Celebrating Christmas in Norway

In Norway, Christmas is called Jul—a word with roots in the old Nordic festival around the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year from sunrise to sunset).

Today, Christmas in Norway is celebrated on the 24th of December according to more modern Christian traditions, when friends and families gather for a festive dinner and open presents.

Throughout the Christmas season, Norwegians also mark Advent, Lucia Day, and the tradition of julebord (Christmas parties).

During the same period, Norwegians also celebrate New Year’s Eve on 31 December with fireworks and gatherings, and many mark the Christian holiday of Epiphany (Helligtrekongersdag) on 6 January, which traditionally ends the Christmas season.

Norwegian Christmas-time traditions

Traditional food: julemat

Food is central to the celebration, and many families prepare the same dishes year after year. Two of the most common Christmas Eve dinners are:

• Ribbe (pork belly), especially popular in Oslo and eastern Norway.

• Pinnekjøtt (dried, salted lamb ribs), traditional in western and northern regions.

Other Christmas-time favorites include:

• Christmas baking – many families bake “seven types” of cookies.

• Pepperkaker – gingerbread cookies shaped into houses, hearts, or stars.

• Gløgg – a warm spiced drink, often served with almonds and raisins.

Santa Claus (Julenissen) and Christmas presents

After Christmas dinner on 24 December, children wait eagerly for Julenissen—the Norwegian version of Santa Claus—to knock on the door with gifts.

Julenissen is a mix of modern Santa Claus traditions and older folklore about the "nisse," a small gnome-like figure believed to live on farms. In many families, Julenissen is played by a relative or neighbor wearing a red hat and costume, while in others he is more like the global Santa Claus.

Unlike in some countries where presents are left under the tree overnight, in Norway gifts are usually handed out in person on Christmas Eve. Presents are opened one by one, with the whole family gathered to watch.

Advent and Christmas calendars

The four Sundays before Christmas mark Advent, with candles, calendars, and seasonal decorations. Advent calendars are extremely popular in Norway and come in many forms:

• TV advent calendars – daily series broadcast from 1–24 December, with a new episode each day.

• Gift or chocolate calendars – calendars filled with small chocolates, tea bags, or scratch-off lottery tickets.

• Community calendars – for example, Oslo's Torshov neighborhood hosts a unique "calendar," one window in the community “opens” each day with a performance such as music or poetry.

It is common to give friends or family an advent calendar as a seasonal gift.

Christmas markets

Oslo’s Christmas markets are traditionally held during the Advent season, leading up to Christmas. You can find an overview of Oslo’s Christmas markets, festive shops, beautifully decorated streets, and other seasonal highlights on Visitoslo.no

Candles, singing, and saffron buns on Lucia Day (13 December)

On Lucia Day, kindergartens and schools hold small processions where children sing songs and carry candles dressed in simple white clothes. Parents are often invited to join, and everyone enjoys lussekatter—saffron buns shaped like an “S” and decorated with raisins.

The Norwegian Christmas party: julebord

Julebord literally means “Christmas table” and refers to festive gatherings during December. Workplaces typically arrange a julebord for colleagues, which may be a formal dinner, a big party, or something in between.

Friends also organize julebord dinners at home or in restaurants. For internationals, attending a julebord is a great way to take part in Norwegian holiday traditions.

Christmas TV shows and movies

Television shows and films are a part of many families' traditions. Popular options include:

• Three Wishes for Cinderella (Tre nøtter til Askepott) – a 1973 Czechoslovakian fairy tale film, dubbed in Norwegian, shown every Christmas Eve morning on NRK.

• The Nutcracker – performed at the Norwegian Opera and Ballet and available for viewing on NRK.

• Snøfall – a beloved NRK advent series for children (latest edition from 2022).

• Hjem til Jul (Home for Christmas) – a modern Norwegian Christmas series on Netflix.

In the morning on Christmas Eve, children often watch cartoons and Christmas movies.

Opening hours and logistics

Shops and restaurants have reduced opening hours during the Christmas season. Plan ahead, especially for grocery shopping:

• Sundays in December – many shopping centres are open 14:00–19:00.

• 24 December and 31 December – shorter opening hours, usually until early afternoon.

• 25 and 26 December – public holidays; most shops and restaurants are closed.

Always check the opening hours of your local stores, restaurants, and services before making plans.

Emergency numbers

If you are in need of urgent help, you can contact emergency services.

Keep in mind that the Christmas holidays can be though, especially if you are away from close friends and family. Reach out if you are in need of any help or support.

A holiday season for everyone

Christmas time in Norway is a mix of ancient traditions and modern celebrations. From festive dinners and advent calendars to Lucia songs and julebord, the season is rich with rituals that bring people together.

For internationals, it’s a chance to experience Norwegian culture at its warmest—whether you watch Tre nøtter til Askepott, enjoy gingerbread and gløgg, or welcome Julenissen knocking on the door.

While Christmas is the dominant holiday in Norway at this time of year, many internationals and minority communities also observe other traditions such as Hanukkah and Ramadan or Eid (when they fall in winter months). Larger cities like Oslo often host interfaith or multicultural events that bring different holiday traditions together.