There are so many events open to expats and it all depends on what you are most interested in – history, art, music, sports or peace? In the summer, festivals are recommended. In the winter, check out the (inter)national sports competitions.
- January 1st rings in the New Year and is celebrated by often inebriated and happy Norwegians with free reign to set off fireworks helter skelter. It is an amazing sight for those who are used to more regulated fireworks displays.
- In February the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History marks Sami National Day with a series of activities and entertainment for all the family. You'll even get to sample Sami specialties such as reindeer meat.
- The annual World Cup ski competitions are held in March at the Holmenkollen ski jump, Norway's most popular tourist destination.
- Påske (Easter) is always in March or April and is usually accompanied by a lot of snow, and a 4-day weekend, which often turns into a full week. This is a great opportunity to head into the mountains for skiing, or down south for some sunshine. Oslo is just waking up from winter’s long shadow and it’s a happy season. Easter celebrations are traditional and interesting for both those who do and do not celebrate them. One particular tradition is that of "Easter-Thrillers" or Påskekrimmen. TV stations, radio and newspapers feature detective series based on the works of famous crime novelists such as Agatha Christie, P.D. James, Simenon and Ruth Rendell.
- May brings warmer weather and Norway’s Independence Day celebration on the 17th of the month. Called Syttende Mai, it is celebrated by everyone, most dressed in traditional outfits and waving the Norwegian flag. It is an uplifting and colourful day when friends and family gather until the wee hours.
- June is the lightest month of the year and it culminates on Sankt Hans (Midsummer Night), which is celebrated on the Saturday between June 20 and June 26. Midsummer's Eve is celebrated with large bonfires and processions in the evening. Also in June is the Norwegian Wood rock festival, which attracts international names. The festival is held outside so you can enjoy the midnight sun all night long.
- July is normally the summer holiday season when Oslo empties and people head to their hytte or to other destinations around the world to enjoy their time off. Use this time to see other parts of the country.
- August is the climax of the festival season. Øya Festivalen, Oslo’s biggest rock (and indie) music festival with world-renowned artists takes place in Oslo’s Medieval Park. In mid-August, the Oslo Jazz Festival takes place around the city and attracts thousands of Jazz lovers.
- The Ibsen Festival in September celebrates Henrik Ibsen's work on several of the city's theatre stages. Website: www.ibsenfestivalen.no. In late September each year Oslo hosts Kulturnatt (Culture Night), when museums are free and all sorts of cultural events take place, including a torchlight walk along Akerselva, the city’s main river.
- In October you can enjoy Oslo’s annual Films from the South Festival, which offers a selection of features, documentaries and shorts from Asia, Africa and Latin America. They are screened at various venues.
- In the beginning of November, the Oslo World Music Festival invites star musicians from around the globe to perform. Concerts take place in venues across Oslo.
- In December don’t miss the world-famous Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, held December 10th. It begins with the ceremony, and an interview with CNN, followed by and a torchlight parade to the Grand Hotel where the winner greets the public. The next day, a big concert is held with international stars. Of course, December ends with Christmas celebrations, which mean concerts and markets galore across the city.
