Christmas Market in Eidsfoss 2026 – Festive Traditions in Historic Surroundings
On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026, the traditional Christmas market takes place in historic Eidsfoss, in Holmestrand municipality, Vestfold. Experience a festive Norwegian atmosphere with traditional crafts, local food, Christmas gifts and family-friendly activities in the charming surroundings of the former ironworks village.
During the Christmas market, Eidsfoss comes alive with market stalls, open shops and galleries. Discover a wide selection of handmade products, local arts and crafts, and regional food specialities. Take a break at one of the cosy cafés or enjoy seasonal treats from the food stalls.
Christmas activities for the whole family
At Jernverket Eidsfoss, visitors can experience traditional craftsmanship and take part in activities, including:
* Candle dipping: Make your own candle. Price: NOK 50 per candle.
* Blacksmithing: Try traditional metalworking and make your own barbecue skewer at Svarttrost Smie. Price: NOK 100.
* Eidsfoss waffles: Taste traditional Norwegian waffles prepared on an authentic Eidsfoss stove.
* Ironworks Museum: The museum will be open, with standard admission fees applying.
The Christmas market also offers family-friendly entertainment and horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic village.
Practical information
– Dates: Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026
– Saturday: 11:00–17:00
– Sunday: 11:00–16:00
– Location: Historic Eidsfoss, Holmestrand, Vestfold, Norway
– Admission to the Christmas market: Free
– Parking: NOK 75, payable via Vipps.
For the full programme, exhibitor information and practical details, visit the official Eidsfoss Christmas Market website.
Sjue Gård produces healthy organic aronia, blackcurrants and blackberries.
The farm offers self-picking in season and otherwise delivers to restaurants, gourmet kitchens and breweries. The hosts are passionate about traditional Norwegian food and drink.
Sjue Gård has no fixed opening hours but advertises self-picking on social media. Follow Sjue Gård on Facebook for updates.
The best way to get in touch, is by sending an SMS to Hanne on tel. +47 905 22 905.
In the old carpentry workshop along the river Eidselven, next door to the ironworks museum and the exhibition “Future train”, you will find the pleasant little shop Molene. The shop offers all kinds of quality yarn, sewing accessories, gift items and knitwear. You can also get help with your knitting project. Come by for some inspiration or bring your knitwear and and sit and knit in the shops knitting corner.
Molene arranges knitting courses and other events. Follow them on Instagram or facebook. Check updated opening hours at the website.
At Hof library and resident service you will find children's and youth books, fact books, novels, audio books, newspapers, magazines, movies, games and PCs with internet access.
The library is a natural gathering point for young and old, and works both as a school library and a public library.
Around the venue you will find audience PCs, and there is also a wireless connection where you can connect with your own PC. Throughout the year there are many events in the form of e.g. family performances, author visits and vice evenings. You can come here to borrow e.g. books, audiobooks and films, or you can sit in the newspaper corner with a cup of coffee and relax.
Holmestrand Library has its own cafe.
In the summer, there are opportunities to play chess with large pieces in the square outside the library, and run through the exciting fountain.
Belmare is located in the former Båthuset building at Weidemanns gate 13, directly on the waterfront in Holmestrand. The restaurant is open during the summer season and has a large outdoor seating area by the water.
The menu follows the summer season, with local ingredients, seafood and dishes from the grill. The selection may change throughout the season, so check the restaurant’s website for the current menu and prices.
Takeaway and groups
Belmare offers takeaway, and tables can be booked online when the restaurant is open. Group bookings can be arranged directly with the restaurant by email.
Reopening in May 2027
Belmare is closed for the season and will reopen in May 2027. Check the restaurant’s website for updated opening hours as the next summer season approaches.
The ice skating rink in Thor Dahls gate in Sandefjord is open from november till the last of march. The ice is affected by the weather and after much rain and snow some time must be calculated to re-establish the ice. The ice skating rink is free to use, and you must bring your own skates. You can also borrow skates from Sandefjord frivilligsentral, or they have some for rent in Bykiosken.
You are not allowed to bring a puck or a hockeystick on the ice.
The Backer Sisters monument stands in Dr. Graaruds plass near the harbour in Holmestrand, just outside Holmestrand Library. Created by Norwegian sculptor Ada Madssen and unveiled in 1982, it honours two of the town's most notable cultural figures: painter Harriet Backer and pianist and composer Agathe Backer Grøndahl. Both sisters were born in Holmestrand and made lasting contributions to Norwegian art and music.
Two sisters who shaped Norwegian cultural history
Harriet Backer (1845–1932) was one of Norway's leading painters of her generation. She is particularly known for atmospheric interior paintings, where light, colour and space play an important role. One of her best-known works is Blue Interior. Harriet also ran her own painting school and helped educate a new generation of Norwegian artists.
Her younger sister, Agathe Backer Grøndahl (1847–1907), was an acclaimed pianist and composer who played an important role in Norwegian musical life. She composed piano pieces and songs and performed both in Norway and internationally. Agathe also maintained a close friendship and musical collaboration with Edvard Grieg.
A monument created by Ada Madssen
Norwegian sculptor Ada Madssen (1917–2009) portrayed the sisters together in a bronze sculpture group. Harriet stands holding a paintbrush and palette, while Agathe is seated in deep concentration before an imaginary piano. The monument was unveiled in 1982 and stands in a small park near the harbour. Its design reflects the sisters' different artistic talents and their shared connection to Holmestrand.
Explore more of Holmestrand's history
The monument is centrally located in Holmestrand and makes an easy stop during a walk along the harbour or through the town centre.
To learn more about the town's cultural and local history, visit Holmestrand Museum. Its collections include paintings and photographs connected to Holmestrand, alongside exhibitions about maritime and everyday life in the town. You can also discover more places to visit through Visit Vestfold's guide to Holmestrand, featuring local attractions, museums and coastal experiences.
Plan your visit
The Backer Sisters monument is located at Dr. Graaruds plass 2, 3080 Holmestrand, outside Holmestrand Library and close to the harbour.
The sculpture stands outdoors in a public park and can be viewed throughout the year. There is no admission fee or booking requirement.
It makes a convenient stop while exploring central Holmestrand on foot.
