Articles
Christmas in Denmark
Visiting
Denmark this winter? Find the traditions and the best places to
celebrate Christmas in this fairy tale country.
Christmas is the year's best time of celebration for the Danes. It is also the time to appreciate hygge, their concept of family, comfort and cosiness. The sumptuous home-made Danish cookies and cakes, decorations and paper pixies are a part of the Danish Christmas.
Norse Christmas was celebrated in the month of January. It was the southern festival, honouring Sol Invictus, the invincible Sun God, that fell on Dec. 25th. The first Christian Norwegian king, Hakon the Good, ordered his countrymen to celebrate Christmas at the same time as the rest of the Christians. King Harald Blatand Gormsen of Denmark introduced Christianity thousand years ago but the Danes still prefer to call Christmas Jul, Yule or Geol as opposed to Kristmesse (Christ's Mass). The Danes believe Greenland is the home of Santa Claus (Julemanden); Greenland is connected to the North Pole via ice.
Traditions
The Danish Christmas starts with the Advert Wreath, which has four candles, each to be lighted on the four Sundays before Christmas Eve. The wreaths are made of fine spruce twigs and cuttings and decorated with red berries and spruce cones. Advent Calendars are given to the kids with 24 little presents for each day up to Christmas. The Christmas Candle is yet another traditional item with 24 markings on the candle. The candle is lit every day and the children blow out the candle before it burns up into the next day. The adults have a lot of fun too--there are special darker and stronger beers from the breweries Carlsberg and Tuborg during the season.
Lucia Night is celebrated on 13 December in remembrance of the Saint of Light, Lucia. The customary family baking starts soon after with each and everyone contributing in a way. The Christmas tree is decorated elaborately with toys, trinkets and glossy papers; the top is adorned with a shimmering star. The tree is then wrapped with electric serial bulbs. Norwegian spruce is the traditionally used tree but Normann spruce is widely used today for its ability to withstand room temperature.
Lile Juleaften, the day before Christmas Eve is the busiest with last minute shopping and straightening. According to the traditional belief, animals can talk on Christmas Day, so the kids usually find some special treats for the birds and animals. Come the day of Juleaften (Christmas Eve), Danish homes take the stage of pleasant sights and smells--cookies, meats and desserts decorate the tables. Roasted duck filled with apples and prunes are served with potatoes, beans, cabbages and jams. The holiday delicacies are: the ubiquitous aebleskiver, a round shaped sweetish snack, risengrød, a rice and milk pudding, meat balls, ginger cookies, vanilla biscuits, deep fried crullers and hvidtøl, a household beer. The rice pudding, Ris A L'Amande, is made of rice, almonds and has one full almond. The person finding the full almond is a winner of small presents. Julenisse, the naughty elf is a helper and a friend of the farmers. If he goes unsatisfied, he will play pranks on the family. Usually, the rice puddings are left for him to keep his pranks on check. Kravlenisser or the climbing elves are hung in the homes in his fond memory. The families attend Christmas mass and enjoy the organs and carols. After the meticulously planned dinner, they have a light dance and finally wash up with gløgg (mulled wine). Christmas Day is spent relaxed, visiting the near and dear ones.
Copenhagen - The City comes alive with lights, trees and decorations at every square and corner. From the free town Christiana to the vibrant Nyhavn, there are many Christmas markets with a range of toys, decoration, wreaths, wollens, etc. One can experience a Russian Christmas at the Tivoli Gardens. The modelled Russian City, spreading across 2,000 sq.m with landscapes and railway, is complete with St. Basil's Cathedral. Outdoor skating, concerts, plays and exhibitions are held all over the city. There are other places to celebrate like the zoo and National Museum.
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| Christmas Market, Copenhagen |
Christmas is the year's best time of celebration for the Danes. It is also the time to appreciate hygge, their concept of family, comfort and cosiness. The sumptuous home-made Danish cookies and cakes, decorations and paper pixies are a part of the Danish Christmas.
History
Norse Christmas was celebrated in the month of January. It was the southern festival, honouring Sol Invictus, the invincible Sun God, that fell on Dec. 25th. The first Christian Norwegian king, Hakon the Good, ordered his countrymen to celebrate Christmas at the same time as the rest of the Christians. King Harald Blatand Gormsen of Denmark introduced Christianity thousand years ago but the Danes still prefer to call Christmas Jul, Yule or Geol as opposed to Kristmesse (Christ's Mass). The Danes believe Greenland is the home of Santa Claus (Julemanden); Greenland is connected to the North Pole via ice.
Traditions
The Danish Christmas starts with the Advert Wreath, which has four candles, each to be lighted on the four Sundays before Christmas Eve. The wreaths are made of fine spruce twigs and cuttings and decorated with red berries and spruce cones. Advent Calendars are given to the kids with 24 little presents for each day up to Christmas. The Christmas Candle is yet another traditional item with 24 markings on the candle. The candle is lit every day and the children blow out the candle before it burns up into the next day. The adults have a lot of fun too--there are special darker and stronger beers from the breweries Carlsberg and Tuborg during the season.
Lucia Night is celebrated on 13 December in remembrance of the Saint of Light, Lucia. The customary family baking starts soon after with each and everyone contributing in a way. The Christmas tree is decorated elaborately with toys, trinkets and glossy papers; the top is adorned with a shimmering star. The tree is then wrapped with electric serial bulbs. Norwegian spruce is the traditionally used tree but Normann spruce is widely used today for its ability to withstand room temperature.
Lile Juleaften, the day before Christmas Eve is the busiest with last minute shopping and straightening. According to the traditional belief, animals can talk on Christmas Day, so the kids usually find some special treats for the birds and animals. Come the day of Juleaften (Christmas Eve), Danish homes take the stage of pleasant sights and smells--cookies, meats and desserts decorate the tables. Roasted duck filled with apples and prunes are served with potatoes, beans, cabbages and jams. The holiday delicacies are: the ubiquitous aebleskiver, a round shaped sweetish snack, risengrød, a rice and milk pudding, meat balls, ginger cookies, vanilla biscuits, deep fried crullers and hvidtøl, a household beer. The rice pudding, Ris A L'Amande, is made of rice, almonds and has one full almond. The person finding the full almond is a winner of small presents. Julenisse, the naughty elf is a helper and a friend of the farmers. If he goes unsatisfied, he will play pranks on the family. Usually, the rice puddings are left for him to keep his pranks on check. Kravlenisser or the climbing elves are hung in the homes in his fond memory. The families attend Christmas mass and enjoy the organs and carols. After the meticulously planned dinner, they have a light dance and finally wash up with gløgg (mulled wine). Christmas Day is spent relaxed, visiting the near and dear ones.
Where
to Celebrate
Copenhagen - The City comes alive with lights, trees and decorations at every square and corner. From the free town Christiana to the vibrant Nyhavn, there are many Christmas markets with a range of toys, decoration, wreaths, wollens, etc. One can experience a Russian Christmas at the Tivoli Gardens. The modelled Russian City, spreading across 2,000 sq.m with landscapes and railway, is complete with St. Basil's Cathedral. Outdoor skating, concerts, plays and exhibitions are held all over the city. There are other places to celebrate like the zoo and National Museum.
Other Cities
- Every City and town in Denmark has something unique for the
Christmas season. Celebrate Christmas under the stars in Aarhus;
Relive the18th century Christmas at the Funen Village of Odense;
Indulge in a royal Christmas at the Nyborg castle; Catch the
Christmas Train in Aalborg; Visit the Papirmuseets By of
Sønderborg for paper decorations ; Enjoy the 'good old days'
Christmas in Ribe; Go troll-hunting in the iron-age farmhouses of
Tønder; Have a sustainable Christmas in Faxe and a breath of fresh
Christmas air in Bornholm.
Join the festive spirit of Denmark and enjoy Christmas the Danish way--MerryChristmas--Glaedelig Jul!
Join the festive spirit of Denmark and enjoy Christmas the Danish way--MerryChristmas--Glaedelig Jul!
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