Norwegian Christmas Music: Songs for the Season

If you want a little Nordic warmth in your holiday soundtrack, look no further than Norway’s Christmas music tradition. From emotional ballads to nostalgic childhood favourites, these songs bring a distinctly Scandi flavour to the festive season.

Christmas music tends to divide people, yet for those who love it, adding a few Norwegian classics to your playlist is a wonderful way to discover more of Norway's Christmas traditions and culture.

These songs don’t just set a cosy festive mood, they’re also a surprisingly useful tool for learning Norwegian. Just bear in mind the country’s many dialects, and the odd Swedish song that has made its way into the mix.

What follows is not a complete survey of Norwegian Christmas music, simply a handpicked playlist that blends traditional favourites with more contemporary additions. Think of it as a gentle introduction to Norway’s seasonal soundtrack.

Enjoy og god jul!

En stjerne skinner i natt

“A Star Shines in the Night” is widely considered one of Norway’s most beloved modern Christmas hymns.

Written by Tore W. Aas and Eyvind Skeie and first recorded by the Oslo Gospel Choir in 1992, the song has become a church and concert staple every December.

Its gentle melody and uplifting lyrics capture the sense of calm and hope that Norwegians associate with ‘julefeiring' or the ‘Christmas celebrations'. For many, the Christmas season doesn’t truly begin until they’ve heard this one.

Home for Christmas / Jula hjemme

This one has a slightly unusual backstory. Maria Mena originally wrote and performed “Home for Christmas” in English, long before a Norwegian version existed.

Her duet with Trygve Skaug during NRK P3’s Christmas breakfast in 2016 changed all that. Their performance went viral overnight, with many Norwegians declaring it their new favourite holiday song.

The new Norwegian-language version captures the same emotional punch, especially for anyone who has lived abroad and knows the bittersweet feeling of travelling home for the holidays.

O helga natt

Nils Bech’s version of “O Helga Natt” is actually Swedish, but it holds a special place in modern Norwegian pop culture thanks to its appearance in the wildly-successful Norwegian TV series Skam.

His delicate, almost fragile vocal delivery underscored one of the most powerful moments in the show’s third-season Christmas episode.

The song wasn’t just background music; it became part of the emotional landscape of the scene. Even today, many listeners associate the song with that sense of vulnerability, reconciliation and young love.

One YouTube comment reads: “favorite scene ever. It broke my heart then mended it back together. The writing. The acting. The editing. The music. Everything about this was utterly perfect.”

O Jul med din glede

Every Norwegian child knows this one. “O jul med din glede” is a true Christmas Eve favourite, usually sung while holding hands and walking around the tree. The song’s roots stretch back to the nineteenth century, when it was adapted from a Swedish folk tune.

Its cheerful melody and simple lyrics mean it pops up everywhere from kindergartens to family gatherings. If you want to experience a little of that nostalgic, sugar-frosted Norwegian childhood Christmas feeling, this is the one to listen to.

Glade jul

You’ll certainly recognise this one! This is Norway’s version of “Silent Night,” translated in the mid-nineteenth century and now deeply woven into the country’s festive traditions.

“Glade jul” is performed at concerts, church services and televised Christmas broadcasts every year. The rendition by Sissel Kyrkjebø and Odd Nordstoga, recorded at Oslo Spektrum in 2009, remains one of the most widely shared versions online.

For many Norwegians, this is the moment in the season when everything slows down and the Christmas spirit truly settles in.

Da vet du at det er jul

Ylvis might not be the first name you associate with peaceful Christmas tunes, and of course their festive song comes with a twist.

“Da vet du at det er jul” starts innocently enough, but the lyrics quickly spin into the brothers’ trademark blend of surreal humour and deadpan delivery. It’s playful, chaotic and very Norwegian in its ability to poke fun at holiday expectations while still sounding oddly cosy.

Hey Ho

Freddy Kalas has become synonymous with upbeat party anthems, and “Hey Ho” is no exception. The song is lighthearted and instantly catchy, and the video doubles as a crash course in Norwegian Christmas imagery, from festive foods to knitted jumpers.

It’s also a fun one for language learners thanks to its repetitive phrasing. If you want something festive that isn’t too serious, this is a cheerful addition to any playlist.

God Jul igjen

This warm, understated pop song from No.4 has quietly become a seasonal favourite. Their soft harmonies and conversational lyrics give the track a gentle, reflective quality that sits nicely alongside more traditional Christmas music.

It’s not as well known internationally, but it’s exactly the kind of contemporary Norwegian tune that helps capture what December feels like today: cosy, calm and just a little melancholic.

There is of course loads of Norwegian Christmas music out there. Hopefully this taster gives you something new for your playlist this festive season. God Jul!