Norsk Folkemuseum Christmas Fair

For many of us Christmas is a time to be with family and reminisce about old times and old friends. Some of us are helped along memory lane by the reappearance of the same Christmas decorations year after year, but in the case of many buildings that make up Oslo’s Norsk Folkemuseum that historical ornamentation takes on far greater importance. These original buildings have been moved from all over Norway and for the annual Christmas fair they’re all decked out in the dressings of their various ages. In a house from the mid 18th Century a merchant’s maid will allow you to admire the ornaments of her time but she has no idea what you mean when you ask her where the tree is, a priest and his family who inhabit a home from the late 18th century will teach you some songs, and you can share an 1890’s pauper’s Christmas, as well as meeting characters dwelling in original houses from the 20th Century.

It’s not just educational, but you will learn that Oslo’s festive tipple is called Glogg, closely related to mulled wine. After learning that lesson, grab a glass and wander amid the stalls which specialise in bygone festive items, all handmade, which are set up around the museums. Services held in the museum’s 12th Century church and traditional musical interludes from down the ages will top off your day of Christmas past.