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Christmas in Risør harbour
Christmas in Risør harbour.
Photo: Bjørn Svensson

Christmas in Southern Norway
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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.
Kvinesdal town centre with christmas lights

Christmas parade in Risør

Julekula i Julebyen Kristiansand

Lightshow and Cookie Men

Christmas in Norway | 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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    Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

    See all events in Southern Norway.

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    Julekula i Julebyen Kristiansand

    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.

    Cross country in Hovden

    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.

    Waiter at underwater restaurant Under Lindesnes Norway

    Under is the world’s largest underwater restaurant

    Are you ready for a wUNDERful gourmet marathon – five meters below sea level? Check out the first underwater restaurant in Northern Europe.

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    Morning light in Hovden

    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.

    Skiing in the mountains

    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.

    Ski tracks in Hovden

    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.

    Cross country skiing near Arendal

    Winter in Arendal

    During cold snowy winters you can enjoy cross country skiing or ice skating in Arendal. 

    Knaben Skisenter southern Norway

    Winter in Kvinesdal

    Snow skiing and cross country skiing in Kvinesdal and Knaben.

    Boy dooing a jump on his snowboard

    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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