Family Friendly Activities at Bergen Christmas Market

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A traditional carousel is also available for younger children to enjoy. The horses and lights create a very magical feeling for toddlers. Most rides cost between 60 and 100 NOK per person. Check the Bergen Christmas Market 2026 Guide for specific ride times.

The market area is flat and easy to navigate with a stroller. Wide paths allow families to move through the crowds without stress. You will find several benches where you can rest between activities. The market usually opens daily from late November until late December.

Security staff are present to ensure everyone stays safe during their visit. Lighting is bright throughout the evening to help you keep track of kids. Most vendors accept credit cards, making it easy to pay for rides. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring all the stalls.

Visit the Magical Gingerbread Town Nearby

No family trip is complete without seeing Pepperkakebyen, the gingerbread town. It is located just a short walk from the main market stalls. Local schools and businesses build this massive edible city every year. It is officially the largest gingerbread town in the entire world.

Children love looking for tiny details in the gingerbread houses and trains. There are even moving parts like ferris wheels and small boats. The smell of ginger and cinnamon fills the entire indoor hall. It is a perfect way to warm up on a cold day.

You should check out these Pepperkakebyen visiting tips before you go. Tickets are required for entry, but children under twelve often get a discount. It is best to visit on a weekday to avoid large crowds. The exhibit usually stays open until the end of December.

The town includes models of famous Bergen landmarks like the Bryggen wharf. Kids can see how the city looks in miniature form. There is often a small shop selling gingerbread cookies at the exit. This activity is a highlight for families visiting Bergen in 2026.

Creative Craft Workshops for Children

The market features several heated tents where children can get creative. Local artists often host workshops for making traditional Norwegian holiday decorations. Kids can paint wooden figures or create their own paper stars. These activities are usually free or require a very small fee.

Crafting provides a great break from the outdoor cold for little ones. Parents can sit nearby and enjoy a warm drink while kids work. All necessary materials are provided by the workshop organizers at the site. It is a wonderful way to make a personalized souvenir.

Look for the schedule of Bergen winter events to find specific workshop times. Some sessions focus on making traditional wool crafts or felt ornaments. These workshops help children learn about Norwegian culture and holiday traditions. Most sessions last about thirty to forty-five minutes.

The indoor tents are well-ventilated and have plenty of space for families. You do not need to book most workshops in advance. Just show up and wait for the next available table. It is a very relaxing and productive way to spend an afternoon.

Kid Friendly Food and Holiday Treats

Feeding hungry kids is easy with the variety of snacks available. You must try the traditional Norwegian pancakes known as Sveler. They are thick, fluffy, and often served with sweet brown cheese. Most children find the taste very mild and delicious for a snack.

Warm hot chocolate with whipped cream is a favorite for all ages. You can also find high-quality apple juice from local Hardanger orchards. If your children are adventurous, try the mild reindeer sausages. These are a local specialty and very filling for a cold evening.

For more ideas, see our list of the best food to eat at Bergen Christmas market. Sweet roasted almonds are another popular treat that smells amazing. You will find many stalls selling these in small paper cones. They are perfect for snacking while you walk around the market.

There are several covered seating areas where you can eat comfortably. These spots often have outdoor heaters to keep you warm while eating. High chairs are sometimes available in the larger food tents. Remember to bring wet wipes for sticky fingers after eating sweets.

Meeting the Norwegian Christmas Nisse

In Norway, Santa Claus is known as the "Nisse" or "Julenissen." He often makes appearances at the market during the weekends in December. Children can meet him to share their holiday wish lists and photos. He usually wears a traditional red hat and a grey wool coat.

The Nisse often walks around the market to greet families and visitors. Sometimes he sits in a specially decorated wooden hut for formal photos. These meet-and-greet sessions are usually free for all market guests. Check the official Visit Bergen website for the exact appearance schedule.

There are also storytelling sessions held in the main activity tent. A narrator tells classic Norwegian folk tales about trolls and winter magic. These stories are engaging for children even if they do not speak Norwegian. The expressive acting and props make the tales easy to follow.

The market also features festive photo booths with holiday-themed backdrops. You can take family pictures with reindeer antlers or snowy mountain scenes. These booths provide instant digital copies to share with friends and family. It is a fun way to capture memories of your 2026 trip.