Norwegian Ministries Reveal Wide Disparity in Christmas Party Spending
Norwegian government ministries exhibit a significant range in how they celebrate the holiday season, with spending on Christmas gatherings varying dramatically, according to a recent inquiry by Børsen. From lavish dinners at Oslo Plaza to modest breakfasts in-house, the approaches – and associated costs – reflect differing priorities and budgetary constraints.
The investigation, which posed two simple questions to all ministries – regarding location and budget – revealed a spectrum of celebrations. While not all ministries responded, the data gathered paints a clear picture of diverse approaches to employee festivities.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Leads in Spending
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is set to host its Christmas party at the Radisson Blu Plaza, commonly known as Oslo Plaza. A senior official stated the department has allocated NOK 450,000 (approximately $42,000 USD) for the event. Attendees will contribute a NOK 500 deductible, with 410 employees registered to attend. This translates to a considerable investment in the annual festivity.
According to data from The Directorate for Administration and Financial Management, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs employed 798 individuals in Oslo in 2024.
A More restrained Approach Elsewhere
Alternatives to Traditional Christmas Parties
several ministries are opting for alternatives to the traditional Christmas party. The Ministry of Climate and Environment will host its 263 employees at the Oslo Military Society, with a budget of NOK 270,000, plus a NOK 450 deductible per employee. The Ministry of Education is also utilizing Håndverkeren in oslo,budgeting NOK 290,000 for its 296 employees.
the Ministry of Transport stands out with a particularly frugal approach,holding its Christmas party in its own premises in central Oslo with a total budget of just NOK 33,390 – equivalent to NOK 234 per employee,based on its 2023 headcount of 146.
Annual Parties and departmental Gatherings
Some ministries are shifting away from dedicated Christmas parties altogether. The Ministry of Children and Families typically holds an annual party in March, featuring a professional program and dinner. The budget for the 2025 event has not yet been determined. Departments within the ministry often arrange smaller professional seminars in November/December, followed by dinners, with catering covered according to guidelines outlined in the Government’s personnel Handbook.
The State’s Personnel Handbook, Chapter 12, provides specific guidelines for event spending, allowing up to NOK 234 per person for events under three hours during working hours, and up to NOK 529 for longer events. Longer events requiring two servings can receive up to NOK 772 per person, with an additional 50% allowance for external venues.
The Ministry of Energy is opting for “department-wise closures” before Christmas, inviting current and former employees, as well as pensioners, to a social gathering with a hospitality budget of up to NOK 800 per participant, totaling around NOK 150,000 for 180-190 attendees.
Modest Celebrations at Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office
Jens Stoltenberg’s ministry of Finance is taking a similarly understated approach, hosting a Christmas breakfast for its 306 employees in its own premises, costing approximately NOK 50,000. Similarly, the Prime Minister’s Office (SMK) organizes an annual party in January, which cost NOK 78,084 in 2025, with each participant contributing NOK 350. The SMK party also extended invitations to former employees.
The Ministry of Trade and fisheries has also chosen an annual party over a traditional Christmas celebration, holding its event in September at the Community Hall in Oslo, with a total cost of NOK 390,000, including NOK 18,800 in participant deductibles. An additional, informal christmas event is organized by each department in December, with NOK 234 per employee covered.
The varying approaches to employee celebrations highlight the diverse priorities and financial considerations within the Norwegian government, as ministries navigate the balance between festive recognition and responsible spending.
