Tromso Christmas 2025 | Festive Events & Top Things to Do

Why visit Tromso during Christmas

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Arctic Christmas markets

Browse cozy stalls selling Sami handicrafts, woollens, ornaments, and hot chocolate in Tromsø’s festive, snow-dusted market squares.

Chance of Northern lights

Spend Christmas under the aurora. December offers long polar nights, making northern lights tours in Tromso especially rewarding.

Snowy scenery everywhere

The city transforms into a postcard with snowy streets, wooden houses, and mountain views illuminated by soft winter light.

Sami vulture & reindeer interactions

Meet local Sami guides, learn stories, and enjoy reindeer sledding experiences that feel timeless and authentic.

Holiday concerts & cathedral visit

Attend Christmas concerts at the Arctic Cathedral and enjoy peaceful seasonal music in a spectacular modern landmark.

Top things to do

People watching Northern Lights with guide in Tromso, Norway.

Join a Northern lights tour

December brings long polar nights, making Christmas one of the best times for Tromso aurora borealis tours. Guides drive you far from the city into dark Arctic landscapes, help with photography, and keep you warm with thermal suits and hot drinks. It’s a magical way to spend a winter evening under glowing skies.

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Person feeding a reindeer in snowy Tromso landscape.

Experience Sami culture & reindeer sledding

Learn about indigenous Sami traditions with reindeer sledding through snowy forests and storytelling inside a heated lavvu. Guides share insights into culture, history, and daily life in the Arctic. It’s an immersive Christmas experience that blends adventure, authenticity, and warmth.

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Husky sledding through snowy forest in Lapland during winter.

Go dog sledding in the snow

Dog sledding is one of Tromsø’s most iconic winter adventures. Mush through quiet forests and open snowy plains as eager huskies lead the way. After the ride, meet the dogs, learn about their training, and unwind with hot drinks in a cosy wooden lodge, perfect for Christmas Day.

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Arctic Cathedral illuminated at night with Northern Lights in Tromsø sky.

Explore the Arctic Cathedral

With its striking triangular architecture, candlelit interiors, and powerful acoustics, the Arctic Cathedral is a must-visit during Christmas. Seasonal concerts fill the space with atmospheric music, offering a quiet moment of reflection amid the holiday bustle and winter chill outside.

Cable car over Benalmadena with coastal view.

Ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car

Take the cable car up Mount Storsteinen for sweeping views of Tromso blanketed in fresh snow. The mountaintop café is perfect for a warm break as you watch blue hour settle over the city. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day often bring especially serene panoramas.

Little kids decorating Christmas cookies with icing and sprinkles on a wooden table.

Visit the Tromso Christmas market

Tromso’s Christmas Market transforms the city centre into a cosy Nordic village filled with wooden stalls, handmade Sami crafts, local woollens, mulled drinks, and festive treats. It’s a great place to warm up between attractions, pick up meaningful souvenirs, and soak in the seasonal atmosphere.

Your perfect Christmas itinerary

Northern Lights over a glowing cabin in Tromso forest.

Day 1: December 24th (Christmas Eve)

Morning: Start your day by wandering through the Tromso Christmas Market. Shop for Sámi crafts, wool accessories, and festive treats like pepperkaker. Warm up with hot chocolate, then explore Storgata’s decorated streets before heading to the Polar Museum or Polaria for a quick indoor experience.
Afternoon: Take the Fjellheisen Cable Car for panoramic snowy views over Tromso. Enjoy lunch at the mountaintop café, then make your way to a reindeer sledding experience with Sami hosts. Learn about traditions, storytelling, and culture in a lavvu while staying warm by the fire.
Evening: Christmas Eve in Tromso is peaceful. Book seats for a Christmas concert at the Arctic Cathedral—its candlelit atmosphere is magical. Afterward, join a northern lights tour from Tromso. Clear skies, long nights, and fresh snow create the perfect aurora-hunting setting.

Reindeer sleigh ride under northern lights in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Day 2: December 25th (Christmas Day)

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed Christmas breakfast at your hotel, then take a gentle winter walk along the Tromso waterfront. Visit the Arctic Cathedral for morning mass or quiet reflection if it’s open.
Afternoon: Opt for a reindeer or dog-sledding adventure, one of the best Christmas Day experiences in the city. Race through forests and snowfields, meet friendly reindeer and huskies, and warm up afterward with a hot drink in a wooden lodge.
Evening: Take a slow city stroll to enjoy Tromso’s Christmas lights, then settle into a cozy restaurant for a festive dinner featuring Norwegian holiday dishes. If the skies are promising, join a shorter northern lights chase or look for auroras from the harbour.

Know before you go

Expect temperatures between –5°C and –15°. Dress in thermal layers, wool, and windproof outerwear. Bring insulated boots, gloves, and handwarmers.
Days are extremely short due to the Polar Night, so plan outdoor activities with limited daylight.
Christmas holidays mean some shops and restaurants close early on 24 and 25 December. Public transport also runs on a reduced schedule during the holidays.
Book northern lights tours in advance since December is peak season.
Budget slightly higher than usual—holiday prices apply.

Extend your visit till New Year’s Eve

Staying through New Year’s Eve lets you enjoy fireworks over Tromso Harbour, festive concerts, lively restaurants, and a vibrant yet cosy Arctic atmosphere. With long winter nights, you also get another excellent chance to catch the northern lights dancing above the city. Explore our guide for the best celebrations, events, and midnight viewpoints.