Are you curious about Holiday Traditions in Norway? From exciting parades to cozy family gatherings, there’s something for everyone!
If you’re curious about Norway or planning a trip, you’re in the right place. Many people want to explore new traditions. We’ll explain some of Norway’s best holiday traditions and what makes them special.
In this article, you’ll find out about:
- Constitution Day: A day to celebrate Norway’s history
- Easter Traditions: Fun times with family and nature
- Christmas: A warm and joyful celebration
Keep reading to learn more about these exciting traditions.
By the end, you’ll know more about Norwegian traditions and feel closer to how they celebrate.
1. Holiday Traditions in Norway: Constitution Day
Time & Location: Constitution Day is Norway’s national holiday. It happens every year on May 17th. On this day in 1814, Norway made its constitution. After the Napoleonic Wars, the country tried to stay independent. But later that year, it had to join with Sweden.
People still marked May 17th in many places. In 1905, Norway left the union with Sweden and became fully independent. Prince Carl of Denmark became the new king and was called Haakon VII. Since then, May 17th has been an important day for Norwegians.
Event Details: This holiday tradition in Norway is peaceful and full of joy. It focuses on children, families, and local pride. The most important event is the children’s parade. Kids walk through the streets with flags. They sing and march with school bands. They may also stop to visit older people or war memorials.
There are also parades for all people, called borgertog. Anyone can join. Groups like scouts and choirs walk together to celebrate.
Many wear traditional clothes called a Bunad. Each region has its style. People spend time outside, play games, and eat popular foods like hot dogs, waffles, ice cream, soda, and candy.
Older students called Russ also celebrate. They wear bright overalls and stay up all night. Later, they walk in their parade, sometimes holding funny signs. These parades are now smaller because of new rules.
Constitution Day is a fun and proud time for everyone in Norway.
2. Holiday Traditions in Norway: Ascension Day
Time & Location: Ascension Day is a Christian holiday tradition celebrated in many countries. In Norway, it is called Kristi Himmelfartsdag. It always happens on a Thursday, 40 days after Easter Saturday. The date changes every year.
In 2023, the day was on 18 May. In 2022, it was on 26 May, and in 2021, on 13 May. Some churches in other countries celebrate it on the next Sunday, but Norway keeps it on Thursday.
Because it falls on a Thursday, most workers get a paid day off. Many also take Friday off, giving them a four-day weekend. This Friday is often called an “inneklemt dag”, which means a “squeezed day” between the holiday and the weekend.
Event Details: Ascension Day marks the Christian belief that Jesus rose to Heaven after coming back to life. The day has been remembered for a long time. Church leaders in the 4th and 5th centuries wrote about it.
In Norway, even though the Church and State were officially separated in 2017, this day is still a public holiday. Most Norwegians don’t celebrate it with any special traditions. Some people attend church services, but for many, it’s just a day off.
Shops, schools, and many offices are closed. Buses and trains run on a Sunday schedule. Many Norwegians take this chance to relax, go on a short trip, or enjoy nature.
In 2023, Ascension Day came right after Constitution Day (17 May), so some people used just one vacation day to enjoy a five-day break.
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3. Holiday Traditions in Norway: Maundy Thursday
Time & Location: Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Good Friday. It is part of Holy Week, which leads up to Easter.
The date changes every year, depending on when Easter falls. In Norway, the day is called skjærtorsdag. It is a public holiday. Most people have the day off. Schools, shops, and many offices are closed.
Event Details: Maundy Thursday is a Christian holiday. It remembers the Last Supper, when Jesus shared a meal with his disciples. On that day, he also washed their feet to show kindness and care.
The word “Maundy” comes from Latin. It means command, based on Jesus’ message: “I give you a new commandment.” Some churches in Norway hold evening services. A few may include a foot-washing ceremony, but this is more common in Catholic and Anglican traditions.
Many Norwegians take this time to relax and enjoy family gatherings, part of the country’s Holiday Traditions in Norway.
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4. Holiday Traditions in Norway: Easter
Time & Location: Easter in Norway is usually in March or April. The date changes every year. It depends on the moon.
People in Norway celebrate Easter for several days. The main days are Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. The Easter break often starts on Wednesday evening. Schools, shops, and offices close from Thursday to Monday.
Most stores stay closed for a few days. Some may open for a short time. Public transport runs less often, so check the schedule if you’re traveling. You also can’t buy alcohol on certain days during Easter.
Event Details: Easter is an important holiday tradition in Norway. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Many families leave the cities and spend time in their cabins in the mountains. They enjoy skiing, relaxing, and being with family.
While at the cabin, people often go skiing during the day. In the evening, they read books, play games, or eat snacks. One popular snack is Kvikk Lunsj, a chocolate bar that many Norwegians eat during hikes and skiing trips.
Oranges are also a big part of Easter in Norway. Many years ago, sweet oranges were only sold in winter. The ones that arrived at Easter were the best. Even now, people keep this tradition. Every year, Norwegians eat millions of oranges during Easter.
Easter eggs in Norway are different from what you see in other places. They are large cardboard eggs that can be used again each year. Parents fill them with candy, chocolate, and small treats. Kids look forward to getting their egg on Easter Sunday.
There is also a fun Easter tradition called “påskekrim.” This means “Easter crime.” During this time, many people watch or read crime stories. TV shows, radio, books, and newspapers all share mysteries. It’s something families often enjoy together.
During Easter, towns and cities are very quiet. Many people travel away. If you’re visiting Norway during this time, you might notice that not many places are open. Some restaurants and a few large stores may still be open.
5. Holiday Traditions in Norway: Christmas
Time & Location: Christmas in Norway starts in late November and lasts until mid-January. The biggest celebration is on Christmas Eve, December 24th, while Christmas Day, December 25th, is quieter, but still celebrated by some.
As part of the holiday traditions in Norway, Oslo begins to prepare for Christmas with lights and decorations in mid-November. People begin their shopping for gifts, and Christmas trees are set up and decorated. The first weekend of Advent is when the city looks most festive, and Christmas markets open.
After Christmas Eve, there are many family meals, brunches, and dinners. Shops open again on December 27th, and many people go to exchange any unwanted gifts.
Event Details: Christmas in Norway has many fun traditions. Heart-shaped decorations are the most common for Christmas trees. Instead of round plastic ornaments, the trees are decorated with heart-shaped paper baskets called julekurver. These baskets are filled with Norwegian flags and treats, and they hang on the tree.
People also eat heart-shaped waffles with brunost, a Norwegian brown cheese. Gingerbread cookies are often made in heart shapes and hung in windows at homes and shops.
In Norway, Christmas trees aren’t decorated until December 23rd, called Lille Julaften (Little Christmas Eve). On this day, families decorate the tree, clean their homes, and bake or buy gingerbread houses to place around the house.
Even though the tree gets decorated late, the holiday season starts early. Christmas markets open in early December and sometimes even late November. These markets sell handmade items and Christmas marzipan, a sweet treat.
Christmas Eve is when Norwegians have their main holiday celebration. Families have a big dinner, and afterward, they hold hands and dance around the Christmas tree, singing songs like Så går vi rundt om en enebærbusk. Then, it’s time for kids to open their presents!
Instead of Santa Claus, presents are brought by Julenissen, a small, bearded man wearing a red hat. He delivers gifts to houses on Christmas Eve.
Holiday Traditions in Norway: A Recap
Holiday traditions in Norway are a great way to enjoy the country’s culture. These traditions bring people together with food, music, and family time. Each holiday in Norway has its meaning and shows what is important to the people.
From Christmas to national days like Constitution Day, Norway’s holidays are full of fun. These times are about celebrating, but also about being with family and honoring traditions. Holidays in Norway help you make special memories and connect with the country’s culture.