The Danish have been celebrating Christmas on the evening of December 24th since the 1800s. The date reflects Christian traditions and the widespread belief throughout Denmark that Jesus was born at night and that the celebration should thus take place on the same evening.
It is usually celebrated with a festive dinner including a traditional Christmas meal such as roast pork, duck or goose with red cabbage and potatoes, with coffee, ris a la mande, marzipan cake, cookies and other traditional sweets.
Danish families often light a big candle in the window and exchange gifts around the Christmas tree. The sharing of presents, although not mandatory, is a central part of the celebration, and many Danes, no matter the place of residence, travel home to be with their families on the evening of December 24th.
Even today, religious traditions play an important role in Denmark, and thus spending the evening of December 24th with the feet up, the candles lit and a festive dinner with the loved ones is a tradition deeply ingrained in Danish culture.
How do the Danes decorate for Christmas?
The Danes typically decorate for Christmas with several different traditional items. A Christmas tree is usually the centerpiece of a Danish living room or hall at Christmas. The Danes traditionally decorate the tree with round, white paper ornaments, stars and paper hearts.
An advent wreath is often placed nearby the tree, featuring four candles and the center one is lit during the four Sundays of advent. Christmas decorations are often made with white and red colors, highlighted with gold or silver.
Other traditional decorations include straw, little Danish flags, red apples, and pine cones. In the home, Danes enjoy burning a special, unscented candle known as a Julelys. The living room or hall is often filled with the sound of Christmas choirs or carols playing in the background.
And homes are often adorned with green and red ribbons, paper chains, and bells. Traditional Danish Christmas cookies and treats, like gingerbread men, peanut cookies, and Christmas cakes, are often displayed as part of the decor.
What would you eat in Denmark at Christmas?
At Christmas time in Denmark, you can enjoy a traditional meal of roast duck, roast pork, stewed cabbage, steamed potatoes, gravy, and gravy. For dessert, sweet treats like æbleskiver (small, round Danish pancakes), risalamande (rice pudding topped with creamy almond sauce), and various cookies are usually served.
Many Danes also enjoy a festive buffet meal with traditional dishes like roast pork, herring, salmon, corned beef, boiled potatoes, pickled beets, red cabbage, and various cheeses. For drinks, gløgg (mulled wine) andebryd (aquavit-based spirit) are popular choices.
During this time of the year, it is also common for families to share a variety of Christmas cakes, such as apple crumble or licorice and raspberry cream cake, as well as traditional gingerbread cookies and candy.
What are Danish elves called?
In Denmark, elves are referred to as Nisser (sometimes spelled “Nisse”). These elf-like creatures have long been part of the Danish folklore and are believed to be mischievous yet helpful spirits. According to legend, Nisser live in attics, barns, closets, or any corner of the house where they can go unnoticed.
They are said to be very old and are believed to have supernatural powers. Traditionally, they are thought to protect the house and its family, but they could also bring bad luck if they were offended or treated disrespectfully.
As a sign of respect and gratitude, traditionally people put out a bowl of rice pudding, as Nisser love rice pudding. On Christmas Eve, it is also said that Nisser will dance around the Christmas tree in the home and even make the presents in the home fly around the room.
What is traditional Danish food?
Traditional Danish food is typically hearty and warming, with a focus on freshly sourced ingredients. Traditional dishes include fried fish, pickled herring, smoked eel, smoked salmon, meatballs with gravy, pork with parsnip and apples, pancakes, potatoes, and pastries such as the iconic Danish pastry.
Popular dishes range from open-faced sandwiches, ‘stegt flæsk’ (fried pork with potatoes and parsley sauce), to pork roast, red cabbage served with prunes, frikadeller (Danish meatballs) and more. The most famous Danish dish is ‘smørrebrød’ (open sandwiches on rye bread with a variety of toppings), which is often served with a beer (their iconic lager – Carlsberg Carlsberg), or snaps, aquavit.
Traditional Danish seafood dishes are also popular, such as ‘fiskefrikadeller’ (fishballs), pickled herring and ‘sildemadder’ (smoked herring). One could say that the national Danish dish is ‘plankesteg’ (beef) and ‘flæskesteg’ (crispy pork).
Traditionally, these dishes are served with roast potatoes and red cabbage.
Danish cuisine has taken influences from the cuisines of surrounding countries throughout history, including Germany and Sweden. Spicy foods such as pickled herring and ‘flæskesteg’ have been popular in Denmark since the Viking era.
Modern chefs have continued to update Danish cooking to include contemporary styles and dishes while staying true to traditional dishes. Danish cuisine also has a strong street food scene with more and more vendors appearing every year.
Overall, traditional Danish food is incredibly delectable and is an excellent way to get an authentic taste of the country.
What dish and drink can you find at most Danish Christmas markets?
At most Danish Christmas markets, you can find a variety of warm drinks and hearty dishes that make for the perfect Christmas snack. Hot Gløgg, a traditional Danish festive punch made with port and warming spices, is a fan favorite, as are other seasonal hot drinks like Glöggkaka or pumpkin spice.
Hearty dishes found at most Danish Christmas markets include the traditional Æbleskiver, small pancakes made with cardamom, served with sugar and jam, as well as Rodkal, a favorite Christmas dish made from boiled root vegetables.
Other traditional Danish dishes like Fiskefilet, fish steaks served with tartar sauce, as well as Smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches served on dark Danish rye bread, are also popular at Danish Christmas markets.
What are Christmas traditions in Denmark?
The traditional Danish Christmas is both sacred and secular. On the first day of Christmas, December 24th, the traditional dinner is served. This dinner usually features boiled cod, cured herring, and fried plaice.
During dinner, families sing Christmas carols and read the Christmas story from the Bible, followed by dinner and presents.
On December 25th, the streets come alive with Christmas decorations and many cities host an official Christmas dinner and lots of activities for children. In the evening, the traditional Danish song “Lille Juleaften” (Nativity Song) is sung and is traditionally followed by church services and usually last until mid night or early morning hours.
For the last two days of Christmas, December 26th and 27th, families gather to celebrate Juleaften, or Christmas Evening. In the traditional style, dinner is served with boiled cod and cured herring.
After dinner comes the dessert, which typically includes a Risalamande, a special dessert made of rice, cream, and almonds.
In Denmark, December 31st is known as ‘Lille Juleaften’, or Little Christmas Eve. Families come together to enjoy dinner and exchange gifts. On the morning of January 1st, ‘Juledag’, or Christmas Day is celebrated with a traditional plate of fried fish and potato salad.
An important part of the traditional Danish Christmas is the ‘Advent’, the four week long period of preparation leading up to Christmas. During this time, many churches have special religious events and carol singing.
Danish families are also likely to light a candle during the season, which is symbolic of bringing light into the darkness of winter. However you choose to celebrate, Christmas in Denmark is sure to delight.
Does Denmark have Christmas?
Yes, Denmark does have Christmas celebrations. Most Danes celebrate on Christmas Eve, December 24, with a big family dinner; traditional dishes include fried pork, goose, duck, and potatoes, served with red cabbage, gravy, and apple and prune stuffing.
Later in the evening, people exchange presents. Christmas Day and the following days are usually spent visiting family and friends. Other popular activities, especially among children and young adults, include watching holiday television programs, attending parties, and singing Christmas carols.
The traditional Danish Christmas tree is decorated several days before Christmas Eve and is usually filled with electric lights and glass ornaments.
What is a typical Danish Christmas dinner?
A typical Danish Christmas dinner consists of a variety of foods including roast pork, potatoes, red cabbage, risalamande (a traditional dessert made of rice pudding, almonds and whipped cream), and various types of cakes and cookies.
Roasted pork is often served with boiled potatoes and thick gravy, while red cabbage is usually dressed with vinegar and apples. Risalamande is usually served cold, but can also be served warm with a burnt sugar, cherry or cream topping.
Other sweet treats like cookies, fruit and spice cakes are served as dessert, along with hot drinks like coffee and glogg (mulled wine). Eggnog and cookies are popular treats on Christmas Eve. To drink, cold beer and wine are common and snaps (an alcoholic drink made of herbs and spices) is typically served during Christmas.
Which countries dance around the Christmas tree?
This is a difficult question to answer because Christmas traditions vary greatly from country to country. In some countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, it is traditional to have the family or friends gather around the Christmas tree and sing carols or dance.
In other countries, such as Germany and Austria, it is more common to have groups of people go from house to house, singing carols, and in some countries, such as Estonia and Lithuania, people will actually dance around the Christmas tree.
In some parts of Europe, such as Spain and Italy, it is traditional to use fireworks during the Christmas celebrations and these can also be accompanied by dancing around the tree. In some countries, such as Mexico and Peru, it is more common for people to have parties and celebrations with traditional dances, such as the fandango, rather than dancing around the Christmas tree.
What is Santa Claus called in Denmark?
In Denmark, Santa Claus is usually referred to as Julemanden, which translates to “the Christmas Man. ” He is often portrayed wearing a traditional Danish farmer’s coat and hat, as well as carrying a sack of presents.
He is typically seen in the days leading up to Christmas, when children eagerly await his arrival in anticipation of the presents he brings with him. Different regions of Denmark have different traditions regarding Julemanden, including his arrival in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, or sometimes even a horse-drawn wagon.
He carries a variety of treats and surprises, including candies, oranges and nuts, which can either be eaten or used to make decorations. Additionally, in some areas, children leave their shoes out by the fireplace on December 5th in hopes that Julemanden will stop by and leave them a little something.
What different holidays can I have in Denmark?
Denmark has numerous holidays and celebrated events throughout the year. The most common national holidays include Christmas, Easter, New Year, May Day, Constitution Day, the birthday of the current reigning monarch, and Whit Monday (the day after Pentecost).
In addition, there are several secular holidays that celebrate either the traditional or modern culture of Denmark. These include Midsummer, which is celebrated on the evening of June 24th; and Love & Alarm Day on April 19th, which is a day where people find innovative and imaginative ways to express their love for each other.
The holiday of Fastelavn is celebrated in February and marks the beginning of the pre-Lenten season. Vinter-tide night is celebrated on December 13th and focuses on the traditions of Christmas and preparing for the winter.
Lastly, the summer solstice on June 21st is celebrated with parades and other large scale events throughout the country.
What countries celebrate Christmas with Christmas trees?
Christmas trees are a longstanding and popular tradition celebrated in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Austria, Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Poland, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Italy, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Croatia.
In other countries, such as Japan, artificial Christmas trees are becoming increasingly popular, while in other countries, such as Russia, living Christmas trees are popularly displayed in public locations, such as city squares.
Additionally, the practice of putting up and decorating a Christmas tree is becoming more popular in some countries, such as those in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.
Do other countries do Christmas lights?
Yes, other countries around the world participate in the Christmas light tradition. In fact, the tradition of decorating during the Christmas season spans back hundreds of years. Countries like England and Ireland have had the tradition of decorating Christmas trees since the 19th century.
Moreover, countries such as Norway and Germany have their own versions of the traditional Christmas light festival, known as julebords and Weihnacht. In Japan and Korea, Christmas is celebrated more widely than in other Asian countries and is often marked by luminous light displays, mainly of red and white.
In the Middle East region, Christmas is widely celebrated in countries such as Lebanon, Egypt, and Qatar. While the Christmas celebrations may differ from the traditional Western style, decorating with Christmas lights is a favorite activity in these countries as well.
In Australia, since its summer season during Christmas, lighting up homes with Christmas lights is a great way to create a festive atmosphere amid balmy weather. Additionally, countries around Europe such as France, Italy and Spain also participate in decorating homes with festive lighting.
What is the festive dance?
The festive dance is a traditional dance practiced in many countries around the world during special occasions and holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s. It originated as a way of celebrating and bringing joy to the festivities.
The festive dance is typically a lively and energetic dance, often accompanied by music and singing. It can take on many forms, such as a line dance, or a dance circle. The festive dance is a great way to get in the spirit of the holiday, and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
It can be enjoyed as a family activity, or a fun outing with friends. Regardless of style or form, the festive dance brings people together to celebrate in an exciting and energetic way.
What is the national dish of Denmark?
The national dish of Denmark is known as “Stegt flæsk med persillesovs”, which directly translates as “fried pork with parsley sauce”. It is a traditional Danish meal typically made with pork belly slices and served with boiled potatoes, parsley sauce and — depending on region — either a tangy pickled red cabbage or a crunchy tart apple and onion salad.
While widely popular in Denmark, this meal has a long-standing history and has been eaten in the country for centuries. It is traditionally served during special or festive occasions, such as Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, and is one of the most beloved national dishes in Denmark.
What time is dinner in Denmark?
Dinner time in Denmark is typically around 5-6 pm in the evening, depending on the region and the family’s own preferences. Generally, the main meal of the day in Denmark is enjoyed in the late afternoon around 4:30 pm, with a lighter snack consumed around 8-9 pm.
It is considered polite to arrive on time when invited to a dinner party in Denmark, so it is best to plan accordingly. Additionally, lunchtime in Denmark is typically around noon or 1 pm, and breakfast is enjoyed anywhere between 6-7 am.
What candy is Denmark known for?
Denmark is known for its delicious and unique candy. One of the most popular varieties of candy in Denmark is the classic licorice candy. The country is the world’s largest consumer of this type of confectionery and you can find a myriad of licorice flavors and shapes across Denmark, from traditional, salty licorice pieces to salty/sweet licorice bites to zesty, sour pieces.
Another popular candy in Denmark is the chocolate-covered marshmallows known as Halløj. This beloved treat is a combination of a fluffy marshmallow wrapped in a thin layer of sweet chocolate, producing a unique taste and texture.
Lastly, the popular, caramel-flavored chocolate bars known as Kalej are a Danish staple. These bars, produced by Carletti, are made with a creamy coconut filling and are coated in a delicious layer of creamy caramel.
