Top 7 Traditional Danish Christmas Food and Drinks You Must Try

Wondering, what are the must-try Danish Christmas food? What to Eat and Drink in Denmark at Christmas? You have come to the right place.

Danish Christmas food is an essential part of the country’s rich holiday traditions, offering a mix of sweet, savory dishes, and drinks that are perfect for the winter months.

As someone who loves Danish culture and its food, I know exactly what and where you must taste and which festive flavors will make your Christmas meal unforgettable. From the traditional mulled wine to sweet treats like æbleskiver, Danish Christmas cuisine is full of unique flavors worth experiencing.

Are you in for a special Danish Christmas treat? Let’s Go.

1. Danish Pancake Balls, Æbleskiver

The word æbleskiver translates to “apple slices”.

Æbleskiver are small round treats that are crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside. They are topped with powdered sugar and jam to add rich flavors—trust me, it’s a heavenly combination.

They taste similar to pancakes but with a unique texture. Usually served warm, enjoy them with a cup of mulled wine (gløgg). The Danish pancake puffs are traditionally served during the cold Christmas season but are available year-round.

They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack!

You will find æbleskiver in the stalls in Christmas markets, Copenhagen food markets, and in the super markets across the city . Tivoli Gardens also sells them.

Did you know? Kaffestuen cafe at Bekken and Malerklemmen (located outside Copenhagen) sells æbleskiver throughout the year!

2. Danish Christmas Drink, Gløgg

Gløgg is the Danish version of mulled wine available only in November and December. The drink has rich sweet and slightly tangy flavors that evoke the spirit of the holiday season and is traditionally enjoyed hot.

Commonly made from red wine, it includes ingredients like sugar, and a mix of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and star anise.

It is served with raisins and slivered almonds so each sip is combined with something to nibble on. Alternatively, you can also have rum or aquavit for an extra kick.

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The Danish Christmas wine perfectly pairs with festive treats like æbleskiver.

You have to drink Gløgg when visiting Denmark during the Christmas season. A non-alcoholic version is made for the kids as well.

For the best Gløgg, head to one of the Copenhagen Christmas markets or Hviids Vinstue (absolute best!). Many local bars serve Gløgg during the Christmas season.

Enjoy the holiday atmosphere and cold winter nights by taking a sip on the festive drink.

Go on a guided Special Christmas food tour and learn more about the Danish traditions behind each bite!

3. Danish Christmas Rice Pudding, Risengrød

Risengrød or rice pudding is a traditional Danish dinner prepared every year on the 23rd of December in every Danish household. You’ll love Risengrød for its creamy texture and warm, comforting flavors. 

Made from simple ingredients like short-grain rice, milk, water, and salt, Risengrød is cooked to creamy perfection and then topped with cinnamon, sugar, and generous butter that slowly melts.

This simple yet comforting meal is like a cozy hug in a bowl. For a more authentic experience, go to Grød restaurant which is spread across Copenhagen.

The leftover Risengrød serves as a base for Risamalande, a Danish Christmas dessert loved by everyone, served on Christmas Eve in Denmark.

4. Danish Christmas Cookies

Oh Oh Oh, My favorite snack of the holiday season. The Danish Christmas cookies absolutely melt in the mouth – buttery, crispy, and full of festive spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

Here are the most popular Danish Christmas cookies you should definitely try!

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• Pebernødder – super crunchy small pepper nut cookies. Perfect for snacking, you can easily eat a handful of them at a time – they are super addictive! There is no Christmas without the Pebernødder.
• Brunkager – Danish gingerbread cookies, made from brown sugar and spices.
• Vaniljekranse – Vanilla butter cookies shaped like wreaths, homemade in Denmark since the 1840s.
• Klejner – Fried Christmas cookies crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Jødekager – Crispy Butter cookies, sprinkled with cardamom and cinnamon sugar. Dating back to 1956, it is said to be a tribute to the Jewish bakers in Copenhagen.

Combine it with a warm drink like Gløgg. Each of these cookies brings its own special flavor to the holiday table, making Danish Christmas traditions even sweeter!

The best part is that you’ll find them everywhere in Denmark during Christmas, from local bakeries, supermarkets to Christmas markets.

Did you Know? Danes don’t have special Danish Christmas cakes but make Honey Hearts called Honninghjerter. It is typically not a cookie or cake (but often called a cookie though!) and takes a long time to prepare, with pre-dough made mid-November for the best quality. It is so good and you should definitely taste them.

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5. Danish Christmas Candies

You don’t want to miss the special handmade Danish Christmas candies. These candies offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors. 

Jellies, marshmallows, and sugar-coated roasted nuts – oh, there are a whole lot of candies that are so good and hard to resist.

Among the most beloved treats are peppermint candies, Juleskringle, and Julekonfekt. Danes eat a lot of Marzipan in November and December.

Christmas candies come with bright red or blue packaging (mostly) and are labeled with “Jule” meaning Christmas.

You’ll find these candies at Danish Christmas markets and in Danish bakeries like Conditori La Grace, and specialty shops like Summerbird. Many families also craft their own at home as a part of Christmas activity.

Add a bit of sweetness to your holiday season!

6. Danish Christmas Beer, Julebryg

Julebryg or the Danish Christmas beer is a festive beer that marks the start of the holiday season in Denmark. Released on J-Day or J Dag, the first Friday in November, this seasonal brew is stronger and spiced than the usual Danish beer.

When you sip, you’ll experience a smooth, rich flavor balancing sweetness with subtle spice. It is the best drink to have during holiday gatherings.

Julebryg is not just a drink; it’s a celebration! 

Every major Danish brewery has its own version of Julebryg, but Tuborg’s Julebryg is the most iconic one. Grab a bottle at any Danish supermarket, pub, or bar, and combine it with the other special Danish Christmas food.

7. Danish Christmas Lunch Julefrokost

Dane’s most awaited cherished meal of the year is the Danish Christmas Lunch called Julekrokost. It is a Danish Christmas tradition filled with food, drinks, and lots of hygge (coziness).

Danes eat Julefrokost on Christmas Eve at home. Danish restaurants serve Julefrokost from mid-November to December, offering a chance to taste the tradition firsthand.

It’s an absolute must if you want a full, authentic Danish holiday experience!

The Julefrokost menu consists of Roast port with picked herring, cracklings called Flæskesteg, Rodkål (Red cabbage), boiled caramelized potatoes (Brunede Kartofler), the Christmas dessert Risalamande, and more.

Get to know the full Julefrkost menu and dishes featured in the traditional Julekrost menu.

Julekrokost always ends with the traditional Danish Christmas dessert called Risalamande, a vanilla-flavored rice pudding with almonds and red cherry sauce.

Final Thoughts: Must Try Danish Christmas Food

Now that you know the must-try Christmas food in Denmark, it’s time to treat yourself to these holiday feasts! Your taste buds will undoubtedly thank you for such an ultimate experience.

Danish Christmas cuisine is rich in tradition, warmth, and flavor. Enjoy the festive season the Danish way—with good food, great company, and the heartwarming spirit of Christmas!