At a Glance
Quick OverviewChristmas in Norway—called Jul (pronounced “yool”)—is a magical celebration blending ancient Norse winter solstice traditions with Christian customs, creating one of the world’s most atmospheric and authentic festive seasons. From the moment December arrives, Norway transforms into a wonderland of candlelit windows, aromatic baked goods, and markets selling handcrafted gifts whilst the Northern Lights dance overhead in Arctic regions.
But the real magic lies in traditions that have remained remarkably unchanged for centuries: families holding hands and dancing around Christmas trees whilst singing carols, the mythical Julenissen delivering presents door-to-door on Christmas Eve, and tables groaning under feasts of ribbe, pinnekjott, and seven varieties of homemade biscuits. Whether you’re visiting during the festive season or simply curious about Norwegian culture, understanding Jul reveals the soul of Norwegian identity.
According to Statistics Norway (SSB), Christmas spending exceeds 20 billion NOK annually, yet Norwegian Jul remains remarkably resistant to commercialisation. The emphasis is firmly on “koselig” (cosiness), family traditions, and creating light in the darkness—both literal and figurative—during the year’s longest nights.
When Norwegians Celebrate Christmas
The Central Importance of Christmas Eve
The single most important difference from British traditions: Norwegians celebrate Christmas primarily on 24 December—Christmas Eve (Julaften). This is the heart of Norwegian Jul.
What happens on Julaften:
| Time | Tradition |
|---|---|
| Morning/Afternoon | Final preparations; some attend church services |
| 5:00 PM | Church bells ring simultaneously across Norway—official start of Christmas |
| 6:00 PM | Christmas dinner begins (timing varies by family) |
| After dinner | Julenisse may arrive in person with gifts |
| Evening | Gift opening; holding hands and dancing around the tree whilst singing |
| Late evening | Games, conversation, togetherness; some attend midnight services |
Christmas Day (25 December) is typically a quiet, private affair—resting, enjoying leftovers with immediate family, perhaps a quiet walk in the snow. The contrast with the bustling activity of Christmas Eve is intentional: 24 December is for celebration; 25 December is for rest.
Little Christmas Eve (Lille Julaften)—23 December
23 December holds special significance in Norwegian hearts. Lille Julaften (Little Christmas Eve) is the day of delicious anticipation:
- Tree decorating: Many families wait until this day to decorate the tree
- Final cooking: The ribbe goes in the oven; last biscuits are baked
- Lutefisk dinner: Some families serve lutefisk on this evening
- Final shopping: Last chance before everything closes
- Atmosphere: The sense of impending celebration; excitement building
The name reflects Norwegian culture’s emphasis on anticipation as part of the experience—the day before Christmas Eve is important enough to have its own name.
Julenisse—The Norwegian Father Christmas
Not Quite Father Christmas
Unlike British Father Christmas, Norwegian presents are delivered by Julenisse—a folklore creature rooted in ancient Nordic traditions. According to Scandinavian Standard, the Julenisse is quite different from the Father Christmas we know.
What is Julenisse?
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Short, bearded figure with a red pointed cap |
| Height | Between 6 inches to 3 feet tall |
| Origin | Nordic farm guardian mythology (nisse/tomte) |
| Delivery | Goes door-to-door on Christmas Eve |
| Offering | Families leave rice porridge (julegrot) for him |
The Nisse Tradition
Nisse are mythological creatures from Nordic folklore—little people who traditionally helped families tend farms and homes. They’re essentially gnomes, pictured in breeches and boots with coloured jackets and tall pointed caps. Male nisse have long white beards and big noses.
On Christmas Eve, Norwegian families leave out a bowl of julegrot (rice porridge with sugar, cinnamon, and butter) to thank the Julenisse for his gift delivery—and to ensure good fortune for the coming year.
Traditional Norwegian Christmas Food
The Great Debate: Ribbe vs. Pinnekjott
Christmas dinner in Norway sparks passionate debate—over half the nation swears by ribbe, whilst the rest (particularly western Norwegians) champion pinnekjott.
Ribbe (Roasted Pork Ribs):
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What it is | Pork ribs or belly, bone-in, with crispy crackling |
| Popularity | Most popular Christmas Eve dinner nationally |
| Served with | Sauerkraut, potatoes, lingonberry jam |
| Preparation | Slow-roasted for several hours |
Pinnekjott (Lamb Ribs):
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What it is | Dry-cured (and sometimes smoked) lamb ribs |
| Popularity | Traditional in Western Norway, gaining nationwide |
| Served with | Mashed swede, boiled potatoes |
| Name meaning | ”Stick meat”—steamed over birch sticks |
Other Traditional Main Dishes
- Lutefisk: Cod cured in lye—an acquired taste and beloved tradition
- Boiled cod: Fresh cod with butter and simple sides
- Ham roast: Glazed Christmas ham
- Turkey: Increasingly popular, especially with younger families
The Seven Christmas Biscuits
According to Life in Norway, tradition dictates that seven different kinds of Christmas biscuits (småkaker) must be enjoyed at Christmas—and all should be home-baked.
Common varieties include:
- Smultringer: Deep-fried doughnuts
- Sandkaker: Almond biscuits in fluted tins
- Sirupssnipper: Syrup-spiced diamond biscuits
- Berlinerkranser: Wreath-shaped vanilla biscuits
- Goro: Thin, crispy waffle biscuits
- Krumkaker: Cone-shaped wafer biscuits
- Fattigmann: “Poor man’s biscuits”—crispy, twisted treats
Rice Porridge and the Hidden Almond
Risengrynsgrøt (rice porridge) is served on Christmas Eve or throughout the season, with a special twist: one single almond is hidden in the pot, scalded to leave it white. Whoever finds the almond wins a prize—traditionally a marzipan pig.
Speaking of marzipan: according to manufacturer Nidar, Norway’s 5 million people eat more than 40 million marzipan figures during the Christmas season.
Traditional Christmas Drinks
Glogg—Norwegian Mulled Wine
Glogg is the quintessential Norwegian Christmas drink—a warm, spicy mulled wine that embodies everything about Norwegian hygge (or “koselig”).
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Red wine | Base (or grape juice for non-alcoholic) |
| Cinnamon | Warm spice |
| Cardamom | Nordic signature flavour |
| Cloves | Aromatic depth |
| Raisins & almonds | Traditional garnish |
According to Wine Enthusiast, the act of sharing glogg embodies the spirit of “koselig”—the Norwegian concept of cosiness, contentment, and connection.
Non-alcoholic versions are extremely popular and equally traditional.
Other Festive Beverages
- Juleol (Christmas beer): A malty, special-release beer available from November
- Aquavit: Potato-based spirit with caraway, anise, and herbs—served chilled with dinner
- Julebrus: A sweet, creamy festive soft drink (usually red or brown)—the children’s favourite
Christmas Markets 2026
Oslo Markets
Spikersuppa (Winter Wonderland):
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Karl Johans gate, near Royal Palace |
| Dates 2026 | 8 November - 4 January 2026 |
| Features | Food stalls, skating rink, Ferris wheel |
| Atmosphere | Central, bustling, romantic |
Norsk Folkemuseum:
Traditional market at Norway’s cultural history museum, featuring historic buildings and authentic crafts. 6-7 and 13-14 December 2026.
Explore Oslo Christmas ToursBergen—Gingerbread City
Bergen hosts one of Norway’s longest-running Christmas markets, operating from late November through 22 December. But the real attraction is Pepperkakebyen—the world’s largest gingerbread village, created annually by local schoolchildren. This incredible display features hundreds of gingerbread buildings recreating Bergen’s famous architecture.
Roros—The “Frozen” Christmas
The UNESCO World Heritage mining town of Roros is often cited as inspiration for Disney’s “Frozen.” During winter, Roros becomes a snowy wonderland and hosts one of Norway’s most beautiful Christmas markets. The combination of historic wooden buildings, authentic atmosphere, and genuine snow creates a storybook setting.
Other Notable Markets
- Trondheim: Atmospheric market in historic surroundings
- Tromso: Arctic Christmas with Northern Lights potential
- Lillehammer: Traditional mountain town celebration
Christmas Decorations and Customs
The Christmas Tree
Norwegian Christmas trees differ from British traditions:
- Julekurver: Heart-shaped paper baskets replace round ornaments—often stuffed with Norwegian flags and treats
- Real trees: Artificial trees are rare; most families choose fresh-cut spruce
- Lighting: Real candles were traditional (now mostly electric for safety)
- Timing: Trees are decorated on Lille Julaften (23 December)
Dancing Around the Tree
On Christmas Eve, after dinner and before presents, Norwegian families hold hands and dance around the Christmas tree whilst singing carols. Everyone participates—grandparents, parents, children—walking in circles around the lit tree. This tradition might feel unusual to visitors but is deeply cherished by Norwegians.
Traditional Decorations
- Julekurver: Heart-shaped woven baskets
- Wheat sheaves: Hung outside for birds to feast on
- Julebukk: Straw goat ornament (representing Thor’s magical goats)
- Nisse figurines: Little gnome decorations throughout the home
- Candles: Candlelight is essential to Norwegian Christmas atmosphere
Julebord—The Norwegian Christmas Party
Julebord is the traditional Norwegian Christmas party, held with family, friends, or colleagues throughout December. Many Norwegians attend multiple julebord each season.
What to know:
- Dress code: Despite Norway’s casual culture, julebord is formal—bowties, suits, and ball gowns are normal
- Food: Traditional Christmas buffet with ribbe, pinnekjott, lutefisk
- Drinking: Known for being “boozy affairs”—pace yourself
- Dancing: Traditional folk dancing often follows dinner
- Timing: Usually held in the weeks before Christmas Eve
Visiting Norway at Christmas
What’s Open and Closed
Expect closures:
- 24 December (afternoon): Nearly everything closes by 2-3 PM
- 25-26 December: Most shops, restaurants, and attractions closed
- Some tourist attractions may close the entire Christmas week
What remains open:
- Some hotels and hotel restaurants
- Emergency services
- Some museums (check in advance)
- Ski resorts and winter activities
Best Experiences for Visitors
- Christmas markets: Visit before 23 December
- Northern Lights: Combine Christmas with aurora viewing in Tromso
- Winter activities: Dog sledding, skiing, snowmobiling operate through the holidays
- Cosy cafés: Find a warm spot for glogg and pastries
- Church services: Christmas Eve services welcome visitors (some in English)
The Ancient Origins of Jul
From Viking Feast to Modern Celebration
The Norwegian word Jul predates Christianity in Scandinavia by centuries. It comes from Old Norse jol (also spelled jól), which described the great midwinter celebration held around the winter solstice—the longest night of the year.
The Pre-Christian Jol:
| Element | Ancient Tradition | Modern Echo |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Winter solstice (21-22 December) | Christmas Eve (24 December) |
| Purpose | Honour the returning sun; appease gods | Celebrate light in darkness |
| Feasting | Great communal meals; sacrificial meat | Elaborate family dinners |
| Spirits | Offerings to farm spirits (nisse) | Leaving porridge for Julenissen |
| Decorations | Greenery, straw ornaments | Tree, straw goats, wreaths |
| Duration | Multi-day celebration | Extended season through January |
When Christianity arrived in Norway (c. 1000 CE), missionaries wisely incorporated existing Jul traditions rather than suppressing them. The midwinter feast became Christmas dinner; the offerings to spirits became gifts from Julenissen; the sacred greenery became the Christmas tree. This layering—pre-Christian Norse, medieval Catholic, Protestant Lutheran—gives Norwegian Christmas its unique depth and resonance.
The Julebukk Connection:
The straw goat ornament (julebukk) found in Norwegian homes directly descends from the goats that pulled the chariot of Thor in Norse mythology. This ancient symbol has been Christmas-ified but retains its connection to pre-Christian belief.
Complete Guide to Norwegian Christmas Markets
Oslo Christmas Markets
Spikersuppa (Winter Wonderland Oslo):
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Karl Johans gate, near Royal Palace |
| Dates 2026 | 8 November - 4 January 2026 |
| Hours | Daily 11:00-21:00 (varies) |
| Features | Food stalls, skating rink, Ferris wheel |
| Atmosphere | Central, bustling, romantic |
Norsk Folkemuseum Christmas Market:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bygdoy peninsula |
| Dates 2026 | 6-7 and 13-14 December |
| Features | Historic buildings, traditional crafts |
| Special | Gol Stave Church in Christmas setting |
| Character | Most authentic traditional market |
Bergen Christmas Experiences
Pepperkakebyen (World’s Largest Gingerbread Village):
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What | Hundreds of gingerbread buildings |
| Creators | Local schoolchildren, organisations |
| Season | Late November through December |
| Location | Varying venues annually |
| Features | Recreates Bergen’s famous architecture |
Bergen Christmas Market:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Festplassen/Torgallmenningen |
| Dates | Late November - 22 December |
| Features | Traditional stalls, local crafts |
| Backdrop | UNESCO Bryggen (inscribed 1979) |
Roros: The “Frozen” Christmas
The UNESCO World Heritage mining town of Roros (inscribed 1980) is often cited as inspiration for Disney’s “Frozen.” During December, it transforms into a storybook winter wonderland:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UNESCO status | World Heritage Site since 1980 |
| Atmosphere | Historic wooden buildings, genuine snow |
| Market | Traditional Christmas market |
| Character | Most authentic small-town Christmas |
| Bonus | Northern Lights possible |
Additional Norwegian Christmas Markets
| Market | Location | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Trondheim | City centre | Medieval atmosphere, Nidaros Cathedral |
| Tromso | Arctic city | Northern Lights, polar night atmosphere |
| Lillehammer | Mountain town | Olympic legacy, traditional mountain Christmas |
| Kristiansand | Southern Norway | Family-friendly, Dyreparken nearby |
Norwegian Christmas Music and Entertainment
Traditional Christmas Songs
Norwegian Christmas has its own musical traditions:
Classic Norwegian Christmas Songs:
| Song | English Title | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Deilig er jorden | Lovely is the Earth | Hymn, most popular |
| Jeg er sa glad hver julekveld | I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve | Children’s favourite |
| Musevisa | The Mouse Song | Humorous, beloved |
| O Jul med din glede | O Christmas with Your Joy | Traditional carol |
| Her kommer dine arme sma | Here Come Your Poor Little Ones | Children’s procession |
Television Traditions
Tre notter for Askepott (Three Wishes for Cinderella):
This Czechoslovak/German film from 1973 has become an essential Norwegian Christmas tradition. Broadcast on Christmas Eve afternoon, it’s watched by millions of Norwegians every year—a phenomenon unique to Scandinavia.
Grevinnen og Hovmesteren (Dinner for One):
Another broadcast tradition, this British comedy sketch airs annually and has become synonymous with Norwegian New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The Economics of Norwegian Christmas
Christmas Spending Statistics
| Category | Annual Spending | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Jul spending | 20+ billion NOK | Food, gifts, decorations |
| Marzipan figures | 40+ million consumed | 5 million population |
| Christmas trees | ~1.5 million sold | Mostly fresh-cut |
| Gift spending | ~6,000 NOK per household | Average estimate |
Commercial vs. Traditional Balance
Despite significant spending, Norwegian Christmas remains remarkably resistant to commercialisation compared to many countries:
| Traditional Element | How Preserved |
|---|---|
| Homemade biscuits | 7 varieties expected to be home-baked |
| Family focus | 25 December a quiet, private day |
| Religious observance | Church attendance remains significant |
| Ritual meals | Traditional foods maintained |
| Julenissen | Local folklore vs. commercial Santa |
Practical Guide for Visitors
What’s Open During Jul
24 December (Julaften):
| Time | Status |
|---|---|
| Morning | Some shops open |
| Afternoon | Nearly everything closes by 2-3 PM |
| Evening | Essentially nothing open |
25-26 December:
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Hotels | Open (restaurants may be limited) |
| Restaurants | Very few; book far ahead |
| Shops | Closed |
| Museums | Most closed |
| Public transport | Limited schedule |
27-30 December (Romjul):
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Shops | Gradually reopening |
| Restaurants | More options available |
| Museums | Some reopen |
| Activities | Winter tourism resumes |
Best Experiences for Visitors
Activities That Operate Through Christmas:
| Activity | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Lights tours | Tromso, Lofoten | Peak season |
| Dog sledding | Northern Norway | Weather permitting |
| Skiing | Mountain resorts | Peak season |
| Gingerbread City | Bergen | Through January |
| Winter scenery | Throughout | Always available |
Booking Considerations
| Item | Advance Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 2-3 months | Popular destinations fill early |
| Christmas dinner | 1-2 months | Very limited options |
| Activities | 2-4 weeks | Northern Lights tours popular |
| Flights | As early as possible | Peak travel period |
Norwegian Christmas Vocabulary
Essential Terms
| Norwegian | English | Pronunciation Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Jul | Christmas | ”yool” |
| Julaften | Christmas Eve | ”yool-AHF-ten” |
| Lille julaften | Little Christmas Eve | ”LIL-eh yool-AHF-ten” |
| Julenisse | Norwegian Father Christmas | ”YOOL-eh-NIS-eh” |
| Glogg | Mulled wine | ”gluhg” |
| Julebord | Christmas party | ”YOOL-eh-bord” |
| Ribbe | Pork ribs | ”RIB-eh” |
| Pinnekjott | Cured lamb ribs | ”PIN-eh-shut” |
| Lutefisk | Lye fish | ”LOO-teh-fisk” |
| Julekurver | Paper heart baskets | ”YOOL-eh-KOOR-ver” |
| Julebukk | Christmas goat | ”YOOL-eh-book” |
| God Jul | Merry Christmas | ”goo yool” |
| Koselig | Cosy | ”KOO-seh-lee” |
Useful Phrases
| Norwegian | English |
|---|---|
| God Jul og godt nyttar! | Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! |
| Gledelig Jul! | Happy Christmas! |
| Ha en fin jul! | Have a nice Christmas! |
Planning Your Norwegian Christmas Visit
Practical Information for Visitors
What to Know Before You Go:
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Book early | Hotels fill months ahead; popular restaurants need reservations by November |
| Expect closures | 24 December (afternoon onward), 25, 26 nearly everything closes |
| Christmas markets end | Most markets close 22-23 December |
| Weather | Expect -5C to +5C; possible snow; polar night in the north |
| Daylight | Oslo: ~6 hours; Tromso: 0 hours (polar night); Bergen: ~6 hours |
Best Cities for a Norwegian Christmas:
| City | Highlights | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Oslo | Major markets; museums; city lights; easy access | Busiest; most expensive |
| Bergen | Gingerbread city; Bryggen atmosphere; traditional feel | Rain likely; less snow |
| Tromso | Northern Lights; polar night atmosphere; Arctic Christmas | Expensive; no daylight |
| Roros | UNESCO heritage; “Frozen” inspiration; authentic snow | Remote; limited accommodation |
| Trondheim | Medieval atmosphere; Nidaros Cathedral; less crowded | Smaller; fewer events |
Sample Christmas Visit Itineraries
Oslo Christmas Week (5 days):
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Spikersuppa market, Karl Johans gate lights |
| 2 | Norsk Folkemuseum market, Bygdoy museums |
| 3 | Traditional Norwegian dinner, cultural experiences |
| 4 | Day trip options or shopping |
| 5 | Departure |
Bergen Christmas (4 days):
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bryggen UNESCO site, Christmas market |
| 2 | Pepperkakebyen gingerbread village, floibanen |
| 3 | Fjord experience or day trip |
| 4 | Fish market, departure |
Arctic Christmas Tromso (5 days):
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, Tromso city exploration |
| 2 | Northern Lights tour |
| 3 | Sami experience with Christmas elements |
| 4 | Dog sledding or whale watching |
| 5 | Departure |
Final Thoughts: The Soul of Norwegian Christmas
Norwegian Christmas offers one of the world’s most atmospheric and meaningful festive experiences—a celebration that has remained authentic despite the globalising pressures that have homogenised holidays elsewhere. The combination of ancient traditions stretching back to Viking-era midwinter feasts, exceptional food that sparks passionate regional debates, warm family gatherings in candlelit rooms, and the particular magic of Scandinavian winter creates something genuinely special.
The statistics tell part of the story: over 95% of Norwegians maintain traditional Christmas dinners; 40 million marzipan figures consumed in a nation of 5 million people; church bells ringing simultaneously across the country at 5 PM on Christmas Eve. But numbers can’t capture the experience of joining hands with three generations of family to dance around the tree singing carols, or the excitement when Julenissen knocks at the door, or the profound silence of a snow-covered landscape under the polar night.
Why Norwegian Christmas Resonates:
In a world of artificial light, Norwegian Jul celebrates real candlelight. In a culture of constant activity, it mandates days of enforced rest. In an age of global homogenisation, it maintains fiercely regional food traditions. The darkness outside makes the light within more precious; the cold makes the warmth more welcome; the silence of closed shops creates space for what actually matters.
The ancient origins of Jul—from the Norse midwinter solstice celebrations when people gathered to honour the returning sun—remain palpable in modern Norwegian Christmas. The julebukk (straw goat) connects to Thor’s mythology; the tradition of leaving porridge for the nisse echoes offerings to farm spirits; the emphasis on light, feasting, and community during the darkest time addresses the same human needs our ancestors recognised thousands of years ago.
Whether you’re visiting Norway during Jul, attending a julebord, recreating traditions at home, or simply appreciating Norwegian culture from afar, understanding these customs connects you with centuries of Nordic heritage—and reminds us all what the holiday season can be when we focus on people, traditions, and light rather than commerce.
God Jul! —Merry Christmas!
Plan Your Norwegian ChristmasFor more on Norwegian culture and winter travel, see our comprehensive guides to Norwegian Food Guide, Norway Winter Travel, Oslo Travel Guide, and Northern Lights Norway.
Sources: This guide draws on information from Statistics Norway (SSB), Visit Norway, the Norwegian Centre for Traditional Music and Dance, UNESCO (for Roros World Heritage Site inscribed 1980 and Bryggen inscribed 1979), and documented Norwegian cultural traditions. Last updated January 2026.