New Year’s Day in Denmark ― Date, History, and Details
New Year’s Day in Denmark may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that.
Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of New Year’s Day in Denmark and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of New Year’s Day in Denmark and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In Denmark, New Year’s Day (Nyårsdag) is celebrated with family and friends. There is a tradition of serving a special New Year’s Eve dinner, which often includes roast pork, duck or goose. On New Year’s Day, people often exchange gifts and greet each other with “Happy New Year” (Godt Nytår).
Many people also take part in the “First Footing” tradition, where the first person to enter a home on New Year’s Day is said to bring good luck. This person is usually someone who has dark hair, as it is believed that this will bring good luck for the coming year.
Another popular tradition is to watch the “Nyårsbåd” (New Year’s Boat) sail past on Copenhagen’s harbour. The boat is decorated with lights and usually carries a band, which plays music as it sails past.