The Glow of Christmas in Greenland
In Greenland, Christmas is particularly festive, with candles and Christmas stars illuminating almost every window. The celebration begins on the first Sunday of Advent when the candles on the Christmas trees are lit in towns across the country. These trees, often shipped from Europe, are a central part of the festivities. Families and communities gather together to witness the lighting of the tree, singing traditional songs as the tree glows for the first time.
For children, Christmas is a time of joy and excitement, especially in the smaller settlements. On Christmas Eve, it is customary for children to sing in front of houses in the town, where they are rewarded with Christmas sweets by the residents. The Greenlandic Christmas sky often adds to the magic with its stunning displays of the northern lights, making Christmas a true festivity of light in Greenland.
One of the most beloved traditions is the St. Lucia parade on December 13th. Children, wearing wreaths on their heads and holding candles, sing about Saint Lucia in schools and after-school centers, bringing light into the dark winter days.
Christmas Eve Traditions
In Greenland, Christmas is celebrated on December 24th, similar to Scandinavian and German traditions. The evening is marked by dancing around the Christmas tree, a tradition that brings families and friends together in a joyful celebration. While some children receive their gifts in the morning, the main celebration takes place in the evening, with presents, songs, and communal meals.
Singing plays a significant role in Christmas celebrations, whether it’s in church, on the radio, or TV. Community singing and choral performances are common, with many Greenlanders being regular churchgoers and singers. During Christmas services, the harmonies of two- and three-part songs fill the air, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. One of the most cherished moments is the singing of the psalm ‘Guuterput’ (Our God), which often brings tears to the eyes of those present.
Christmas in Greenland is always white, with snow blanketing the ground and adding to the festive atmosphere. The churches in towns and settlements are filled to capacity during the Christmas days, with sermons and psalms sung in both Greenlandic and Danish. The Christmas menu varies depending on where you are in Greenland—roast pork and duck are popular in some homes, while others prefer Greenland lamb, musk ox, reindeer, razorbill, or grouse, reflecting the diverse landscapes of the island.
The tradition in Greenland is to keep Christmas stars and decorations up until January 6th, the Twelfth Night, when they are finally taken down. This day is also marked by the tradition of Mitaartut.
Before the decorations come down, the phrase ‘Juullimi Pilluarit’—meaning ‘Merry Christmas’—is heard everywhere, as Greenlanders wish each other well throughout the festive season.
A Festive Arctic Experience
During December and January, most of northern Greenland is shrouded in polar darkness, with the sun never rising above the horizon. However, the towns are bathed in an eerie and magical light during the few hours of twilight each day. The snow-covered towns, illuminated by the reflection of stars and street lights, offer one of the world’s most guaranteed white Christmas experiences.
Northern lights during Christmas in Greenland
For tourists, Christmas is a time to witness two of nature’s most extraordinary wonders—the northern lights dancing over the icefjord. The sight of floating icebergs bathed in the shifting colors of the aurora borealis is a memory that will stay with you forever.
Christmas Day is celebrated with multiple church services, which are popular and well-attended. If you want to immerse yourself in local traditions, join in the dancing around the Christmas tree or take a walk around town to absorb the Christmas cheer, with children caroling and the town aglow with festive lights.
Nuuk: The Best Kept Secret Christmas Getaway
Greenland offers a unique Christmas experience that combines the beauty of the Arctic with the warmth of a close-knit community. Here are five reasons why Greenland is an ideal destination for a Christmas getaway:
- Winter Activities in the Christmas Snow: The city’s pavements often turn into ice skating rinks, and regular snowfall covers the rooftops and mountains. Whether you prefer a gentle walk through the city or a hike in the surrounding snow-covered mountains, Greemlamd offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the winter landscape. For the young and young at heart, sledding, snowball fights, and skiing are popular activities.
- Warm Up Your Toes in a Local Coffee Shop: After a day in the cold, there’s nothing better than warming up in a cozy cafe. Many places are decorated with lights and offer special Christmas beverages, such as hot cocoa with marshmallows, cinnamon lattes, and mulled wine. Don’t forget to try Greenlandic cakes like sugared bread with almonds, raisins, and candied peel, or palannguit—little balls of fried dough. Relax with a steaming drink and watch the local life unfold outside.
- Buy Presents and Treats at the Local Christmas Markets: As Christmas approaches, Greenland’s Christmas markets come alive with hand-knitted mittens made from musk ox yarn, homemade ceramics, and Christmas baked goods. The biggest market takes place in the town halls, where you can find everything from woolly socks to glass art. Greenlandic specialties, including lamb, seal, and cakes, are also on offer. Keep an eye out for stalls with Christmas decorations, waffles, and baked goods, often run by local students raising money for study trips.
- Experience the Local Christmas Atmosphere: Greemland’s Christmas markets are spread out over December, with some of the most popular ones held at the local ceramics workshop. Here, you can purchase crafts made by skilled artists and students alike. Information about market dates and locations is often shared on Facebook or posted at bus stops, so be sure to stay informed.
- Enjoy a Guaranteed White Christmas: Frozen icicles, powdery snow, and the ever-present orange Christmas stars make Nuuk a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The combination of Arctic nature, city lights, and festive decorations creates a Christmas atmosphere that is both unique and unforgettable.
Conclusion
Christmas in Greenland is a time of warmth, light, and tradition, set against the stunning backdrop of the Arctic winter.
From the twinkling Christmas stars in every window to the magical northern lights dancing above, Greenland is a place where Christmas is celebrated in its own special way, making it an unforgettable destination for the holiday season.
