Halloween has steadily grown in popularity in Norway over the last few decades, following a trend similar to many other European countries influenced by American culture. Norwegian kids first learned about Halloween by reading Donald Duck & Co., the country’s most popular comic books, thanks to the ‘jack-o-lanterns’ carved by Donald’s nephews and their practice of Trick-or-Treat. Before the late ‘90s, Halloween was virtually unknown in Norway, so much so that when the cartoon classic “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” was translated into Norwegian, the Great Pumpkin became the ‘Old Man of Olsok’! While the holiday is not a part of traditional Norwegian customs, it has been embraced, especially by children, families, and businesses, adding a spooky yet fun element to the dark, cold nights of late autumn. Halloween celebrations in Norway began gaining momentum in the 1990s and early 2000s, largely due to American television shows, movies, and the global spread of the holiday through popular culture. October 31st is now widely recognized as Halloween, though it doesn’t hold the same deep-rooted cultural significance as in countries like the United States or Ireland.
In Norwegian cities and towns, Halloween has become an event that children particularly enjoy. Many kids dress up in costumes, often as witches, ghosts, vampires, or popular fictional characters, and go trick-or-treating. They visit homes in their neighborhood, chanting “knask eller knep” (the Norwegian version of “trick or treat”), in hopes of receiving candy or small treats. Although trick-or-treating is primarily an urban phenomenon, it is now also found in smaller towns and rural areas. Halloween is not just for children in Norway; adults are increasingly embracing the holiday too. In larger cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, Halloween parties and events are common. These often involve elaborate costumes, themed music, and decorations. Nightclubs and bars host Halloween-themed nights where attendees can show off their creative or spooky costumes. It’s an opportunity for young adults to socialize and celebrate in a fun and festive atmosphere. As Halloween’s popularity has grown, Norwegian businesses have embraced the holiday. Stores start selling costumes, masks, decorations, and candy in early October. Pumpkin carving, although not traditionally Norwegian, has also become more common, with pumpkins now easily available in most supermarkets. People decorate their homes with jack-o’-lanterns, cobwebs, and spooky figures, bringing an element of Halloween’s visual appeal to Norwegian neighbourhoods.
While Halloween is a newer tradition in Norway, it has not replaced or overshadowed the country’s existing celebrations. In fact, it coexists alongside traditional Norwegian holidays such as Julebukk, a Christmas season tradition where children also dress up and go door-to-door singing carols in exchange for treats. Unlike Halloween, which is spooky in nature, Julebukk is rooted in Christmas and New Year’s traditions. Additionally, All Saints’ Day (Allehelgensdag) is celebrated in Norway, typically on the first Sunday in November. This day is a more somber occasion, where people visit cemeteries to light candles and honor their deceased loved ones. Some Norwegians feel that Halloween, with its focus on fun and festivities, contrasts with the solemnity of All Saints’ Day, but both holidays are respected in their own right. Halloween in Norway has evolved into a fun, modern celebration, largely shaped by American influences. Children eagerly participate in trick-or-treating, while adults enjoy costume parties and themed events. Although it’s a relatively new addition to Norwegian culture, Halloween has become an anticipated event that brightens the long, dark nights of late autumn. While it may not have the deep cultural roots found in other traditions, it offers Norwegians of all ages an opportunity to celebrate, be creative, and have fun.
