Explore the Charm of Norwegian Christmas Traditions
Celebrating Christmas, or Jul, in Norway is anything but ordinary! It’s a season-long affair filled with preparations, festive lights, cherished traditions, and joyful events.
Did you know many Norwegians religiously watch the same 1960s sketch every year? Or that most families wait until December 23rd to decorate their tree? There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to Norwegian Christmas traditions, so lets take a journey through some of the most important traditions that shape the holiday season. Dive into the quirks and customs that make a Norwegian Christmas truly one-of-a-kind!
Lighting up the dark
In Norway, the weeks leading up to Christmas are called førjulstid, or the "pre-christmas-season". It’s a time when the streets come alive with people and festive energy. Christmas trees are lit, decorations are strung across town squares. And as the darkest day of the year approaches, the glow of twinkling lights transform the streets, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
But førjulstid isn’t just about pretty lights. It’s about the anticipation of Christmas, and nowhere is this spirit more evident than in the beloved Christmas markets.
Photo by Fredrik Ahlsen | VisitNorway
Christmas markets
At the heart of førjulstiden you find the Christmas markets. Overflowing with local crafts, handmade gifts, and tasty treats, these markets are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
The biggest and most vibrant markets can be found in cities like Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. But don’t overlook smaller gems like the markets in Lillehammer and Røros. These towns have their own magical charm and maybe more important, a better chance of snow for that ultimate Christmas feeling.
Photo by Thomas Skaug | VisitNorway
The big "pre-christmas party"
If you’re invited to a julebord, you’ve hit the jackpot of Scandinavian Christmas traditions. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, friends, colleagues, and various organizations gather for this festive event, which feature traditional Christmas dishes, plenty of drinks, and an abundance of good cheer.
Norwegians may have a reputation for being a bit reserved and proper, but if there’s one time they let loose, it’s at the julebord. For many, this is the ultimate chance to blow off steam and celebrate the year gone by in true festive style.
While variations of the julebord exist across Scandinavia, the Norwegian version has established itself as a beloved tradition. And many people often consider it a highlight of the førjulstid.
Photo by Didrick Stenersen | VisitOslo
Counting down the days – Norwegian style
Advent calendars might not be unique to Norway, but the Nordic countries takes this tradition to a new level. Here it extends to television. The Norwegian julekalender is a cherished tradition dating back to the 1950s, and has become a beloved part of the holiday season. Every day in December, a new episode of a holiday-themed series airs, creating a shared moment that families, friends, and even co-workers can gather around to enjoy.
Over the years, countless julekalendere have been produced, sparking endless debates about which ones are the best. While these calendars are primarily created for children, they’ve also grown in popularity among adults. Some of the most popular ones are TheJulekalender (1994), Jul i Blåfjell (1999), and Snøfall (2016).
Photo by CH | VisitNorway
Photo by Thomas Andersen | VisitFredrikstadPhoto by Robin Strand | VisitBergenPhoto by Thomas Andersen | VisitFredrikstadPhoto by Fredrik Ahlsen | VisitNorway
"Little" Christmas Eve
In Norway, Lillejulaften, or little Christmas Eve, is almost as packed with traditions as Christmas Eve itself. December 23rd is often spent putting the final touches on Christmas preparations, and for many families, this is the day the Christmas tree is finally decorated. A surprisingly late tradition for those used to earlier tree-decorating.
One of the most beloved traditions on this evening is watching Grevinnen og Hovmesteren (Dinner for One), a German TV sketch from 1963. While most of Europe watches it on New Year’s Eve, Norwegians have made it a Little Christmas Eve tradition. In fact, it’s so beloved that when it was aired 15 minutes early in 1992, the public outcry was so intense that the broadcaster had to re-air it to calm the storm.
Watching this quirky, timeless sketch has become an essential part of the Norwegian Christmas experience, with seven out of ten Norwegians insisting it’s a must-watch to get into the holiday spirit!
Photo by Maverix Media | VisitNorway
Christmas Eve
These days, most Norwegians have wrapped up the chores well before Christmas Eve, or julaften. The hours leading up to the evening are therefore often spent doing other things like attending church services, enjoying time with family, or simply relaxing. A special part of this day is the performance of the boys' choir Sølvguttene. They have been singing Christmas carols on national television every Christmas Eve since 1966. For many, their music embodies the feeling of "ringing in" the holiday.
Unlike in many other countries, Norwegians don’t wait until Christmas morning to open their presents. Gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve, but not until after dinner, and maybe a few family rituals. For some, this means joining hands, singing Christmas carols, and walking in a circle around the Christmas tree. Yes, you read that right. It’s charming, a little quirky, and undeniably festive.
The evening is typically spent with family and close friends gathered around the dinner table, enjoying a festive meal. What’s served for Christmas dinner varies greatly depending on geography and family traditions.
In Eastern and Central Norway, ribbe, pork ribs with crispy crackling, takes center stage as the traditional favorite. Over on the west coast, pinnekjøtt, a dish of salted and dried lamb ribs, is the star of the show. In the north, lutefisk, a lye-treated fish, divides opinions as a love-it-or-hate-it delicacy, while along the southern coast, juletorsk, or Christmas cod, is the dish of choice. Meanwhile, turkey has become a more modern tradition, especially in urban areas.
And then there’s the wildcard. Some Norwegians enjoy a slice of modern humor by serving Grandiosa, Norway’s famous frozen pizza, for Christmas dinner. In short, Norwegian holiday cuisine is as diverse as its landscape.
Pinnekjøtt, photo by Fredrik Ahlsen | VisitNorwayLutefisk, photo by Fredrik Ahlsen | VisitNorwayRibbe, photo by Fredrik Ahlsen | VisitNorway
Even though Norway is a small country, there’s no single way to celebrate Christmas. What we’ve shared here are traditions many Norwegians follow, but the reality is as diverse as the people themselves. Some skip the carols and tree altogether. Others blend Norwegian customs with traditions from other cultures. And there are plenty of Norwegians who don’t celebrate Christmas at all.
Because It’s not just about the traditions, but the way people come together to create a season that feels warm and heartfelt. The glowing lights, the anticipation of julekalendere, and the cozy gatherings on Christmas Eve all weave into a holiday full of joy and connection.
So, if you’re looking for a holiday experience filled with tradition, joy, and just the right amount of quirky magic, Norway might be the perfect place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
