The allure of Scandinavia in December is undeniable. A dusting of snow blankets the landscape, transforming cities and villages into winter wonderlands. While the days are short, the spirit of Christmas burns brightly, offering a unique and captivating cultural experience. The Nordic countries—Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland—share a geographical proximity and some historical ties, yet each possesses its own distinct character and Christmas traditions, making a visit to this region during the holiday season a truly enriching adventure. A Christmas in Scandinavia holiday offers a magical experience.
Before embarking on your Nordic Christmas journey, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the local folklore and customs that shape these festive celebrations. Each country has its own unique spin on the season, ensuring a diverse and memorable experience.
Sweden
The Swedish Christmas season is a tapestry of light, warmth, and culinary delights, commencing with the revered St. Lucia Day on December 13th. Lucia, a third-century martyr, is celebrated as a symbol of light and hope during the darkest days of winter. The eldest daughter in many families embodies Lucia, donning a pristine white robe and a crown adorned with candles (often battery-operated for safety). Early in the morning, she gracefully serves her family traditional saffron buns (lussebullar) and coffee or glögg (mulled wine), creating a heartwarming start to the day.
In the days leading up to Julafton (Christmas Eve), families lovingly decorate their Christmas trees, adorning them with vibrant flowers like poinsettias (julstjärna), red tulips, and elegant amaryllis in shades of red and white. The fragrant scent of pine and the colorful blooms fill homes with the essence of Christmas.
Julafton is the heart of the Swedish Christmas celebration. Many Swedes begin the day by attending church services, reflecting on the spiritual significance of the season. As evening approaches, families gather for a lavish smörgåsbord, a buffet-style feast that showcases the best of Swedish cuisine. The centerpiece is often a succulent Christmas ham (julskinka), accompanied by an array of pork dishes, pickled herring, and other delectable fish preparations. The smörgåsbord is a culinary journey through Swedish flavors, offering something for everyone.
After the satisfying Christmas Eve dinner, a beloved figure emerges: the Tomte. Rooted in Swedish folklore, the Tomte is a Christmas gnome who resides in the forest, watching over homes and farms. He is the Swedish equivalent of Santa Claus, and it is he who distributes the eagerly awaited Christmas gifts. The anticipation and excitement of the Tomte’s arrival fill the air, creating cherished memories for children and adults alike.
Throughout Sweden, cities and towns come alive with a variety of holiday events. Stockholm, the vibrant capital, hosts a live rendition of the popular Swedish holiday show, the Christmas Calendar series. Each day in December leading up to Christmas, a different performance unfolds, captivating audiences with its festive spirit. In Uppsala, a historic city north of Stockholm, the Helga Trefaldighets church, dating back to the 1300s, hosts a breathtaking Christmas concert, filling the ancient space with enchanting melodies.
To wish someone a "Merry Christmas" in Swedish, simply say God Jul, a greeting that embodies the warmth and joy of the season.
Denmark
The Danish Christmas spirit is steeped in tradition and family togetherness. In the weeks leading up to December 23rd, families embark on the delightful task of decorating their Christmas trees, transforming them into shimmering symbols of the season. This collaborative activity fosters a sense of anticipation and excitement for the holiday ahead.
The official Christmas celebration in Denmark commences on December 23rd with a traditional meal featuring risalamande, a creamy cinnamon rice pudding. This sweet treat sets the stage for the festive days to come.
Santa Claus in Denmark is known as Julemanden, which translates to "the Yule Man." He arrives on a reindeer-drawn sleigh, laden with presents for the children. Julemanden is assisted by mischievous elves called julenisser, who are believed to dwell in attics and barns, playing pranks on unsuspecting individuals during Christmastime. To appease these playful creatures, many Danish families leave out a bowl of rice pudding or porridge on Christmas Eve, hoping to avoid their mischievous antics. In the morning, children are delighted to discover that the porridge has been consumed, proof of the julenisser‘s visit.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals are elaborate affairs, showcasing the best of Danish cuisine. On Christmas Eve, a typical dinner consists of roast duck or goose, accompanied by red cabbage and caramelized potatoes. The traditional dessert is risalamande, a light rice pudding with whipped cream and chopped almonds. Hidden within the pudding is a single whole almond, and whoever finds it is rewarded with a special treat, such as chocolate or marzipan.
On Christmas morning, families enjoy æbleskiver, delightful Danish pancake puffs, traditionally served with powdered sugar and jam. Christmas Day lunch typically features an array of cold cuts and various types of fish. As the evening descends, families gather around the Christmas tree, exchange presents, and sing beloved Christmas carols, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Christmas markets blossom throughout Denmark during the winter months, offering a magical atmosphere and a wide array of festive goods. Copenhagen, Aarhus, Fyn, and Ribe boast some of the most enchanting markets. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s renowned theme park, undergoes a complete transformation during the holiday season, becoming a winter wonderland adorned with snow-covered trees, twinkling lights, and a sprawling Christmas market.
To wish someone a "Merry Christmas" in Danish, offer the greeting Glædelig Jul, a phrase that embodies the warmth and joy of the season.
Norway
In Norway, Christmas Eve holds the central place in the holiday celebrations. Many Norwegians attend church services and complete last-minute gift shopping on this special day. At 5 p.m., the church bells ring out, heralding the arrival of Christmas. Most families gather at home for a traditional Christmas Eve dinner, which often includes ribbe (pork ribs) or lutefisk (a cod dish prepared with lye). As a result, many restaurants are closed on Christmas Eve, allowing families to focus on their private celebrations.
Christmas Eve dessert typically consists of gingerbread cookies or risengrynsgrøt, a warm rice pudding, accompanied by gløgg (mulled wine) for the adults. After dinner, the eagerly awaited moment arrives: the opening of Christmas gifts. The joy and excitement of unwrapping presents fill the air, creating cherished memories for all.
Norway, like its Scandinavian neighbors, has its own mischievous Christmas elf, known as the Nisse. This folkloric creature is depicted as a white-bearded spirit of the winter solstice, clad in red attire. Today, the Nisse has been integrated with the figure of Sinterklass, the modern-day Santa Claus. In the past, it was customary to leave a bowl of rice porridge for the Nisse, similar to the cookies traditionally left for Santa Claus today.
Paying homage to their Viking heritage, Norwegians uphold the tradition of the Julebukk, which translates to "Yule Goat." This tradition is symbolized by a goat figurine crafted from straw, created at the beginning of December and often used as a Christmas ornament. The Yule Goat’s origins can be traced back to Thor’s magical goats, which would lead him through the night sky. The Yule Goat was believed to protect the house during Yuletide and served as a good luck charm for the coming new year.
As in other Scandinavian countries, Christmas markets and concerts abound in Norwegian cities during the winter months. One particularly special event is the world’s largest gingerbread town, located in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. Pepperkakebyen, as this delicious town is called, is open to visitors each year from mid-November through the end of December, offering a whimsical and enchanting experience.
To wish someone a "Merry Christmas" in Norwegian, you can say either Gledelig Jul or God Jul, both greetings that convey the warmth and joy of the season.
Finland
Finland shares some Christmas traditions with its neighbor Sweden, such as the celebration of St. Lucia’s Day, but it also boasts many unique holiday customs.
On Christmas Eve, many Finns attend mass and visit a sauna to purify themselves, a tradition deeply rooted in Finnish culture. Many families also visit cemeteries to remember and honor their deceased loved ones.
Christmas dinner is typically served between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The feast often includes oven-baked ham, rutabaga casserole, beetroot salad, and other Scandinavian holiday delicacies. Santa Claus, known as Joulupukki, often visits homes on Christmas Eve to distribute presents to those who have been good throughout the year.
Christmas in Finland extends beyond a single day or two. Finns begin wishing each other Hyvää Joulua, or "Merry Christmas," weeks before Christmas Day and continue to do so for nearly two weeks after the official holiday, reflecting the enduring spirit of the season.
In Helsinki, Aleksanterinkatu is the heart of the city’s holiday festivities. The entire street is adorned with dazzling Christmas lights, and the numerous shops invite visitors to escape the cold and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. The Stockmann department store on Aleksanterinkatu unveils its eagerly awaited holiday window display each year, attracting Finns from across Helsinki and neighboring suburbs.
Iceland
The Icelandic Christmas season is a lengthy affair, spanning 26 days. This extended celebration takes place during the darkest time of the year, when daylight is scarce. However, the darkness provides an opportunity to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights dancing across the sky, particularly in the north of the country.
Iceland boasts a wealth of age-old Christmas traditions, including the arrival of 13 Icelandic Santa Clauses, known as the Jólasveinar. These Santas have a rich history, with each possessing a unique name, character, and role.
The Jólasveinar are the children of Grýla, a fearsome old woman who drags off naughty children and boils them alive, and Leppalúði, her less menacing husband. In modern times, these characters have been softened to be less frightening for children.
From December 12th until Christmas Eve, children in Iceland place shoes in their windows. If they have been well-behaved, one of the Jólasveinar will leave a gift in their shoe. However, naughty children can expect to find a potato instead.
Shops remain open until 11:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and many Icelanders attend midnight mass. The main Christmas celebration, including the exchange of gifts, takes place on Christmas Eve.
To wish someone a "Merry Christmas" in Icelandic, offer the greeting Gleðileg jól, a phrase that embodies the warmth and joy of the season.
For those seeking holiday activities in Iceland, the Christmas market in Hafnarfjörður, located a short drive from Reykjavík, is a popular destination. In addition to shopping for festive goods, the market offers hot food and drinks, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live music, providing a complete and memorable Christmas experience.
Christmas in Scandinavia offers a unique blend of tradition, folklore, and festive cheer. Each country provides its own distinct perspective on the season, creating a tapestry of cultural experiences. Whether you are captivated by the Swedish Lucia celebrations, enchanted by the Danish julenisser, or drawn to the Icelandic Jólasveinar, Christmas in Scandinavia promises a holiday season filled with magic and wonder. Planning a Christmas in Scandinavia trip is worth it for a unique holiday experience.
