🎄 Første juledag — 25 December: a "quiet" Christmas Day in Norway 🕯️
25 December is not just any day – it's a public holiday (helligdag) and an official flag day! Most shops are closed, transport runs on holiday/Sunday schedules, and the cities are unusually quiet for Norway – a great opportunity to experience a different side to this vibrant country. It's the perfect day for leisurely walks, museum visits with reduced hours, and leisurely lunches at hotel restaurants (booking recommended). Legal context: The Danish words "helligdag" and "helligdagsfred" are defined by law, which is great news! The 25th of December is a public holiday, and on the 24th of December (Julaften), "helligdagsfred" applies from 4 p.m., with shops closing earlier, which is fantastic for those who like to shop 'til they drop!
Flag: 25 December is Flag Day! During the winter months, the flag is raised at 09:00 and lowered at sunset (in Nurland/Tromsø/Finnmark, the guideline is 10:00–15:00 in winter).
🎄 What is Open/Closed on 25 December
| Category | Status (guideline) |
|---|---|
| 🛒 Supermarkets | Generally closed (minor exceptions: small shops/petrol stations) |
| 🍷 Vinmonopolet | Closed on all public holidays, incl. 25 December |
| ☕ Restaurants/cafés | Very limited; mainly hotel restaurants/set menus with reservations |
| 🏛 Museums/culture | Partially/reduced: some closed, some holiday hours |
| 🚍 Public transport | Holiday/Sunday schedules, fewer departures for trains/regional networks |
⚠️ Hours and services vary by municipality and provider — always check before travelling.
Transport: how to get there and back without surprises
● Trains (Vy). During the Christmas period, there are fewer trains on many routes, and some run on holiday schedules. Buy tickets in advance and allow extra time for transfers.
● City networks. In large cities, Sunday/holiday schedules usually apply on 25 December. Check the specific network: Oslo (Ruter), Bergen (Skyss), Trondheim (AtB), etc. Examples: Skyss clearly indicates "søndagsruter" on the first day of Christmas; similarly on the second day.
● Airports/express trains. There are fewer flights, but airports are open; plan your arrival in advance and take into account infrequent night/morning departures.
● Car. Traffic is lighter in city centres, but parking may change and roads around holiday venues may be closed. Difficult weather conditions are common: keep an eye on road conditions.
Romjul: the benefits of the "quiet days" after Christmas
Romjul is the period between Christmas and New Year (usually 27–30 December). During this time, cities become quieter: there is less business hustle and bustle, but coffee shops, some museums and winter parks are open. The format is ideal for slow travel and relaxed remote work: morning walks, afternoon museums, evening brunches.
📍 Oslo
Aker Brygge & Opera/Bjørvika waterfront, Ekebergparken for a sunny walk, or circular routes at Sognsvann.
📍 Bergen
Bryggen and Vågen without the crowds, Fløyen funicular (check timetable), and peaceful forest trails.
📍 Trondheim
Nidaros Cathedral and Bakklandet, or city trails by the fjord.
📍 Tromsø
Strandpromenaden; daytime viewpoints on the island if clear; warm indoor attractions in the evening.
📍 Stavanger
Gamle Stavanger, quiet city parks, and fresh sea breeze at Hafrsfjord.
⚠️ Always check museum/cable car/funicular websites for holiday hours.
Where to eat
● Go for hotels. Restaurants at large hotels are more likely to be open with set menus and fixed slots — book in advance.
● World cuisine and coffee. In tourist areas, some Asian/international restaurants and coffee shops with a short window remain open.
● Plan B. If everything is closed, choose takeaway from those who are open or have a brunch at home (Romjul is the perfect time).
Flag etiquette reminder for 25 December
● Yes, it's flag day. Raise the flag in the morning and lower it at sunset.
● Time: in November–February, the guideline is to raise the flag at 9 a.m.; in the north in winter, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. On the polar day, the flag is lowered at 9 p.m. regardless.
● Joint flagging (if applicable): Norwegian has priority; Sami flags are placed next to it, observing the rules of seniority (see our flag day hub for details).
Note about 24 December: On Julaften, helligdagsfred is in effect from 16:00 — shops and services close earlier, and noisy activities are restricted.
FAQ — frequently asked questions
Most shops are closed according to the helligdag rule; local exceptions are possible (small outlets/petrol stations). Vinmonopolet is closed on all public holidays. Check the specific location in the "store search".
Usually according to Sunday/holiday schedules, with fewer services. Trains (Vy) may run less frequently on 25 December. Check the exact times in the network apps and at the station.
Check out restaurants at hotels and pre-announced holiday menus. In tourist areas, some coffee shops and Asian restaurants are open, often with reduced hours.
Some venues are open with reduced holiday hours or are closed. Check the schedule on the website of the specific museum/spa and take into account any limits on slots.
Yes, but keep your plans in mind with daylight and weather; transport is less frequent on Christmas Day, and rentals/lifts may be closed or operating on a short schedule. Always check local announcements.
It is a flag day: in winter, the flag is raised at 9 a.m. (10 a.m. in the far north) and lowered at sunset/by 9 p.m.
Daytime walks along the waterfront and in parks, short cultural visits during holiday hours, brunch/hot chocolate together, home activities. The Romjul period is just right for "slowing down."
Yes, but intervals may be longer than usual. Plan your arrival with plenty of time to spare and check schedules in advance (city network + Vy/Flytoget/Avinor).
