Hi Phil.

I’m not sure, but my guess is that Oslo is live and kicking between Christmas and New Year.
What do you have in mind?

When visiting Oslo, that wouldnt be my biggest concern. Oslo is always open, just depends on what you want to do, but you can guarantee it’s not going to be cheap. Oslo is likely going to be cold and more or less without too much snow, probably a mix of rain and snow. So don’t forget to bring your gortex;)

Pic: Oslos most epensive street, Karl Johan

Cold! But beautiful. I love Norway. I think pretty much everything will be open, although the cheap hotel I use to sleep in is close for Christmas/New year holiday! Clever…

Although Oslo is a nice city I would suggest you to Google Bergen…. It is indeed one of the nicest cities I have ever been to, and you will you see for yourself.

Have loads of fun!!!!!!!!

Hey,

my guess is that you will find a lot of things to do during this time. All the norwegians will be free from school and work and shop and spend time in the city. You will find several activities with snow involved if you want to do some action outside the central town..

best luck, Ola

I am an American who has lived in Oslo for a little over a year now. We were here through last Christmas season, and it was simply lovely. The Christmas Market at the Norwegian Folk Museum was very enjoyable. Last winter was unseasonably snowy, we are told, but we had great fun sledding and skiing and just enjoying the snow. (Disclaimer: I am from central Alaska, so Oslo seems temperate to me!) Some of the best things to do, in my opinion, are out-of-doors like the Frognerpark (aka Vigelund Sculpture Park), or hiking/skiing in Nordmarka (the public forest/nature park north of town, you can take the subway right to it!).

My local grocery store’s calendar says they will be closed Sat. the 24th, the 25th, and 26th, and also the 31st and the 1st. That’s a pretty good gauge for what else will be open, I’ve found. And generally most shops and stores are closed on Sundays anyway.

Do heed the warnings of the other commentors that Oslo is hideously expensive. I still can’t get used to eating out here… $10 for a mediocre beer and never less than $15 for an entree. You are right, though: if you can manage to cook for yourselves you will save a lot. Groceries in general are reasonably priced. If you do find yourself in a pinch, out on the town and in need of some food, the chain Deli de Luca has (relatively) cheap and good take-away food, and often a warm place to sit at no extra charge. Good luck!

Check out http://www.visitoslo.com =) I noticed that the Christmas/winter section was a little outdated though, but I guess you’ll find the information you’re looking for.

I’ve lived in Oslo for over a year now and haven’t been to a single museum yet.. =P

I’ve lived in Oslo for about 28 years now… ;-)

As Kateasaurus said, be sure to visit the christmas market at the folk museum. Most of Oslo will be open.

Dec 26 is the cinemas premier-day here, so you’ll be able to see movies that’s been running in the states for months. Movies in norway are not dubbed, just subtitled.

The nightlife on Dec 25 is normally good i n Oslo. We celebrate christmas on the night of 24th, so we’re pretty much tired of all the family by 25th.

Just 30 minutes on the subway will bring you to Tryvann vinterpark, http://www.tryvann.no/index.jsp?SDP_CHANGE_USERLANG=en an alpine slope with ski-rental. To get there, use the brilliant travelplanner at http://www.trafikanten.no/.

As people said, don’t spend your money on karl johan st. Same goes for Aker Brygge. Both places are worth the visit, but eat, drink and shop elsewhere.

Eating out and alcohol is a bit expencive in Oslo, but other than that, the prices are more or less just a bit over the prices in Paris.

One cheap eat is “Mucho Mas” on Grünerløkka. Mexican dinner and a beer for about €25. Take the tram to “Olaf Ryes Plass” (use trafikanten.no)

Be sure to visit Vigelandsparken, The folk museum and Akershus fortress.

If it’s cold (as in below -15C) be sure to take the bus to the beach “Huk” early one day and catch the sunrise over the frosty oslofjord. The silence and fog will blow you away. On the bus back, you can hop off at the viking museum and just walk over to the folk museum after that.

Another walkingtour is the walk down the river. Take the bus or tram to “Teknisk museum” (The techical museum) and walk back downtown in an hour or two.

Just ask, I’ll try to answer.