Christmas in Norway is as much about food as it is about family and tradition. For travelers, joining in the holiday meals offers a delicious way to experience Norwegian culture firsthand.
The Big Five Christmas Dinners
Norwegians are passionate about their Christmas Eve dinners, and which dish you enjoy often depends on where you are in the country. The five most popular are:
- Pinnekjøtt – Salted and dried lamb ribs, steamed over birch sticks. A West Norwegian classic, often paired with aquavit and beer to balance the rich flavors.
- Ribbe – Crispy roasted pork belly with crackling, served with sauerkraut, potatoes, and gravy. A staple in Eastern Norway.
- Lutefisk – Dried cod treated with lye, then rehydrated and baked. Served with peas, bacon, and mustard sauce. A centuries-old tradition.
- Juletorsk – Christmas cod, popular in coastal regions, often poached and served with potatoes and carrots.
- Julekveite – Christmas halibut, another coastal favorite, highlighting Norway’s seafood heritage.
Sweet Traditions
No Norwegian Christmas is complete without cookies. Families bake at least seven varieties, known as the syv slag (seven kinds). Favorites include:
- Krumkaker – Thin, rolled waffle cookies filled with cream.
- Sandkaker – Delicate tart-like cookies baked in molds and filled with jam or cream.
- Sirupsnipper – Spiced diamond-shaped cookies made with syrup.
- Pepperkaker – Gingerbread cookies, often cut into festive shapes and decorated.
Festive Drinks
Alongside the meals, Norwegians enjoy traditional drinks:
- Akevitt – A spiced spirit considered essential with pinnekjøtt, as its herbal notes cut through the fattiness of the lamb.
- Beer – Often served with Christmas dinners, complementing both meat and fish dishes.
- Gløgg – A mulled wine with spices, raisins, and almonds, perfect for cozy evenings.
Snacks and Comforts
Beyond the main meals, Norwegians love festive snacks. Smash! chocolate-covered corn cones, Cheese Doodles, and sour cream & onion chips with dip are popular during movie nights and family gatherings. Frozen pizza Grandiosa with Jarlsberg cheese is another quirky but beloved tradition.
A Traveler’s Experience
For visitors, tasting these foods is more than a meal—it’s a cultural immersion. Whether savoring pinnekjøtt with aquavit, baking gingerbread with locals, or sipping gløgg by the fire, Norwegian Christmas food offers a warm welcome into the country’s holiday spirit.
