“Merry Christmas” in Danish is “Glaedelig Jul.” Holidays are a magical time of year in Denmark, which has many unique and interesting traditions.
In the weeks leading up to winter holidays, many locals and visitors head to one of the many local Christmas markets. This is a great idea for anyone visiting in early to mid December. Just be sure to wear waterproof shoes (it tends to rain sometimes) and put your clothes on. Traditional markets are outdoors and you will be exposed to winter weather in Denmark, which can be cold and brisk.
Pre-Christmas celebrations in Denmark
At the beginning of the Christmas season, four weeks before Christmas, the Danes light the traditional Advent wreath, which has four candles. A candle is lit every Sunday until Christmas Eve. Children are generally given Advent calendars, or Christmas calendars, which they enjoy throughout December.
As in other Scandinavian countries, the Danes celebrate the feast day of Saint Lucia on December 13. She was a 3rd century martyr who brought food to hidden Christians. As part of the celebration, the oldest girl in each family portrays Saint Lucia, donning a white robe in the morning with a wreath of candles (or a safer substitute). She serves her parents Lucia buns and coffee or mulled wine.
The main part of the Christmas celebration in Denmark begins on December 23, with a meal that includes cinnamon rice pudding known as grod. Children are a big part of the Christmas celebrations in Denmark, just as much as they are in the United States. They even have an elf watching over their behavior.
Nisse, the mischievous goblin
Nisse plays pranks on people during Christmas. According to legend, Nisse often lives on old farms and wears gray woolen clothing, a red hat, and white stockings and clogs.
As a good elf, Nisse generally helps people on farms and is good with children, but makes jokes during the holidays. On Christmas Eve in Denmark, many families leave you a bowl of rice pudding or porridge to make you friendly with them and keep your jokes within bounds.
Visiting Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens at Christmas
The small villages of Tivoli Gardens are filled with Christmas lights and festive life, with a bountiful selection of Danish Christmas decorations, gifts, and Danish food and drink.
In the outdoor setting, children can see Santa’s sleigh and can take photos with Santa himself.
Christmas Eve in Denmark
On Christmas Eve, Danes have a Christmas dinner of duck or goose, red cabbage, and caramelized potatoes. Then the dessert is a lighter rice pudding with whipped cream and chopped almonds. This rice pudding contains a whole almond, and whoever finds it wins a chocolate or marzipan prize.
On Christmas night in Denmark, families gather around Christmas trees, exchange gifts and sing Christmas carols. Danish cupcakes called ableskiver are traditional items for breakfast on Christmas morning, while lunch on Christmas day is usually cold cuts and different types of fish.
Christmas night in denmark
On Christmas night in Denmark, families gather around Christmas trees, exchange gifts and sing Christmas carols. Christmas Day is generally celebrated by celebrating with the family having lunch with cold cuts and different types of fish, along with Aquavit for the adults.
