Tromsø in December (& Christmas): Things to Do and Tips

Are you planning a trip to Tromsø in December and are wondering what to do, which tours to take, and how the city functions during the Christmas season? If so, keep reading!

December in Tromsø can be extremely busy, but it is a fantastic place to spend the remainder of the year. Christmas in Tromsø is also pretty magical and I will share a few tips for the festive season throughout the guide, too!

This Tromsø guide will contain the best things to do (including the top activities!), December weather info, and answer some frequently asked questions.

If you have any questions about taking a December trip to Tromsø, please let me know in the comments or send me a message. Thanks!

December Weather in Tromsø

Average temperatures range from -6°C to -1°C (21.2°F to 30.2°F) in December. You’ll find that the temperature typically stays below freezing.

Snowfall levels drastically increase compared to November, with average levels ranging between 27.9 cm to 36.7 cm (11 inches to 14.4 inches). Snowfall levels are typically higher towards the end of the month.

At this time of year, Tromsø is very overcast so you can expect plenty of cloud cover. But, since Tromsø is an island, the weather is often ever-changing! I do, however, recommend booking a northern lights tour (if that is on your itinerary) so you can head away from the city and inland a bit.

Best Things to Do Tromsø in December

1. Get out of the city on a northern lights tour.

Most people come to Tromsø intending to see the northern lights. And rightfully so!

Tromsø is one of the most popular destinations in the Nordics for seeing the aurora and even though December is not as good of a viewing month as March, for example, it is still a prime time to see them. Especially because the Polar Night is at its maximum.

I do recommend taking a northern lights tour in Tromsø so you can head away from the city and light pollution a bit. A northern lights tour will essentially ‘chase’ clear skies around Northern Norway, giving you the best chance at seeing them.

If you can’t get outside of the city but still want a good spot to see them, try heading up Fjellheisen cable car or taking the bus to Telegrafbukta (a beach with lower light pollution).

Want more information about seeing the aurora in Tromsø? You can check out my guide to the top tips for seeing the northern lights in Tromsø as well as my guide to the best northern lights tours in Tromsø.

>> Click here to check northern lights tour rates and availability

2. See the lighting of the Christmas tree in Tromsø.

Although the lighting of Christmas Street takes place in mid-November, the Christmas tree is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, which takes place in December (or late November) depending on when it falls (it is December 1, 2024 this year).

The Christmas Tree is located in Strandtorget Square, and when it’s lit, there’s a big celebration held here. You can enjoy live music, get involved in the festive atmosphere, and even look out for the northern lights above.

If you’re heading to Tromso in late November/early December, try to time your visit with the lighting of the Christmas Tree as it’s an awesome event!

3. Sign up for a whale-watching tour.

Whale watching is one of the top winter activities in Tromsø and December is a prime month to head out and do it! Whale-watching season is somewhat short (November until the end of January) so I strongly advise those visiting during December to sign up for a tour.

I recommend a trip to Skjervøy (where the whales are) with Brim Explorer and their silent catamaran. Do note that whale-watching tours in Tromsø are an all-day affair!

If you want additional information, be sure to check out my post about whale watching in Tromsø as well as my post about the best whale watching tours in Tromsø.

>> Click here to check whale-watching rates and availability

4. Celebrate New Year’s in Tromsø.

Tromso is a fantastic place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. First of all, there are tons of fantastic bars and restaurants in the city, where you can try Arctic cuisine, and then enjoy several drinks afterward.

For those looking to appreciate the city’s fireworks display, there are some great viewpoints. The best places to watch the display include Charlottenlund Recreational Park, Tromsø Bridge, and Mount Storsteinen.

Storsteinen is a popular option, as there’s a restaurant located here (pretty touristy and pricey, however). If you book in advance, you can enjoy an all-exclusive celebration night, where you’ll have the best views and a delicious meal.

5. Go to the Julefred Christmas concert at the Arctic Cathedral.

One of the best things to do in Tromsø in December is to go to the Julefred concert at the Arctic Cathedral. While the concert is by Jardar Johansen and his four musicians (plus his two daughters), it is in Norwegian, English, and Italian.

For the 2024 season, there are 5 dates in Tromsø: the 20th (at 6pm and 8:30pm), the 21st (6pm), and the 22nd (6pm and 8:30pm).

You will need to pre-purchase tickets and can do so on their website. The tickets are 555 NOK for adults (about $50).

6. Feed the reindeer at Tromsø Arctic Reindeer.

A popular thing to do in Tromsø in December is to feed the reindeer and learn more about the Sami people at Tromsø Arctic Reindeer.

There are a few options available, but I definitely recommend doing an evening excursion because it also can be paired with seeing the northern lights if the skies are clear!

These experiences will pick you up on buses in downtown Tromsø and transport you out to Tromsø Arctic Reindeer’s complex, where you will have dinner (a Sami stew called ‘bidos’), hear stories about the Sami, feed reindeer, and even go reindeer sledding if you wish. It is the ultimate Christmas and winter experience!

>> Click here to check Sami experience and reindeer feeding rates and availability

7. Check out the Christmas Market at Stortorget.

Spending Christmas in Tromsø is pretty magical in its own right, but you can still get a festive vibe by visiting its Christmas market located at Stortorget.

The Christmas Market in Tromsø runs from the second half of November to around December 22. It is open from 12pm until 6pm daily and you will find plenty of small food options (including gløgg – Norwegian mulled wine) and crafts available.

Restaurants Open on Christmas in Tromsø

Many places do shut down during the Christmas season but below are a few places that are open during Christmas in Tromsø (I checked all personally so if they change hours from mid-November until then, I do apologize!):

• Full Steam (closed on the 23rd but open the other days)
• Bread & Wine
• Pastafabrikken
• Restaurant Skirri (closed on the 25th but open on 24th and 26th)

If you are visiting during December and are keen to try a few Norwegian dishes – look for lutefisk (typical of Northern Norway), pinnekjøtt (popular in the west), ribbe (popular in the south and east), and anything in a grocery store that has the word ‘Jul’ or ‘Jule’ in it. It is usually a seasonal item!

You can find everything from julebrus (Christmas soda) to julebrunost (Christmas brown cheese).

Activities It Is Too Early For

While December (and January) tend to be the most action-packed months in terms of what is available in Tromsø from an activities perspective, there are a few limitations.

Here are a few activities in Tromsø that are not available for the entire month of December (or may not be as dog-sledding can start a bit late depending on snow):

• Tromsø Ice Domes (open December 10)
• Snowmobiling (starts in December for Camp Tamok and January in the Lyngen Alps)
• Dog-sledding (starts middle of the month if the snow has arrived)

What to Pack for December in Tromsø

December is the month to start packing on the layers! A few things I recommend bringing are:

• Heavy parka (I like ones that are a bit longer as they keep your thighs warm as well)
• Mittens or gloves (I prefer mittens as they are warmer)
• Snowboots and wool socks
• Wool sweater
• Thermals (I love Kari Traa’s base layers)
• Mobile power bank (many phones drain in power with colder weather)
• Wool hat (I like ones from Haddock, a Henningsvær brand – you can purchase at Intersport in Tromsø if you want to wait until you get there)

Tips for Visiting Tromsø in December

• Hotels are at their priciest and tours will sell out quickly. Be sure to book everything ahead of time as much as possible! Reindeer experiences and dog-sledding tend to be the first two types of tours that will sell out, so it is extra crucial to not wait until the last minute on these types. Better to book and cancel within your grace period than to not manage to get on at all!
• Northern lights viewing depends on activity, cloud coverage, and light pollution. You can’t control the first two, but you can control the light pollution by booking a tour to head out of the city.
• Christmas will alter shop opening times in Tromsø. This includes supermarkets. Expect all to close earlier on Christmas Eve and stay closed the two days following (Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
• Try ‘gløgg’ while there! This is Norway’s version of mulled wine and it is so cozy and delicious!

Tromsø in December FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Tromso?

Thanks to its fantastic Christmas markets, festive atmosphere, and variety of things to do, December is a very magical time to visit Tromso!

Due to the Polar Night, you can also spot the northern lights earlier in the day (if conditions are right). Whale-watching tours are popular at this time of year too.

Is it completely dark in Tromso in December?

As the Polar Night season runs through December the sun doesn’t rise at all in Tromso. But, you will not have pitch-black skies all day long – you will have a few hours of ‘twilight’ that kind of looks like an extended sunset. It is beautiful!

These hours of twilight are usually from 9am until 2pm (little shorter closer to to winter solstice).

Is Tromso worth visiting in winter?

Although cold and very dark, Tromso is certainly worth visiting in winter. The aurora draws many travelers here, as do the variety of winter activities.

Northern Norway’s whale-watching season also runs until the end of January. Not to mention, Tromso is a great destination to visit during the festive season!

Is 3 nights in Tromso enough?

I believe 3 nights is the minimum amount of time I’d recommend spending in Tromso. This will be just enough time to see the sights and perhaps head out of the city on a day trip.

If you have longer than 3 nights in Tromso, you’ll have more time to take in the culture of this place and have a go at the many winter activities on offer. It also gives you more northern lights opportunities if you happen to arrive during a ‘cloudy’ period.

Where to Stay in Tromsø

Arctic Homes Tromsø Residence (Luxury)

Arctic Homes is one of the most luxurious properties in Tromsø. This spacious apartment sleeps up to 9 and is great for those who want more space!

With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a spacious lounge, and a sun terrace, it has everything you could need. The views are breathtaking too.

Clarion Hotel The Edge (Mid-range)

Clarion Hotel The Edge is a popular hotel in Tromsø. It’s set in a great location and offers modern rooms, many of which feature fantastic city views.

If you stay here, you’ll benefit from the hotel’s incredible facilities. These include a rooftop bar, restaurant, fitness center, and living room bar. Breakfast is also included.

Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø (Budget)

Those on a budget should check out Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø. This hotel offers some of the cheapest rooms in the city and is in a great location for sightseeing.

There are 192 rooms to choose from and these sleep 2-3 people making it a great option for couples. There’s also a 24-hour lobby shop which has drinks and snacks.

Visiting Tromsø in December is a great choice but be sure to plan ahead as you are visiting during the peak of the high season! Tours and hotels book up so quickly that you’ll want to prioritize them before planning the rest of your Tromsø adventure!

More Month-by-Month Guides

• Tromsø in January
• Tromsø in February
• Tromsø in March
• Tromsø in September
• Tromsø in October
• Tromsø in November

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