The southernmost cities and villages of Norway oozes of atmosphere during Christmas. November and December are packed with Christmas events and festive activities. Christmas markets, concerts and of course lots of possibilities for gift shopping.



Lightshow and Cookie Men

Christmas in Kristiansand
Norwegian Christmas cuisine
At home the families prepare for traditional Norwegian Christmas dinner.
- Ribbe - Roasted pork belly, usually served with sauerkraut and boiled potatoes, Christmas sausages, and gravy.
- Pinnekjøtt - Salted, dried, and sometimes smoked lamb ribs.
- Lutefisk - Stockfish that has been lying in water and lye (a way to preserve fish in the old days), then cooked in the oven.
- Cod – A speciality for the southernmost part of Norway. Served with mashed root vegetables and buttery sauce.
- “Småkaker” - Tradition dictates that seven different kinds of Christmas biscuits and/or cookies should feature on the table at Christmas and that they should all be home-baked.
- After the kids have gone to bed the adults take out the dark brewed Christmas beer and the Aquavit - A potato-based spirit flavoured with herbs such as caraway seeds, anise, dill, fennel, and coriander.
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Christmas in Kristiansand
The city of Kristiansand is filled with beautiful and colourful Christmas decorations. There will be Christmas concerts and shows, Christmas market at the city square and traditional Norwegian cuisine in the restaurants.
Winter activities in Southern Norway
Winter in Southern Norway is downhill or cross-country skiing in the mountains of Hovden or Sirdal. Alpine skiing and snowboarding is popular too.
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Winter in Hovden
In Hovden, the winter season lasts from November to May. Hit the slopes in the region’s largest alpine centre, or explore our vast network of cross-country trails.
Winter in Setesdal
Thanks to its location and climate, the entire Setesdal Valley enjoys long and stable winters. From wide, open country to floodlit trails through the forest, you are guaranteed to find your own skiing paradise. If you prefer hitting the slopes, Hovden is the largest alpine centre in the region.
Cross country skiing in Setesdal
Hovden, located 850 metres above sea level at the top of the Setesdal valley, guarantees a long snow season. Also in Brokke, Evje and Åseral offers excellent cross-country trails, including floodlit trails.
Winter in Arendal
During cold snowy winters you can enjoy cross country skiing or ice skating in Arendal.
Winter in Kvinesdal
Snow skiing and cross country skiing in Kvinesdal and Knaben.
Winter in Åseral
In Åseral you will find ski resorts with downhill slopes for both kids and adults, and nice groomed trails for cross country skiing. One of them leads to the highest mountain, Skoræ, at 1041 meter, where you can enjoy an amazing view.
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