Meet Santa and the Christmas Elves

For official information, visit Ålesund travel info.

For the most up-to-date details, check Ålesund travel info before you go.

Young visitors can hand-deliver their handwritten letters to his very cozy and decorated wooden hut. The friendly elves often give out small pieces of traditional and sweet Norwegian candy. This simple interaction creates a very special holiday memory for all of your young children. It is truly the highlight of many family trips to the beautiful country of Norway.

The main meeting usually happens in the heart of the beautiful and central town square. Please check the opening dates for Ålesund Christmas market 2026 for exact times. Most of these festive sessions start in the early afternoon hours of the day. Arrive early to avoid the longest queues during the very busy holiday weekends.

Professional photographers are often on-site to capture these precious and unique family moments. You are also welcome to take your own personal photos for free with your camera. Santa speaks both Norwegian and English to help every international visitor feel very welcome. He loves hearing about what children want for Christmas during this special time.

Children's Workshops and Festive Crafts

Creative children will certainly enjoy the many interactive craft stations available at the market. Local artists teach kids how to make beautiful and traditional holiday ornaments by hand. These fun workshops use natural materials like local wood and soft Norwegian sheep wool. It is a perfect way to spend a cold and windy winter afternoon.

You can learn about traditional Norwegian crafts in Ålesund holiday markets very easily. Kids can make their own felt hearts or bright wooden stars for the tree. These handmade items make great souvenirs for your friends and family back at home. They add a personal touch to your own Christmas tree decorations this year.

Most of these creative workshops cost between 50 and 100 NOK per participating child. They usually last about thirty to sixty minutes for each individual craft session. This activity is a great way to warm up inside a heated building. Parents can relax while their children focus on their fun and artistic holiday projects.

Gingerbread decorating is another very popular activity for families at the local market. The market provides pre-baked cookies and plenty of colorful and sweet sugar icing. Children can eat their sweet creations right away or save them for later. It is a delicious way to celebrate the holiday season together as a family.

Ice Skating and Outdoor Winter Fun

A temporary ice rink often opens right near the festive and glowing market stalls. Ice skating is a classic part of the traditional Norwegian winter experience for everyone. You can rent high-quality skates for a small fee of about 80 NOK. It is an activity that both young kids and adults will truly enjoy.

The outdoor rink is decorated with hundreds of beautiful and twinkling white fairy lights. Festive holiday music plays while families glide gracefully across the cold and smooth ice. The rink usually stays open until late in the chilly and dark evening. This allows you to enjoy the lights after the winter sun finally sets.

There are also small snowy hills for fun sledding located near the city center. Many local families bring their own plastic sleds or traditional and sturdy wooden ones. If it snows, the local park becomes a giant and exciting winter playground. Children will love playing in the fresh snow for several hours during the day.

Please ensure your children wear warm and waterproof clothing for these outdoor activities. The coastal wind can feel quite chilly during the month of December in Norway. You should visit the Visit Ålesund website for the latest weather updates. Proper gear makes the outdoor experience much more pleasant for every family member.

Traditional Norwegian Treats for Little Ones

Delicious food is a major highlight of any holiday visit to the country of Norway. Your kids will love the sweet smell of fresh and warm Norwegian waffles. These are often served with traditional brown cheese or sweet and red strawberry jam. They are the perfect snack for a busy day of exploring the market.

You can find the best food stalls at Ålesund Christmas market near the town center. Many of these stalls offer smaller portions specifically for your younger children. Prices for these tasty snacks usually range from 40 to 90 NOK each. There is something to satisfy every picky eater in your family this year.

Hot chocolate with thick whipped cream is a must-try winter treat for the kids. It helps keep everyone warm while you explore the various decorated wooden stalls. Some vendors even offer a spicy and non-alcoholic version of traditional holiday gløgg. This traditional drink is full of festive flavors like warm cinnamon and cloves.

Look for the stalls selling warm roasted almonds and sweet and crunchy candied nuts. The warm paper cones are very easy for small hands to hold and carry. These treats provide a quick energy boost for walking around the historic town. They are a staple of the Norwegian Christmas market experience for all ages.

Festive Storytelling and Local Music

Cultural events are plentiful throughout the entire holiday market season in late 2026. Local storytellers share ancient Norwegian folk tales and mysterious legends at the market. These stories often feature grumpy trolls and magical creatures from the deep forest. It is a captivating experience for children of all ages to enjoy.

Most of these storytelling sessions take place inside large and well-heated festival tents. This provides a cozy break from the cold and biting winter air outside. Check the Ålesund Christmas Market Guide 2026 for specific event schedules. You do not want to miss these unique and traditional cultural performances.

Local school choirs often perform traditional carols on the festive and bright main stage. Their young voices sound beautiful against the backdrop of historic Art Nouveau buildings. Families can join in and sing along to many famous and classic songs. It creates a strong sense of community and holiday spirit for everyone.

Talented brass bands also play festive tunes throughout the day and the evening. The music creates a very lively and happy atmosphere for all market visitors. It is a wonderful way to experience the local and authentic Norwegian culture. These performances are usually free for everyone to enjoy together as a family.