Christmas Markets and Christmas in Bergen 2026
Christmas markets, concerts, the Gingerbread City and holiday events in Bergen. Complete guide to the Christmas season from 50 sources.
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Bergen hosts 90+ market stalls at Festplassen from late November through December 22, the Gingerbread City (Pepperkakebyen) — the world's largest — at Sentralbadet, a Light Festival (Lysfest) with fireworks over Lille Lungegårdsvann, and hundreds of Christmas concerts and events. Free entry to the main market.
Bergen is one of Norway's most atmospheric Christmas cities. The main Christmas market at Festplassen features 90+ stalls with handicrafts, local food and gløgg (mulled wine), a Ferris wheel, and free entry. The Gingerbread City (Pepperkakebyen) — the world's largest — opens mid-November at Sentralbadet, with schools and kindergartens contributing gingerbread houses.
The Christmas season kicks off with the Light Festival (Lysfest) in November, organised by Bergens Tidende for over 30 years: official Christmas tree lighting, live music and fireworks over Lille Lungegårdsvann. Grieghallen, Bergen Cathedral and local churches hold Christmas concerts throughout December. Advent Sundays are marked with candlelight on Fløyen.
Gåri collects all Christmas events from over 50 local sources — venues, museums, churches and cultural institutions. This page is updated daily throughout the Christmas season. Check the free events page for no-cost Christmas activities.
When does the Bergen Christmas market open?
Bergen Christmas Market at Festplassen typically opens around November 20 and runs until December 22. Opening hours: weekdays 12–21, weekends 10–21. Free entry.
Where is the Gingerbread City in Bergen?
The Gingerbread City (Pepperkakebyen) is at Sentralbadet in Bergen city centre. It opens mid-November and stays open until early January. Schools and kindergartens build hundreds of gingerbread houses.
Is the Bergen Christmas market free?
Yes, entry to Bergen Christmas Market at Festplassen is free. Food, drinks and crafts are purchased from stalls. The Gingerbread City has a small entry fee.
What is Lysfesten in Bergen?
Lysfesten (the Light Festival) is Bergen's official start of Christmas, organised by Bergens Tidende for over 30 years. Features Christmas tree lighting, live music and fireworks over Lille Lungegårdsvann.
What Christmas concerts are in Bergen?
Bergen hosts Christmas concerts at Grieghallen, Bergen Cathedral, Korskirken and many local churches. Gåri lists them all from 50 sources — from classical to gospel and children's concerts.