If you’re an expat living in Denmark, it’s essential to learn about Danish holidays and their customs. Embracing these cultural celebrations can deepen your connection to your new home and community. In this article, we’ll explore 25 key aspects of Danish holidays and offer practical tips for expats on how to enjoy and participate in them.
Key Points
- Tips for Expat Participation and Respectful Observation: Expats are encouraged to attend local events, learn Danish customs, incorporate personal traditions, and approach celebrations with respect and openness to fully enjoy Danish holiday experiences.
- Role of Family, Food, and Decorations: Holidays emphasize family and community gatherings, traditional foods like pickled herring and lamb, and decorations with cultural symbols and specific colors like red, white, yellow, and green.
- Differences from Other Countries’ Holidays: Danish holidays feature distinct customs, such as Christmas ‘Julefrokost’ and Easter egg painting, which may differ significantly from celebrations elsewhere.
- Importance for Expats: Understanding and participating in Danish holidays can help expats feel more integrated, providing insights into Danish history, folklore, and cultural values.
- Introduction to Danish Holidays: Danish holidays range from religious to secular celebrations, including Christmas, Easter, Midsummer, Fastelavn, and Store Bededag, each with unique customs and traditions.
Introduction to Danish Holidays
Denmark boasts a long and rich history filled with a wide variety of cultural celebrations, encompassing everything from deeply rooted religious holidays to vibrant secular traditions that bring people together. Among the most significant and widely celebrated Danish holidays are Christmas, Easter, and Midsummer, known locally as Sankt Hans Aften, which are marked with special customs and festivities.
In addition to these well-known occasions, Denmark also observes many other unique holidays and special days that hold particular cultural importance, such as Fastelavn, a lively carnival-like celebration, and Store Bededag, a traditional Danish holiday with its own distinct customs and meaning.
Danish holidays can be quite different from the holidays you might be used to celebrating in your own home country. For instance, Danish Christmas celebrations often focus on a special event called a “Julefrokost,” which is a festive Christmas lunch featuring a variety of traditional Danish foods. These typically include pickled herring, rich liver pate, and the popular Danish spirit called aquavit. Danes will participate in many such lunches, and it traditionally involves heavy drinking.
In contrast to many rich Christmas traditions, Danish Easter traditions are less prominent and not celebrated to the same extent as in other predominantly Christian countries.
Easter often involves decorating homes with bright yellow and green colors to symbolize spring and renewal. People also enjoy painting eggs in various colors and designs, and there is a charming custom of exchanging “gækkebreve,” which are intricately cut paper snowdrops that friends and family send to one another as a playful gesture during the Easter season.
Several other Easter traditions include hiding chocolate eggs in the garden for children to discover. Additionally, some people gather for an early picnic (don’t forget warm clothes) on a hilltop. They bring colored eggs to roll down the hill, and the egg that lasts the longest wins the competition.
Why Understanding Danish Holidays is Important for Expats
As an expat living in Denmark, you might sometimes experience feelings of isolation or a sense of disconnection from the local culture and community around you. Taking the time to learn about and actively participate in Danish holidays and traditional customs can play a significant role in helping you feel more welcomed and integrated into your new environment. Engaging with these cultural events is not only a wonderful opportunity to connect with others but also an excellent way to deepen your understanding of Danish history, folklore, and the core values that shape Danish society.
List of Danish Holidays throughout the Year
In Denmark, vacations and traditional celebrations are thoughtfully spread throughout the entire year, allowing people to enjoy various festivities and breaks at different times. This distribution ensures that there is always something special to look forward to during each season, making the year rich with cultural experiences and opportunities for relaxation.
Spring Holidays and Traditions in Denmark
Spring in Denmark brings several short holidays that Danes highly value for the chance to enjoy extended weekends. These holidays are separate from the mandatory five weeks of annual leave, allowing Danes to typically benefit from 5+1 weeks of paid vacation from their employers, plus additional days off for Christmas, Easter, and numerous other holidays throughout the year.
Easter (Påske) in Denmark
Easter in Denmark is celebrated as both a deeply religious occasion and a vibrant cultural event. During this time, homes are beautifully adorned with bright yellow decorations, colorful eggs, and branches that sprout fresh, budding leaves, symbolizing the arrival of spring. Families come together to enjoy “påskefrokost,” which is a cherished traditional Easter lunch that typically includes a variety of dishes such as pickled herring, boiled eggs, schnapps, and cold beer.
Children eagerly participate in painting and hunting for Easter eggs, adding joy and excitement to the festivities. Additionally, many Danes take advantage of the extended public holiday weekend by spending time outdoors, enjoying nature, and the longer daylight hours.
While Easter adds some appreciated days of vacation, most Danes don’t consider it as important as Christmas. Easter doesn’t hold a lot of religious value to most Danes, which is different from most other European countries, where it’s the most important Christian holiday.
Confirmation (Konfirmation) in Denmark
From April to June, Danish teenagers take part in the celebration of their confirmation — a deeply rooted Lutheran tradition that signifies their important transition from childhood into adulthood. This significant event begins with a solemn church ceremony, where the young people affirm their faith and commitment.
Following the religious service, families and friends gather to enjoy a festive lunch or dinner, creating a joyful and memorable occasion filled with heartfelt speeches, laughter, and the exchange of meaningful gifts. Danish teenagers can also choose a ‘non-firmation’, which is essentially a party without the Christian confirmation. In this way, the teens, who don’t want to affirm their Christian faith also get to throw a party and get presents.
Typically, the gifts teens receive for their confirmation are valuable and often total several thousand Danish Kroner.
Store Bededag (Great Prayer Day)
Store Bededag is observed on the fourth Friday following Easter Sunday. It’s a combination of a lot of holidays that were merged into one ‘prayer day’ in 1686. It’s estimated that almost every third day was a religious day before the Great Prayer Day was introduced by King Christian V. This constituted a significant problem, as people were often not allowed to work during the religious days, and thus production in the agrarian Denmark of the past was significantly curbed.
Now, Store Bededag is a cherished tradition in Denmark. Linked to this day, people eat “hveder,” which are warm, freshly baked wheat buns, on the evening before the holiday itself. The tradition with ‘hveder’ started as the bakers would take a day off on Great Prayer Day and thus needed to prepare bread the day before. This custom of eating hveder brings families together and adds a special sense of warmth and community to the celebration.
In 2024, the Great Prayer Day was officially abolished. But because it’s a contractual holiday to many, companies compensate employees or still let employees take a day off. The abolishment of the holiday was done to increase more productive days and more tax revenue. But it was heavily critiqued as the State didn’t lack funding at the time.
Summer Traditions in Denmark
Summer in Denmark is the season with the longest holidays, yet it has the fewest established traditions.
Grundlovsdag (Constitution Day)
Celebrated every year on the 5th of June, Grundlovsdag commemorates the historic signing of the Danish Constitution back in 1849. This important day is characterized by numerous political speeches, vibrant public gatherings, and thoughtful reflections on the principles and values of democracy.
While it is not officially recognized as a public holiday, many workplaces and educational institutions choose to close early, allowing people to participate in the celebrations and acknowledge the significance of this day in Denmark’s history.
Sankt Hans Aften (Midsummer’s Eve)
On June 23, Danes come together to joyfully celebrate the summer solstice with large bonfires, lively singing, and heartfelt speeches. A striking feature of the celebration is the placement of a straw witch figure atop the bonfire, symbolizing the burning away of evil spirits and negative influences. The evening is marked by a strong sense of community spirit, with people gathering outdoors to enjoy each other’s company and sing traditional songs such as the beloved “Midsommervisen,” creating a festive and warm atmosphere.
Sankt Hans Aften has been observed in Denmark for many centuries, tracing its origins all the way back to the Viking Age. These annual festivities were originally closely connected to ancient pagan rituals and customs that marked the summer solstice, reflecting the spiritual beliefs, agricultural cycles, and seasonal changes that were crucial to early Danish communities and their way of life.
School Summer Holiday
From late June through to early August, schools close for the extended summer holidays. During this period, many families take the opportunity to travel either to the picturesque Danish coast, cozy summerhouses, or even venture abroad to explore new destinations. It is a wonderful time dedicated to relaxation, savoring delicious ice cream, cycling along scenic routes, and fully enjoying the long, bright Scandinavian daylight hours that stretch well into the evening.
Autumn Traditions in Denmark
In autumn, Danes delight in taking long walks through the forest and lighting candles indoors to create a cozy atmosphere.
Høstfest (Harvest Festival)
Autumn marks the time to celebrate the harvest season. Many towns and schools hold small “høstfester” with decorations of wheat, pumpkins, and apples. The tradition reflects gratitude for nature’s bounty and Denmark’s agricultural roots. This festival was to celebrate the successful end of the harvest.
As the agricultural production required less and less people in the rural areas, these festivals also lost their importance. Many Danes don’t participate in any celebrations of the termination of the long harvest.
Mortensaften (St. Martin’s Eve)
On the evening of November 10, Danes joyfully celebrate Mortensaften by gathering to enjoy a traditional meal that typically features roast duck or goose served alongside hearty potatoes and tangy red cabbage. This beloved custom pays tribute to Saint Martin, a figure from legend who famously attempted to avoid being appointed as a bishop by hiding among a flock of geese. However, his plan was foiled when the noisy geese betrayed his hiding place with their loud honking, leading to his discovery and eventual rise to sainthood.
Efterårsferie (Autumn Break)
In mid-October, schools have a one-week autumn holiday. Families often visit the countryside, parks, or museums. It’s also a popular time for visiting Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, which decorates with pumpkins, lanterns, and Halloween themes.
This holiday is connected to the potato harvest and farming in general. Farms required the labor of children, so they were granted this week off to help with the harvest. Efterårsferie is also known as the “potato holiday” for this very reason.
Winter Traditions in Denmark
Winter is the highlight of traditions in Denmark. Christmas is essentially a whole month of celebration and tradition in Denmark, and therefore we also wrote this entire article dedicated to Christmas in Denmark. But New Year’s eve is also a strong tradition for most Danes.
Julefrokost (Christmas Lunch)
Throughout December, workplaces, families, and friends come together to celebrate Christmas lunches. These festive occasions showcase traditional dishes such as herring, pork roast, liver pâté, and schnapps. Singing and games are popular activities, creating a warm and cheerful “hyggelig” atmosphere.
Most Danes typically attend ‘Christmas lunches’ within their social circles, including family gatherings, work events, badminton clubs, and various other associations they are part of.
Advent and Christmas (Jul)
The Christmas season begins with Advent, where candles are lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas. Homes are decorated with hearts, stars, and elves (“nisser”). On December 24, families celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive dinner, dancing around the Christmas tree, and exchanging gifts. Rice pudding (“risalamande”) with an almond hidden inside is a traditional dessert.
It is widely believed that Christmas was adapted from the Northern European tribes’ “light festival,” which celebrated the return of longer days. Christmas is celebrated on December 24th, just three days after the shortest day of the year, December 21st. Many speculate that this timing was chosen to help convert the Viking Danes to Christianity by aligning the new holiday with their traditional celebrations.
Nytårsaften (New Year’s Eve)
New Year’s Eve is joyfully celebrated with close family and good friends, often beginning with a special, festive dinner featuring traditional dishes such as cod, succulent beef tenderloin, or a glass of fine champagne. As midnight approaches, Danes gather to watch the Queen’s annual speech, a cherished national tradition. Then, to welcome the new year with energy and optimism, they jump off chairs to symbolically “leap” into the fresh year ahead. Afterward, vibrant fireworks displays light up the night sky across the entire country, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere for everyone involved.
Fastelavn (Carnival Sunday)
Fastelavn is celebrated seven weeks before Easter and marks the transition from winter to spring. Children dress up in costumes, sing songs, and take turns hitting a wooden barrel filled with candy — a game known as “slå katten af tønden.” The child who breaks the barrel becomes the “Cat King” or “Cat Queen.” Bakeries sell cream-filled buns called “fastelavnsboller,” a seasonal favorite.
Though technically a spring tradition, the anticipation of Fastelavn begins in winter when bakeries start selling cream-filled “fastelavnsboller” in January. The pastries mark the approach of brighter days and are a beloved sign that spring is on its way.
Tips for Embracing Danish Holiday Traditions as an Expat
If you’re an expat eager to immerse yourself in Danish holiday traditions, there are numerous wonderful ways to get involved and truly experience the local culture. One great option is to attend various local events, such as charming Christmas markets filled with festive decorations and delicious treats, or traditional Easter lunches where you can enjoy authentic Danish cuisine. Additionally, you might consider hosting your own holiday celebration at home and inviting local friends and acquaintances to share in the festivities, creating meaningful connections and memorable experiences.
The Role of Family and Community in Danish Holidays
Danish holidays are frequently celebrated with close family members as well as friends and community groups. These festive occasions provide an excellent opportunity to engage with local Danes on a deeper level and gain valuable insights into the rich traditions and unique aspects of Danish culture. Taking part in these celebrations allows visitors to experience firsthand the warmth and togetherness that characterize Danish holiday customs.
The Significance of Danish Holiday Decorations
Danish holiday decorations are known for often incorporating specific colors, meaningful symbols, and traditional themes that reflect the spirit of each celebration. For example, during Christmas, the decorations commonly showcase vibrant red and crisp white colors, along with charming hearts and shining stars that symbolize warmth and festivity. Similarly, Easter decorations in Denmark frequently feature bright yellow and fresh green hues, accompanied by playful eggs and adorable bunnies, all of which represent renewal and the joy of springtime.
Celebrating Danish Holidays with Children
Danish holidays can be especially enjoyable and entertaining for children, as many of these special occasions include a variety of fun activities such as costume contests, candy hunts, and other engaging games. These events provide an excellent opportunity for children to dress up, socialize, and partake in festive traditions that create lasting memories.
Consider actively participating in these delightful activities with your own children to enhance their holiday experience or even take the initiative to host a celebration for local children in your community, fostering a sense of togetherness and joy during the festive season.
How to Plan Your Own Danish Holiday Celebration
If you are an expat living in Denmark, you might want to create and host your very own Danish holiday celebration to fully embrace the local culture. Think about including traditional Danish foods, authentic decorations, and classic holiday activities to make your event truly special and immersive. Additionally, you could invite local Danish friends, neighbors, or acquaintances to join in the festivities, which can be a wonderful way to connect and share experiences.
How to Find and Participate in Local Danish Holiday Events
Local events provide an excellent opportunity to fully experience Danish holidays and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Denmark. To make the most of these experiences, be sure to regularly check local event calendars, which often list upcoming festivals, celebrations, and community gatherings. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask your Danish friends for their personal recommendations, as they can offer insider tips on the best events to attend. Another great way to discover local happenings is by joining local Facebook groups, where community members frequently share information about events, activities, and cultural celebrations in your area.
The Importance of Language and Communication During Danish Holidays
If you’re not fluent in Danish, navigating Danish holiday celebrations can be quite challenging and sometimes overwhelming. It\’s a good idea to learn some basic Danish phrases and familiarize yourself with the local etiquette to help you feel more comfortable and engaged during the festivities. Additionally, don\’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification whenever you\’re unsure about customs or traditions, as this openness will enhance your experience and help you connect better with the people around you.
The Most Popular Danish Holidays
Some of the most cherished and widely celebrated Danish holidays include Christmas, Easter, and Midsummer, known locally as Sankt Hans Aften. These special occasions are traditionally marked with joyful gatherings that bring together family members, close friends, and neighbors from the community. The celebrations often involve various customs and activities that highlight Danish culture and foster a strong sense of togetherness and warmth among those participating.
Uncommon Danish Holidays That Are Worth Knowing About
While many Danish holidays are widely recognized and celebrated by people around the world, there are also several lesser-known holidays that continue to hold significance for some Danes and are still observed with traditional customs. For instance, Store Bededag is a unique holiday that occurs in May each year and is particularly notable for the tradition of eating “hveder,” which are a special type of sweet, fluffy bread enjoyed by many on this day. This holiday offers a charming insight into Danish culture beyond the more commonly known celebrations.
Danish Holiday Travel Tips
If you plan to be traveling in Denmark during a holiday period, it’s important to be prepared for larger crowds than usual and the possibility of experiencing some transportation delays. To make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, consider booking your accommodations well in advance to secure your preferred lodging. Additionally, be sure to check the latest schedules for public transportation ahead of time, as holiday timetables may differ from regular ones and can affect your travel plans.
The Role of Music in Danish Holiday Celebrations
Music holds a deeply significant and cherished place in numerous Danish holiday celebrations, enriching the festive atmosphere from traditional Christmas carols to lively Midsummer folk songs. These musical traditions not only bring people together but also help preserve Denmark’s rich cultural heritage during special occasions. If you have the chance, consider attending a local concert featuring Danish holiday music, or try learning a traditional Danish holiday song to sing along with friends and family. This immersive experience can offer a wonderful way to connect with Danish customs and create lasting holiday memories.
Danish Holiday Gift-Giving Customs
Gift-giving is a cherished and widespread tradition during Danish holidays, deeply rooted in the culture and celebrations. It is common to consider giving small, thoughtful gifts to friends, family members, and acquaintances as a way to express appreciation and spread holiday cheer. Many people also enjoy participating in a fun and festive “Secret Santa” gift exchange, where each participant anonymously gives a present to another, adding an element of surprise and joy to the festivities.
The Influence of Scandinavian Mythology on Danish Holidays
Many traditional Danish holidays have deep roots that trace back to ancient Scandinavian mythology and rich folklore traditions. For instance, the popular Midsummer celebration, known locally as Sankt Hans Aften, features unique customs such as the burning of a “witch effigy” in a large bonfire. This practice symbolizes the warding off of evil spirits and is a key part of the festivities that bring communities together during this special time of year.
How Danish Holidays Vary by Region
While numerous Danish holidays are celebrated widely throughout the entire country, there can often be notable regional variations in the specific traditions and customs observed. It is worthwhile to take the time to research local holiday practices and customs unique to different areas. By doing so, you can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural richness and diversity within Denmark. Additionally, actively participating in regional celebrations can provide a more authentic and enriching holiday experience.
Danish Holidays in the Workplace
Danish workplaces often have their own unique holiday traditions and special celebrations that are deeply rooted in the company culture. It is a great idea to actively consider participating in these workplace events, as doing so can provide a wonderful opportunity to connect and build stronger relationships with your colleagues. Taking part in these festivities not only helps you understand the traditions better but also allows you to become more integrated into the work community and enjoy a richer social experience at your job.
How to Respectfully Observe Danish Holidays as an Expat
As an expat living in Denmark, it is especially important to observe Danish holidays with a sense of respect and sensitivity. Taking the time to understand and appreciate the significance of these special days will help you connect more deeply with the local culture. Be open and willing to learn about Danish traditions and customs, as this openness will enrich your experience and demonstrate your respect for the people around you. Always be mindful and considerate of the local cultural norms, which will allow you to integrate more smoothly and build positive relationships within the community.
Combining Your Own Cultural Traditions with Danish Holidays
You don’t need to give up or abandon your own rich cultural traditions in order to fully participate in Danish holidays and festivities. Instead, consider the wonderful opportunity to incorporate elements of your own cultural heritage into your holiday celebrations. You might find creative ways to blend and combine different cultural customs and traditions, enriching the experience for yourself and those around you. This approach allows you to honor both your background and the local Danish customs, creating meaningful and unique holiday memories.
Reflections on the Joys of Celebrating Danish Holidays as an Expat
Participating in Danish holidays as an expat can be an incredibly joyful and deeply rewarding experience that enriches your life in many meaningful ways. By actively connecting with local Danes and immersing yourself in the rich traditions and unique aspects of Danish culture, you can significantly deepen your appreciation and fondness for your new home and the community that surrounds you.
As an expat living in Denmark, there are countless wonderful opportunities to celebrate Danish holidays and engage fully in local customs and traditions. Whether you find yourself attending a lively local event or choosing to host your own festive celebration, it is important to remain open-minded, eager to learn, and respectful toward the cultural practices of the Danish people. By wholeheartedly embracing Danish holidays and the spirit behind them, you will naturally feel a stronger sense of belonging and connection to your new home and the community around you.
