Why not turn your Christmas shopping into a weekend away? Bring your partner or friends to Kristiansand for a festive break with a little extra sparkle.
Check into your hotel, stroll beneath the Christmas lights and find gifts you can’t wait to give. Make time for art, good food and an evening at the theatre. Along the way, cosy cafés invite you to warm up and linger over traditional Norwegian sweet treats. Pick your favourites from our tips below – there’s more to this weekend than ticking off your gift list.

Check in for a little extra comfort
Start your festive break at Caledonien Hotel or Clarion Hotel Ernst. Drop off your bags, wrap up warm and head out to explore Kristiansand’s Christmas lights. When your shopping bags get heavy, a little rest back at your hotel is all part of the holiday.
The next morning, take your time over breakfast. Pour yourself a coffee, explore the buffet and try a Norwegian favourite or two.
There’s no rush – your gift list can wait until after breakfast.

Enjoy a Norwegian Christmas
There’s more to this trip than Christmas shopping. Take time to enjoy the festive atmosphere and explore at your own pace. Choose what catches your eye and leave a little room for unexpected discoveries.
-
One for you, one for me: Explore the shops in Kvadraturen, from the main shopping street, Markens, to Skippergata and Kirkegata. Look for gifts that feel just right for someone back home, and ask the shopkeepers for ideas. At Reinhartsen, discover local delicacies for the food lover in your life – or something delicious to enjoy during your stay.
-
A little art between the gifts: Step inside Kunstsilo, an art museum housed in a former grain silo. Swap shopping for a little inspiration and enjoy exploring together before heading back out into the Christmas festivities.
-
A little more Christmas magic: Browse the wooden stalls at the Christmas market on Torvet, the city’s main square. Try a festive treat and pick out a gift or two, then take a spin on the ice rink. Holding hands is encouraged – whether for romance or balance.
-
Time to warm up: Settle into a cosy café with a hot drink and a Norwegian sweet treat. Put down your bags, share your favourite finds and enjoy a little time together. There’s no need to head home just yet.

A festive night out
Leave your shopping bags at the hotel and get ready for a night out. Book a table and take your time over good food and conversation. Why not try a traditional Norwegian Christmas dish? Save a little room for dessert – you have the whole evening ahead of you.
Enjoy a play or concert at Kilden Performing Arts Centre. Settle into your seats and share an experience you’ll still be talking about on the walk back to your hotel. Book your tickets first, then plan dinner around the performance.
🎁 A little gift inspiration: Some of the best gifts give you something to look forward to together. Put a weekend in Kristiansand under the tree, with new experiences, little surprises and time for just the two of you. A gift to enjoy long after Christmas.