Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations in Denmark. In the past couple of decades, the pre-Christmas commercial frenzy that we in the U.S. know all too well has caught also on in Denmark. Most stores feature lovely holiday displays with both traditional and modern sensibilities. Many cities and smaller towns deck the streets with holiday greenery and lights.
Most Danish families celebrate on Christmas Eve. After enjoying a leisurely dinner — typically goose is the main course — family members light candles on Christmas tree, sing traditional songs, and exchange gifts. Religious people attend church services on the afternoon of the 24th so they’re free to spend the evening with family.
So if you want to participate in some festive fun, grab some glogg and make merry with these Danish holiday traditions!
Shop at Local Christmas Markets
Christmas markets in Denmark boast a wholesome fun and festive holiday atmosphere for you and the whole family. Shop for handmade crafts and sample delicious holiday food. Christmas markets typically open at the end of November and close shortly after New Year’s Day. Plus, these beloved Christmas markets can be found all over Denmark!
While crafts and sweet holiday treats take center stage, Danish Christmas markets also abound in wonderful holiday decorations and experiences. The famed market in Tivoli Friheden amusement park, for example, features a 229-foot tunnel of Christmas lights and rides decked out in cheerful holiday décor. Christmas markets are also prime destinations for carolers, who entertain shoppers with traditional Danish hymns and songs.
Drink Glogg on Sundays
No Danish Christmas could be complete without a Sunday spent drinking glogg — pronounced “glook” — a traditional drink served throughout most Scandinavian countries during the Christmas season. The festive drink is essentially mulled red wine served with spices, raisins, and almonds. Danes usually drink glogg alongside aebleskiver, balls of fried pancake batter topped with syrup, powdered sugar, and jam.
If you’re looking for a fun and cozy way to warm up on those cold winter nights, check out one of the many glogg parties around Denmark. Each Sunday night during December, people gather with friends and family to enjoy a nice glass of glogg, sing Christmas carols, and light Advent wreaths.
Eat and Play Risalamande
Risalamande is one of Denmark’s treasured cultural traditions. It’s a dessert, but’s it’s also a game! First, risalamande is a creamy rice pudding mixed with almonds and vanilla and topped with hot cherry sauce, usually made on Christmas Eve or early Christmas morning. Risalamande has been part of Christmas in Denmark for well over a century. Danes believe that, by leaving a bowl of risalamande out in their home, they will appease the nisser, or Christmas elves, who are otherwise wont to play tricks on children and the unwary.
Risalamande is also part of a game that involves finding a blanched almond hidden in the pudding. In addition to bragging rights, the guest who finds the blanched almond is given a special prize by the host. Very often, the lucky winner will not reveal his or her success until most of the risalamande is gone and their fellow guests are weak from overeating.
Have a Julefrokost Meal
Julefrokost meals place a heavy emphasis on good food, good drink, and good company. Translated into English, julefrokost means “Christmas lunch,” a tad of an understatement given that julefrokost meals typically last all day. Julefrokost is a popular tradition among friends and family, but companies also host julefrokost meals so colleagues can learn more about each other. Among the most common dishes served at julefrokost meals are fish and pork paired with traditional Danish alcoholic beverages like beer and akvavit.
While all who attend julefrokost meals are encouraged to eat and drink heartily, many recommend that newcomers pace themselves and pair their first courses with a soft drink or even a simple glass of water. While food and drink are the most important parts of julefrokost meals, many hosts will also raffle off Christmas presents to lucky guests.
Join Hands Around the Christmas Tree
Danish people usually open their presents on Christmas Eve. The festivities begin at 4 p.m., when most families sit down to a traditional dinner of pork, potatoes, and risalamande for dessert. After dinner come the presents. Many Danes joke that Christmas Eve dinner is often a form of torture for kids, whose eyes remain fixed on the presents under the tree.
Danish Christmas trees themselves are a thing of great beauty. As in most Scandinavian countries, Christmas trees in Denmark are decorated with lit candles, giving a warmth to the glow of the holiday. After dinner, families join hands and walk around their Christmas tree while singing carols. The exact origins of this tradition are unclear. While some parents tell children that it allows Santa extra time to deliver all his gifts, others say that it emulates angels who circle Christmas trees in heaven. Whatever the origin, it’s a beautiful tradition and a reminder that family is at the center of Danish holiday traditions.
Bake and Share Christmas Cookies
Baking is a beloved tradition during the Christmas season in Denmark, with families coming together to make a variety of Christmas cookies. Popular types include brunkager (gingerbread cookies), vaniljekranse (vanilla wreath cookies), and pebernødder (pepper nuts or other spices). These cookies are often made in large batches to share with friends, neighbors, and colleagues, spreading holiday cheer through sweet treats. Baking cookies together is a cherished activity that will bring your family closer and fill your homes with the delightful aroma of Christmas spices.
Watch the Christmas Calendar (Julekalender)
The Christmas calendar, or julekalender, is a popular Danish television tradition that captivates viewers of all ages. Beginning on December 1st, a new episode airs each day, leading up to Christmas Eve. These TV series typically feature a mix of humor, drama, and holiday spirit, often with a storyline involving magical elements or historical settings. Families gather to watch the julekalender together, making it a nightly ritual that builds anticipation and excitement for Christmas.
Attend a Saint Lucia Procession
Celebrated on December 13th, Saint Lucia’s Day is a beautiful tradition in Denmark, marked by processions of girls dressed in white robes and wearing wreaths of candles on their heads. The procession, often held in schools, churches, and community centers, symbolizes the light overcoming the darkness of winter. Participants sing traditional Saint Lucia songs as they walk, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. Attending or participating in a Saint Lucia procession is a great way to experience a piece of Danish culture and enjoy a moment of calm amid the bustling holiday season.
Create and Share Advent Wreaths
The Advent wreath, or adventskrans, is a key element of Danish Christmas decorations. Made from evergreen branches and adorned with four candles, one for each Sunday of Advent, the wreath symbolizes hope and light during the darkest month of the year. Families often make their own Advent wreaths, incorporating personal touches and decorations. Each Sunday, they gather to light a candle, sing carols, and reflect on the meaning of the season. Sharing Advent wreaths with loved ones or giving them as gifts is a heartfelt way to connect and spread joy during the holidays.
Related: Roller Skates? Whale Skin? KFC? Unusual Christmas Traditions Around the World
Make and Enjoy Kransekage
B&B 290.jpg by BepJack licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Kransekage, also known as the Danish ring cake, is a traditional treat often enjoyed during the Christmas season in Denmark. This cake is made from almond-based dough, formed into concentric rings of varying sizes, and stacked to create a cone-shaped tower. Decorated with icing and sometimes small Danish flags, kransekage (pronounced “KRANS-uh-KAY-huh”) is not only delicious but also visually striking. Making kransekage is a festive family activity, with each member helping to shape and assemble the rings. Once completed, the cake is enjoyed during Christmas gatherings and celebrations, symbolizing unity and joy. Sharing kransekage with loved ones is a great way to embrace Danish holiday traditions and savor the sweetness of the season.
FAQs:
Q: Are there any special Danish Christmas traditions for children?
A: Yes, Danish children often participate in the tradition of writing letters to Santa Claus, known locally as “Julemanden,” and may leave out treats like cookies and milk for him on Christmas Eve.
Q: What types of foods are commonly served at Danish Christmas lunches besides the main courses?
A: Danish Christmas lunches often include a variety of open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) topped with ingredients like pickled herring, liver pate, and roast beef, along with side dishes like red cabbage and beetroot salad.
Q: What are some popular Danish Christmas decorations?
A: Popular Danish Christmas decorations include woven paper heart ornaments, candle-lit Christmas trees, and Advent wreaths. Many homes also display nisser, which are small Christmas elves believed to bring good luck and protect the household.
Q: What is the significance of the Christmas tree candles in Denmark?
A: The candles on Danish Christmas trees symbolize light and hope during the dark winter months. Lighting the candles and gathering around the tree to sing carols is a cherished tradition that brings families together and creates a warm, festive atmosphere.
Q: What role do nisser play in Danish Christmas traditions?
A: Nisser are mythical creatures similar to elves that are believed to live in homes and barns, protecting families and animals. During Christmas, it is customary to leave out a bowl of risalamande or porridge for the nisser to ensure they remain friendly and helpful.
Q: What are some popular Christmas crafts in Denmark?
A: Popular Christmas crafts in Denmark include making woven paper hearts, creating Advent wreaths, and crafting nisser figurines. These handmade decorations are often used to adorn homes and Christmas trees, adding a personal touch to the holiday decor.
Have you ever participated in these Danish holiday traditions? Tell us all about it below!
