Christmas Day in Denmark

A public holiday on December 25

Danish law names the first and second Christmas days among the public holidays. Christmas Day is the first of these, on December 25.[1]

A public holiday does not by itself settle every employee’s schedule or pay. In Denmark, working conditions are commonly set through collective agreements or an individual agreement between employer and employee, so workers should check the terms that apply to their job.[7]

Christian meaning and Danish history

In the Danish Lutheran Church’s account, December 25 is the traditional date of Jesus’ birth and the official day for celebrating it. The church describes Christmas services on the morning of Juledag as a chance to sing hymns, hear the Christmas Gospel and listen to a sermon.[2]

The Church of Denmark also recounts that Christmas services were once held during the night leading into December 25, before services on Christmas Eve became more common. The Danish church source describes Juledag as having earlier been associated with the winter solstice and the start of the calendar year; it notes that a 1575 calendar reform fixed January 1 as New Year’s Day, although Danes continued celebrating the new year on Christmas Day for some time.[2]

Christmas Eve is the main family celebration

Many Danish families mark the main celebration on Christmas Eve, December 24. Folkekirken describes the evening as the high point of Christmas for most people in Denmark, and VisitDenmark says the evening commonly includes a festive meal and gift-giving.[3][4]

VisitDenmark describes a traditional Christmas Eve dinner of roast pork and duck, potatoes, red cabbage and gravy, followed by risalamande, a rice dessert with cherry sauce and a whole almond hidden in it. The person who finds the almond may receive a prize or extra present. Families may also dance around the Christmas tree and sing before opening gifts.[4]

Christmas Day itself offers another opportunity to attend a church service. Check with local residents about Christmas Day meals and customs.[2][4]

What closes and what to check

Danmarks Nationalbank lists Christmas Day among its closure days and says that banks in general close on the listed bank holidays. VisitDenmark says shops must close on public holidays under the Shop Closing Act, with exemptions for small grocery shops and certain types of goods and locations. So expect many ordinary shops and banks to be closed, while some small grocery stores or shops in exempt locations may open.[5][6]

Check directly with the transport operator or venue before travelling, as opening and service arrangements may differ.