New Year's Eve 2024-2025 in Norway
The land of fjords, northern lights, and polar nights guarantees an unforgettable NYE
Dates: December 31
Norwegians know how to create a memorable New Year's Eve. You can choose from hotel packages, gala dinners, countdown parties, and street celebrations. Also, many cities host their official firework displays when a clock strikes 12. Besides, the state's ban on customer fireworks is canceled on NYE between 6 pm and 2 am, so people use this chance to set off some firecrackers in their backyards.
Oslo
The most popular choice is clearly NYE in the capital. Naturally, the top gathering point is the city's heart around Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset). While the city of Oslo doesn't host the official firework display this year, there's still plenty to do in the city. The downtown is packed with bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and various venues offering a festive program. Yet, most of the events are ticketed and need to be booked in advance.
Some of the venues hosting New Year's Eve parties this year include The Hub, Wallmans Oslo with its dinner party, and Rockefeller, with a Big Latin Party. An alternative location could be Furuset sports park (Furuset parkourpark) in the northeast of Oslo. This place also draws crowds for the outdoor festivities and a fireworks show.
Bergen
Another great destination to herald in the New Year is Bergen. You can get there from Oslo by a scenic Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana), which promises to take you on the train journey of a lifetime. The most romantic way to celebrate the New Year in the city must be a fjord cruise with live music and fireworks. But staying downtown is likewise a great idea. The central streets, restaurants, pubs, and clubs are buzzing with life. At midnight, there are dozens of NYE fireworks. And you don't need to worry about how to get back to your accommodations, as night buses and the Bergen Light Rail operate all night.
New Year's Eve Events in Bergen
Situated in the heart of Bergen, the Grieghalle hosts an exquisite concert before New Year's. The event begins at 4 pm and spans approximately one hour and a half. The lineup features Eikanger-Bjørsvik, Helge Jordal, and Sjur Hjeltnes. Tickets start at 280 Norwegian kroner and go up to 525 kroner. Another festive concert is set to take place at Den Nationale Scene at 6 pm, with tickets varying around 145-500 Norwegian kroner. A celebration of a lifetime takes place at Biblioteket Bar, with entry tickets costing 230-300 Norwegian krone.
Trondheim
You may also like to ring in the New Year in the scenic city by the Trondheim Fjord. Trondheim's Britannia Hotel typically offers some decent NYE packages. Also, check out the vibrant Solsiden district—here you'll find some bars and restaurants, which might be fun for a New Year's party. Some places hosting annual New Year's Eve events include Heidi's Bier Bar and Studio26.
Britannia Hotel's party boasts a five-course meal, champagne toasts, and groovy music. Tickets cost 2990 Norwegian krone per person. Plus, fireworks remain an indispensable part of the end-year festivities in Trondheim. The best views of the city and the fireworks displays can be seen near the Kristiansten Festningen.
Tromsø
The last city we suggest for your New Year's break is Tromsø, tucked above the Arctic Circle. The best spots to observe New Year's fireworks here include the highest points on the island, including Charlottenlund Recreational Park, Alfheim Stadium, and Tromsø Maritime Skole. Additionally, you can have some great views from Tromsø Bridge, or hop on a Fjellheisen cable car and take in panoramic views from the peak of Storsteinen.
If you opt for this city, be prepared for a polar night. Yet, it won't be pitch black all the time—you can still go sightseeing in the twilight hours between 9 am and 2 pm. Tromsø is also set to host a festive New Year's Eve concert in the Arctic Cathedral at 9 pm. Tickets cost 300 Norwegian krone per person.
New Year Out of a City
Have you thought about celebrating outside of the urban area? This option might leave you even more content. Explore Norwegian winter wonderland while snowkiting, reindeer sledding, or skiing.
Also, instead of pyrotechnics, you can witness nature's own show of dancing northern lights. Regardless of what option you choose, take care of your stay in advance. Make sure you have a safe and cozy place to sleep off your hangover.
Practical info
External resources
- Oslo New Year's Eve (Official website)
- Wellmans New Year's Eve (Official website)
- Rockefeller I Big Latin Party (Official website)
- The HUB I New Year's Eve (Official website)
- Bergen (Official website)
- New Year's Eve in Biblioteket Bar (Official website)
- Stemningsfull julekonsert in Bergen (Official website)
- New Year's Eve Concert in Grieghallen (Official website)
- The Flåm Railway (Official website)
- Trondheim (Official website)
- Britannia Hotel I New Year's Eve (Official website)
- Tromsø (Official website)
- New Year's Eve Concert in Tromsø (Official website)