Christmas preparations and traditions

Most importantly of all you need to let peacefulness and that Christmassy feeling descend upon you to really enjoy the Christmas season. During December Aarhus abound with wonderful experiences of Christmas and boast a real Christmas atmosphere. Here you can get everything to prepare and get ready for Christmas. 

For many Danes, Christmas is closely connected with traditions such as Christmas baking and the fun and warmth of cooking with the family. During November and December you can find lots of inspiration for baking the delicacies of the season in the Den Gamle By', the Old Town Museum, At the Baker's Shop the shelves abound with Christmas delicacies prepared using the classic Danish recipes.

Dancing around the Christmas tree is one of the most cosy Danish Christmas traditions that brings family and friends together for a warm and festive time. Every Christmas we decorate the tree with lights and baubles, light candles, shake hands and sing carols and hymns as we walk around the tree. It's a tradition that brings joy and creates memories, generation after generation.

The dancing around the Christmas tree often culminates in a magical moment as anticipation builds and eyes fall on the beautifully wrapped presents under the tree. After the last notes of the carols die down, we sit around the tree with excitement and one by one the presents are opened with joy and curiosity. It's a special moment where children beam with excitement and adults share the joy of giving - the end of a heart-warming Christmas Eve.

The Old Town is also where you can find inspiration for this year's Christmas tree. Explore the history of Christmas through the ages and see what Christmas tree decorations looked like in the 1800s or take a trip up to 1974 and see what we did in the 70s..

In the Aarhus Region there is every opportunity for finding the perfect Christmas present that will spread joy on Christmas Eve. Go shopping, where the Christmas lights above Strøget in Aarhus give the city a very special Christmas atmosphere and have a stop by the department store Salling, which is full of Christmas spirit. 

Continue into the magical world of Christmas and visit the charming Christmas towns of Randers, Silkeborg and Viborg, where the streets are beautifully decorated and the shops are ready to welcome you. In Djursland, Grenaa and Ebeltoft are perfect destinations for Christmas shopping and cosy Christmas markets - worth a visit all year round.

The local Christmas markets  are full of unique, handmade crafts, elves, Christmas hearts and other personalised finds. Get into the Christmas spirit with the smell of roasted almonds, the taste of hot mulled wine and freshly made æbleskiver - the perfect Christmas adventure for all the senses.