Christmas Traditions in Norway
Christmas, or ‘jul’ in Norwegian, is a magical time of the year! The days are darker and colder, but that just makes the christmas lights lining the streets seem that much brighter. You’ll find christmas markets, people baking ginger bread houses, and even some snow if you’re lucky!
Norwegian Christmas food
Juleøl – Christmas beer
‘Juleøl’ (Christmas beer) is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years! Every year, breweries all over Norway release a limited edition Christmas beer.
Julebrus – Christmas soda
For those who don’t want to drink beer (or aren’t old enough yet), there is also julebrus (Christmas soda). It’s a matter of great contention in Norway what colour julebrus should be. So, if you want to start a conversation with a Norwegian, ask them if they prefer red or brown!
Risengrynsgrøt – Rice Pudding
Risengrynsgrøt (rice pudding) is traditionally eaten on the 23rd of December, referred to as little Christmas eve. In this rice pudding is a hidden almond, and whoever finds it receives a marzipan pig!
Julegris – Christmas marzipan chocolate pig
In the Viking Age, "jul" was a celebration of winter solstice, where it was common to sacrifice boar or a pig to the god Freyr. It was a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Even nowadays pork is one of the most important Christmas dishes. The tradition of marzipan pig came to Norway from Germany and Denmark and is a symbol of good luck.
Eat Pinnekjøtt and Ribbe
Pinnekjøtt (dried mutton ribs) and ribbe (pork belly) are typical norwegian foods served for Christmas.
Lutefisk
Another popular food, although this one is more traditionally eaten in the lead up to Christmas rather than Christmas day, is lutefisk. Lutefisk is dried whitefish pickled in lye and is definitely something you either love or hate.
Norwegian Christmas activities
Lysfesten – Festival of Lights
In Bergen, the beginning of Christmas is marked with the Festival of Lights! Families and friends come together to watch the fireworks, sing christmas carols, and watch the Bergen city christmas tree be lit up.
Christmas baking
With christmas time comes lots of delicious baked goods! Some of the most popular ‘julekake’ (christmas cakes) are ‘pepperkaker’ (gingerbread), ‘fattigman’ (literally ‘poor men’), and krumkaker (a crispy rolled Norwegian waffle).
Watch the film Three Wishes for Cinderella
This is actually a Czechoslovak/East German film that has become somewhat of a Norwegian tradition thanks to NRK airing it every christmas eve since 1975! This year a Norwegian remake of this film was released, called ‘Tre Nøtter til Askepott’.
Watch Grevinnen og hovmesteren (Dinner for One)
On the theme of (slightly bizarre) christmas movies, the Norwegians also enjoy watching ‘Grenvinnen og Hovmesteren’ (Dinner for One in English) on the 23rd of December; also called little Christmas Eve. Released in 1963, Dinner for One is a short black and white comedy sketch that has become a bit of a cult classic.
Watch Flåklypa Grand Prix
This movie from 1975 has nothing to do with Christmas, but it has still become a Christmas movie in Norway and is one of the so called “juleklassikere” – Christmas classics. It is aired on Norwegian tv every Christmas and is a perfect family movie.
Celebrate with Christmas dinner on December 24th
As is common in most of Europe, Norwegians celebrate Christmas on the evening of the 24th, often having a family dinner and exchanging gifts at this time.
Norwegian Christmas traditions
Romjul – The week between Christmas Eve and the New Year’s Eve
The days between 24th and 31st of December are called “romjul”. Many Norwegians take those days off to spend them with their families and friends, even though only 25th-26th are public holidays. If you’re planning any shopping, you should check the opening hours during that period! Some businesses have shorter opening hours or might even be closed.
Julenek – a sheaf of oats
Many people hang out ‘Julenek’ (a sheaf of oats) for the birds to eat during Christmas time.
The Trafalgar Square Tree
Did you know that the Trafalgar Square Tree in London is a gift from Norway? It all started in 1947, as a way for Norway to thank their British allies after the second world war, and has now become tradition!
Rampenissen – The Elf on the Shelf
This tradition originates from the USA but has become quite popular among Norwegian children! Since it was first introduced in 2012, it has now become a tradition for many Norwegians. Rampenissen is a type of alternative Advent calendar – every night in December, until Christmas Eve, Rampenissen does some sort of mischief which children discover in the morning.
Christmas Milk Cartons
Even the milk cartons are festive in Norway, with a new christmas design being released every year!
Julenisse
And last but not least, Julenisse! Norway doesn’t have a santa claus, or at least not exactly. Originating from Scandinavian folklore, Nisse are short, gnome like creatures who come from the Norwegian forest. Over the holiday season Christmas Nisse come and secretly look out for, and provide prosperity to, families (sometimes they even come knocking on your front door). But be careful! The nisse are known to have a bit of a short temper and even play tricks on people. The Christmas nisse also leave presents under the tree on Christmas Eve.
