Christmas and New Years Restaurant opening hours.

Billy
Nov 12, 2025
4 min read

Here’s a handy guide for visiting Bergen, Norway, over the Christmas & New Year period (late December 2025) — summarising shop and restaurant opening-hours, plus some insider tips to help you plan.

Always double-check with individual restaurants, cafés and shops closer to your visit, as many will adjust hours or require bookings.

Shops & Retail in the City Centre

Regular pre-Christmas stretch (approx. 10 – 23 Dec)

From about Thursday 10 December to 23 December: Most shops in Bergen city centre are open Monday to Friday until ~20:00 (malls until ~21:00) and Saturday until ~18:00.
On Sundays in this stretch: Some shops open (often shorter hours) — for example “Sunday until ~14:00 or 19:00” is mentioned.

Christmas Eve / Christmas Day / Boxing Day

On 24 December many shops close earlier; some close around ~13:00. For example: “Christmas Eve: open until ~1 pm (with some exceptions)”.
On 25 December (Christmas Day) and 26 December (Boxing Day) many shops are closed.
Some small convenience/grocery stores or kiosks may still operate (check local “Joker”, “Bunnpris” etc) but don’t count on full shopping days.
From a visitor comment: “No supermarkets open from early afternoon on the 24th to the 26th … everything is closed until 27th.”

New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day

On 31 December (New Year’s Eve) shops may close early. Example: Shops in Bergen city centre may open, but closing times can be around ~16:00 for many.
On 1 January (New Year’s Day) a public holiday: Many shops are closed or operate very limited hours.

Key Tip

Stock up on essentials (especially food, medicines, or anything you absolutely need) before the 24th December afternoon because things will slow down and many outlets will be closed for 25-26 December. Also, check opening hours for grocery stores/supermarkets separately as they may differ from retail shops.

Restaurants, Cafés & Dining Out

Many hotels, high-end restaurants and tourist-oriented eateries in Bergen will be open in the Christmas period, but with reduced hours, special menus, or only by reservation.
On 24 December (Christmas Eve) and 25 December (Christmas Day), the number of open restaurants drops significantly; you’ll likely need to book ahead. For example:
“Restaurants are also mainly closed during the Christmas days … Some restaurants in Bergen are even open on the 24th, but only if they receive advanced bookings.”
On 26 December (Boxing Day) things start picking up again, but still limited compared to other days.
On 31 December (New Year’s Eve) many restaurants run special menus (NYE dinners) — so book early, be aware of set menus and potentially higher prices.
On 1 January (New Year’s Day) some restaurants might open later in the day or remain closed until afternoon; check individually.

Tip for Dining

If you plan to eat out on Christmas Eve or Day, choose your restaurant in advance, check their holiday hours, and reserve your table early. Also be prepared for “festive menus” and maybe fewer choices.

Below is an updated list of Restaurants open over the festive season.

Quick Snapshot Table

Date	Shops	Restaurants / cafés
Up to ~23 Dec	Regular extended hours (see above)	Many open, regular service
24 Dec (Christmas Eve)	Shops close early (~13:00)	Limited restaurants; booking essential
25 Dec (Christmas Day)	Closed	Very limited; many hotel restaurants
26 Dec (Boxing Day)	Mostly closed or very limited	Some open; check ahead
27 Dec – ~30 Dec	Shops reopen to more normal hours	Normal service returns
31 Dec (New Year’s Eve)	Shops close early (~16:00)	NYE dinners common; reservations key
1 Jan (New Year’s Day)	Many shops closed, limited hours	Some restaurants open later afternoon

Why things are different

In Norway, the 25 December (Christmas Day) and 26 December (Boxing Day) are official public holidays(“helligdag”). On such days many shops must close, or if open, must adhere to special hours.
On the eve of a holiday (e.g., 24 Dec or 31 Dec) “half-day” rules often apply — meaning shops may close earlier than usual.
Many residents go away or spend time with family during the core Christmas days (24-26), so fewer services operate; the city has a calmer rhythm.

Final Advice for Visitors

Plan ahead: Book restaurants early, especially for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Stock up: Buy food, snacks, medicines, and essentials before the 24th if you’ll be staying in.
Check local listings: For each restaurant or shop you intend to visit, look at their website or social media closer to the date.
Accept a slower pace: The period 24-26 Dec is quieter; instead of lots of shopping, it might be a time for walks, enjoying the city lights and a cosy dinner.
Be flexible: Some cafés or smaller shops may open spontaneously or close for the day; when you find something open, enjoy it.
Enjoy the ambience: Bergen during Christmas has a charming atmosphere — the lights, the markets (within their listed periods), the festive views — let yourself soak it in.

Final Tips for Dining During the Holidays

Many restaurants are closed on 24 Dec (evening), as well as 25 Dec and 26 Dec (Boxing Day).
On days they are open, there may be special menus, earlier last orders, or limited seating — reserve as early as possible.
If you arrive on 24 Dec and nothing is open, consider hotel restaurants or cafés around major hotels (they’re more likely to serve).
Check transport/back-home options — public transport may have different schedules on holiday days.