Christmas Day
Country | Greenland |
---|---|
Local Name | Juullip ullua |
Date | Thursday, 25th December, 2025 |
Type | Public |
Is Global | true |
About Christmas Day holiday in Greenland
**Christmas Day in Greenland** is a unique and enchanting celebration that blends traditional Danish customs with Greenlandic Inuit culture. As a predominantly Christian country, Greenlanders celebrate Christmas, or "Juullimi Pilluarit" (Merry Christmas in Greenlandic), with great enthusiasm. The holiday season is marked by long, dark winter days, often illuminated by the magical Northern Lights, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Homes are decorated with candles, Christmas trees, and ornaments, while traditional Greenlandic dishes like "mattak" (whale skin) and "kiviak" (fermented seabirds) are served alongside Danish-inspired treats such as roast pork and rice pudding. Church services, choir singing, and community gatherings are central to the celebrations, reflecting the strong sense of community in Greenlandic culture.
Gift-giving is also a cherished tradition, with families exchanging presents on Christmas Eve. Children eagerly await the arrival of "Juulimaaq" (Santa Claus), who is said to travel by dog sled in Greenland. The holiday is a time for warmth, togetherness, and embracing the beauty of Greenland's winter wonderland.