Christmas in Tórshavn

Looking for something different this Christmas? Why not visit Tórshavn in December and experience a traditional, uncommercialized Christmas? The town glows with thousands of white lights and candles in windows, creating a magical atmosphere far from the hustle of the High Street. Shops stay open until 8 PM, perfect for finding tax-free gifts, as the Faroes are outside the EU.

The festivities start on the last Saturday in November with the Christmas lights and tree lighting at Vaglið. Santa arrives not by sleigh but on a vintage fire engine, delighting the crowd as he lights up the town. Throughout the season, enjoy live music, a Christmas market brimming with handicrafts, an ice-skating rink, and a charming Christmas village for children.

Every weekend brings more: a children’s cultural day, a Christmas ship docking at Vágsbotn with Santas bearing sweets, and carol-filled streets. Wander the cozy city center, visit the church, or catch performances by local music students. Tórshavn offers Christmas as it should be: simple, heartfelt, and unforgettable. When will you join us?

See the programme for Christmas in Tórshavn 2024

Or download the programme here

Christmas in Tórshavn 2024 – programme

Download file

Big events

The fun begins on the last Saturday in November when we turn on the Christmas lights across town and light up the tree in the main square, Vaglið.

Hundreds of people turn out to watch the spectacle and listen to the traditional music.

There‘s entertainment, too, for the kids who know that pretty soon Santa’s going to put in an appearance.

Forget reindeer and sleighs, in Tórshavn he arrives on a shiny red, vintage fire engine. Up he goes on a fireman’s ladder and, once the crowd have shouted the magic word, Santa flicks the switch and the tree and the town are lit up!

Read more about the event

On Saturday, December 7, children of all ages can head to Tórsgøta where Margarinfabrikkin is hosting the children’s cultural day, Barnajól.

Margarinfabrikkin will have an open house from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM for children, youth, and adults. Everyone is welcome to explore the old factory, try out various crafts, enjoy a cup of coffee, or simply see what interesting activities Margarinfabrikkin has to offer. On this day, Margarinfabrikkin will host various workshops, a candy factory, a beauty salon, and musical performances.

Everyone is warmly invited!

Read more about the event

The Christmas ship arrives at Vágsbotn on December 14th.

It is the Christmas ship that brings the Christmas elves who are excited to see all the children welcome them in the cozy surroundings under Bryggjubakki and in Vágsbotn.

GHM will play Christmas music, and the Christmas elves will walk around town.

Read more about the event

The city center is especially cozy this time of year, with several music events happening daily on the streets of Tórshavn. On Sunday, December 22, Santa Clauses on bicycles will arrive at Kongabrúnna in Tórshavn. They will visit the small streets nearby and then continue to various locations throughout the city.

Read more about the event