5 things to expect from Norwich’s Norwegian Christmas market
The Forum in Norwich, will be hosting a Norwegian Market from the 19-24 November. - Credit: Archant
Traders from Trondheim, a city which shares many similarities with Norwich, will be heading to Millennium Plain this weekend to kick off an exciting shopping extravaganza organised by Norwich BID. Here's a few of the things you're likely to see at the event:
The wooden chalets are being set up outside the Forum in Norwich for the Norwegian Christmas market which begins on November 19. Photo: Norwich BID - Credit: Norwich BID
• Traditional wooden chalets
Forget rickety tables and stalls, the Norwegian market is set to be housed in little wooden chalets, similar to the ones that take over the city centre in Trondheim each year, all of which will be brimming with artisan gifts, food and drinks.
• Gløgg and waffles
A Norwegian Christmas wouldn't be complete without a glass of Gløgg (pronounced 'glugg'), a type of mulled wine made with red wine, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom, which is served warm with blanched almonds, raisins and ginger biscuits. This festive favourite will be available at the market, as will Norwegian waffles, which tend to be much larger and softer than traditional Belgian ones and are made in heart shapes.
You may also want to watch:
• Say cheese!
Cheese specialists Jarlsberg, who are known for their mild cow's-milk cheese with large holes, are sponsoring the market and as such visitors should expect to find a wide range of cheeses on offer. Popular Norwegian cheeses include Brunost, also known as brown cheese, Gamalost which was once a staple of the Norwegian diet and Gjetost a cheese as sweet as caramel and as soft as fudge.
Most Read
- 1 Londoners fined for travelling to stay at second home in Norfolk
- 2 Man in 20s dies and three hurt as Audi crashes into wall
- 3 'Fighting every shift' - intensive care nurse's harrowing Covid video diary
- 4 Met Office warns of snow at weekend
- 5 School shuts 20 minutes before opening time after staff Covid case
- 6 Staff lose jobs at retailer Outfit with plans to close permanently
- 7 Groundworks start at site of new McDonald’s restaurant
- 8 A148 shut for 'most of morning' after serious crash
- 9 'Extraordinary' outbreak of Covid in Norwich prison
- 10 Driver's lucky escape as lorry ends up in ditch
• Wool, wool and more wool
When you think Norway, your first thought might be of the northern lights, but would knitting cross your mind? Knitting in Norway is thought to have started in the 1600s and it has been speculated that the hobby was adopted by knitters travelling from Denmark. As the temperature has dropped and it's officially time to don your warmest winter garb, why not treat yourself to some new festive accessories? Keep a special eye out for a pair of Selbu mittens, which feature a striking pattern often associated with the country.
• Quirky handmade gifts
As well as scarves, hats and gloves, there will also be an array of fantastic handmade items on sale which could make for the perfect present this Christmas. Expect to find a selection of pottery, glass, jewellery and wood work, as well as native photography with stunning images featuring the northern lights and Norwegian wildlife.
• The Norwegian Christmas market will take place at Millennium Plain, outside The Forum from November 19 to November 24 and will be open daily from 10am until 6pm, except late night shopping on Thursday when it will be 10am until 8pm and on Sunday 10am to 4pm.
