Christmas is coming...

Are you ready for a Danish Christmas?

Photographs: Pexels / Private

Text: Natália Šepitková

Christmas is the favourite hygge time for Danes, which is why they care a lot about preparation.

The Christmas spirit in Denmark begins right after Halloween. By November, the atmosphere quickly transforms into one of festive cheer. J-Day, a cherished Danish tradition, is a significant event that marks the start of the Christmas season. Christmas beer, known as juleøl (which gives J-Day its name), is officially released on this day. Bars throughout Denmark celebrate with lively parties, and many cities light up their Christmas decorations.

Another significant event is the opening of the Christmas markets, typically throughout Denmark, in mid-November. Like in many countries, Christmas markets create a wonderful festive atmosphere, filled with the aroma of julepølser, waffles, æbleskiver, and gløgg or punch, accompanied by Christmas carols and twinkling lights. Additionally, these markets provide an excellent opportunity to gather with family, friends, or colleagues.

Countdown to Christmas

Danish Advent is rich in tradition and involves various preparations for Christmas. Danes celebrate the arrival of Christmas by gradually lighting candles on Advent wreaths, opening Advent calendars, and unwrapping small gifts each day. One of my favourite customs is lighting a calendar candle with 24 segments – only one is burned daily. Candles are essential for creating a hygge atmosphere, so preparing many of them for Christmas in Denmark is essential.

The Danes begin decorating for Christmas relatively early in their homes. I must admit that this year, we also adopted the Danish tradition, and our Christmas tree has been shining since the beginning of November. A typical Danish Christmas decoration is red and white paper ornaments shaped like hearts, probably inspired by Hans Christian Andersen. Nutcrackers, Nisse, and an elf are essential elements in Danish homes. Paper stars hanging in windows are also popular, often featuring lights inside.

In the lead-up to Christmas, Danes enjoy festive gatherings known as Julefrokost, celebrated with family, friends, and colleagues. At these parties, a traditional Danish dish called smørrebrød is commonly served. This consists of a slice of rye bread topped with various ingredients. Popular toppings include shrimp, smoked salmon, cheese, meat products, and vegetables. Additionally, salted, marinated, or smoked herring and æbleflæsk (pork belly cooked in apple sauce) are often found on the tables. For dessert, attendees can enjoy æbleskiver, apple doughnuts shaped like small balls, typically served with powdered sugar and jam. Of course, no Julefrokost would be complete without Christmas beer.

"Danish Christmas traditions often focus on values beyond the gifts under the tree."

Danish customs

Danish pre-Christmas traditions include children's processions in white robes and holding candles in their hands on the feast of St. Lucia. These parades are often organised in schools and social service homes to bring light and joy during the darkest month of the year, as Danes experience only a few hours of daylight in December. The custom was adopted from Sweden on St. Lucia's Day and has been practised in Denmark since 1944. On this day, the Danes also bake Luciabrød, which are S-shaped leavened buns decorated with raisins.

Although Danes often say with a smile that their Christmas celebrations last a whole month, the main event occurs on the 24th of December. The entire family gathers to sit at the Christmas table. They come together to enjoy good food, pleasant conversations, the warm glow of candlelight, and the overall cosiness of the holiday season. Except for the main courses, dinner includes a traditional dish called Risalamande, a rice pudding. The person who finds a whole almond in their portion receives an extra gift. After the Christmas dinner, the central part of the evening's festivities begins.

Many Danish families celebrate around a Christmas tree, typically a real tree, as Denmark is one of Europe's largest suppliers of Christmas trees. Around the tree, families often set up a flashlight train that plays the famous song "Jingle Bells." In Denmark, Julemanden (literally "Christmas Man") brings presents to children, assisted by the mischievous elf Nisse. Usually, a family member dresses up in costume to hand out the gifts. However, this is preceded by a cherished tradition: the family holds hands, dances around the tree, and sings Christmas carols.

Danish Christmas traditions often focus on values beyond the gifts under the tree. The Danes tend not to emphasise the quantity or originality of presents. For most Danish families, gifts hold symbolic meaning. Typical gifts include slippers, Christmas socks, pyjamas, cosmetic sets, or a Christmas lottery. While children receive some toys, parents typically stay moderate with the number of gifts. This approach teaches children that the true essence of Christmas lies in different values. If you want to experience a traditional Danish Christmas, rely on hygge, family well-being, home-cooked food and remember to wear Christmas socks (jule hyggesokker) and pyjamas (julenattøj). Glædelig jul!