Christmas in Denmark is a period filled with lots of memorable moments. Christmas is known as “The Festival of Hearts” by the Danes, and it is more much-celebrated compared to other holiday traditions.
Therefore, if you find yourself in Denmark during Christmas, be ready to experience something different.
The atmosphere in this Scandinavian country is always filled will construction and medieval air.
Here are some of the activities the Danish engage during this period of Christmas as they enjoy the festivities.
Present Calendars
Every Danish child gifted with one or more Christmas calendar or Advent calendar as they are known in Denmark.
Each year, the two biggest television stations in the country create a special new Christmas that is divided into 24 episodes to entertain kids throughout this season.
Additionally, the luckiest kids are gifted with a calendar that contains 24 small presents, each for every day before Christmas, bought and wrapped by their parents.
Advent wreath
The Danish people start Christmas with the Advent wreath. The wreath consists of four candles, and each is lit each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas Eve, December 24th.
The Advent wreath is traditionally made out of fine spruce cuttings and twigs and frequently decorated with spruce cones and red berries, red ribbons and white candles for holding the wreath to the ceiling.
A new candle is lit all the Sundays along with the others which were lit in the preceding Sunday.
Thus, on the fourth Advent Sunday, all four candles will be burning together, albeit having a different height.
Today, there are numerous innovative versions of the traditional wreath, which makes use of different types of materials and ornamented in modern ways such as colored candles.
Christmas Luncheons
Christmas in Denmark is characterized by all companies with more than one staff partakes in the Christmas brew which plays a significant role in most of the traditional Danish luncheons.
Most inns, restaurants, and hotels from Gedser to Skagen ask one crucial question; What are you going to have for your Christmas luncheon?
The answer to this is simple. You get a wide variety of warm and cold dishes from the traditional Danish kitchen that all belong to the famed ritual offered at the buffet.
The preparation of herring and salmon is done in different ways plus along different dressings, lobsters, shrimps, crab and lobster, fried duck, sunny side up, as well as various types of cheese med fruit.
It also includes meatballs and grilled sausage with beets and red cabbage, liver paste with champignon and bacon, sirloin of pork together with soft fried onions, roast bacon, and pork with fried apples, hamburger with a fried egg, plus chicken and fruit salad.
To accompany the food, you can have wine, beer, or sparkling water if you are a driver.
Likewise, you can have Christmas snaps which are presented each year before Christmas.
Lucia Night
Lucia is the saint of light according to the Catholic church.
On the night between 12th and 13th December, she is celebrated all over Denmark especially in hospitals, retirement homes, schools as well as other institutions.
It is said that Lucia wore a wreath that has candles on her hand to keep her hands free while she was illegally feeding poor Christians hiding in ancient Rome’s catacombs.
Christmas Day and Eve
A big festival happens on Christmas Eve, December 24th, the night before the much-awaited Christmas Day.
This day finds everyone busy trying to make last-minute preparations and buy Christmas gifts, and fortunately, shops remain open until 2 to 4 PM.
Therefore, you always have sufficient time to get your loved one something special for Christmas.
In most families across Denmark, lunch is taken coincidentally, with the kids too enthusiastic to take a nap.
Like the olden days, some families still give animals special treats on Christmas Eve as it was believed during this special night could talk.
Other families go for a walk in the field, forest or park and carry with them small treats for animals.
Later, most people go to an early Christmas mass, even the less devoted churchgoers to listen to the traditional and organ Danish Christmas carols.
On this day, dinner is served earlier than usual and most homes enjoy a meal of roast duck. However, roast pork or roast pork is also on Christmas Eve.
The goose or duck is served along with prunes and apples plus served with sweet potatoes and white wine, cranberry jam as well as red cabbage and beets.
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Main Points About Christmas in Denmark
- Christmas in Denmark is a celebration galore like you have never seen.
- From the 1st of November, Christmas parties are held all through till 24th December. So, people can have so much fun before Christmas day.
- It is quite customary to give animals a special treat on Christmas eve. Animal owners will take their animals on a walk to the park, as well as make special food for them.
- After the main Christmas meal, the Christmas tree is lit, then, family members and loved ones dance around the tree singing carols.
- Denmark Children believe that ‘Julemande’ (Christmas Man) is responsible for bringing them their Christmas gifts.
Conclusion
Christmas in Denmark starts early with Christmas dinners – ”julefrokost”, at restaurants already in November.
Work colleagues come together and have Christmas food as well as lots of Christmas beer, a dark beer specially brewed for this time of the year.
On Christmas Eve, you have duck or goose for dinner, and you may also have a ”snaps”, a strong alcoholic drink which comes with one of the special songs for this particular drink.
Word Cloud for Christmas in Denmark
The following is a collection of the most used terms in this article on Christmas in Denmark. This should help in recalling related terms as used in this article at a later stage for you.
- https://www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/things-do/christmas
- https://www.routesnorth.com/planning-a-trip-to-denmark/christmas-in-denmark-the-ultimate-guide/
- https://adventurousmiriam.com/how-we-celebrate-christmas-in-denmark/
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This post has given me a great insight into Danish Christmas traditions, thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you found it informative, there’s so much to learn about other cultures
I’m not sure about the Advent wreath, but the rest of the traditions sound really interesting
It’s definitely different, but it’s all part of the unique experience
It’s a beautiful tradition, really enhances the festive atmosphere
The Danish Christmas traditions sound lovely, I’d love to experience them firsthand
A Danish Christmas is definitely a unique and special experience
It’s a magical time of year that’s for sure
Danish Christmas luncheons sound absolutely delicious, I’d love to take part in one!
It’s a food lover’s dream, so many delicious dishes to try
The food is definitely a highlight, it’s a culinary adventure for sure
Learning about Lucia Night and the story behind it is truly fascinating
It’s a beautiful tradition with a meaningful history
The idea of giving animals treats on Christmas Eve is quite charming and heartwarming
It’s a lovely way to show appreciation for animals, a wonderful gesture
I can’t wait to experience a Danish Christmas firsthand, it sounds wonderful!
It’s truly a unique and special experience, you’ll love it!
The Danish Christmas tradition is truly special and heartwarming
I appreciate learning about these wonderful Danish traditions, such a rich cultural experience
There’s always something new to discover, it’s fascinating
It really is, there’s so much to learn and appreciate
The Danish Christmas traditions are truly something to cherish and experience
I’d love to visit Denmark during Christmas, it sounds magical
Absolutely, it’s a truly unique and special experience