The Bergen Christmas market returns to Festplassen, the square by the Lille Lungegårdsvann lake in the city centre, from Friday 20 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026. Entry is free. A few minutes’ walk away, Pepperkakebyen, Bergen’s famous gingerbread town, opens a week earlier, on 14 November.
Bergen is small enough to do the market, the gingerbread town and Bryggen in one day. Below are the 2026 dates and hours, ticket prices in Norwegian kroner (NOK), food tips, and where to leave your luggage.
Bergen Christmas Market 2026 at a Glance
| Event | 2026 dates | Hours | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas market, Festplassen | 20 Nov – 22 Dec | Mon–Fri 12:00–21:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–21:00 | Free (carousels need a ticket) |
| Pepperkakebyen, byROMMET | 14 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 | Mon–Fri 09:00–21:00, Sat 09:00–20:00, Sun 10:00–19:00 | Adults NOK 199, students NOK 149, children NOK 49 |
| Festival of Lights (Lysfesten) | Sat 14 Nov | 16:00–17:00 | Free |
The Market at Festplassen
The market sits on Festplassen, right on the edge of the lake and a short walk from the train station. Wooden stalls sell crafts from local makers alongside food from regional producers, and there are carousels for children (they need a separate ticket). In the evening the lights reflect in the lake, and the mountains around the city disappear into the dark behind them.
It’s a compact market, so an hour or two is plenty. Weekday lunchtimes are quietest, while weekends get busy with local families from late morning.
Pepperkakebyen: The Gingerbread Town
Every year, Bergen’s kindergartens, schools, companies and residents build a miniature town out of gingerbread, with houses, boats, trains and landmarks of the city. In 2026 it’s on show at byROMMET, Kong Oscars gate 24–26, from 14 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Tickets cost NOK 199 for adults, NOK 149 for students and NOK 49 for children under 16, and children get in free on weekdays. Queues build up at weekends and in the days before Christmas, so a weekday morning visit is the easiest. Opening hours and tickets are on Visit Bergen’s Christmas page.
Festival of Lights on 14 November
Bergen switches on its Christmas lights with Lysfesten, a free event around Lille Lungegårdsvann on Saturday 14 November 2026 from 16:00 to 17:00. It ends with fireworks over the lake. It’s one of the busiest evenings of the season, so arrive early if you want a spot by the water.
Food and Drink at the Bergen Christmas Market
Food at the Bergen Christmas market comes from regional suppliers, so expect Norwegian winter staples rather than German-style bratwurst stands. Look out for these:
- Gløgg with raisins and almonds
- Rømmegrøt, sour cream porridge with butter, cinnamon and sugar
- Pepperkaker, the thin gingerbread biscuits that go with everything in December
- Freshly made waffles
Prices are in NOK, and cards and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere in Norway.
Getting There
Bergen station is a few minutes’ walk from Festplassen, and the Bybanen light rail runs from Bergen Airport Flesland to the city centre in about 45 minutes. From the market you can walk to Bryggen, the old Hanseatic wharf, in around 10 minutes, and to the Fløibanen funicular for views over the lit-up city.
Bergen is known for rain, and December is no exception. Bring a proper waterproof jacket and shoes that can handle wet cobbles.
Luggage Storage Near the Bergen Christmas Market
Lots of visitors pass through Bergen between the train from Oslo, a fjord cruise or the Hurtigruten coastal ship, often with a few hours to spare and a suitcase in tow. Radical Storage has partners in the city centre, so you can find luggage storage near Festplassen, drop your bags and head to the market.
Booking takes a minute online. Every bag is protected up to €10,000, cancellation is free, and travellers rate the service 4.8/5. There are 16.5K+ locations in 2.3K+ cities if you’re continuing your trip.
Bergen Christmas Market FAQ
The market at Festplassen runs from Friday 20 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026, open Monday to Friday 12:00 to 21:00 and weekends 10:00 to 21:00.
Yes, entry is free. The carousels need a separate ticket, and Pepperkakebyen charges admission.
Adults pay NOK 199, students NOK 149 and children under 16 NOK 49. Children get in free Monday to Friday.
Lysfesten takes place on Saturday 14 November 2026 from 16:00 to 17:00 around Lille Lungegårdsvann, ending with fireworks. It is free.
Radical Storage has partner locations in central Bergen near the station and Festplassen. Book online, drop your bags and pick them up later. Each bag is protected up to €10,000 and cancellation is free.
Take the Bybanen light rail from Flesland to the city centre, which takes about 45 minutes. Festplassen is a short walk from the central stops.