Danish Holiday Traditions Worth Experiencing This Christmas and New Year
Denmark celebrates the holidays with small, cozy rituals rather than big shows. Here are a few traditions you can see, taste, or join while visiting Copenhagen at Christmas and New Year.
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Denmark does the holidays in its own way. It’s less about big shows and more about small rituals, candles, and good food with the people you love. If you’re visiting over Christmas or New Year, here are a few traditions you can actually see, taste, or take part in.
1. Lucia in kayaks
Saint Lucia Day (December 13th) is a Scandinavian tradition about bringing light into the darkest part of the year. In Copenhagen, it happens on the water: hundreds of decorated kayaks glide through the canals while people sing along from the banks. It started in 2006 with twelve kayaks and now has more than 500. Dress warmly and bring a hot drink.
2. A proper julefrokost
The Danish Christmas lunch is a long, relaxed meal that can easily last all afternoon. Expect herring, pork, small dishes, and plenty of schnapps. Many restaurants in Copenhagen serve a julefrokost menu through November and December, and it’s one of the best ways to taste Danish Christmas without being invited to someone’s home.
You can also experience it on board in one of our private boat tours.
3. Risalamande and the lucky almond
This is the classic Christmas dessert: cold rice pudding with whipped cream, served with warm cherry sauce. One whole almond is hidden in the bowl, and whoever finds it wins a small gift. Tradition says the winner is supposed to keep quiet about it until everyone has finished, which makes dessert surprisingly tense.
4. Nisser everywhere
Danish Christmas has its own little helpers, the nisser. They’re mischievous elves who live in homes and barns and expect a bowl of porridge on Christmas Eve. Look for them in shop windows, cafés, and around Tivoli.
5. Æbleskiver and gløgg on a cold afternoon
Round, fluffy pancake balls with powdered sugar and jam, plus warm spiced wine. It’s the easiest tradition to join, since you can find them at Christmas markets all over the city.
Read more about the Christmas markets of the city here.
6. New Year’s Eve, the Danish way
Danes celebrate New Year’s with a few funny habits. At midnight, people climb onto chairs and jump off into the new year. Many also smash old plates against the doors of friends and family, and the more broken pieces on your doorstep, the more friends you have. A slice of kransekage and a glass of bubbles are always there.
If you want to experience a few of these with a local, our Christmas tour is a good place to start. We’ll show you the city, the stories behind these traditions, and where to find the best æbleskiver along the way.
