Christmas in Norway, or “Jul,” is a time of joy, family, and deeply rooted traditions. While the winter months bring cold and darkness, the warmth of festive lights, decorations, and hearty meals make the holiday season magical. Food plays a central role in Norwegian Christmas celebrations, with traditional dishes that vary by region but are universally cherished.
Christmas Traditions in Norway
The holiday season in Norway officially begins with Advent, marked by lighting candles and preparing for Christmas. Many Norwegians decorate their homes with stars, wreaths, and “nisse” (gnome-like figures). Families often bake seven types of cookies—known as “syv slag”—a custom that dates back to the 19th century.
December 23rd is known as “Lille Julaften” (Little Christmas Eve), a time for last-minute preparations and often the day when families decorate their Christmas trees. The main celebration occurs on Christmas Eve, December 24th, when families gather for a festive meal, exchange gifts, and sing carols around the tree.
The Christmas Feast: Norway’s Culinary Highlights
Ribbe
One of the most popular dishes served on Christmas Eve is ribbe, or roasted pork belly, seasoned with salt and pepper. It’s typically accompanied by crispy crackling, boiled potatoes, sauerkraut or red cabbage, and lingonberry sauce.
Pinnekjøtt
In western Norway, pinnekjøtt (cured lamb ribs) is a favorite. The ribs are steamed over birch branches and served with mashed rutabaga and potatoes. The dish’s salty and savory flavors are a quintessential taste of Norwegian Christmas.
Lutefisk
For those with a more adventurous palate, lutefisk—dried fish rehydrated in lye—is a traditional dish enjoyed during the season. It’s often served with potatoes, bacon, pea stew, and mustard.
Rakfisk
This fermented fish, typically trout, is a delicacy in some regions of Norway. It’s served cold with flatbread, sour cream, and onions. While not everyone’s favorite, it remains a cherished part of the Christmas table for many.
Christmas Desserts
Norwegian Christmas desserts are as varied as the main courses. Riskrem (rice cream) is a beloved treat made from leftover rice porridge, mixed with whipped cream and served with a sweet berry sauce. A single almond is hidden in the dish, and the lucky finder is said to receive a prize or good luck.
Julekake (Christmas bread), spiced with cardamom and studded with raisins and candied peel, is another festive staple. Gingerbread cookies (pepperkaker) and marzipan confections also fill homes with the scents and tastes of the season.
Gløgg
To warm up during the cold winter evenings, many Norwegians enjoy gløgg, a spiced mulled wine. It’s often served with almonds and raisins and pairs perfectly with holiday sweets.
Regional Variations and Modern Twists
While many Norwegians honor these traditional dishes, there’s also room for innovation. Some families incorporate modern flavors or international influences into their Christmas menus. Regional specialties like smalahove (sheep’s head) or whale steak are less common today but remain part of Norway’s culinary heritage.
A Cozy and Flavorful Celebration
Christmas in Norway is about more than just food; it’s a time to connect with loved ones, honor traditions, and enjoy the season’s comforts. Whether savoring the rich flavors of ribbe or sipping warm gløgg, the holiday is a celebration of warmth, togetherness, and cherished cultural heritage.
Here’s a recipe for a delicious Norwegian Kringle, a traditional Scandinavian pastry often enjoyed with coffee.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold water
For the Topping:
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
Optional Garnish:
• Sliced almonds
• Pearl sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough Base
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the cold water, mixing just until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into two portions. Shape each into a flattened disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and stir in the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The mixture will be glossy and smooth. Stir in the almond extract if using.
Step 3: Assemble the Kringle
1. Roll out each dough portion into a long, oval or snake-like shape, about 3 inches wide. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Spread the topping mixture evenly over each strip of dough.
3. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. The topping will expand and create a beautiful, airy texture. Let cool completely.
Step 4: Glaze and Garnish
1. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or almond extract to make the glaze. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar if needed.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Kringle.
3. Sprinkle with sliced almonds or pearl sugar for a decorative touch.
Serving
Slice and serve with coffee or tea. This pastry is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Enjoy your homemade Norwegian Kringle!
Sirupsnipper (Norwegian Christmas Cookies) Recipe
Sirupsnipper are classic Norwegian Christmas cookies with a rich flavor of syrup, spices, and a characteristic diamond shape. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
• 1 cup (250 ml) dark syrup (e.g., golden syrup or light molasses)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (125 g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
For Decoration:
• Blanched almonds (cut into slivers or triangles)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the syrup, sugar, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts. Remove from heat.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom).
3. In a large bowl, mix the baking soda and flour. Gradually add the syrup mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
3. Using a knife or a diamond-shaped cookie cutter, cut the dough into diamonds about 2 inches wide. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
4. Press a piece of almond into the center of each cookie.
Step 3: Bake
1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until they are firm and slightly golden around the edges.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. Their flavor deepens over time, making them even better after a few days.
Enjoy!
These spiced cookies are perfect for a cozy holiday treat or as part of a festive cookie platter. Serve with coffee, tea, or gløgg (Norwegian mulled wine).
Not Your Grams Kitchen 