Christmas, known as Jul in Denmark, is the most celebrated holiday of the year. The festivities start on December 24th, known as Christmas Eve (Juleaften), and continue through December 25th and 26th, which are the First and Second Christmas Holidays (første juledag and anden juledag). Danish Christmas traditions date back centuries, blending ancient customs with modern celebrations.
Christmas Eve is the main event for Danish families. The day is filled with preparations and anticipation, especially for children. Traditionally, many Danes fast throughout the day in preparation for the grand Christmas feast in the evening. Once the table is set, families gather for a splendid meal featuring dishes like roast goose or duck, potatoes, gravy, red cabbage, and a special rice pudding called risalamande for dessert.
After dinner, the Christmas tree—beautifully decorated with ornaments, lights, and candles—is lit, and the family joins hands to dance around it, singing traditional Danish Christmas carols. Following the songs, a bell is rung, signaling that it's time to open presents left under the tree by Julemanden (the Danish Santa Claus) or nissen (a mischievous elf-like figure from Danish folklore).
The Danish word for Christmas, Jul, is derived from an old Nordic word for “feast.” Even before the introduction of Christianity, Danes celebrated a winter solstice feast, which included many customs that have been carried into modern-day Christmas celebrations. After Denmark was Christianized in the Middle Ages, Catholic and Nordic traditions merged, and the custom of lighting candles during the festive season became widespread. The lighting of candles symbolized hope and charity, and the tradition of giving candles and food to the poor became a common practice.
Over the centuries, new traditions were adopted, such as the Christmas tree, which was introduced from Germany in the 19th century, and the advent wreath, which became popular after World War II. The “nisse” or Christmas elf, believed to be a guardian of the home, also became an integral part of Danish Christmas folklore. Families often leave out a bowl of porridge for the nisse on Christmas Eve to ensure good fortune in the coming year.
Today, Christmas in Denmark begins with the advent season. On the fourth Sunday before Christmas, families hang a wreath of pine twigs decorated with four candles. Each Sunday, a new candle is lit, marking the countdown to Christmas. The first day of December also marks the start of opening the Christmas calendar, a tradition where children open a small door each day leading up to December 24th. These calendars can contain chocolates, small toys, or images, adding to the excitement of the season.
Another unique Danish tradition is the televised “Children’s Christmas Calendar,” a daily show aired from December 1st to 24th, featuring Christmas stories, fairy tales, and performances. This tradition is beloved by children and families alike, as they gather around the TV each evening to watch the new episode.
Christmas foods hold a special place in Danish culture. The holiday menu includes dishes like roast pork, duck, or goose served with caramelized potatoes, red cabbage, and gravy. For dessert, risalamande is served—a creamy rice pudding with chopped almonds and cherry sauce. A whole almond is hidden in the pudding, and the person who finds it wins a small prize, traditionally a marzipan pig.
Throughout December, Danes also enjoy various holiday sweets like vanilla wreath cookies, gingerbread, and klejner (deep-fried dough twists). Sweets like marzipan, nougat, and chocolate-covered treats are often made at home and shared with family and friends. Another popular treat is æbleskiver—small, round pancake-like cakes that are served with powdered sugar and jam. They are typically enjoyed with a warm glass of gløgg, a hot mulled wine spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and garnished with raisins and almonds.
Danish homes are beautifully decorated during the Christmas season with red and white paper hearts, candles, and garlands. One special tradition is making the woven paper Christmas heart, which is often hung on the Christmas tree or used as decorations around the home. Many families also keep a “calendar candle” marked with 24 divisions, lighting it each day until Christmas Eve.
The Christmas tree itself is a key feature in Danish homes, often decorated with Danish flags, homemade ornaments, and candles. The tree is typically brought indoors and decorated on December 23rd, known as “Little Christmas Eve” (Lillejuleaften), a night when many families gather for a quiet celebration of gløgg and æbleskiver.
Throughout December, Danes host and attend julefrokost (Christmas lunches), which are actually lavish dinners enjoyed with friends, colleagues, and family. The meal typically includes various types of herring, liver pate, meatballs, roast pork, sausages, and cheese. It’s accompanied by Christmas beer and snaps, a type of strong Danish spirit. These gatherings are a time for Danes to relax, enjoy good food, and celebrate with their loved ones.
On December 24th, the shops close early, and families spend the day preparing food, attending church services, and making last-minute preparations. The evening culminates with the Christmas feast, lighting of the tree, and opening of presents. For many, this night is the most magical time of the year, filled with warmth, joy, and togetherness.
Christmas Day, December 25th, is usually reserved for visiting extended family and enjoying more holiday meals. December 26th, the Second Day of Christmas, is a time to relax at home and reflect on the season’s celebrations before the year comes to a close.
The Danish Christmas is a unique blend of old and new, with traditions that emphasize family, generosity, and the spirit of togetherness. From the lighting of candles and singing around the Christmas tree to enjoying delicious holiday foods, the Danish holiday season is a time of warmth, joy, and treasured memories.
The Christmas season in Denmark is filled with delicious foods that reflect the country’s rich culinary traditions. From savory roasts to sweet treats and warm beverages, these recipes are enjoyed by families across Denmark during the festive season. Here are a few authentic Danish recipes to try during the holiday season:
Risalamande is a creamy rice pudding served as a traditional dessert during Danish Christmas celebrations. It’s made with chopped almonds and topped with warm cherry sauce. The dish often includes a hidden whole almond, and the person who finds it wins a small prize, making it a fun tradition at the holiday table.
Æbleskiver are small, round pancake-like treats traditionally served during the Christmas season in Denmark. They are fluffy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Typically dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam, they are best enjoyed with a warm cup of gløgg (mulled wine).
Flæskesteg is a traditional Danish dish made of roast pork with crispy crackling. It’s often served as the centerpiece for Christmas Eve dinner, accompanied by caramelized potatoes, red cabbage, and gravy.