Christmas & New Year
in Scandinavian alps
Christmas and New Year's in Hemsedal
Are you ready for an unforgettable holiday celebration surrounded by snow-covered mountains, fresh air, and an atmosphere filled with Christmas spirit? In Hemsedal, we have everything you need to make your Christmas and New Year's magical—whether you're planning an active holiday with family, a festive week between Christmas and New Year's with friends, or just want to recharge in beautiful surroundings. Here's what you can look forward to in the holiday season:
Family activities
Whether you're seeking thrill and adventure or peace and relaxation, Hemsedal has something for everyone during the holidays:
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides - a true winter classic
- Indoor climbing - fun for all ages
- Sledding - from the top or in Fjellheisen – pure adrenaline.
- Guided snow shoe hikes - on quite snowy trails.
- Yoga - rest and recharge.
- Dog sledding– a magical way to explore the mountains.
Check our what’s on calendar for daily events throughout Christmas and New Year.
Skiing
Of course, Christmas means great skiing.
In Solheisen you can do anything from play in the parks to torchlit slalom in the festive week. At SkiStar Hemsedalyou’ll get long days on the slopes, with extended opening hours on several dates. Valle, the Snowman is ready with activities in the children’s areas. See our family friendly activities and book early.
Keep an eye on the weather & conditions page for the latest.
A magical start to the holiday season
- Husflidlagets Christmas MarketNovember 29-30 at Kyrkjestugu – crafts, local food, raffle, decorations, coffee and home baking
- Christmas marked at Dalo Fjellgård (December 6th) – local products, food by the fire, the farm gnome and cosy vibes for the whole family
- Christmas tree lightning at Fyri Resort (November 30th) – Hemsedal choir, lussekatter, mulled drinks – and a visit from Father Christmas
Christmas parties & festive dining
Treat yourself to a Christmas dinner at som of Hemsedal's best: Fyri Resort, Lodgen Spiseri, Skarsnuten Hotel, Skigaarden,Skogstad Hotel and Hemsedal Café serve festive menus from November.
On Christmas Eve, enjoy a proper feast at Lodgen Spiseri.
Fyri Resort also hosts a Juleshow 27.- 29. November – a full evening of entertainment, great food and top atmosphere.
The festive week & New Year – Hemsedal in party mode
The days between Christmas and New Year aren’t complete without legendary après-ski at Skistua, Hollvinand Stavkroa.
As usual, Stavkroa goes big with All In New Years. Hollvin Afterski brings live bands, and Skistua alternates between DJs and live music.Looking for a family-friendly après? Head to Lodgen Spiseri – with a playroom for the kids.
New Year Eve
On New Year’s Eve you can book dinner and the midnight countdown at Skarsnuten, Lodgen Spiseri, Liv Restaurant på Fyri Resort, Hemsedal Cafe, Skogstad Hotell.
If you’re keen to dance into the small hours Stavkroaand All in New Years have you covered.
Prefer a calmer, but just as magical night? Fýri Resort offers Christmas at Fyri and New Years at Fyri packages.
Find the festive spirit – from trees to gifts
Most shops in Hemsedal are open almost every day; opening hours may vary in the holidays.
Christmas trees: available at Hemsedal Innkjøpslagin the centre or from a seller by Coop Extra.
Gifts?
- For mountain lovers: Anton Sport, MOH+, SkiStar Concept Store
Clothing & style: Finbeck & Fia, House of Hygge, Fjøset
Interiors: Hemsedal Møbler, Fargerike, Fjøset (Ulsåk), Dyrja (Torset)
Practical picks: Fargerike, Maxbo, Montér
Taste of Hemsedal: artisan cheeses from Himmelspannet, baked goods from Hemsedal Flatbrødbakeri, pinnekjøtt from Spekeloftet, and quality meat and fish from Tamt & Vilt – find them in local grocers and at Hemsedal Flatbrødbakeri in Tuv.
Gift cards: Hemsedal Aktiv sells gift cards for everything from snowshoe walks and sleigh rides to ice climbing, tobogganing and dog sledding.
Essentials – food shops (opening hours)
As of 2 October 2025 (subject to change)
Coop Extra: Mon–Fri 07:00–23:00, Sat 08:00–23:00, Sun 09:00–23:00
Spar: Mon–Fri 06:00–22:15, Sat 06:00–21:00, Sun 12:00–18:00
Kiwi: Mon–Sat 07:00–23:00, Sun 09:00–21:00 (closed on Christmas Day)
Matkroken: Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00(19:00), Sat 08:00–18:00, Sun 09:00–17:00 (open in winter season)
Church Services during Christmas
- December 5 – Advent Concert at Lykkja Chapel
- December 21 – Advent Concert at Hemsedal Church with Andrea from The Voice
- December 24
- Service at Lykkja Chapel at 11:00
- Services at Hemsedal Church: 13:30, 14:45, 16:00
- December 26 – Service at Hemsedal Church at 11:00
Getting here & getting around
Hemsedal is easy to reach by car from Oslo and Bergen. You can also take the train to Gol and continue by bus.
In winter there’s a transfer bus from Oslo Airport, plus express coaches from Oslo and Førde (Vy170). Locally, the ski bus. local bus (360) and taxis get you around the village.
Dining
Package deals
Winter activities
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas and New Year in Hemsedal
What happens in Hemsedal during Christmas?
You’ll find Christmas markets, concerts, family activities on the slopes, and cozy evenings at mountain lodges and restaurants.
What can I do in Hemsedal during the holidays?
The holiday week offers long ski days, après-ski, live music and family fun – everything from sledding, dogsledding, horseback riding, horse sleigh rides, guided snowshoeing and festive events like aprés ski.
Where can I celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hemsedal?
New Year’s celebrations range from relaxed dinners at mountain restaurants to big parties at Stavkroa, Skistua and Hollvin.
Is Hemsedal family-friendly during Christmas?
Yes, the kids’ areas at the ski resort host special activities, and there are plenty of family-friendly experiences throughout the holidays. See our calender for whats on, or check out our article about it.
How do I get to Hemsedal at Christmas and New Year?
It’s easy to reach Hemsedal by car from Oslo or Bergen. Direct buses also run several times a week from Oslo, Gardermoen and Bergen.