Norway’s original capital has a knack for making winter feel welcoming rather than endured. The Trondheim Christmas Market sets up near the Nidaros Cathedral, Scandinavia’s largest medieval cathedral and a pilgrimage site since the 11th century, giving the stalls a backdrop that few Nordic markets can match.
Trondheim Christmas Market 2026
Dates and Location
Status: Confirmed
Trondheim dates: 3rd to 21st December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Julemarkedet Trondheim
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Location: Torvet (City Square).
Opening times: 11am to 7pm.
The Lavvo (food and drinks):
Saturday to Wednesday: 11am to 8pm.
Thursday and Friday: 11am to 10pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Lights: No switch on date announced.
Ferris wheel: 11am to 7pm.
Horse and carriage rides:
Monday to Friday: 3pm to 7pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 7pm.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Plenty of options.
Vegan: Some options.
Gluten free: Limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport or walk.
Reason to visit: Over 90 exhibitors, Norwegian crafts, snow covered landscapes.
Recommended tour: 2 hour town centre walk.
Food specialities: Klippfisk, raspeballer, warm drinks by the fire, traditional Norwegian sweets.
Where to stay: Britannia Hotel is the most popular hotel in the city centre.
Convenient Places to Stay
Midtbyen is the central district and features a mix of shops, cafes, and historic landmarks. The Britannia Hotel is the highest-rated hotel in the area and is an excellent choice for your stay.
Recommended Tours
Even in winter, the city centre of Trondheim remains busy. Taking a city tour in Trondheim lets you learn about its historical significance and cultural aspects. I suggest the 2-hour walk through Trondheim’s town centre. It’s an excellent way to familiarise yourself with popular landmarks when guided by a local expert.
Location
What to Expect
Trondheim’s market has grown significantly since its inception in 2003, when it initially consisted of just five stalls. Now featuring over 90 exhibitors, it takes place in the city centre every December.
Along with high-quality crafts and traditional food, the market features events such as concerts, theatre shows, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Visit a Lavvo, a type of conventional tent, where you can enjoy local food and drinks by the fire, accompanied by troubadours and folk tales.
Specialties
- Raspeballer (Potato Dumplings) – Served with meat and a rich gravy.
- Pinnekjøtt (Cured Lamb Ribs) – Salted and dried lamb ribs.
- Gravlaks (Cured Salmon) – Salmon cured with a mixture of sugar, salt, and spices. The fish is thinly sliced and often served with mustard sauce.
- Lutefisk (Dried Fish) – Dried whitefish reconstituted in a lye solution before being cooked. It’s a dish with a gelatinous texture, commonly served with boiled potatoes and peas.
- Gløgg (Mulled Wine) – A warm cup of gløgg is a traditional way to ward off the chill.
- Kransekake (Ring Cake) – A tower of concentric almond flour rings glued together with icing. This dessert is often decorated with small Norwegian flags.
- Pepperkaker (Gingerbread Cookies) – Thin, crispy gingerbread cookies.
- Rømmegrøt (Sour Cream Porridge) – Sour cream porridge sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, then drizzled with melted butter.
- Rakfisk (Fermented Fish) – A specialty in Trondheim, trout or char is salted and fermented for several months. It’s an acquired taste, served with flatbread and sour cream.
- Pølse med Lompe (Hot Dog with Potato Flatbread) – Hot dog wrapped in a soft, thin potato flatbread.
- Eplegløgg (Apple Mulled Wine) – A non-alcoholic variant of traditional mulled wine made with apple juice and spices.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
- Trøndelag Wool Products – Like mittens, scarves, and hats, locally made in the Trøndelag region.
- Sámi Handicrafts (Duodji) – Traditional Sámi handicrafts include items like knives with intricately decorated handles and reindeer-hide pouches.
- Trondheim Ceramic Art – Items often showcase traditional Norwegian patterns or symbols specific to the region.
- Norwegian Cheese Tools – Cheese slicers and other cheese tools are popular gifts.
- Tinn (Pewter Ornaments) – A classic Trondheim keepsake.
- Norsk Honning (Norwegian Honey) – Vendors often sell honey that has been harvested in the surrounding areas, sometimes even flavoured with local herbs or berries.
- Rosemaling Items – The Norwegian art of decorative painting.
- Games – Classic Norwegian games, such as “Kubb,” are available, often crafted by local woodworkers.
- Utensils – Carved wooden utensils, such as spoons, spatulas, and bowls, are both beautiful and functional.
- Craft Beer – Trondheim has a growing craft beer scene, and local breweries often have market stalls.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Choose Eco-friendly Hotels: Book a certified sustainable hotel.
- Minimise Food Waste: While it’s tempting to try everything, be mindful of how much you’re ordering, as leftovers often end up in landfill if not disposed of correctly.
- Ethical Consumption: Buy only items you genuinely need or intend to use.
- Sustainable Food: Select dishes made from locally sourced or seasonal ingredients, particularly plant-based foods, which are lower in emissions.
- Transport: Public transport here includes buses and trams powered by renewable energy. This minimises your impact on the city’s air quality and decreases carbon emissions.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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