Jule træ
After dinner, there is often carol singing and dancing around the Christmas tree, while children eagerly await the presents brought by "Juleman", the Danish Santa Claus.
Denmark, Copenhagen 2024
Juleaften meals calories
3000 - 4000
Number of people living in Denmark
Greenland's surface
Juleaften in Denmark is full of tradition and family warmth, with a sense of hygge that is characteristic of this period. One of the central elements is the Christmas dinner, which features traditional dishes such as roast duck, pork, red cabbages and rice pudding with almonds for luck. Danes also celebrate Advent by decorating their homes and lighting Advent candles, while children eagerly await the presents brought by Julenisse, the Danish Christmas elf and Julemanden, Santa Claus.
The bicycle has become part of the Danish national identity. It is seen as a symbol of modernity and simplicity, as well as an important element of local culture and tradition, which underlines the desire to create liveable cities.
The widespread use of bicycles also influences the architecture and urban planning in Denmark. Cities are designed to be as accessible and bicycle-friendly as possible, which helps reduce car traffic and create more sustainable forms of mobility.
Lillejuleaften. The day before Christmas Eve, December 23, also has its significance. It is a time for final preparations, decorating the house and spending time together with the family.
Tivoli, Copenhagen’s famous amusement park, becomes especially magical during the holiday season when it transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights, decorations and seasonal attractions. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike who want to get into the Christmas spirit with markets, concerts and traditional Danish delicacies.
Christiania becomes especially magical during the Christmas period, when locals organize Christmas markets with unique handicrafts and local delicacies. The atmosphere in Christiania combines traditional Danish customs with an alternative spirit, attracting both locals and tourists looking for an unusual Christmas experience.
Krystiania, also known as Christiania, is an autonomous district of Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 1971 by a group of hippies and activists who occupied an abandoned military area. It has become a symbol of an alternative lifestyle, attracting tourists and drawing attention to issues of personal freedom and self-government, despite numerous attempts by the Danish authorities to restrict its freedoms.
During the Christmas period Nyhavn in Copenhagen becomes one of the most picturesque places, attracting crowds of both locals and tourists with its Christmas decorations, markets and traditional Danish specialties. The ice rink at Nyhavn offers an additional attraction, where both children and adults can enjoy skating surrounded by beautifully lit townhouses and a festive atmosphere.
Copenhagen 2024
Kongens Nytorv
Denmark is known for its modern architecture, which combines minimalist design with functionality and sustainability, as exemplified by buildings such as the Copenhagen Opera House and the Danish Maritime Museum. Traditional Danish architecture is often characterized by the use of natural materials, such as wood and brick, and a harmonious fit with the surrounding landscape.
Copenhagen city centre transforms into a magical place during the Christmas period, full of lights and decorations, with Christmas markets offering traditional Danish delicacies and handicrafts. The streets of the city are filled with joy, and locals and tourists can enjoy concerts, ice rinks and beautifully decorated Christmas trees.
Julemarked, or Christmas markets, attract both locals and tourists who can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere while tasting gløgg and æbleskiver.
During the Christmas period, Julemarked are a popular meeting place where you can get into the holiday spirit and buy handmade goods and local delicacies. Traditional Danish delicacies, gløgg (spiced mulled wine) and æbleskiver (doughnut-like balls served with jam and powdered sugar), are an integral part of these markets, offering the warmth and taste of Christmas.
The harsh Scandinavian climate in Denmark during the Christmas period is characterised by low temperatures, short days and frequent snowfall or rain, which creates a wintry setting for traditional festivities. Typical for this time of year are also strong, biting winds from the North Sea, which intensify the feeling of cold and encourage spending time in a cosy, homely environment.
Public transport includes a well-developed network of trains, buses, metros and ferries that connect cities and regions throughout the country. Travel cards such as Rejsekort enable easy travel across different modes of transport, allowing passengers to use one card to pay for travel throughout Denmark.
Physical activity is very popular, Danes are keen to engage in various forms of sports, such as cycling, running and swimming. With a developed infrastructure, including numerous cycle paths and sports facilities, residents are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle and be active outdoors.
Ice skating is a popular pastime during the Christmas period. Many cities open seasonal ice rinks, attracting both locals and tourists. Here are some places to ice skate in Denmark during the holidays.
The feast of St. Lucy is celebrated on December 13 and is especially popular in Scandinavian countries, including Denmark. St. Lucy is a symbol of light in the winter darkness. In Denmark, as in other countries, the tradition of celebrating this holiday includes processions in which children are dressed in white. At the head of the procession walks a girl with a crown of light on her head, symbolizing St. Lucy. Traditional songs associated with this holiday are often sung during the celebrations. In Denmark, as in Sweden and Norway, this holiday is an opportunity to celebrate light and hope during the shortest days of the year.
