Cultural Calendar: December 2023

Did you also reach the point of feeling warm when it’s 4°C outside? We got used to the cold, and it's good news, because we are only entering winter! It takes some strength to overcome the season, but let's make the most of the amazing and joyful moment of Christmas. Put your coat on, jump in your snow boots, and here is your cultural calendar — everything in Oslo to make your (looong) nights a happy and joyful moment.

Christmas Celebrations

Christmas street opening

Let the Christmas Spirit invade you! The season in Oslo will officially start with this opening show. Meet Santa Claus, try to find some gifts at neighbourhood associations and shopping centres, listen to children's choirs, and take part in a light procession with a horse sleigh and 500 children with candles.

When: Saturday, December 2nd at 15h30
Where: Jernbanetorget, Oslo
Learn more here.

Lighting of the Christmas Tree

Like every year, on the first Sunday of Advent, the big Christmas Tree in front of the old University building is lit. Take part in the torchlight parade beginning at Jernbanetorget and walk to the Christmas Tree in order not to miss the lighting. Enjoy live music and Christmas spirit during this event, organised by the Salvation Army.

When: Sunday, December 3rd from 17h to 18h (torchlight parade from 16h30)
Where: Universitetsplassen, Karl Johans gate 47, 0162 Oslo
Learn more here.

Old-fashioned Christmas at Bærums Verk

Get into Christmas in an old tradition! Visit some shops in historic houses from the 17th century and walk in the Christmas market, taking in the most out of the rich programme: horse carriage, glass blowing for children, sculpture, music, etc.

When: Closes on December 21st (check the website for the hours and the program)
Where: Verksgata 15, 1353 Bærums Verk
Learn more here.

Food Creations

Admire amazing gingerbread construction 

Will you name every most famous Oslo's building if it is made out of gingerbread? Join the exhibition in which a part of the city was rebuilt in miniature! To complement the main part, you will see the works of kindergarten children who participated in some gingerbread house-making! The admission is free of charge. 

Where: Tjuvholmen
When: Tuesday to Friday, from 16h to 20h; weekends, from 12h to 16h, until December 20th

Decorate your own gingerbread biscuits

You may be used to taking a warm break and a hot chocolate in Union Kringsjå. This time, let the artist in you express its feelings on… gingerbread cookies! Union is providing biscuits and everything you need to decorate them and impress your friends at the next julebord! The most difficult part will probably be trying not to eat everything before the end of the event…

When: Wednesday, December 13th (15h)
Where: Union Kringsjå, Olav M. Troviks vei 72, 0864 Oslo
Learn more here.

Civic engagement

Nobel Peace Prize torchlight parade

Nobel Peace Prize winners come to Oslo every year to receive their award. This time, it might be a bit different, because Narges Mohammadi, 2023’s laureate, is still imprisoned in Teheran, Iran, where she is fighting for women’s rights. Even though she is not going to greet the people from the Grand Hotel’s balcony, the traditional torch light parade is still taking place in honour of the winner.

When: Sunday, December 10 (17h45-19h)
Where: Jernbanetorget, Oslo (start)
Learn more here.

Music

Get ready for a jazz jam night

Improvisation is without doubt a part of the identity of jazz music. It is always impressive to see live the genius of some of those musicians, blowing in a saxophone or a trumpet, hitting drums, or letting their hands dance on the keyboard of a piano. The melody created on the instant seems sometimes coming from another dimension. Herr Nilsen is hosting a jam night, so open your ears and let your mind travel into the musician's imagination.

When: Sunday, December 3rd from 21h
Where: C.J. Hambros plass 5, 0164 Oslo
Learn more here.