 to December 20
Free events
4
Last checked

Free 4Ticketed and paid 4

Free Christmas events for kids in Oslo

Christmas showFree

Christmas Workshop and Family Film at Deichman Bjørvika

Expand to see the parent tip

As part of the opening of Christmas in Bjørvika, Deichman has its own program for kids. At 12 pm there is a Christmas workshop for kids with paper artist Jonas Roman Cadena, where you can get creative and make Christmas decorations.

At 2 pm the family film “Reisen mot Nord” (Journey to the North) is shown, based on the fairy tale The Snow Queen by H.C. Andersen. The program is part of the Christmas party in Bjørvika the same day, so it is easy to combine with the nisse (Christmas gnome), the Christmas tree and the Opera foyer.

Parent tip: The library is right next to the Christmas party, so you can walk between the events.

Host
Deichman (opens in a new tab)
Where
Deichman Bjørvika, Anne-Cath. Vestlys plass 1, 0150 Oslo (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Deichman (opens in a new tab)

New events in Oslo every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Oslo every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 7 more Oslo events researched for you.

  • New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Oslo.
  • Exclusive access to free events Be first to hear about new free events in Oslo.
  • Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
  • Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
  • One-tap add to calendar Save any event to your Google, Apple or Outlook calendar so you never miss it.

Coming up on this page

  • 7 Crafts
  • 4 Shows
  • 4 Zoos and museums
  • 3 Story time
  • 4 Free

Enter your email to get new Christmas events in Oslo every week.

Free. One email a week with new events in Oslo. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy

Christmas showFree

Christmas-Decorated Foyer at the Opera

Expand to see the parent tip

Doors open at 11 am, and through the day there are many cozy activities in the Christmas-decorated foyer. Pianist Sara Aimée Smiseth plays from 11 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 3 pm.

At 12 pm and 2:30 pm drama teacher Dag Ulseth tells “The Fairy Tale of the Nutcracker.” Seats are limited, and free tickets are handed out at the info desk from 11 am. There are family tours of the opera house at 12, 2 and 3 pm, a Christmas sing-along for the youngest at 1 pm, and excerpts from “The Nutcracker” in the Rehearsal Hall (Prøvesalen) at 1 and 2 pm (separate entrance on the waterfront side).

Parent tip: Pick up a free ticket for the fairy tale early, as seats are limited. Expect the storytelling to be in Norwegian.

Host
Operaen i Oslo (opens in a new tab)
Where
Operahuset, Kirsten Flagstads plass 1, 0150 Oslo (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Operaen i Oslo (opens in a new tab)

New events in Oslo every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Oslo every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Story time with SantaFree

Opening of Christmas in Bjørvika 2026: Watch the Nisse Rappel Down from the Munch Museum

Expand to see the parent tip

All of Bjørvika welcomes Christmas with a Christmas party at Aud Blegen Svindlands plass. At 1:30 pm everyone calls for the nisse from the stage, and then he rappels down from the top of MUNCH. At 1:50 pm the Christmas tree is lit, and at 2 pm goodie bags are handed out to the kids in the Nisse's tent while supplies last.

All day there is Mother Nisse's reading tent (Nissemors lesetelt) with fairy tales for the youngest, the Nisse Workshop where kids make Christmas cards and mail their wish list in the Nisse's Mailbox, and a Nutcracker riddle trail in the alleys. There are also food stalls, music and fire pits with marshmallows and clementines.

Parent tip: Arrive well before 1:30 pm to get a spot near the stage. Dress the kids warmly, since most of it happens outdoors.

Host
Bjørvika / VisitOSLO (opens in a new tab)
Where
Aud Blegen Svindlands plass, Dronning Eufemias gate 29, 0194 Oslo (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Bjørvika / VisitOSLO (opens in a new tab)

New events in Oslo every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Oslo every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Tree lightingFree

Christmas Workshop at the Vigeland Museum

Expand to see the parent tip

The whole family is welcome for a day of Christmas spirit at the Vigeland Museum. There is a creative Christmas workshop, a pop-up café with gingerbread cookies (pepperkaker), mulled wine (gløgg) and Christmas soda (julebrus), and guided tours of Gustav Vigeland's artist home at 1, 2 and 3 pm. Free tickets for the tours are picked up at the reception from 12 pm, with a maximum of 15 per group.

Afterward you walk together to Vigeland Park, where the Christmas tree is lit and everyone sings in Christmas with the Friends of Frogner Park (Frognerparkens venner). The activities are recommended from age 5, but all children are welcome with an adult.

Parent tip: Pick up tickets for the tours early, since the number of places is limited. Dress the kids warmly for the tree lighting outdoors.

Host
Vigeland-museet (opens in a new tab)
Where
Vigeland-museet, Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Vigeland-museet (opens in a new tab)

New events in Oslo every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Oslo every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Oslo

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot

Christmas story time

Christmas at Bogstad Manor (Jul på Bogstad Gård)

Expand to see the parent tip

The Bogstad manor house is decorated for Christmas with lit candles and Christmas trees in the rooms. This weekend you can walk around the main building on your own, listen to Christmas music and meet the hosts.

In the courtyard there is a market with handicrafts, Christmas gifts, wreaths, Christmas decorations and Christmas food. There are fire pits and Christmas music, and for the youngest there is a story time, a Christmas workshop and animals in the barn.

Parent tip: Tickets can be bought on the organizer's website.

Host
Bogstad Gård (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bogstad gård, Sørkedalsveien 450, 0757 Oslo (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Bogstad Gård (opens in a new tab)

New events in Oslo every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Oslo every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas market

Christmas Market 2026 at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum)

Expand to see the parent tip

At Norsk Folkemuseum the family can step into historic homes decorated for Christmas and hear about Norwegian Christmas traditions. There is folk dancing, concerts and carol singing, and over 100 market stalls with crafts, Christmas decorations, toys and Christmas food.

For kids, Nissetunet (the nisse yard) is a highlight: playful nisse characters, nisse games, a hobby horse workshop and Christmas porridge (julegrøt). You can also meet the animals in the open barn, sing Christmas songs in the prayer house (bedehuset) or warm up by the fire with a hot drink.

Parent tip: Much of it is outdoors, so dress for the weather. Check the museum's website for the ticket price.

Host
Norsk Folkemuseum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Norsk Folkemuseum, Museumsveien 10, 0287 Oslo (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Norsk Folkemuseum (opens in a new tab)

New events in Oslo every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Oslo every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas show

Traditional Christmas Workshop at Frogner Manor (Frogner hovedgård)

Expand to see the parent tip

Oslo Museum invites everyone to a weekend of traditional Christmas activities for the whole family. You can sing Christmas carols around the Christmas tree in the main building and make Christmas decorations.

The workshops include making hobby horses, painting, simple Christmas crafts, braided key chains and woodworking. Theater performances and carols are in Norwegian. Most activities are included in the ticket, but some things cost extra.

Parent tip: Buy tickets online in advance, as the event can sell out. It costs kr 20 extra per ticket at the door.

Host
Oslo Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Oslo Museum, Frogner hovedgård, Halvdan Svartes gate 58, 0268 Oslo (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Oslo Museum (opens in a new tab)

New events in Oslo every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Oslo every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Bærums Verk

Christmas market

Christmas Market and Pre-Christmas Cheer at Bærums Verk 2026

Expand to see the parent tip

Bærums Verk has a Christmas program every day in the run-up to Christmas. The Christmas market is open Thursday and Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm, and the farmers' market is there every Saturday and Sunday from Nov 22 to Dec 20.

For kids there is a Christmas workshop, glassblowing for kids, Christmas theater, horse and carriage rides and dog sledding. You can also see concerts and shop in the unique stores, which have extended opening hours from Nov 21.

Parent tip: The full program is updated regularly on the organizer's website and Facebook, so check the dates of the kids' activities before you go.

Host
Bærums Verk (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bærums Verk, Verksgata, 1353 Bærums Verk (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Bærums Verk (opens in a new tab)

New events in Oslo every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Oslo every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.com (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Oslo: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Oslo?

For 2026, we confirmed 8 Christmas events for kids in Oslo, each on its host’s own page: Opening of Christmas in Bjørvika 2026: Watch the Nisse Rappel Down from the Munch Museum, Christmas Workshop at the Vigeland Museum, Christmas-Decorated Foyer at the Opera and 5 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Oslo?

Yes, 4 of the 8 events here are free: Opening of Christmas in Bjørvika 2026: Watch the Nisse Rappel Down from the Munch Museum, Christmas Workshop at the Vigeland Museum, Christmas-Decorated Foyer at the Opera and 1 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Oslo?

Where to see Santa: Opening of Christmas in Bjørvika 2026: Watch the Nisse Rappel Down from the Munch Museum. Check the listings above for times and booking.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Oslo?

Christmas story times on this page: Opening of Christmas in Bjørvika 2026: Watch the Nisse Rappel Down from the Munch Museum and Christmas at Bogstad Manor (Jul på Bogstad Gård).

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in Oslo

Oslo is a fun city for a family Christmas. Kids can watch Santa rappel down a museum, build a hobbyhorse, see barn animals and meet the nisse, Norway's farm gnome. Here is how Oslo celebrates, what the traditions mean and how to plan your visit.

How Oslo celebrates Christmas

Oslo's Christmas season is cozy, outdoorsy and full of hands-on activities for children. Many events are held in old farm buildings, manor houses and museums, so kids get to see how Norwegians celebrated in the past.

One thing that surprises visitors is how far Oslo's Christmas reaches. Every year since 1947 the city has sent a big spruce from the forests around Oslo across the North Sea to London, where it is decorated on Trafalgar Square. It is a gift, and a sign of friendship between the two cities.

Traditions your kids will meet

The best-known Norwegian Christmas character is the nisse, a farm gnome. In the old tradition the farm nisse was served a bowl of porridge in the barn, and kids today still love nisse games and visits.

Christmas food is part of the fun. In eastern Norway, which includes Oslo, pork ribs are the most common Christmas Eve dinner, and about half of the population eats them. On the day before Christmas Eve, families serve rice porridge with sugar, cinnamon and butter. Whoever finds the hidden almond wins a marzipan pig.

If you visit a Christmas market, expect traditional food, crafts, folk dancing and carols. At the market at the Norwegian Folk Museum on Bygdøy there are over 100 stalls and decorated historic houses brought from all over the country.

Planning a Christmas visit to Oslo with kids

The events on this page start in late November and run into the weekends of early December. Several are free, including the Christmas opening in Bjørvika, the decorated foyer at the Opera House, a workshop and film at the Deichman library in Bjørvika, and the family workshop at the Vigeland Museum. Others sell tickets, such as the manor-house workshop at Frogner and the market at the Norwegian Folk Museum.

There is a good mix: markets, craft workshops, story time, animals in the barn, carols and a glassblowing demonstration for kids at Bærums Verk. Many events are on weekends, so a Saturday and Sunday in Oslo can easily be filled. Most events are in Norwegian, so check with the host if you need English.

A Christmas tree's journey across the sea

Here is a story kids like. The tree for London starts with a truck ride to the port of Brevik, about 180 kilometers from Oslo, where it is watered and rinsed of road salt. It then crosses the sea to Immingham, England, on a DFDS ferry. The crossing takes around 26 hours, and the tree rests below deck all the way.

In 2025 the road transport in Norway and England was done with electric trucks, part of a plan to cut the climate footprint by 80 percent. The city council has voted to continue the tradition until 2027.

Traditions today

  • The nisse and nisse games: The nisse is Norway's farm gnome, traditionally served porridge in the barn. Kids can meet him and join nisse games at Christmas events such as the market at the Norwegian Folk Museum.
  • Christmas market at the Norwegian Folk Museum: On Bygdøy you will find over 100 stalls, decorated historic houses, folk dancing and carols. Children can join games in the nisse village.
  • Jul i Vinterland on Spikersuppa: In the city center near Karl Johans gate, you can buy knitwear, decorations and food. There is also an ice rink and a Ferris wheel with a view over the city.
  • The Christmas tree for London: A spruce from the forests around Oslo is chosen each year and sent to Trafalgar Square. The tradition began in 1947.
  • Pork ribs on Christmas Eve: In eastern Norway, pork ribs are the most common Christmas Eve dinner. About half of the population eats them.
  • Rice porridge with an almond: Rice porridge is served with sugar, cinnamon and butter. The person who finds the almond wins a marzipan pig.

A fact for kids

Every Christmas, Oslo sends a giant spruce across the North Sea to London by boat. The trip takes about 26 hours, and the tree rests below deck the whole way.

Questions about Christmas in Oslo

Is Oslo worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes. Oslo offers markets in historic houses, craft workshops, barn animals, story time and a visit from the nisse. Many events are on weekends in late November and December, and several are free.

When do the Christmas events in Oslo start?

The first events on this page start on Saturday, November 21, with the Christmas opening in Bjørvika, the decorated foyer at the Opera House and a workshop and film at the Deichman library. The Christmas market at Bærums Verk also begins on November 21 and runs until December 20, Thursday to Sunday.

When is the Christmas market at the Norwegian Folk Museum?

This year the market is on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, and December 12 and 13, from 10 to 4. Tickets are bought through the museum, and the price is not listed. It has over 100 stalls, decorated historic houses, a nisse village with games and a hobbyhorse workshop, barn animals and carols.

Where can kids meet Santa in Oslo?

At the Christmas opening in Bjørvika on Saturday, November 21, Santa rappels down the side of the Munch museum. The tree is lit, and kids can visit a reading tent and Santa's workshop. At the Norwegian Folk Museum, kids can also meet the nisse and play nisse games.

What is the nisse?

The nisse is a farm gnome in Norwegian Christmas tradition. According to the old custom, the farm nisse was served porridge in the barn. Today kids meet him at Christmas events and take part in nisse games.

Are there free Christmas events in Oslo?

Yes, several. The Christmas opening in Bjørvika, the decorated Opera House foyer, the workshop and family film at the Deichman library in Bjørvika and the workshop at the Vigeland Museum are all free. Entry to the area at Bærums Verk is free too, though prices for some activities are not listed.

Are Christmas events in Oslo in English?

Most events are in Norwegian. Many activities, such as crafts, animals and markets, do not depend on language, but check with the host if you need English for a particular event.

Why does Oslo send a Christmas tree to London?

The tree is a gift and a sign of friendship between the two cities. Oslo has sent one every year since 1947. It is decorated on Trafalgar Square and composted after Christmas.

What do Norwegians eat on Christmas Eve?

In eastern Norway, pork ribs are the most common Christmas Eve dinner, and about half of the population eats them. On the day before, families serve rice porridge with sugar, cinnamon and butter.

What is the rice porridge with an almond?

It is rice porridge served with sugar, cinnamon and butter. One almond is hidden in the bowl, and whoever finds it wins a marzipan pig. Kids love the game.

What can children do at the Opera House at Christmas?

On Saturday, November 21, the decorated foyer has a storytelling session of The Nutcracker, a singalong for toddlers, family tours and piano music. Entry is free, and free tickets to the storytelling are handed out at the information desk.

Where can kids make crafts in Oslo before Christmas?

There are several workshops. Kids can join a paper art workshop at the Deichman library in Bjørvika, a free Christmas workshop at the Vigeland Museum and a traditional workshop at Frogner Manor with hobbyhorses, painting, braided keychains and woodwork. The Folk Museum market has a hobbyhorse workshop too.

What happens on the first Sunday of Advent in Oslo?

The Vigeland Museum offers a free Christmas workshop from noon to 3:30, tours of the artist's home, a pop-up cafe and the tree lighting in Vigeland Park. This year the first Sunday of Advent is November 29.

Can kids see farm animals at Christmas in Oslo?

Yes. The Christmas market at the Norwegian Folk Museum has animals in the barn, and so does the market at Bogstad Manor on Saturday and Sunday, November 28 and 29. Bogstad also has fire pits, music, a story hour and a craft workshop for the youngest children.

Is there ice skating at Christmas in Oslo?

Jul i Vinterland on Spikersuppa, in the city center near Karl Johans gate, has an ice rink and a Ferris wheel with a view over the city. You can also buy knitwear, decorations and food there.

What is a hobbyhorse workshop?

At a hobbyhorse workshop, kids make their own toy horse on a stick. You will find one in the nisse village at the Norwegian Folk Museum market and at the traditional Christmas workshop at Frogner Manor.

What is there to do at Bærums Verk at Christmas?

Bærums Verk has a Christmas market, a craft workshop, glassblowing for children, Christmas theater, horse and carriage rides and dog sledding. It runs from November 21 to December 20, Thursday to Sunday. Entry to the area is free, but prices for some activities are not listed.

How much do Christmas events in Oslo cost?

Many are free. The traditional workshop at Frogner Manor costs 140 kroner for adults and 70 kroner for children, with 20 kroner extra at the door. Tickets for the Folk Museum market and for Bogstad Manor are sold, but the prices are not listed here.

What is the Christmas opening in Bjørvika?

It is a free Christmas party on Saturday, November 21, from noon to 5, at Aud Blegen Svindlands plass. Santa rappels down the Munch museum, the tree is lit, and kids get goodie bags, a reading tent and a Santa's workshop.

Which Oslo weekend has the most Christmas events?

The weekend of December 5 and 6 is a good choice. The Norwegian Folk Museum market and the traditional workshop at Frogner Manor are both on that weekend. November 21 is also busy, with free events in and around Bjørvika.

Are there indoor Christmas activities in Oslo for cold days?

Yes. The Opera House foyer, the Deichman library workshop and film, the Vigeland Museum workshop and the decorated houses at the Folk Museum are all indoor options. Many other events also include indoor workshops.

What time do the Christmas markets in Oslo open?

The Folk Museum market is open from 10 to 4, and the market at Bogstad Manor from 11 to 4. At Bærums Verk the market is open Thursday and Friday from 2 to 6, Saturday from 10 to 6 and Sunday from noon to 6.

What film can kids see at the Deichman library at Christmas?

On Saturday, November 21, the Deichman library in Bjørvika shows the family film The Journey North, based on The Snow Queen. A children's Christmas workshop with paper artist Jonas Roman Cadena is held the same day at noon, and the film is shown at noon and 2.

Sources

  1. Juletreet til Trafalgar Square, Oslo kommune
  2. julaften, Store norske leksikon
  3. Norsk Folkemuseums magiske julemarked, Aktiv i Oslo
  4. The history of the museum, Norsk Folkemuseum
  5. Julemarked i Oslo, Strömma
  6. Norske juletradisjoner, Fjord Tours
Kelsey Cecil
Previous

Christmas Events for Kids in Palma (2026)
Next

Christmas Events for Kids in Osaka (2026)