Peak season (High crowds)
Tourist-heavy, with long queues at attractions, crowded streets, and seasonal events adding to the buzz.
December in Tromso glows under the Polar Night’s blue twilight and festive lights. With highs around 0°C and lows near –5°C, expect crisp air and deep snow. Christmas markets, aurora safaris, and whale-watching cruises fill the season with warmth and wonder despite the endless Arctic darkness.
A dynamic cultural event organized by the University of Tromso students, celebrating Arctic life through film screenings, concerts, debates, and art exhibitions. It highlights student creativity and international exchange, filling venues like Verdensteatret Cinema and campus halls with music and discussion. The festival’s casual, social atmosphere makes it a great window into Tromso’s young, multicultural spirit.
Held annually in early November, the Tromso International Literature Festival celebrates Nordic and Arctic literature, bringing together authors, poets, translators, and readers for readings, workshops, and discussions on Arctic culture and storytelling. The festival highlights themes of language, identity, and northern life, featuring events in both Norwegian and English. It’s an intimate yet vibrant gathering that transforms the city’s cultural venues into creative meeting grounds for locals and visitors.
Before the Tromso International Film Festival in January, local cinemas host a November “Arctic Light” series—screenings of short films and documentaries focused on the polar regions, aurora research, and Arctic life. It’s a cultural prelude to the winter film season and a cozy indoor escape during long dark evenings.
Set in the heart of the city, Tromso’s Christmas Market transforms Stortorget Square into a festive wonderland of wooden stalls, twinkling lights, and the scent of spiced mulled wine. Locals and travelers gather to shop for handmade crafts, sample traditional fare like reindeer sausage and gingerbread, and enjoy choir performances beneath the Polar Night sky. It’s a cozy celebration of Arctic winter warmth and holiday spirit.
While the main Northern Lights Festival takes place in January, Tromso hosts a series of preview concerts and performances in December. These smaller events feature classical, choral, and experimental music by local ensembles inspired by Arctic light and sound. They mark the beginning of the city’s cultural winter season.
Tromso’s signature winter celebration, the Northern Lights Festival, fills the dark season with brilliant music and cultural energy. The festival features orchestral performances, opera, jazz, and contemporary concerts inspired by Arctic light and sound. International artists perform alongside local ensembles in atmospheric venues across the city, from modern halls to candlelit churches. It’s a highlight of Tromso’s cultural calendar, blending world-class artistry with the intimacy of the Polar North.
Tromso’s signature winter celebration, the Northern Lights Festival, fills the dark season with brilliant music and cultural energy. The festival features orchestral performances, opera, jazz, and contemporary concerts inspired by Arctic light and sound. International artists perform alongside local ensembles in atmospheric venues across the city, from modern halls to candlelit churches. It’s a highlight of Tromso’s cultural calendar, blending world-class artistry with the intimacy of the Polar North.
This festival celebrates Sami culture through music, handicrafts, food, and the thrilling Reindeer Racing Championships on Tromso’s main street. Visitors experience joik singing, traditional clothing, and authentic cuisine while learning about the indigenous heritage of Northern Norway. It’s both festive and educational, offering a deep cultural connection during Tromso’s peak winter season.
This festival celebrates Sami culture through music, handicrafts, food, and the thrilling Reindeer Racing Championships on Tromso’s main street. Visitors experience joik singing, traditional clothing, and authentic cuisine while learning about the indigenous heritage of Northern Norway. It’s both festive and educational, offering a deep cultural connection during Tromso’s peak winter season.
In November, Tromso gears up for the Polar Night Half Marathon with pre-race runs, community warm-ups, and volunteer sessions. Locals and visiting athletes gather for practice races under the dim Arctic light, embracing the coming darkness. It’s a social prelude to the official January event, promoting endurance and camaraderie amid early winter snow.
In November, Tromso gears up for the Polar Night Half Marathon with pre-race runs, community warm-ups, and volunteer sessions. Locals and visiting athletes gather for practice races under the dim Arctic light, embracing the coming darkness. It’s a social prelude to the official January event, promoting endurance and camaraderie amid early winter snow.
Before the main Arctic Frontiers conference in January, Tromso hosts a series of late-November workshops and student innovation sessions. These events gather scientists, policymakers, and students to discuss Arctic sustainability and technology. The pre-conference sessions offer an insider’s view into the themes shaping Arctic dialogue and innovation.
In December Tromsø enters the Polar Night period. While the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon for a portion of the time, you’ll still get a few hours of twilight around midday.
Yes — December is one of the prime months for seeing the aurora borealis in Tromso, thanks to the long dark hours and favourable conditions
Key winter activities include husky or reindeer sledding, whale watching (late October–January), snowmobiling, a winter fjord cruise, visiting a Sami camp, and exploring Tromso’s city atmosphere in the snow.
Yes — December offers dramatic winter scenery, festive atmosphere and a host of activities. On the flip side, you’ll face very short daylight hours and possibly more extreme weather. Good if you’re prepared and excited for a true Arctic winter.
