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How to decorate with traditional Scandinavian Christmas decorations
How do you decorate with traditional Scandinavian Christmas decorations?
In Scandinavia, we love to decorate with light, natural materials and playful symbols and Scandinavian Christmas decorations are no different. Candles and stars brighten the long winter nights, while figures such as the Tomte (Father Christmas) or the Julbock (The Christmas goat) remind us of old traditions. Festively laid tables and Christmas textiles also play an important role. To help you decorate your home with an atmospheric and Scandinavian theme this year, we have put together a selection of the most beautiful Scandinavian Christmas decorations.
- Enchanting Christmas stars
- Delicate Angel chimes
- Stylish advent candles
- Create a Christmas village
- Traditional Scandinavian candle arch
- Hyacinth vases
- Charming Christmas tableware
- Captivating Christmas textiles
- Playful Scandinavian Christmas decorations
- Scandinavian window decorations
1. Enchanting Scandinavian Christmas stars
The Scandinavian Christmas star is a beloved symbol of the Christmas season. Spreading an enchanting glow in windows across the North. Simple yet striking, it captures the quiet beauty of Scandinavian winters. Hang one in your window or cluster a few together in the living room or even over the dining table to create a warm, luminous display that brings a touch of Nordic magic into your home.
You can find more inspiration here:
2. Delicate angel chimes
Charming and timeless, angel chimes are a quintessential part of the Scandinavian Christmas tradition. Place them on the dining table or let them cast a gentle glow from a sideboard. When lit, the warmth of the candles sets the angels in motion, their soft tinkling bells adding a touch of magic to the festive atmosphere.
No angel chime is complete without a complementing set of candles for the perfect fit.
3. Stylish Advent candles
One of the most atmospheric traditions in Scandinavia during the Christmas season is the lighting of Advent candles. Four candles are arranged in a wreath, with one lit on each Sunday leading up to Christmas. This gentle ritual marks the passing of the season, filling homes with a soft, flickering glow. Place your candle holder at the centre of the dining table to create a beautifully traditional Scandinavian Christmas setting.
@hannesmauritzson
The Season candle holder from Georg Jensen with the extension stand in the home of Hannes Mauritzson.
4. Create a charming Christmas village
Small ceramic or porcelain houses, gently illuminated from within, are a beloved way to bring festive warmth into the home. The Urbania collection from Kähler, for example, captures the charm of a Nordic winter village. Dim the lights and let the houses glow by candlelight, creating a magical scene on the mantelpiece, windowsill, or dining table. Over time, this personal Christmas world can grow, year after year, adding an ever-expanding touch of Nordic tradition to your holiday décor.
5. The traditional Scandinavian candle arch
During the long Scandinavian winter, windows become scenes of light and warmth. The traditional Advent light often crafted from wood is an essential part of the Christmas season. They symbolize the yearning for light during the dark months, bringing comfort and a sense of serenity to every home. Placed on the windowsill, they are not only a charming decoration for those inside but also a festive, silent welcome for neighbours and visitors.
You will find more candle arches here:
6. Hyacinth vases
A subtle yet essential element of Scandinavian Christmas décor, hyacinths bring life and fragrance to the dark winter months. Blooming in the heart of winter, they symbolize hope and renewal. Traditionally displayed in decorative glass vases or pots, their roots are left visible—a nod to naturalness and transparency. In Denmark and Sweden, it is customary to bring hyacinths into the home during Advent, gradually introducing the colors and scents of spring while maintaining a warm and festive atmosphere.
7. Charming Christmas tableware
Festive tableware ensures that the Christmas table glows with Nordic splendour. Popular collections, such as the Swedish Grace Winter collection from Rörstrand and the Julemorgencollection from Wik & Walsøe, blend classic motifs with modern elegance. Perfect for cosy fika breaks during the festive season and for Christmas dinner, these pieces are an essential part of Scandinavian Christmas decor, creating a beautiful setting for every festive occasion.
8. Captivating Christmas textiles
Swapping cushion covers and other textiles is a simple yet stylish way to infuse your home with Scandinavian Christmas charm. Festive fabrics bring warmth and a welcoming atmosphere to both living and bedroom spaces. Choose from a range of Nordic-inspired designs and textures—from traditional winter motifs in red and white to sleek, minimalist patterns. It’s an effortless way to introduce the cosy magic of a Scandinavian Christmas into your home.
9. Playful Scandinavian Christmas decorations
Bring a touch of charm to your Christmas decor with playful Scandinavian ornaments. Iconic pieces like the Lucia Advent candle holder or the charming Adventsbarn from Rörstrand add a joyful and traditional touch to your home. These decorations blend timeless Nordic craftsmanship with a light-hearted festive spirit, perfect for creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere throughout the Christmas season. Celebrate Christmas the Scandinavian way, embracing warmth, charm, and a hint of playful magic.
10. Typical Scandinavian window decorations for Christmas
In Scandinavia, windows hold a special role in Christmas décor, they are the bridge between indoors and outdoors, carrying festive cheer beyond the home. Alongside classic candlesticks, Advent stars made of paper or metal are essential, they grace almost every window here in Scandinavia with their warm glow.
Hanging wreath inspired candle holders and Christmas figures suspended by ribbons are also popular, while miniature houses and delicate fairy lights create enchanting scenes visible from both inside and out. A hallmark of Nordic style is the combination of natural greenery, such as pine branches or eucalyptus, with simple, soft lighting, producing an inviting display that delights neighbours, guests, and passers-by alike.
Window decorations are central to Scandinavian Christmas traditions: they illuminate the home and share festive warmth with the world beyond.
Read more about decorating your windowsill here: How to decorate your window sill
We hope we have inspired you to add an extra Scandinavian touch to your Christmas decorations this year. However you decide to decorate we wish you a very merry Christmas from Nordic Nest!
Photography: Angeliqa Daldorph, Watt & Veke, Dala Industrier, Star Trading, @hemlikheter, Chhatwal & Jonsson, Lexington, Fine Little Day
TRADITIONAL SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
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