Christmas and Year-End Traditions in the Nordic Countries: Light and Warmth in the Heart of Winter

As Christmas approaches, the Nordic countries celebrate unique traditions that brighten the long, dark winter days. At Riviera Keys, we love sharing these customs that highlight light, family and togetherness during the festive season.

Saint Lucia Day (Luciadagen)

13 December – Sweden, Norway, Finland

• Origin: Saint Lucia was a young Christian martyr from Sicily, who became a symbol of light and generosity.Celebration:Food traditions:
  • Children and adults dress in white
  • Girls wear candle-lit crowns on their heads
  • Traditional songs are sung during processions
  • Lussekatter, saffron buns shaped like an S
  • Various Christmas cookies and pastries
  Significance:
  • Saint Lucia Day marks the official start of the Christmas season in the Nordic countries, bringing joy and light to the darkest days of the year.

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Christmas in Scandinavia

Decorations and lights

• Homes are adorned with candles, garlands, and star-shaped lights
• Christmas markets (Julmarknad in Sweden) are extremely popular, offering local crafts, festive treats, and mulled wine

Traditional Christmas meals

• In Sweden:
  • The julbord, a buffet with pickled herring, salmon, meatballs, and pastries
• In Norway and Denmark:
  • Dishes such as roast pork, lamb, or fish, served with potatoes and red cabbage

Glögg / Gløgg: Nordic mulled wine

• Spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom
• Sometimes enriched with rum, raisins, or almonds
• Enjoyed at Christmas markets, in family gatherings, or with friends, to warm up and share a convivial moment

Gifts and Santa traditions

• Santa Claus is called Julenisse (Norway/Denmark) or Jultomte (Sweden)
• Brings gifts on Christmas Eve, often accompanied by local stories or legends
  

Other Year-End Traditions

• New Year’s Eve: fireworks, family gatherings, and champagne toasts are common to celebrate the new year
• Celebrations of light: in some countries, festivals of light or concerts are organized to brighten the winter darkness
• Christmas markets and crafts: remain a must-see for discovering local handicrafts, decorations, and festive delicacies

An Invitation to Share the Light

For Riviera Keys, these Nordic traditions remind us of the importance of warmth, togetherness, and shared light with loved ones — values we also place at the heart of our real estate projects.

Season’s Greetings and God Jul!

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