Candles, Traditions, and Danish Christmas Hygge

In Denmark, counting down to Christmas is all about slowing down and savoring the season and December in Denmark is filled with cozy traditions that light up the dark winter days.

Danes mark the season with two types of candles: kalenderlys (calendar candles) and adventskrans (advent candles).

Countdown to Christmas with December Calendar Candles

Just like a tape measure a kalender lys (calendar candle) is marked with numbers 1 to 24. Each day, a bit of the calendar candle is burned, counting the days from December 1st to Christmas Eve. A simple, cozy ritual often shared over breakfast.

Celebrating the Season: The Danish Tradition of Advent Candles

The traditional Advent wreath is made from evergreens and holds four candles. The wreath is hung or placed on a table. On the 4 Sundays before Christmas, families light their advent candles, with one more candle lit each week, bringing warmth and connection into the winter days leading up to Christmas.