Christmas and New Years in Scandinavia

Are you dreaming of a fairytale winter with snow, light, a cozy fireplace, and heartwarming traditions? Consider taking a trip to Scandinavia during the festive seasons of Christmas and New Year. Whether you want a homey holiday getaway or an exciting jolly jubilee, the Nordic countries have something magical to offer everyone, adults, and children.

Scandinavian Christmas celebrations begin well in advance, with the first Advent celebrated in late November. Towns and cities glimmer with festive Christmas markets, quaint decorations, and the scent of mulled wine (glögg). The festive mood is everywhere.

Here are some notable Chrismas and New Year traditions by countries:

Sweden:
Celebrated on December 13, Santa Lucia’s Day ushers in the Christmas season with processions of children in white who sing traditional songs and carry candles. Santa Lucia’s Day (or Luciadagen) honors Saint Lucia, a Christian martyr from Syracuse, Sicily. The holiday has Christian and pre-Christian roots, blending the legend of Saint Lucia with Scandinavian winter traditions. Christmas Eve is the most significant event, with a festive smorgasbord of herring and meatballs and the renowned Julbord buffet, which features multiple courses featuring classic Swedish dishes.

Norway:
In Norway, Christmas (Jul) is a warm and festive season filled with traditions, cozy gatherings, and delicious food. The celebrations last throughout December, the most crucial day being Christmas Eve (Julaften) on December 24. On this day, families come together for a cozy Christmas Eve dinner featuring ribbe (pork ribs) or pinnekjøtt (salted lamb ribs). The old tradition of leaving porridge for the barn elf (nisse) remains!

Denmark:
Danes feast on traditional flæskesteg (roast pork) and risalamande, a rice pudding dessert with a single hidden almond — the one who finds it wins a small gift! After dinner, families hold hands and dance around the Christmas tree while singing Danish Christmas songs. Some even move around the house in a procession, still holding hands and singing.

Finland:
The ultimate Christmas destination is Finland, specifically Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. Rovaniemi is one of the best places in the world to experience a magical Christmas atmosphere. It’s officially known as the “Hometown of Santa Claus,” offering snowy landscapes, Northern Lights, reindeer rides, and Christmas spirit everywhere. Santa Claus Village, a favorite of adults and children, is open year-round but unique at Christmas. Among many activities, visitors can meet Santa Claus, visit his post office, and cross the Arctic Circle. Other notable adventures include reindeer sleigh rides, husky safaris, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and chasing the Northern Lights.

Fireworks and grouse mark New Year’s Eve in Scandinavia, and it is best described as a melting pot of traditions.In Copenhagen, the Danish monarch’s annual New Year’s speech is followed by a meal and fireworks over Tivoli Gardens. The classic New Year’s Eve celebration in Stockholm is held at the Skansen Open-Air Museum, where traditional readings of Ring Out and Wild Bells are held. In Oslo, fireworks light up the sky over the Oslofjord, and much of the population flees to mountain cabins for a low-key New Year’s escape. A huge party fills Senate Square in Helsinki with live performances and fireworks at midnight.

Visiting Scandinavia in winter is a perfect opportunity to glide through snowy fjords, frozen lakes, and the northern lights, visit Christmas markets, meet locals, and learn more about their Christmas and New Year’s traditions—holiday magic!