Traditional Christmas meals in Norway:
The Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve is the main Christmas meal, usually served between 5 and 8pm. The meal traditions vary according to the geography of Norway, although the traditions are spreading throughout the country.
In the eastern parts of Norway and mid-Norway they normally eat crisp ribs of pork (called “ribbe” in Norwegian) as the main course.
In the western parts of Norway they prefer dried ribs of mutton (called “pinnekjott”), with potatoes and mashed kohlrabi (German turnip).
In northern Norway they eat “pinnekjott” as well, while some stick to the old tradition with Arctic cod.
On December 25 a large Christmas breakfast or brunch buffet (late) is quite common, and for the rest of the Christmas Holiday the Norwegians normally gather with family and friends for coffee and typical Norwegian Christmas cakes and cookies.