Christmas Traditions in Denmark Christmas is celebrated all around the world. Each country has different customs and traditions. Learn about the Christmas traditions in Denmark. Different countries celebrate in their own way including different dates, food, drinks which lead to a variety of diverse Christmas traditions around the World! This article features popular Danish Christmas traditions detailing the celebrations, gift giving, Santa Claus and other customs followed in Denmark. We have even included some useful facts and information about the country, the flag and even the language!
Flag of Denmark
Christmas Traditions in Denmark A tradition is a specific practice of long standing in which unwritten customs and practices are passed from one generation to the next. Traditions and customs form part of a country's culture and heritage. The following information provides some fast, interesting facts about customs and Christmas traditions in Denmark:
December 23 is Little Christmas Eve - Lille Juleaften - when the tree is traditionally decorated with colored glass balls and lots of little red men called 'nisser' who are Santa's helpers. Homemade hearts containing raisins and nuts are also added
December 24 is referred to as Juleaften (meaning "Yule Eve").
In Denmark, Santa Claus is known as Julemanden (meaning "the Yule Man") and is said to arrive in a sleigh drawn by reindeer, with presents for the children. His helpers are elves known as julenisser (or nisser). Children leave out milk, rice pudding or other treats for the nisser on Christmas Eve
Danish Christmas traditions and customs
Christmas Traditions in Denmark - The Food! What do people eat in other countries at this special time of the year? Festive feasts and recipes are traditional for special occasions including family dinners and meals. Interesting facts about the special food eaten as part of the customs and Christmas traditions in Denmark:
On Little Christmas Eve a dish called risengrod is traditionally served as an offering to the Nisse or Tomte, a beneficent but touchy household spirit. Risengrod is a rice pudding flavored with cinnamon
The traditional Christmas dinner in Norway is roast pork with crackling called floeskesteg which is served with stewed red cabbage and small boiled potatoes fried in butter and sugar
Dessert might include 'ris a l'amande' which is a rice pudding mixed with chopped almonds, vanilla and cream. When this dessert served with the traditional Danish Christmas dinner, one whole almond is placed in the pudding and whoever gets the whole almond is given an extra gift
Glogg is a traditional Christmas drink made of hot wine boiled with raisins, nuts and spices
Danish Christmas Vocabulary How do you say Merry Christmas in Denmark? If you have friends or family who live, or have ties with, a different country it is a nice gesture to add a seasons greetings in the language of the country. A practical addition to learning about Christmas traditions in Denmark:
How do you say Merry Christmas in Danish? "Glaedelig Jul!"
What is the name for Santa Claus? Julemanden
Facts and Information about Denmark Learn a little about the country of Denmark, as well as its Christmas traditions! The following information provides some fast, interesting facts about Denmark:
Location: Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea & the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes two major islands (Sjaelland and Fyn)
Danish Land Size : 42,394 sq km
Danish Climate / Weather : temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers
Danish Capital City: Copenhagen
Danish Currency : Danish krone (DKK)
Facts and Information about the Danish Flag Facts and info about the flag of Denmark:
The flag of Denmark is described as a white Scandinavian Cross on a red background
The history of the Danish flag: The history of the Danish flag are unknown but it is likely that they derive from the Danish coats of arms used during the Crusades. Another possible explanation of the origins and meaning of the Danish Flag is that it it based on the coat of arms of Lubeck which was red with a white cross
Christmas Traditions in Denmark This article provides an overview of the country and the different Christmas traditions in Denmark. Lots of free, facts and information for kids, children and teachers! Popular Danish Christmas traditions detailing the celebrations, gift giving, Santa Claus and other customs followed in Denmark.
Christmas Traditions in Denmark
Christmas Traditions in Denmark
Danish Christmas traditions and customs
Festive greetings in Danish
Interesting Facts and Info about Denmark - including the Flag of Denmark
Read about Christmas Traditions around the World
Christmas Traditions around the world
For teachers, kids and children
Free, useful facts and interesting information
Christmas Traditions in Denmark
Christmas Traditions in Denmark
"Merry Christmas, have a happy and prosperous New Year!"