Which cities offer the best Christmas markets in Scandinavia?

Spending Christmas in Scandinavia is quite something really magical. Snow-covered streets, lit up lights, warm wooden stalls and the smell of mulled wine and roasted almonds make the region look like a winter wonderland each December. Scandinavia, comprising of Denmark, Sweden, Norway and occasionally Finland is globally renowned in its festive allure and warmth of Christmas. Since ancient marketplaces in Copenhagen to the fairy tale landscapes of Stockholm and Oslo, each of the cities puts its spin on the Christmas magic. The tourists of all the world are attracted to this magical land, as expecting to enjoy the best Christmas markets in Scandinavia in order to have a true Nordic Christmas holiday.

To the gulf region tourists, in particular those who want to get away to a snowy place, Scandinavia is the absolute holiday resort. you can experience the bliss of the traditional Scandinavian holidays, including cosy cabins, holiday candy, and sparkling city squares lit by holiday lights with Scandinavian Tour Packages from Oman. Scandinavia is unique in the fact that regardless of whether you need to enjoy hot chocolate beneath the Northern Lights or buy hand-made crafts in the local craft markets, you will never forget your Christmas in Scandinavia.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market

The Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen bring the limelight when it comes to the best Christmas markets in Scandinavia. Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world and was established in 1843, and every year in December it becomes a Christmas village resembling fairytale. More than half a million twinkling lights light up the park and wooden stalls are selling handmade gifts, Danish pastry, and warm glog (mulled wine).

During the holiday season, visitors can take exhilarating rides, ice skating as well as spectacular fireworks. Tivoli Gardens is a place to visit thanks to the combination of entertainment, culinary delights, and festive decor. Scandinavia is a great place to visit around the Christmas period and that would be after late November till early January when the park is in full holiday swing. Tivoli is also one of the best family Christmas vacations in Scandinavia because it provides themed shows and Santa Grotto.

2. Stockholm, Sweden – Gamla Stan Christmas Market

The Gamla Stan (Old Town) of Stockholm has one of the oldest and traditional Christmas markets in Scandinavia dating back to the 1800s. The market is situated in the Stortorget square and has red wooden stalls where Swedish crafts, candles, woolen scarves, and other local delicacies such as saffron-buns, reindeer sausages and glogg can be found.

The home feel of the market is crowded with medieval buildings and stone streets, which makes one feel like being in the past. The palace and the city center at Stockholm are well adorned and there are other attractions to do in Scandinavia during December which include boat tours among the frozen archipelagos or visiting winter exhibits at the Nordic Museum.

You can also see the winter festivals in Scandinavia that are up all over Sweden including the Lucia Festival on December 13, a festival that celebrates light and hope on the darkest of winter days.

3. Oslo, Norway – Christmas in Spikersuppa

The capital of Norway, Oslo, turns into a snowy heaven in the period of the holiday. The prime Christmas market in Scandinavia is at Spikersuppa, between the National Theatre and Parliament where a beautiful blend of traditional and modern celebrations is available. The skating rink is surrounded by wooden chalets which sell local cuisines, hot drinks as well as hand-made Norwegian crafts.

At the Ferris wheel, carousel rides, and spectacular views of the Oslo Fjord, the visitors can have fun. In Scandinavia, there are also other winter festivals in the city such as live concerts, art showcases and food fares. The Oslo Winter Park with its skiing and snowboarding activities will please the families, so Oslo will be a perfect option as the destination of family Christmas vacations in Scandinavia.

To have the most fulfilling experience, the best time to visit Scandinavia for Christmas in Oslo is the first part of December to the New Year eve when the streetlights are used to decorate the streets, and the snowing provides a magical touch to the whole city.

4. Gothenburg, Sweden – Liseberg Christmas Market

In Scandinavia, one of the most famous and popular Christmas markets in Gothenburg (Liseberg Amusement Park) is held. Liseberg becomes a Christmas fairyland with millions of fairy lights, a giant ice-rink, and a market with more than 80 stalls and can make any competitor to any European Christmas festival. Tourists will be able to taste the typical Swedish cuisine, such as meatballs, smoked salmon, and Christmas cookies and visit Santa and his elves.

Another characteristic that makes Liseberg Christmas Market sustainable and local craftsmanship-oriented is its name. The park can be enjoyed by families having the rides, ice ballets and the performances of Christmas carols around the park. Gothenburg is a good choice to travelers seeking Scandinavia winter travel deals as it is usually cheaper than other Scandinavian capital cities but equally magical.

5. Helsinki, Finland – Senate Square Christmas Market

The capital city of Finland, Helsinki, offers its share of the festive season. One of the most evocative Christmas markets in Scandinavia is the Senate Square Christmas Market also called Tuomaan Markkinat in local terms. The square is occupied by wooden stalls which sell handcrafted gifts, local art, Finnish wool products, and the local cuisine, including gingerbread cookies and salmon soup.

The market in Helsinki is also very family oriented with such amenities as a carousel, children workshops and warm indoor cafes being excellent in taking the edge off the cold winter air. Other things to do in Scandinavia in December include activities such as visiting the Santa Claus Village in the neighboring Rovaniemi and seeing the Northern Lights to the far north in Lapland. This is among the best family Christmas holidays in Scandinavia to offer families not only festive pleasure but also Nordic culture as well.

6. Bergen, Norway – Festplassen Christmas Market

Bergen is the entrance to the fjords, and one of the most comfortable Christmas markets in Scandinavia is available at Festplassen. The whole city is illuminated with lights that are reflected on the mountains and lakes. Tourists will be able to visit nice booths, selling woolen garments, candles, homemade decorations, and baked products.

The top attraction is the huge ferris wheel where one can see the snowy city at a panoramic view. Another creation of Bergen is the largest gingerbread city in the world (Pepperkakebyen), that brings thousands of guests annually in winter. This is something one cannot fail to visit in case they plans family Christmas holidays in Scandinavia.

7. Aarhus, Denmark – Den Gamle By (The Old Town Museum Market)

Aarhus is the very special place that has an open air museum The Den Gamle By where one can enter the Christmas past of Denmark. All the museum turns into a celebration of 19 th century village enterprise with dressed carolers, horse-drawn carriages, and Danish food stands.

It is a good destination as this market serves history and holiday flavour, and any traveller seeking to have a taste of the real culture during the holidays should visit the market. Concerts, winter festivals and street performances are also available at Aarhus in Scandinavia making it even more interesting in the winter season.

8. Rovaniemi, Finland – Santa Claus Village

It is impossible to discuss the best Christmas markets in Scandinavia and not to mention Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Rovaniemi, situated on the Arctic Circle, is a fairytale town where one can meet the real-life Santa, write letters in his post office and go on husky and reindeer sleigh rides.

Although it is rather a Christmas experience than a classic market, the festive shops, warm cafes of Rovaniemi, and the magical Northern Lights make it one of the most memorable experiences in Scandinavia during the month of December. This will make it an ideal family Christmas vacation in Scandinavia by families seeking once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

Best Time to Visit Scandinavia for Christmas

Christmas in Scandinavia should be at the end of November to the beginning of January, during this period the cities are lit up, markets are open, and snow is falling to complete the winter picture. The month of December is the most festive month, however, early visits in the month of November have fewer people and excellent Scandinavia winter vacation deals.

This is because you will find the cultural beauty of Denmark, the snow adventure in Finland, and the fjord beauty in Norway, all the Scandinavian destinations are varied and unique and will guarantee you an impressive holiday.

Conclusion

The Christmas markets in Scandinavia are the most beautiful and warm hearted in the world. The fairy-tale Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and magical Santa Claus holiday village in Finland are all the places that can help to feel the spirit of the holiday season. Spending your vacation alone or with a partner or family, visiting the best Christmas markets in Scandinavia will be an experience that will not be forgotten as the country is covered with festivities, otherworldly delights, and Nordic traditions.

Scandinavian Packages from Oman under Go Kite Oman offer a smooth and comfortable solution to travellers who wish to enjoy the winter atmosphere in the place. Explore awe-inspiring cities, explore the local culture, and enjoy your vacation with highly-designed itineraries. When you are in Oman, you will definitely have that time of your life when celebrating Christmas in the depth of the snow-covered landscape of Scandinavia, and the best travel agency in Oman is Go Kite Oman.

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