Norwegian Christmas Traditions
Celebrate Jul in Norway 2025

Christmas in Norway—called “Jul” (pronounced YOOL)—is a celebration of light in the darkness, family traditions passed through generations, and the “koselig” (coziness) that helps Norwegians embrace the longest nights of the year. With snow-covered landscapes, millions of candles glowing in windows, the possibility of Northern Lights dancing overhead, and traditions dating back over a thousand years, a Norwegian Christmas feels like stepping into a living fairytale.

According to Statistics Norway (SSB), Christmas spending in Norway exceeds 20 billion NOK annually, yet Norwegian Jul remains remarkably focused on family, food, and centuries-old customs rather than commercial excess. The main celebration happens on Christmas Eve (Julaften), when families gather for elaborate feasts featuring regional specialties, Julenissen arrives with gifts, and candles illuminate every window against the winter darkness.

Norwegian Christmas traditions blend three distinct influences: pre-Christian Norse winter solstice celebrations (the original “Jul”), medieval Catholic customs, and Lutheran Protestant observances since the Reformation. This layering creates a uniquely Norwegian holiday that feels both ancient and distinctly Christian.

When Is Norwegian Christmas?

The Norwegian Christmas Calendar

Unlike many countries where December 25th is the main event, Norwegian Christmas centers on Christmas Eve (Julaften), December 24th. The entire month of December builds toward this pivotal evening.

Date	Norwegian Name	Significance
December 1	Advent begins	Advent calendars start; first candle lit
December 13	Luciadagen	St. Lucia’s Day—processions with candles
December 23	Lille julaften	”Little Christmas Eve”—final preparations, tree decorating
December 24	Julaften	The main celebration—dinner, Julenissen, gifts
December 25	Forste juledag	First Christmas Day—quiet family day, church services
December 26	Andre juledag	Second Christmas Day—visiting extended family
December 31	Nyttarsaften	New Year’s Eve
January 1	Forste nyttarsdag	New Year’s Day
January 13	Tyvende dag jul	”Twentieth Day”—official end of Christmas season

Christmas Eve: The Heart of Norwegian Jul

The traditional December 24th timeline:

Time	Activity
Morning	Some families attend morning church services
Afternoon	Final preparations; tree receives final decorations
5:00 PM	Church bells ring across Norway—the official start of Christmas
6:00 PM	Christmas dinner begins (timing varies by family)
After dinner	Julenissen arrives with gifts (in many families)
Evening	Gift opening, games, singing around the tree, togetherness
11:00 PM+	Some attend midnight church services

The 5 PM Bells: At 5:00 PM on Christmas Eve, church bells ring simultaneously across Norway—a moment of national unity that officially marks the beginning of Christmas. Families pause whatever they’re doing; many stand in silence. This tradition dates back centuries.

Traditional Norwegian Christmas Food

Norwegian Christmas food traditions are among the most deeply held in Scandinavian culture. According to surveys, over 95% of Norwegians serve traditional Christmas dinner, with regional variations causing passionate debates about the “correct” main course.

Main Courses: The Great Norwegian Food Divide

Norwegian families have strong—sometimes fierce—regional food loyalties:

Ribbe (Roast Pork Belly with Crackling)

Aspect	Details
Region	Eastern Norway (Oslo, surrounding areas)
Popularity	Most popular nationwide (~50% of families)
Preparation	Slow-roasted pork belly, scored for perfect crackling
Accompaniments	Sauerkraut (surkol), boiled potatoes, red cabbage, lingonberries
Cooking tip	The crackling (svor) must be crispy—this is the measure of success

Pinnekjott (Salted-Dried Lamb Ribs)

Aspect	Details
Region	Western Norway (Bergen, Sogn og Fjordane)
Popularity	~25% of Norwegian families
Preparation	Salted and dried lamb ribs, steamed over birch twigs
History	Traditional preservation method from before refrigeration
Accompaniments	Rutabaga (kalrot), boiled potatoes, rendered fat from cooking
Flavor	Intensely savory, slightly gamey

Lutefisk (Lye-Treated Dried Cod)

Aspect	Details
Prevalence	~20% of Norwegians serve it; deeply traditional
Preparation	Dried cod soaked in lye (caustic soda), then water
Texture	Gelatinous, translucent—an acquired taste
Serving time	Often December 23rd (Lille julaften) rather than Christmas Eve
Accompaniments	Bacon, pea stew, boiled potatoes
Note	Norwegians either love it or refuse to touch it

Other Regional and Modern Options:

• Fresh cod (torsk): Popular in coastal areas
• Medisterkaker: Pork patties, common side dish with ribbe
• Turkey: Growing modern alternative
• Vegetarian: Increasingly common among younger families

The Seven Cookies Tradition (Syv Sorter)

Norwegian tradition holds that a proper Christmas requires at least seven types of homemade cookies. Many families bake far more—some proud bakers produce 14 or more varieties.

Cookie	Norwegian	Description	Difficulty
Sandkaker	Sand tarts	Almond cookies in fluted tins	Easy
Krumkaker	Waffle cones	Cone-shaped waffle cookies with cream	Moderate
Goro	Pressed cookies	Decorative patterned cookies	Moderate
Fattigmann	Poor man’s cookies	Deep-fried twisted dough	Moderate
Serinakaker	Cinnamon cookies	Simple, delicious	Easy
Berliner kranser	Berlin wreaths	Ring-shaped, egg-washed	Easy
Pepperkaker	Ginger cookies	Thin, spiced, often decorated	Easy
Sirupsnipper	Syrup cookies	Diamond-shaped, spiced	Easy
Kokosmakroner	Coconut macaroons	Chewy coconut	Easy

Christmas Breads and Sweets

• Julekake: Christmas bread with raisins, candied fruit, cardamom—served throughout the season
• Marzipan pigs: Traditional gifts representing good luck for the new year
• Multekrem: Cloudberry cream—luxurious, often served with cookies
• Riskrem: Cold rice pudding folded with whipped cream—Christmas dessert
• Kransekake: Almond ring cake tower—for special occasions

Traditional Christmas Drinks

Drink	Description	Who Drinks It
Juleol	Special Christmas beer, darker and stronger	Adults
Glogg	Mulled wine with almonds and raisins	Adults
Aquavit	Caraway-flavored spirit, traditional with fatty foods	Adults
Julebrus	Sweet, colored Christmas soda	Children (adults too)
Coffee	Norway has Europe’s highest consumption	Everyone

Julenissen: The Norwegian Christmas Gnome

A Different Kind of Gift-Bringer

Unlike the American Santa Claus with his North Pole workshop and flying reindeer, Norwegian Julenissen (YOO-leh-NIS-sen) emerges from a far older tradition—the “nisse” of Norse folklore, small supernatural creatures who protected farms and expected offerings in return.

The Nisse Tradition:

The nisse were pre-Christian spirits believed to live on every Norwegian farm. Standing perhaps a meter tall, with long white beards and red caps, they worked invisibly to protect animals and bring prosperity—but demanded respect. A neglected nisse might cause disasters; a honored nisse brought good fortune. The tradition of leaving risgrot (rice porridge) for the nisse at midwinter dates back centuries before Christianity.

Julenissen vs. Santa Claus:

Aspect	Julenissen	American Santa
Origin	Norse farm spirits	St. Nicholas + commercial evolution
Home	Local barn/forest	North Pole
Size	Often depicted smaller, gnome-like	Large, robust
Clothing	Gray or red traditional clothes	Red suit, black boots
Transportation	Walks or uses small cart	Flying sleigh
Arrival time	Christmas Eve evening, often in person	Christmas Eve night, down chimney
Interaction	Asks “Are there good children here?”	Leaves gifts invisibly

The Magical Christmas Eve Visit

In many Norwegian families, Julenissen arrives in person on Christmas Eve—creating a more intimate, magical experience than finding gifts under a tree:

How It Works:

1. After Christmas dinner, someone (traditionally father or grandfather) “steps outside to check on something”
2. Minutes later, a knock at the door
3. Julenissen enters—costume, beard, sack of gifts
4. Asks the assembled children: “Er det noen snille barn her?” (“Are there any good children here?”)
5. Children may be asked to sing a song or recite a poem
6. Gifts are distributed personally from the sack
7. Julenissen departs to visit other homes
8. Shortly after, the absent family member returns, disappointed to have “just missed” Julenissen

Insider Note: Norwegian children often recognize their Julenissen—the costume can’t hide familiar voices or shoes—but the magic persists through willing suspension of disbelief. Many Norwegian adults remember the moment they realized the truth with affection rather than disappointment.

Leaving Porridge for Julenissen

A bowl of risgrot (rice porridge) is traditionally left out for Julenissen on Christmas Eve—an echo of pre-Christian offerings to farm spirits. In families with cats or dogs, the porridge often mysteriously disappears, confirming Julenissen’s visit. This tradition teaches children that even supernatural beings appreciate being cared for.

Julebord: The Norwegian Christmas Party Tradition

What Is Julebord?

Julebord (literally “Christmas table”) is perhaps Norway’s most distinctive Christmas tradition—a lavish seasonal celebration that transforms ordinary restaurants into festive gathering places throughout November and December. These aren’t casual parties; they’re elaborate affairs featuring traditional cuisine, formal toasts, entertainment, and the release that comes from celebrating the year’s end with colleagues and friends.

Julebord Season:

Timing	Details
Season	Early November through December
Peak Weeks	Late November to mid-December
Booking Lead Time	3-6 months for popular venues
Typical Group Size	20-200 people
Duration	3-5 hours (often extending late)
Cost per Person	800-2,000 NOK ($80-200)

The Julebord Experience:

A traditional Julebord typically includes:

The Buffet:

• Ribbe (roasted pork belly with crackling)
• Pinnekjott (salted lamb ribs)
• Lutefisk (for the adventurous)
• Rakfisk (fermented trout—an acquired taste)
• Sylte (head cheese)
• Rullepolse (rolled sausage)
• Medisterkaker (pork patties)
• Multiple side dishes including red cabbage, sauerkraut, and boiled potatoes
• Extensive dessert selection

The Drinks:

• Aquavit: The traditional Norwegian spirit, often served ice-cold in small glasses. Multiple toasts (“skol!”) are expected. The caraway-flavored spirit cuts through rich, fatty foods.
• Juleol: Christmas beer, darker and stronger than regular brews
• Wine: Red with meat, white with fish
• Coffee: Essential for the long evening

The Entertainment:

• Speeches from leadership
• Awards and recognition
• Live music or DJ
• Dancing
• Games and competitions
• Sometimes elaborate themes or costumes

Julebord Etiquette for Visitors:

If invited to a Norwegian Julebord:

1. Dress smartly—Norwegians dress well for Julebord; business casual minimum, often semi-formal
2. Pace yourself—the aquavit flows freely, but excessive intoxication is frowned upon
3. Participate in toasts—learn “skol!” (cheers) and raise your glass when prompted
4. Try everything—even if lutefisk isn’t your thing, making an effort is appreciated
5. Stay for dancing—leaving early can seem rude
6. Don’t discuss work problems—Julebord is for celebration, not complaints

Why Julebord Matters Culturally:

Julebord represents a crucial social function in Norwegian society. In a culture that can seem reserved to outsiders, these celebrations provide sanctioned release—a time when hierarchies flatten, colleagues become friends, and the Norwegian reserve melts away. The tradition dates back to medieval times when masters feasted with servants at year’s end.

For visitors, experiencing a Julebord (if invited) offers insight into Norwegian culture that tourist activities cannot match. The combination of traditional food, ritual drinking, and communal celebration reveals a warmth beneath the Norwegian surface that surprises many first-time visitors.

Christmas Markets

Best Norwegian Christmas Markets

Norwegian Christmas markets blend traditional crafts, seasonal foods, and festive atmosphere with the country’s stunning winter landscapes. The best markets transform historic settings into fairytale scenes.

Oslo Christmas Markets:

Market	Location	Features	Dates
Winter Wonderland	Spikersuppa	Norway’s largest; ice skating rink; 100+ stalls	Late Nov - Dec 23
Youngstorget	City center	Traditional atmosphere; Ferris wheel	Late Nov - Dec 23
Norwegian Folk Museum	Bygdoy	Historic buildings; traditional crafts; Gol Stave Church	Weekends in December
Aker Brygge	Waterfront	Modern setting; gourmet food; harbor views	Late Nov - Dec

Bergen Christmas Markets:

Bergen’s markets benefit from the atmospheric Hanseatic Bryggen backdrop—62 wooden buildings from the medieval merchant era create a setting unmatched elsewhere in Norway.

Experience	Details
Festplassen Market	Main square; traditional crafts; glogg; roasted almonds
Bryggen Backdrop	UNESCO World Heritage setting for photos
Gingerbread Town	World’s largest gingerbread city at Sentralbadet
Duration	Late November through December 22

Roros Christmas Market - Norway’s Most Atmospheric:

The Roros Christmas Market, held in the UNESCO World Heritage mining town, is widely considered Norway’s finest. The 17th-century wooden buildings, authentic mining heritage, and reliable snow create a scene from a Christmas card.

Detail	Information
Location	Roros, UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1980)
Setting	80+ preserved wooden buildings from copper mining era
Timing	First weekend of December (typically Thu-Sun)
Attendance	70,000+ visitors over four days
Unique Features	Horse-drawn sleighs, traditional crafts, historic street performances
Accommodation	Book 6+ months in advance—the town has limited capacity

What Makes Roros Special:

• Authenticity: The town looks essentially as it did during 333 years of continuous copper mining (1644-1977)
• Crafts: Genuine traditional handicrafts rather than imported goods
• Food: Local specialties including reindeer, traditional breads, and cloudberries
• Atmosphere: Torch-lit streets, carolers in period costume, horse-drawn transport
• Snow: At 628 meters elevation, Roros reliably has snow cover in December

Trondheim Christmas Markets:

Market	Setting	Special Features
Torvet Market	Main square	Nidaros Cathedral views
Bakklandet	Historic wooden houses	Charming narrow streets
Ravnkloa	Fish market	Fresh seafood, local products

Additional Notable Markets:

• Lillehammer: Olympic town atmosphere; traditional crafts; reliable snow
• Drobak: The “Christmas Town” south of Oslo; year-round Christmas shop; charming harbor
• Stavanger: Old Town (Gamle Stavanger) setting; 173 white wooden houses
• Kristiansand: Southern Norway’s largest; Kilden theater as backdrop

Find Christmas Events

Decorating for Jul

Traditional Decorations

Indoor:

• Candles everywhere (electric and real)
• Juletre (Christmas tree)-decorated December 23rd
• 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 December 23rd (Lille julaften)
• Real trees preferred
• Often holds hands and walks around tree singing
• Stays up until January 13th

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-Dec 23
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 organizations.

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:

• December 24: Most shops close by noon
• December 25-26: 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

1. Book accommodation early-Norwegians travel for Christmas
2. Stock up on groceries by December 23
3. Reserve restaurant dinners in advance
4. Check attraction hours before visiting
5. 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 cozy items (embrace hygge!)

Book Christmas Tours

Hygge and Koselig

The Norwegian Art of Coziness

Koselig (KOH-suh-lee) is the Norwegian equivalent of Danish hygge-the art of coziness 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 cozy cafes
• 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: The Magic of Norwegian Jul

Norwegian Christmas offers something increasingly rare in our hyper-connected, commercialized world: a genuine celebration focused on family, tradition, and simple pleasures. In a country where December brings only 6 hours of daylight in the south—and complete polar night in the north—the emphasis on light, warmth, and togetherness isn’t merely decorative; it’s essential.

The statistics tell part of the story: over 95% of Norwegians maintain traditional Christmas dinners; nearly every home glows with candles; church bells ring simultaneously across the nation at 5 PM on Christmas Eve. But numbers can’t capture the feeling of sitting in a candlelit room while snow falls outside, of walking around the Christmas tree singing carols with three generations of family, of the excitement when Julenissen knocks at the door.

Why Norwegian Christmas Resonates:

• Intentional darkness: The polar night makes light meaningful—every candle, every string of lights, every glowing window is a deliberate act against the dark
• Forced slowdown: When everything closes for days, there’s no choice but to rest, eat, and be together
• Ancient roots: Traditions stretching back through Christianity to Viking-era midwinter feasts connect families to something larger than themselves
• Koselig culture: The Norwegian art of coziness transforms harsh conditions into opportunities for warmth

Whether you visit Oslo’s Christmas markets, chase Northern Lights in Arctic Tromso, attend a candlelit church concert, or experience a traditional family celebration in a rural farmhouse, Norwegian Jul teaches a profound lesson: 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.

The darkness makes the light more precious. The cold makes the warmth more welcome. The silence of closed shops creates space for what matters.

God Jul! (Merry Christmas!)

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For more Norwegian winter experiences, see our comprehensive guides to Northern Lights Norway, Oslo Travel Guide, Norway Winter Travel, and Norway Winter Activities.

Sources: This guide draws on information from Statistics Norway (SSB), the Norwegian Centre for Traditional Music and Dance, Visit Norway, and documented Norwegian cultural traditions.