MAIN Christmas Europe Christmas in Denmark

Down the centuries, the Danish have become expert holiday revelers to illuminate the shortest, darkest days of a Danish winter.

To dispel the gloom, candles and lights are ablaze throughout the country as Christmas kicks off in early December, with the lighting of the Advent wreath - decorated with four candles that mark the four weeks preceding Christmas.

Christmas Eve is the occasion for Denmark's biggest holiday feast, starting with the traditional Julebrod, or Christmas rice pudding, bestowing a year of good luck on anyone who finds the magic almond inside.

Then comes the pork roast with cracklings, or a roast duck or goose, accompanied by a table groaning with mounds of Christmas pastries and cookies. Dinner is usually followed by caroling around the Christmas tree. Then, before bedtime, a bowl of rice pudding is carefully set out to appease the Nisse, those mischievous elves who enjoy playing practical jokes on unsuspecting children.

Around the Web, discover more Christmas customs and traditions including Christmas fairs, markets and other annual events that make up a joyous Danish holday season ...

More information about Christmas in Denmark around the Web:

Christmas in Copenhagen - Browse for what's happening around the Copenhagen area featuring an overview of Tivoli Gardens events, the Christmas markets, concerts & entertainment, shopping hours, and lots of feasting!

Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Fair - Here's the annual event in Odense, the birthplace of the famous fairytale author, featuring a Christmas parade and traditional market, street caroling and related holiday entertainment and activities for kids of all ages.

also see in Travel -> Denmark Tourist Attractions