Christmas in Norway is filled with traditions, rituals, and customs, many of which are based on old superstitions that continue to this day. During this festive season, people come together, young and old, friends and family, for several weeks of celebrations. It is a time of reflection, care, and togetherness. In ancient times, Christmas was a mid-winter sacrificial feast – a festival of lights marking the transition from the dark winter to the brighter days of spring and summer. Christmas was also a time to celebrate the harvest, fertility, birth, and death.
In the 900s, King Haakon I declared that the pagan custom of drinking Jul (Yule) would be moved to December 25th in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. Over time, the pagan feast was Christianized, though the name Jul remained, and the holiday was dedicated to the celebration of Christ’s birth. Today, Christmas in Norway is a blend of ancient heathen and Christian traditions and is the most cherished celebration of the year for both the church and families.
In the past, barn doors were marked with a cross to ward off evil spirits, and this cross symbol was used as a decoration on bread, butter, or even the ceiling above the Christmas table. Menus varied from region to region, but everywhere the Christmas table was filled with the finest food the household could offer. All those living on the farm—servants, family, and guests—ate Christmas dinner together. Often, the food was left out overnight in case spirits or little people (nisse) visited during the night. It was believed that the nisse could not be forgotten, or ill fortune might befall the farm.
Advent, a time of preparation for the Nativity of Christ, marks the beginning of the church year and consists of the four Sundays before Christmas Day. Early church leaders declared Advent to be a time of fasting, ensuring spiritual readiness for the celebration of Christmas. In the old agrarian society, children were fed little fat during Advent so they would appreciate the rich Christmas meals.
Advent is also a time of preparations. Day-care centers, schools, and families spend time preparing for the Christmas holiday. Around the country, Christmas arts and crafts fairs are held, offering homemade decorations and gifts. These fairs are highly anticipated by those looking for unique, handcrafted items.
Concerts are held in churches and concert halls, and Christmas carols are sung all over Norway. The holiday spirit starts to fill the air as people prepare for Christmas, bringing joy and a festive atmosphere to the entire country. Every Sunday during Advent, candles are lit, and children open a door on their Christmas calendar, counting down the days to Christmas.
Norwegian holiday celebrations are filled with delicious traditional foods that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. These dishes are enjoyed by families throughout Norway during the festive season, often as part of Christmas Eve dinners or Christmas Day feasts. Here are a few authentic Norwegian holiday recipes:
Ribbe is a popular Christmas dish in Norway, consisting of seasoned and slow-roasted pork ribs with crispy crackling. It is traditionally served with potatoes, sausages, and sauerkraut or red cabbage.
Pinnekjøtt is a traditional Norwegian Christmas dish made from salted, dried, and sometimes smoked lamb ribs. It is most commonly enjoyed in the western part of Norway and is served with mashed rutabaga (kålrabistappe).
Kransekake is a traditional Norwegian celebration cake often enjoyed during the holiday season. Made from almond dough and formed into rings, the cake is stacked into a tower and decorated with icing.
Risengrynsgrøt is a traditional Norwegian rice porridge often served on Christmas Eve. It is simple, hearty, and typically served with sugar, cinnamon, and a knob of butter. A single almond is hidden in the porridge, and whoever finds it receives a prize!
These traditional Norwegian holiday recipes offer a taste of Norway’s rich and comforting cuisine. Whether it’s a festive roast pork rib or a sweet almond cake, these dishes make Christmas in Norway a flavorful celebration.