In Denmark, the Christmas season is all about hygge, winter cosiness created through candlelight, Christmas stars, warm interiors, familiar scents, and time spent with loved ones. Much like fika in Sweden or sisu in Finland, hygge has no perfect English equivalent, yet it captures the essence of a Danish winter.
Throughout December, Danish towns transform into glowing scenes of light and tradition: From Copenhagen to Odense, charming Christmas markets invite visitors to browse handmade crafts, sip steaming gløgg, and enjoy festive treats. Christmas (jul in Danish) is celebrated on December 24 — Christmas Eve, when families gather for an elaborate evening meal followed by the exchange of presents, often stretching late into the night dancing around the Christmas tree, hand in hand, singing carols together.
The Christmas tree is decorated with real candles, a hallmark of true Christmas hygge. Many households also burn an advent candle, letting it melt down one day at a time throughout December. In Denmark, Father Christmas is known as Julemanden (“The Christmas Man”) and is accompanied by mischievous helpers called nisse, elf-like creatures from Nordic folklore.
The traditional Christmas dinner is a feast of roast duck or pork with caramelised potatoes, red cabbage, and rich gravy. Dessert is the beloved Risalamande, a creamy rice pudding with cherry sauce — and one hidden almond. Whoever finds the almond wins a small prize or an extra gift. Other Danish Christmas favourites include æbleskiver (light, round doughnuts dusted with icing sugar), Christmas beer, candied almonds, and steaming mugs of gløgg. Finally, on December 13, Denmark celebrates Santa Lucia Day: A procession of girls dressed in white, led by one wearing a crown of candles, walks through schools and churches singing traditional Lucia songs.
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The gifts suggested in this article are linked to Nordicnest.com, an online store specialised in Scandinavian and Nordic furniture and design. When you buy through these links, a small percentage of the price helps us keeping All Things Nordic free for all users
