7 Ways To Celebrate Halloween In Oslo

Norwegians started embracing the Halloween spirit around 2000, but nowadays the tradition of “knask eller knep” (trick or treat) is quite common in bigger cities. If you’re in Oslo during Halloween, the city offers many options for kids and adults who want to have a witchin’ good time.

Go on an Oslo Ghost Walk

Oslo may have a young vibe thanks to its modern architecture, but it’s a city with over 1,000 years of history. That history comes with its fair share of spooky happenings, like strange shadows appearing on the walls of an old restaurant, or crying voices echoing from the Akershus fortress. At the Oslo Ghost Walk starting from Christania Torv, you will experience a two-hour guided walk that will allow you to discover the mysterious side of the city. Find tickets and hours here.

Watch a spooktacular musical

There are very few musicals that encompass the haunting Halloween feeling like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Coming to Norway for the very first time, the play will be available at Folketeateret, one of Norway’s largest stages. Book your ticket and let the music of the night enchant you.

Engage in some ‘lommelykt’

One of the reasons Halloween is fast becoming a hit in Norway is because it has many similarities with ‘lommelykt’, a Norwegian tradition where people (mostly children) go on walks and treasure hunts with flashlights during dark autumn evenings. Try it out for yourself by joining “Nattevandring i Oslo”, a night walk across the Ekeberg hill where you will be surrounded by light installations and your own headlight. Apart from a Halloween theme, the event also has an environmental aspect where you will learn more about sustainability and how Oslo is striving to become one of the world’s most sustainable cities.

Listen to wizarding tunes

One of the most bewitching elements of the Harry Potter films is the music. At this family-friendly musical at the Oslo Konserthus, you’ll feel closer to the teenage wizard with tunes performed by the Oslo Philharmonic and Sølvguttene Boys’ Choir. Find tickets here.

Join a magic club

If listening to magical tunes wasn’t enough, how about being surrounded by actual magic? Cosmopolitan jazz venue has been around for over 20 years, bringing renowned artists such as Diana Krall to Oslo. This Halloween is amping the magic ante from its locale in Kulturslottet Soria Moria in Torshov. Get ready for a show complete with magic puzzles, burlesque dancing and live magic tricks from local and international artists. Buy your tickets here.

Attend a proper Halloween party

No Halloween celebrations would be complete without a costume party. Cafe Amsterdam, Norway’s first Dutch pub, invites all grown ups to wear their best Halloween costumes (there will be a costume contest) and join in on the fun. Halloween parties have become a tradition at this pub and this year you can expect a lot of dancing with DJ Snorre on the decks. The party starts at 10pm and you are expected to “dress to impress”.

Spend a spooky night at the museum

Vigeland Museum’s poster for this year’s Spooky Night

In the last couple of years, Oslo’s museums have started organising Halloween-themed special events that combine the spooky ambiance of the holiday with an educational aspect. This year, Vigeland Museum is expecting you to wear your Halloween costume and join the fun on their “Spooky Night” special where there are races and tasks to complete, while the ghost of Vigeland himself will be haunting you.

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