Experiences
Bergen Christmas Market 2026: dates, the Gingerbread City and where to stay
Bergen Christmas Market runs from 20 November to 22 December 2026, and the Gingerbread City opens on 14 November. The dates and the hotels we would book.
Gita Simonsen
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In short
Bergen Christmas Market fills Festplassen from Friday 20 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026, with a Ferris wheel, a carousel and a forest of Christmas trees in the middle of the city. The Gingerbread City opens earlier, on 14 November, in Kong Oscars gate. Entry to the Christmas market is free. Our first choice for a stay is Opus XVI, a few minutes on foot from Festplassen.
Our first choice: Check availability and prices at Opus XVI
Bergen comes into its own when it gets dark early. Festplassen sits by the Lille Lungegårdsvann lake, with Mount Fløyen and Bryggen within walking distance, and you can cover the whole centre in an afternoon.
Dates 2026
Christmas market at Festplassen: 20 November to 22 December 2026.
The Gingerbread City (Pepperkakebyen): 14 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, at Kong Oscars gate 24 to 26.
Festival of Light (Lysfesten): Visit Bergen expects it on Saturday 14 November 2026, when the city's Christmas lights are switched on.
Entry: free to the market. The Gingerbread City and the rides at Festplassen cost extra.
Last year the market opened from midday to 9pm on weekdays and from 10am to 9pm at weekends. Check this year's hours with Bergen Julemarked before you travel.
What you will find at Festplassen
Last year the market had more than 90 stalls and attractions. The Ferris wheel looks out over the city mountains and the centre, and the old horse carousel is a favourite with children. Between the stalls stands a forest of Christmas trees, and you can warm up with mulled wine and hot chocolate by the fire pits.
The Gingerbread City
Bergen's Gingerbread City is billed as the world's largest, built by nurseries, schools and local residents. Bryggen stands here in miniature, alongside houses and boats. Come on a weekday to avoid the queue.
More to do in Bergen at Christmas
Bryggen: The old Hanseatic wooden buildings look their best with Christmas lights and frost.
Fløibanen: Take the funicular up Mount Fløyen for a view of the lit-up city.
Christmas concerts: Bergen Cathedral and Grieghallen host Christmas concerts throughout December.
Getting there
There are direct flights to Bergen from London and several other European cities, and the Bybanen light rail runs from the airport to the centre. Festplassen is right in the middle of town, so you will not need a car.
Hotels near the Christmas market
Opus XVI
The bar at Opus XVI.
Opus XVI
Opus XVI occupies an old bank building in the centre, a three-minute walk from Byparken and Festplassen. It is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, breakfast is included, and Restaurant Opus 16 serves dinner. Guests on Hotels.com rate it 9.6.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Opus XVI
Bergen Børs
The old exchange hall at Bergen Børs Hotel.
Bergen Børs Hotel
Bergen Børs Hotel occupies the old stock exchange building, five minutes from the Fish Market and Torgallmenningen. It has three restaurants, and the exchange hall with its columns and murals is worth a visit in itself. More than a thousand guests rate it 9.2.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Bergen Børs Hotel
Ole Bulls plass
The terrace at Hotel Norge by Scandic.
Hotel Norge by Scandic
Hotel Norge sits by Ole Bulls plass and Byparken, a couple of minutes from the Christmas market at Festplassen. It has a spa and Nova Restaurant, and more than 1,700 guests rate it 8.8.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Hotel Norge by Scandic
Frequently asked questions about Bergen Christmas Market
When is Bergen Christmas Market 2026?
The Christmas market at Festplassen runs from 20 November to 22 December 2026. The Gingerbread City opens on 14 November and stays open until 10 January 2027.
Where is the Christmas market in Bergen?
The market is at Festplassen in the city centre, by the Lille Lungegårdsvann lake. The Gingerbread City is in Kong Oscars gate, a few minutes' walk away.
Is Bergen Christmas Market free?
Entry to the Christmas market is free. The Ferris wheel and the Gingerbread City cost extra.
Where should you stay for Bergen Christmas Market?
Stay in the centre between Festplassen and Bryggen, and you can walk everywhere. Book early for weekends before Christmas.