Longyearbyen to Bergen: Exploring the magical Christmas traditions of Norway and Svalbard

Summary

Discover the enchanting and unique Christmas traditions of Scandinavia, from the Arctic wilderness of Longyearbyen, Svalbard, to the charming mainland of Norway. This festive guide explores how the locals of Longyearbyen embrace the three-month Polar Night with a community-driven torch-lit procession to light the Christmas tree and a whimsical, costumed Christmas March.

In Norway, learn about the celebration of Julaften (Christmas Eve) as the main event, the tradition of Julenissen (the Norwegian Santa) knocking on doors, and the local reverence for the Nisse (Barn Santa). Unearth the culinary delights, including the famous seven types of Norwegian Christmas cookies and the treasured custom of finding a hidden almond in the Christmas porridge for a marzipan pig prize. A must-read for anyone seeking a true Arctic Winter Wonderland experience and unique holiday folklore.

Dear jolly readers, 

Wishing you a warm Season’s Greetings as the season of cozy bonfires, endless cups of steaming, rich, indulgent hot chocolate, winter rom-coms, and Christmas festivities has finally arrived! Christmas is something people have always looked forward to— a time dedicated to family, peace, fun and frolic. Although we are generally aware of how Christmas is celebrated, it varies beautifully from region to region. 

This month, we will be venturing on a journey to unearth and explore unique Christmas traditions around the world. When it comes to Christmas celebrations, Scandinavia outdoes itself every year. The idea of crisp, flaky snow crunching beneath our shoes, the mesmerising glow of the Northern Lights, and the crackling warmth of the bonfire make it into something right out of a Hallmark movie! This makes Scandinavia an ideal destination to celebrate Christmas. And what better place to begin than the original Winter Wonderland, closest to Santa Claus’ home near the North Pole—the magical town of Longyearbyen, Svalbard! Are you ready to deck the halls with boughs of holly?

‘Tis the season to be jolly, after all!🎄

Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

Longyearbyen is well known as a “True” Winter Wonderland because of its picturesque views, freezing temperatures, adorable reindeers and 3 months of perpetual darkness— Polar Nights! Despite these challenging conditions, Christmas here is cherished with unmatched enthusiasm.

Due to its proximity to the North Pole, Santa Claus is rumoured to live in Mine 2B, just on the edge of Nybyen. There is a cute little post box for children who want to post letters to Santa! As if it wasn't magical enough, its lights glow in the dark during this time. A very fun tradition. 

The entire town is adorned with Christmas decorations, and each year a Christmas tree is transported all the way from the Norwegian mainland and placed in the town square. The tree is lit for the first time on the first Sunday of Advent. In addition to this, the locals gather on this particular Sunday for a torch-lit procession to the town square to light the Christmas tree. It is a fantastic display of community spirit! 

A fun little trivia

Did you know that the Governor of Svalbard rents out the historic villa ‘Fredheim’ to two lucky local families each year? The families must choose between celebrating either Christmas or New Year's at the former trapping station of the legendary Norwegian trapper Hilmar Nøis. (Here, a trapper refers to a hunter who catches animals for their fur and pelts) What a delightful way to spend your holidays! 

Not just children, but adults too participate in the Christmas March—a beloved, whimsical tradition where they dress up in regional costumes for a lively pub hop!

This is followed by a communal Christmas dinner at one of Longyearbyen’s restaurants. This tradition dates back to ancient times when miners used to enjoy Christmas Eve dinner together in the mining company mess. This truly highlights their commendable community spirit. Now, without further ado, let's move on to paradise on Earth, to the breathtaking beauty of Norway!

Norway

Norway is home to the world’s largest gingerbread town, Pepperkakebyen in Bergen. The locals participate in this cute little tradition to make the most delicious gingerbreads from scratch! Like most Scandinavian countries, their main Christmas celebration happens on Christmas Eve or Julaften. As the locals believe that a new day starts at sundown and not at midnight. They also celebrate the 23rd of December as ‘Little Christmas Eve’ or Lille Julaften. 

Here, the children actually get to meet Santa! On Christmas Eve, the Norwegian Santa Claus or Julenissen knocks on doors and enters homes with sacks full of presents. Not only this, but the children dress up as Christmas-themed characters and walk door-to-door singing carols and hoping for some sweet treats— a whimsical blend of Christmas and Halloween! 

Another delightful tradition is the Norwegian Nisse or the Norwegian Barn Santa. It is a small man-like creature that hides in the barn throughout the year and protects the animals. As a mark of respect and also to thank him, the farmers leave a bowl of Christmas porridge on the steps of the house for him. There is a blob of butter in the middle of the porridge to avoid making the Nisse angry. 

Norway also boasts seven types of Christmas cookies! Some of the popular ones are Sandkaker (dry cookies), Krumkaker (traditional cookies), Pepperkaker( gingerbread cookies), Berlinerkranser( sugar cookies with sugar on top), and Serinakaker or Norwegian butter cookies.

Trivia time! 

1) Norway has been donating a Christmas tree to Trafalgar Square, London, each year since 1947  as a gift from the city of Oslo to thank England for its support during the Second World War.

2) Norwegians are very loyal to their Christmas lunch—porridge. Each year, the families hide a single almond in the rice porridge and the winner is awarded a sweet snack— a pig made out of marzipan! 

These traditions and festivities indeed paint Scandinavia as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially during Christmas. Hope you had a wonderful time reading about them! Happy Holidays!🌟