Julebord (Danish:julefrokost[ˈjuːləˌfʁɔɡ̊ʌsd],Norwegian:julebord orjolebord,Swedish:julbord) is aScandinavianfeast orbanquet during theChristmas season where traditional Christmas food and alcoholic beverages are served. Originally, the julebord belonged to Christmas itself, i.e., the period from Christmas Day and onwards. Today julebord is also often organized by employers or organizations for the employees or members.[1][2][3]
Many julebords are characterized by large amounts of food and drink, both traditional and new, hot and cold dishes. There is often lively partying and the party can be an important social meeting place for colleagues. Julebords are a popular tradition that creates high season for the restaurant industry, the taxi industry and ferry companies during this season.[4]
The Norwegian wordjulebord and the Swedish wordjulbord directly translate as "Christmas table", while the Danish wordjulefrokost means "Christmas lunch".[5][6][7][8]
Traditional Christmas food is usually served at Julebord events. These include:Rice pudding (risengrød),pork rib ( Danish:flæskesteg, Norwegian:ribbe), lamb or mutton (pinnekjøtt), spicy sausage (medisterpølse) andlutefisk. The meal is usually served along with sour (red) cabbage (surkål/rødkål),brussels sprouts andlingonberry jam. It is customary to drink mulled wine (glögg), Christmas beer (juleøl) orakevitt/akvavit/aquavit as an aperitif.[9][10]
The Swedishjulbord differs from its Norwegian and Danish counterparts. The Swedish julbord is a form ofsmörgåsbord and the main meal served at Christmas.
