Gingerbread cookies, steaming mugs of gløgg, cosy log cabins and Scandi traditions – there’s nowhere quite like Norway at Christmas time.
Norway has a brilliantly festive build-up to Christmas, with the main celebrations being a big feast on Christmas Eve, often including an appearance from Julenisse (aka Santa). The following days focus on good quality time with family and friends, and in ski resorts that means terrific days together on the snow.
With a range of ratings and facilities, you can choose a hotel in Norway to suit your Christmas plans and budget. Simpler properties with no-frills bed and board offer a cheap and cheerful Christmas, while higher end hotels come with spa facilities, gyms and swimming pools to keep you entertained off the slopes.
Choose half-board for the sheer simplicity of having breakfasts and suppers pre-paid for and served in the same place you’re staying. Or if you want to sample what the local restaurants have on their festive menus, B&B will see you fed and watered in the morning, then free to explore local eateries later on.
If you want to bring your own Christmas traditions to Norway, a self-catered property gives you the wherewithal to cook up a feast on December 25th and enjoy your favourite Christmas games and films in the comfort of your own space.
Some come in the form of modern apartments in a complex, while others are self-contained log cabins surrounded by snow. Features like fireplaces and saunas help contribute to a truly cosy Christmas.
With Norway’s best ski resorts opening for business in November, there are usually cracking conditions on the slopes come Christmas. Don’t be mistaken by the lower altitude of the ski areas – with the top end of the country crossing into the Arctic circle, it gets seriously snowy over here.
You’ll want to wrap up warm, and the sun sets early to be replaced by thousands of twinkling lights - but that only adds to the Christmassy feel of the place.