The big day in Norway, as in most of Northern Europe, is December 24. Although it is legally a regular workday until 16:00[8], most stores close early.

The main Christmas meal is served in the evening. Common main dishes include pork rib, “pinnekjøtt” (pieces of lamb rib steamed over birch branches), and in some western areas burned sheep’s head.

Many people also eat “lutefisk” or fresh, poached cod. Rice porridge is also popular (but most commonly served the day after rather than for the main Christmas dinner), an almond is often hidden in the porridge, and the person who finds it wins a treat or small gift.

In some parts of Norway it is common to place porridge outside (in a barn, outhouse or even in the forest) to please “Julenissen”. In many families, where the parents grew up with different traditions, two different main dishes are served to please everyone.

For a lot of Norwegians, especially families, television is an important part of the earlier hours of Christmas Eve. Many Norwegians do not feel the Christmas spirit until they have watched the Czech-German fairy tale Three Nuts for Cinderella (Norwegian title: Tre nøtter til Askepott) and the Disney Christmas cavalcade.[citation needed]

If children are present (and they have behaved well the last year), “Julenissen” (Santa Claus) pays a visit, otherwise gifts are stored under the Christmas tree.

December 25 is a very quiet and relaxed day, before the festivities take off on December 26. Cinemas, night clubs and bars are full, and there are lots of private gatherings and parties, where all kinds of traditional Christmas cookies and sweets are enjoyed. Fatty, tasty dinners are also part of it.

The time between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve is called romjul. During this time children in the western parts of Norway dress up with masks and go “Julebukk” - “Christmas goat” - asking for treats, much the same way as in the American Halloween. January 13 (20th day of Christmas, called St. Knuts Day) is the official end of Christmas.

Source: Wikipedia