Your weekend guide
Adventures in Stavanger and beyond December 12th to 14th.
Hi,
Wow time flies when having fun and this is my 11th (!) newsletter since my sister convinced forced me to start sharing about all the things going on in Stavanger and beyond. Thanks for reading, sharing and subscribing - it truly means a lot to me!
This last weekend, we took advantage of the Ølberg Christmas market: horse carriage, Santa, hot dogs, live music and tons of local vendors in the most idyllic scenery. Just perfection! Oh, and I must not forget, the tractor parade was fantastic. Who knew that (beautifully) decorated tractors in all variations could be so magical! For me and for the kids. I hope neither of us ever grow up as life has so much fun in store. I absolutely love when people put pride into what they do and this time at Ølberg it was no exception! SO SO inspiring.
More memories to be had this upcoming weekend with everything from a light show at Ullandhaugtårnet, to world record attempts in ice bathing, to ice hockey fun and more. So much to do!
If you’re reading this for the first time - welcome! This is my weekly newsletter, sent out every Wednesday (nyhetsbrev på norsk her). My philosophy in life: every place in the world has something exciting happening. I believe there is always something to experience, no matter where you are (in fact, I’m willing to bet I can find something for you no matter where in the world you are reading from*). Sometimes it is big events, other times small experiences that make a weekend memorable. Everything I pick out is something I am considering doing myself, with or without two small children.
These are my tips for things to do in Stavanger and beyond this weekend:
Heads up: often the pages are in Norwegian, but you can always use Google Translate to check them out.
Friday
Light Show at Ullandhaugtårnet: Not the easiest event to explain but this day marks the end of the 900 year anniversary of Stavanger. To close it off, the town is putting on events all day and the start of each event is marked by Ullandhaug Tower pointing (with lights I assume) in the direction to where the events take place. The whole day can be streamed, but what really peaked my interest is the light show that is going to close the event. At 20:00 everyone is invited to look toward the tower where there will be a great light show at display. For the program of the whole day (and screening) here and for details on the light show here.
Saturday
St. Lucia Consert: Ah is there anything cuter than St. Lucia parades.This year it is on a Saturday so it is more possible (although not necessarily likely for a nigth owl as myself) to attend the Domkirke morning concert and celebration. Free of charge. Starts at 9:00 (but probably good to be early to secure seats). More info here.
Ølberg Ice Bathing Guinness World Record Attempt: Last year they aimed for 500 and 2500 people showed (including yours truly as a spectator). Now they are attempting for 5000 or more. One way or the other the amount energy of seeing (or joining) all those people running into the water is something you will not forget. Free and open for all. From 09:00 to 13:00 but the actual ice bathing attempt is 11:00.For more info here.
Story time at Hammargarden: Ok, you must have sensed a theme that porridge is served generously in December, but here you can eat porridge (his food of choice) with Santa. And then hear him tell a Christmas story. All in a barn at a farm outside of town. If that doesn’t sound magical to you, I don’t know what will :) From 12:00 to 13:00. Tickets 100 kr. More info here.
Icelandic day at Scandi: Oh I love exploring other countries’ traditions. Sandi Cupcakes is promising to showcase some of the Icelandic pastries and candy suited for this time of year. From 11:00 to 17:00. For more info here.
Sunday
Nissegrøt at Gramstad: Popcorn, porridge (nissegrøt), activities and marshmellows over the open fire outdoors. Whats not to like about that. If you are feeling sporty it can also be included with a hike to Dalsnuten. From 11:00 to 15:00. More info here.
The Greatest Showman Ice Skating Edition: Stavanger Figure Skating Club is putting on The Greatest Showman with over 150 ice skaters at all levels and ages contributing. Tickets free for kids under 5 years, 75 kr for kids over 5 years and 150 kr for adults. Three showtimes available: 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00 (click on time for info and tickets).
Christmas party in DnB Arena: If rather (or also) go on the rink Oilers is hosting an open ice rink with decorated Christmas tree. You can also skate with the Oilers players and the Oilers mascot Oily. Open kiosk and shop. Free for all (but skates must be brought or rented). From 15:00 to 17:00. More info here.
Christmas Market at Drivhuset Bærheim: An indoor Christmas market with local vendors and food. Decorating activities for the kids. From 11:00 to 16:00. More info here.
University Students Christmas Concert: Up and coming music students showcasing their talents through Christmas music at Skur 2 right in the downtown harbor. Free and no ticket needed. From 14:00 to 15:30. More info here.
Christmas Gala at Lode Ridesenter: Christmas show with riders and horses in true Jæren style. That is my kind of Christmas Gala! Porridge, juice, gløgg, and coffee for sale. From 17:00. Tickets 35kr per person or 100 kr per family. More info here.
The weekend
Julebyen Egersund: Inspired by a Christmas market in England, this one has been around since 2003. All sorts of different vendors, live music and shows. Friday from 16:00 to 20:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 18:00. Make it a train ride from Stavanger or Sandnes (trains leave at least once every hour). Program and info here.
Barnas Jul Christmas farm at Vigrestad: This is a bit of a drive but oh so worth it. This farm has a Christmas exhibition unlike none other, animals of all sorts, different fun activities (interactive and built by the farmer himself) and yummy local (as in the farms own) food. Ticketed. Available until 23rd of December. For more info here.
This week’s tips
Place I want to try: Sirdal huskyfarm. Doesn’t it seem so seasonally perfect to do a dogsledding adventure (either on snow or on wheels if no snow around) in the mountains? I think so!
A good stop anytime: Hageland Tronsholen. This store takes Christmas decorations to the next level and is worth a visit just to see.
Hope you are inspired to try some of these things and that you have a great weekend!
Thank you so much for reading my newsletter. My goal is to send this out every Wednesday with my weekend tips (and occasionally weekday ones) for Stavanger and the surrounding area. If you’d like to get it straight to your inbox, hit “subscribe” and feel free to share it with a friend who might need some weekend inspiration.
* If you’re reading this from somewhere outside Stavanger, feel free to challenge me to find something for you :)