A Christmas guide
Christmas in Norway
Traditions, food and holiday customs
Main date
December 24 evening as the main celebration
Gift bringer
Santa Claus, alongside Fjøsnissen, the barn-dwelling Norwegian nisse
Signature flavour
Norwegians typically have just one main dish on Christmas Eve.
Visit Norway describes Christmas Eve as the point when most Norwegians gather for a traditional meal and the opening of presents, and says Santa Claus sometimes pays them a visit.
Christmas in Norway is celebrated on December 24 evening as the main celebration. The main festive figure is Santa Claus, alongside Fjøsnissen, the barn-dwelling Norwegian nisse.
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When is Christmas celebrated in Norway?
Christmas in Norway falls on December 24 evening as the main celebration.
Main traditions
Preparations usually start on the last weekend in November, when streets are decorated, lights go up, Christmas cookies are baked in at least seven different kinds and gift shopping gets serious. Alongside Santa Claus, Norway has Fjøsnissen, a small Santa-like creature who lives in the barn, and it is a Norwegian tradition to bring him a bowl of Nissegrøt, rice porridge, out to the barn on Christmas Eve.
Christmas food
Norwegians typically have just one main dish on Christmas Eve. Visit Norway lists ribbe (pork ribs), pinnekjøtt (salt-cured lamb ribs), juletorsk (Christmas cod) and julekveite (Christmas halibut), and lutefisk, described as one of Norway's oldest Christmas traditions. Christmas cookies such as goro, krumkaker and berlinerkrans are sold in bakeries.
Gift giving customs
Presents are opened on Christmas Eve as part of the family gathering, and a bowl of rice porridge is left in the barn for Fjøsnissen.
Santa or local Christmas figure
The festive figure most associated with Christmas in Norway is Santa Claus, alongside Fjøsnissen, the barn-dwelling Norwegian nisse.
Fun fact
Every year since 1947 a Christmas tree has travelled from Oslo to London's Trafalgar Square, sent by Norway as a thank you after the Second World War.
Keep comparing
For the rituals, dishes and gift bringers in other countries, browse our Christmas around the world hub, compare customs side by side in the Christmas Traditions Explorer or plan your own December with the Christmas checklist.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Christmas celebrated in Norway?
- Christmas in Norway is celebrated on December 24 evening as the main celebration.
- Who brings gifts to children in Norway?
- In Norway children traditionally receive gifts from Santa Claus, alongside Fjøsnissen, the barn-dwelling Norwegian nisse.
- What do families eat for Christmas in Norway?
- Norwegians typically have just one main dish on Christmas Eve. Visit Norway lists ribbe (pork ribs), pinnekjøtt (salt-cured lamb ribs), juletorsk (Christmas cod) and julekveite (Christmas halibut), and lutefisk, described as one of Norway's oldest Christmas traditions. Christmas cookies such as goro, krumkaker and berlinerkrans are sold in bakeries.
Sources
- https://www.visitnorway.com/typically-norwegian/christmas/
- https://www.visitnorway.com/typically-norwegian/christmas/food-traditions/
- https://www.visitnorway.com/typically-norwegian/christmas/the-norwegian-santa/
- https://www.visitnorway.com/typically-norwegian/christmas/the-trafalgar-square-christmas-tree/
More countries
Christmas in Germany
Christmas in Germany is a season-long celebration that centres on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve), open-air Christmas markets and the four Sundays of Advent.
Christmas in Austria
Austria celebrates a quiet, family-focused Christmas. Cities and alpine villages alike fill with Adventmärkte, brass music and the scent of roasted chestnuts.
Christmas in Slovenia
Slovenia blends Alpine, Mediterranean and Slavic Christmas customs into a long festive season that runs from early December through Epiphany on January 6.