How do they celebrate Christmas in Norway?
Posted on Dec 22, 2025 / Society
In Norway, Christmas — known as *Jul* — is celebrated with family rituals, rich seasonable foods and ancient customs. The season often begins with Advent and continues through December with cozy gatherings and candlelight decorating homes. Families celebrate **Christmas Eve (Julaften)** with a festive dinner, typically including ribbe (roast pork) or pinnekjøtt (salted lamb ribs), and songs before opening presents. Children may take part in *Julebukk*, a caroling tradition of visiting neighbours dressed up to sing songs in exchange for sweets or treats. Churches host Midnight Mass or Christmas Day services to honour the birth of Christ. Christmas markets in cities such as Oslo offer handicrafts, mulled drinks and seasonal foods that bring communities together. After Christmas, some Norwegians observe *Lille Julaften* on December 23 as a final festive night before the main celebration. The combination of family, food and folklore makes Norwegian Christmas heartfelt and communal.
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