At a Glance
Quick OverviewChristmas in Norway-called Jul-is a celebration of light in the darkness, family traditions passed through generations, and the hygge (cosiness) that helps Norwegians embrace the long winter nights. With snow-covered landscapes, twinkling lights, the possibility of Northern Lights, and traditions dating back to Viking times, a Norwegian Christmas feels like stepping into a holiday fairytale.
Unlike the commercialised rush common elsewhere, Norwegian Jul emphasises family, food, and centuries-old customs. The main celebration happens on Christmas Eve (Julaften), when families gather for elaborate feasts, Julenissen arrives with gifts, and candles light up every window against the winter darkness.
When Is Norwegian Christmas?
Key Dates
| Date | Norwegian | Celebration |
|---|---|---|
| 23 December | Lille julaften | ”Little Christmas Eve”-final preparations |
| 24 December | Julaften | Main celebration, dinner, gifts |
| 25 December | F�rste juledag | First Christmas Day-quiet family day |
| 26 December | Andre juledag | Second Christmas Day-visiting |
| 31 December | Nytt�rsaften | New Year’s Eve |
| 13 January | Tyvende dag jul | 20th day-end of Christmas season |
The Celebration Timeline
24 December (Main Event):
- Morning: Church services
- Afternoon: Final preparations
- 5:00 PM: Church bells ring across Norway
- 6:00 PM: Christmas dinner begins
- After dinner: Julenissen arrives, gifts opened
- Evening: Games, music, togetherness
Traditional Norwegian Christmas Food
Main Courses
Norwegian families have strong regional food preferences:
Ribbe (Pork Ribs):
- Most popular in eastern Norway
- Slow-roasted pork belly with crackling
- Served with sauerkraut, potatoes
- Gravy and lingonberries
Pinnekj�tt (Lamb Ribs):
- Traditional in western Norway
- Salted and dried lamb ribs
- Steamed over birch sticks
- Served with root vegetables, potatoes
Lutefisk (Dried Cod):
- Love-it-or-hate-it tradition
- Dried cod soaked in lye solution
- Gelatinous texture
- Often on 23 December
Other Options:
- Medisterkaker (pork patties)
- Fresh cod
- Turkey (modern alternative)
Christmas Sweets
Syv Sorter (Seven Biscuits): Norwegian tradition calls for at least seven types of Christmas biscuits:
| Biscuit | Description |
|---|---|
| Sandkaker | Sand tarts in fluted tins |
| Krumkaker | Cone-shaped waffle biscuits |
| Goro | Decorative pressed biscuits |
| Fattigmann | ”Poor man’s biscuits”-deep fried |
| Serinakaker | Cinnamon biscuits |
| Berliner Kranser | Ring-shaped wreaths |
| Pepperkaker | Ginger biscuits |
Other Treats:
- Julekake (Christmas bread with raisins)
- Marzipan pigs (good luck)
- Multekrem (cloudberry cream)
- Riskrem (rice pudding with cream)
Traditional Drinks
- Jule�l (Christmas beer)
- Gl�gg (mulled wine)
- Julebrus (Christmas fizzy drink-for children)
- Aquavit (traditional schnapps)
Julenissen: The Norwegian Father Christmas
Who Is Julenissen?
Unlike the red-suited Father Christmas, Julenissen (the Christmas gnome) comes from Norse folklore about nisse-small creatures who protected farms and barns.
Characteristics:
- Grey or red clothing
- Long white beard
- Often older and smaller than Father Christmas
- Lives in the barn, not North Pole
- Expects rice porridge on Christmas Eve
The Christmas Eve Visit
In Norway, Julenissen often arrives in person:
- Someone (usually dad or grandpa) “steps outside”
- Julenissen knocks on the door
- Asks: “Are there any good children here?”
- Distributes gifts from his sack
- Children may sing songs for him
This personal visit makes Norwegian Christmas magical for children.
Christmas Markets
Best Norwegian Christmas Markets
Oslo:
| Market | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Wonderland | Spikersuppa | Norway’s largest, ice rink |
| Youngstorget | City centre | Traditional atmosphere |
| Norwegian Folk Museum | Bygd�y | Historic buildings |
Bergen:
- Festplassen market
- Hanseatic Bryggen backdrop
- Traditional crafts
- Local food specialities
R�ros:
- Historic mining town (UNESCO)
- Famous Christmas market
- Authentic atmosphere
- Traditional activities
Trondheim:
- Medieval Old Town setting
- Nidaros Cathedral nearby
- Traditional goods
- Less crowded than Oslo
Decorating for Jul
Traditional Decorations
Indoor:
- Candles everywhere (electric and real)
- Juletre (Christmas tree)-decorated 23 December
- Straw ornaments (Julestjerne, angels)
- Red and white textiles
- Nisser (gnome) figures
- Advent candles and wreaths
Outdoor:
- Lights on trees and buildings
- Julestjerne (Christmas star) in windows
- Sheaf of grain for birds (julenek)
- Wreaths on doors
The Christmas Tree
Norwegian traditions:
- Usually decorated on 23 December (Lille julaften)
- Real trees preferred
- Often holds hands and walks around tree singing
- Stays up until 13 January
Fun Fact: Norway donates a large Christmas tree to London’s Trafalgar Square each year, thanking Britain for WWII support.
Experiencing Christmas in Norway
Where to Celebrate
Oslo:
- Christmas markets
- Ice skating at Spikersuppa
- Museums and concerts
- City lights and shopping
Bergen:
- Bryggen atmosphere
- Troldhaugen Christmas concerts
- Historic celebrations
- Less crowded than Oslo
Arctic Norway (Troms�):
- Northern Lights possibility
- Polar night atmosphere
- Unique Arctic Christmas
- Sami culture experiences
R�ros:
- Historic mining town
- Famous Christmas market
- Traditional celebrations
- UNESCO World Heritage
Christmas Activities
| Activity | Location | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Lights | Arctic Norway | Nov-Feb |
| Christmas markets | Major cities | Late Nov-23 Dec |
| Dog sledding | Various | Dec-Mar |
| Ice skating | Oslo, Bergen | Dec-Feb |
| Church concerts | Nationwide | December |
| Gingerbread Town | Bergen | November-January |
Bergen’s Gingerbread Town
The world’s largest gingerbread town (Pepperkakebyen) is displayed in Bergen each winter-an entire cityscape built from gingerbread by local children and organisations.
Norwegian Christmas Music
Traditional Songs
| Norwegian | English | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| ”Deilig er jorden" | "Lovely Is the Earth” | Churches, gatherings |
| ”O jul med din glede" | "O Christmas with Your Joy” | Traditional |
| ”Jeg er s� glad" | "I Am So Glad” | Children’s song |
| ”Glade jul" | "Silent Night” | Evening, reflective |
Concerts and Events
Many churches offer free concerts. Oslo’s Christmas concerts at Akershus Fortress and Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim are especially popular.
Practical Information
Travel During Christmas
What’s Open:
- 24 December: Most shops close by noon
- 25-26 December: Nearly everything closed
- Tourist attractions may have limited hours
- Hotels and restaurants vary
What’s Closed:
- Shops (except some in tourist areas)
- Public services
- Many restaurants
- Public transport runs reduced schedule
Planning Tips
- Book accommodation early-Norwegians travel for Christmas
- Stock up on groceries by 23 December
- Reserve restaurant dinners in advance
- Check attraction hours before visiting
- Embrace the quiet-use closed days for relaxation
Weather & Darkness
What to Expect:
- Oslo: 6 hours daylight, possible snow
- Bergen: Less snow, mild but rainy
- Troms�: Polar night (no sunrise), Northern Lights possible
- Temperatures: -5�C to 5�C (varies by location)
Pack:
- Warm layers
- Waterproof jacket and boots
- Candles and cosy items (embrace hygge!)
Hygge and Koselig
The Norwegian Art of Cosiness
Koselig (KOH-suh-lee) is the Norwegian equivalent of Danish hygge-the art of cosiness and contentment. It’s essential for surviving (and enjoying) dark winter months.
Elements of Koselig:
- Candlelight everywhere
- Warm drinks (coffee, gl�gg)
- Wool blankets and socks
- Time with family
- Simple pleasures
- Indoor warmth against outdoor cold
How Visitors Can Experience It:
- Light candles in your hotel room
- Visit cosy caf�s
- Drink gl�gg at Christmas markets
- Wear warm, comfortable clothing
- Slow down and appreciate small moments
Christmas Outside the Cities
Rural Norwegian Christmas
Traditional celebrations in villages and farms offer authentic experiences:
What’s Different:
- Stronger food traditions
- Church services more central
- Extended family gatherings
- Local dialect carols
- Homemade everything
Farm Stays
Some Norwegian farms offer Christmas experiences:
- Traditional meals
- Animal feeding
- Tree decorating
- Authentic traditions
- Peaceful setting
Final Thoughts
Norwegian Christmas offers something increasingly rare in our busy world: a genuine celebration focused on family, tradition, and simple pleasures. The darkness outside makes the candle-lit interiors glow brighter. The cold makes the warm food taste better. The quiet of closed shops creates space for connection and rest.
Whether you visit Oslo’s Christmas markets, chase Northern Lights in Troms�, or experience a traditional family celebration, Norwegian Jul teaches us that the best holiday moments aren’t about things-they’re about people, traditions, and the light we create together in the darkest time of year.
God Jul! (Merry Christmas!)
For more Norwegian winter experiences, see our guides to Northern Lights Norway, Oslo Travel Guide, and Norway Winter Activities.