Created 4 December 2024
Christmas traditions in Denmark
Take a look at our guide to those unfamiliar with Christmas traditions in Denmark
The holidays are upon us and Christmas in Denmark is a magical time filled with traditions and lots of “hygge.”
It’s the perfect opportunity to dive into Danish culture and experience the joy of the holiday season. From festive markets to candle-lit dinners, Danish Christmas is all about creating cozy moments and celebrating togetherness. Whether it’s tasting “æbleskiver” for the first time, learning about “julefrokost,” or joining in the fun of “julekalender” traditions, there’s so much to explore and enjoy.
Let us guide you through some of the most cherished Christmas traditions in Denmark and how you can celebrate the season here in Kolding.
Festive Activities Leading Up to Christmas Eve
In the weeks leading up to Christmas Eve, Danes embrace a variety of activities that make the wait for the big day even more enjoyable.
Christmas Lunch (Julefrokost)
One beloved tradition is the classic "julefrokost", or Christmas lunch. These festive gatherings are often hosted by workplaces, schools, or groups of friends, featuring an evening with Danish delicacies and schnapps — all accompanied by merry toasts and lively conversation.
Calender Candle (Kalenderlys) and Advent Calender (Julekalender)
For a more intimate and cozy tradition, many households light a calendar candle (kalenderlys) each day in December. The candle is marked with 24 lines, symbolizing the countdown to Christmas Eve.
Some households accompany the calender candle with an advent calender (julekalender). These calendars consist of 24 doors and are traditionally filled with chocolate, toys, or even beauty products. Some families create their own calendars, adding personalized surprises like small gifts or heartfelt notes.
Package game (Pakkeleg)
Another highlight is "pakkeleg", a lively gift exchange game. Participants bring small, wrapped gifts and take turns rolling dice to claim or "steal" presents from others. The game is filled with laughter, friendly competition, and surprises as no one knows which gifts they’ll end up with by the end of the game.
TV Shows (Julekalender)
Denmark’s TV shows have a unique tradition that has captivated audiences since the 1960s. The TV show is based on a Christmas story that run daily from the 1st of December to Christmas Eve. It's often about humor, adventure, and heartfelt stories with holiday spirit.
Classic examples include "Jul i Valhal", a story of modern kids and Norse gods, and "The Julekalender", a comedic cult favorite combining Danish and English phrases. Many shows also incorporate musical elements, with catchy songs that become holiday staples.
Christmas Events in Kolding
Light Choir
When: Thursday December 5th
Where: Kolding Library
Price: Free
Kolding Light Festival
When: Thursday 5th - Saturday 7th of December
Where: Multiple locations in Kolding
Price: Free
Julebazar
When: Friday 6th - Saturday 7th of December
Where: Kolding School of Design
Pricee: 20 DKK entry
Christmas Market
When: Friday 6th - Sunday 8th of December
Where: Koldinghus
Price: 70 DKK entry
Christmas Market
When: Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th of December
Where: Landbomuseet Kolding, Harte
Price: Free entry
Christmas decorations - Hand & spirit STUDIO re-workshop
When: Thursday December 12th
Where: Nicolai - Bygning 5
Price: Free
Advent
Advent is a Christian tradition marking the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival," symbolizing the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. Historically, it is a time of reflection, preparation, and celebration.
In Denmark, Advent has evolved into a broader cultural tradition, celebrated by lighting candles on an Advent wreath and sharing small gifts.
Advent Wreath (Adventskrans)
A Danish Advent typically begins with the adventskrans, a wreath made of branches, decorated with four candles, ribbons, and ornaments. Each Sunday in December, a candle is lit while families gather for cozy moments with warm drinks, cookies, and conversation. This year, the advent is on the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd of December.
Advent Gifts (Adventsgaver)
Some houndsholds give advent gifts (adventsgaver) every Sunday. This tradition is especially popular in families with younger children, adding an extra layer of excitement to the weekly Advent rituals.
Christmas eve
Unlike many countries, the Danes open their presents on Christmas Eve on the 24th of December. Christmas Eve is viewed as the centerpiece of season, where the family gatheres for delicous food, fun family traditions and presents.
The evening typically begins with a festive dinner, featuring classic Danish dishes such as roast duck, pork, or goose, served with caramelized potatoes, rich gravy, red cabbage, and some households even have crispy potato chips on the side.
A highlight of the meal is the traditional dessert, “risalamande,” a creamy rice pudding with chopped almonds and cherry sauce. Hidden in the pudding is a single whole almond, and the lucky finder wins the “mandelgave,” a small gift that adds a playful twist to the evening.
After dinner, some households gather around the christmas tree, sing carols, and dance hand-in-hand around it.
Whether it’s the cozy family atmosphere, the mouthwatering food, or the excitement of traditions like the “mandelgave,” Christmas Eve in Denmark offers a uniquely warm and festive experience.
Public holidays during Christmas in Denmark
In Denmark, Christmas and New Year are marked by several public holidays. December 25th (Christmas Day) and December 26th (Second Christmas Day) are official holidays, where most businesses, including shops, remain closed.
Similarly, many shops and businesses close early on December 31st (New Year’s Eve) and remain closed on January 1st (New Year’s Day).
It’s a good idea to plan ahead for shopping and errands, as these closures can limit access to stores. However, some restaurants and entertainment venues remain open, offering ways to celebrate the season.