Oslo
Christmas party in Oslo: how to plan the julebord
A restaurant, a hotel with rooms for the night or a boat on the Oslofjord? This is our guide to the julebord, the Norwegian Christmas party, in Oslo, with advice on when to book, what to choose and where to sleep after the party.
The julebord, the Norwegian Christmas party, is one of the highlights of the year for many. It is the evening when colleagues become friends, when the pork ribs taste better than ever and when the aquavit makes the stories grow. Oslo has a choice like nowhere else, from classic restaurants with generations of Christmas tradition to hotel packages where you can dance late into the night and sleep just down the corridor.
Short answer: Christmas parties in Oslo
Christmas party at a restaurant: For smaller groups, a restaurant serving the traditional Christmas plate is often the simplest choice.
Christmas party at a hotel with rooms: For larger groups, a hotel package with dinner, dancing and a room for the night is popular.
Christmas party cruise on the Oslofjord: A dinner cruise gives you a different kind of evening, with food and music as you glide past the lit-up islands of the Oslofjord.
Christmas party in the forest: If you want a more traditional evening, hold the party at one of the historic lodges in Oslomarka, the forest above the city, with views over Oslo, an open fire and snow outside the windows.
Our hotel tip: Grand Hotel Oslo. See rooms at Grand Hotel Oslo
This is our guide to Christmas parties in Oslo, with the advice that makes planning easy, whether you are five friends or the whole company.
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When should you book your Christmas party?
The Christmas party season in Oslo usually runs from mid-November to mid-December, and Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular nights. The best venues fill up early, and many book as early as June or early autumn. If you are flexible on the date, a Thursday often gives you more choice and better terms.
Types of Christmas party in Oslo
Christmas party at a restaurant
For smaller groups, a restaurant serving the traditional Christmas plate is often the simplest choice. Many of Oslo's classic restaurants serve ribbe (roast pork belly), pinnekjøtt (salted and dried lamb ribs) and lutefisk in December, and some offer their own Christmas menus for groups. See also our tips for cosy restaurants in Oslo.
Christmas party at a hotel with rooms
For larger groups, a hotel package with dinner, dancing and a room for the night is popular. You do not have to think about transport afterwards, and breakfast the next morning becomes part of the experience. Many of the city's large hotels have their own function rooms and host Christmas parties every year.
Christmas party cruise on the Oslofjord
A dinner cruise gives you a different kind of evening, with food and music as you glide past the lit-up islands of the Oslofjord. The boats usually sail from the city centre and suit both smaller and larger groups.
Christmas party in the forest
If you want a more traditional evening, hold the party at one of the historic lodges in Oslomarka, the forest above the city, with views over Oslo, an open fire and snow outside the windows.
A cosy restaurant evening in Oslo. Photo: Picolo
What do you eat at a Norwegian Christmas party?
The classic Christmas plate is the heart of most Christmas parties: ribbe with crisp crackling, pinnekjøtt with mashed swede, medisterkaker (pork meatballs) and sauerkraut. Many places also serve lutefisk for those who want the real tradition. Christmas beer and aquavit go with the food, and dessert is riskrem, a rice cream pudding with red berry sauce.
If anyone in the group has special dietary needs, let the venue know when you book. Most places offer alternatives if they are told in good time.
Good advice when planning a Christmas party
Book early: Popular dates and venues fill up as early as September.
Agree on the budget: Decide what should be included, such as food, drinks, entertainment and rooms.
Think about transport: Taxis can be hard to find after Christmas parties in December. Staying the night at the same venue makes the evening easier.
Consider a Thursday: It often means more available venues and better terms.
Plan the day after: A good breakfast and a late check-out make the next morning much better.
Hotels for the Christmas party
If you are staying the night after the party, it is wise to book the hotel at the same time as the party itself. These are the hotels we would choose, either for the party or for the night afterwards.
Grand Hotel Oslo: a classic on Karl Johan
One of the city's most storied hotels, right in the Christmas atmosphere on Karl Johans gate.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Hotel Oslo
Hotel Bristol: Christmas food with tradition
A classic hotel just off Karl Johans gate, known for its Christmas atmosphere and its traditional Christmas food.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Bristol
Clarion Hotel Oslo: for large groups
A large, modern hotel in Bjørvika, well suited to bigger parties and companies.
Book your stay: See rooms at Clarion Hotel Oslo
Scandic Holmenkollen Park: a Christmas party in the forest
A historic hotel in Holmenkollen, with views over the city and winter outside the windows.
Book your stay: See rooms at Scandic Holmenkollen Park
Looking for cheaper rooms after the party? See our cheap hotels in Oslo city centre.
Combine the party with the city before Christmas
If you are coming to Oslo for a Christmas party, take a walk through the Christmas market in Spikersuppa before dinner. Read our guide to the Christmas markets in Oslo.
Frequently asked questions about Christmas parties in Oslo
When is the Christmas party season in Oslo?
The season usually runs from mid-November to mid-December, with Fridays and Saturdays as the most popular nights.
How early should you book a Christmas party?
The earlier the better. Many book as early as June or early autumn to get the date they want.
How much does a Christmas party in Oslo cost?
Prices vary a great deal by venue, menu and what is included. Always check what the price covers, such as drinks, entertainment and rooms.
Can you combine the Christmas party with a hotel stay?
Yes, many hotels in Oslo offer packages with a Christmas party and a room for the night, which makes the evening easier for everyone.