What is Julefrokost? The Danish Christmas Lunch

If you’re spending the holiday season in Denmark, you’ll quickly notice the excitement around “Julefrokost.” But what exactly is it? What’s on the menu?

With my experience enjoying Christmas lunch in Denmark, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know—from the traditional seasonal food to the unique customs that make this event so special.

Whether you’re a foodie looking to indulge in authentic Danish flavors or simply curious about local traditions, knowing what to expect can make all the difference.

So, let’s dive into Julefrokost, Danish Christmas lunch, and a few insider tips to make sure you’re fully prepared to enjoy this festive tradition like a Dane!

What is Julefrokost?

Jul or Jule in Danish means Christmas. Frokost means Lunch.

Julefrokost translates to Christmas Lunch!

Julefrokost is the traditional Danish Christmas lunch served throughout the Christmas season in Denmark. Although the name suggests lunch, it is also served for dinner.

It is more than just a meal where families, friends, and colleagues come together to celebrate delicious Danish Christmas food and plenty of snaps.

It is an event filled with laughter, cheerful “skål” toasts, and an array of mouth-watering hearty dishes that showcase the country’s culinary heritage in a joyful atmosphere.

Julefrokost is celebrated both at home as well as in restaurants. The Danes eat Julefrokost at least two or three times during the Christmas season – with family, friends, colleagues, and their loved ones in late November and December.

At home, Julefrokost is a marathon of food and drinks that goes on until the last man standing. At restaurants, it is more of a party (with a DJ sometimes) where there is a lot of drinking than food.

Danish Julefrokost Food Menu

If you are wondering what food is served in Julefrokost, I’m here to explain the three-course menu. The three-course food menu is standard, however, in a few restaurants, it is served as a two or four-course meal.

First Course Menu – Fish and Appetizers

Usually, the traditional Danish Christmas lunch starts with fish followed by pickled herring (rye bread topped with cheese and meat – also called Sild in Danish), shrimp, and eggs.

Second Course Meal Menu – Meat

Next comes the main or meat course. It includes a lot of meat like a

• Danish pork sausage (Medisterpølse)
• Roast pork with crispy cracklings (Flæskesteg) – must try and my favorite
• Duck confit
• Liver Patte (Lever Postej)

Some restaurants include selected meat options, but you can always expect to find pork or duck on the menu, or at times both.

The second course on the menu also usually comes with side dishes like Rodkål (Red cabbage), boiled caramelized potatoes (Brunede Kartofler), and some Christmas sauce.

Third Course Meal Menu – Dessert

The third and final course of Christmas lunch is the Danish specialty Christmas dessert called Risalamande, a vanilla-flavored rice pudding with almonds, served with hot red cherry sauce.

Risalamande is usually followed by Christmas cookies like Pebernodder and Vaniljekrasner.

Julefrokost Drinks Menu

Aquavit, also known as Danish Schnapps, is an alcoholic drink widely consumed when having Julekrokost. Usually served in conical Aquavit glasses, it tastes awful but gets better and better as you drink.

Danes drink Aquavit with every course throughout the Julefrokost meal. Say skål (cheers) while you toast.

There are no hard and fast rules that you should only drink Aquavit. I recommend you try Aquavit as it blends with the main course.

Gløgg (Mulled wine) and Julebryg (Christmas beer) are also a common choice among Danes. Some prefer red wine, of course.

While eating Julefrokost in Danish restaurants, drinks are charged separately in many. 

The Danes will never pressure you to drink so it is completely ok if you don’t want to.

Tip: If you are planning to drink, take a taxi and go home safely. Do not drink and drive.

What is the Almond Hiding Tradition in Julefrokost?

During the Christmas Eve celebration at home when the third course of dessert called Risalamande is served, everyone searches for a full almond, which was intentionally mixed while preparing. Whoever finds it gets an extra gift!

When I had a chance to celebrate Christmas in a Danish home, I observed that this Christmas tradition is still practiced even today. It was fun to watch the kids getting excited!

Kids in Julefrokost

Many restaurants will not allow kids below 18 years of age as the Christmas lunch or Juleforkost includes alcohol. The dining experience is usually much longer and they get bored easily.

If you are bringing your kids along with you, check with the restaurant once.

At home, the kids are served with non-alcoholic drinks when they dine.

Julefrokost on Christmas Eve & Christmas

In Denmark, Christmas is celebrated on the 24th of December, which is Christmas Eve, unlike in many other countries.

The Danes eat Julefrokost at home on the day of Christmas Eve. They follow several Christmas traditions throughout the day and have a hygge-lit family Christmas dinner at night.

Tips for Eating Julefrokost in Danish Restaurants

If you are planning to eat Julefrost (of course you should!), here are a few things to know.

• Book at least one month in advance. Popular restaurants accept reservations up to roughly 120 days in advance. Getting a seat without reservation is very challenging.
• Julefrokost is generally a non-vegetarian culinary experience, primarily with pork and duck. However, nowadays many restaurants serving Julefrokost have included vegetarian and vegan options in their menu.
• If you don’t know how to combine the dishes for the best taste, don’t hesitate to ask for an explanation.
• Julefrokost is a long-dining Danish culinary experience that takes hours. Take it slow and do not rush.
• Tipping for Julefrokost is not mandatory but is encouraged. If the restaurant includes a service fee in the bill, skip tipping.

How to dress for Julefrokost?

There is no such thing as Julefrokost outfits but the Danes usually dress up well for Julefrokost. At home, the dress code is more relaxed. If you are planning a Julefrokost in a Danish restaurant, blend cozy winter attire with a hint of festive fair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Julefrokost, the Danish Christmas Lunch

The hygge of Danish Christmas bonds everyone around the table for the traditional lunch. You simply can’t miss Julefrokost, if you are planning to visit Denmark in December and November.

For those new to the experience, the customs and culinary delights offer an exciting and unique experience.

Now that you are familiar with what exactly Julefrokost is and what is served on the lunch, know the list of best restaurants in Copenhagen that serve Julefrokost, the traditional Danish Lunch.