Christmas
in Ribe

Experience the magic of Christmas in Ribe, where the holiday spirit comes alive in Denmark’s oldest town. Throughout December, we invite both children and adults to enjoy a wide range of festive events. Our Christmas celebrations are centered around authenticity, quality, history, and liveliness. From the end of November until Christmas, the town is filled with concerts, music, Christmas markets featuring food and crafts – and joyful activities for the whole family.
Please note that most events take place during the four Advent weekends. We look forward to welcoming you to Christmas in Ribe.

Peter’s Christmas in Ribe
– A True Christmas Story

You might be familiar with the beloved Danish Christmas tale Peter’s Christmas, which begins with the words, “I am so glad each Christmas Eve”. The story is believed to have roots in Ribe, dating back to the 1850s. It is precisely the atmosphere from that time we aim to recreate – offering visitors the chance to experience Christmas the way it was in Denmark’s oldest town.

The Story

“I am so glad each Christmas Eve” – thus begins one of Denmark’s most well-known Christmas stories, telling the tale of Peter and his family. In Ribe, we embrace that spirit each year, transforming the town into a charming Christmas destination inspired by the 1850s – a choice that is no coincidence.

Much suggests that Peter’s Christmas was actually inspired by Christmas in Ribe during the 1850s. The authors, the Krohn brothers, often celebrated the holidays with relatives who lived in the iconic building at Torvet 3, right next to Hotel Dagmar – Denmark’s oldest hotel. It is believed that several of the verses were written specifically for the children in this family. That’s one of the reasons why Ribe is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and relive the timeless charm of this classic tale.

About Us

Christmas in Ribe – Denmark’s Oldest Town is organized by Ribe Trade Association in collaboration with a team of dedicated volunteers. Our mission is to create a magical and authentic Christmas experience, just like in the good old days. Every year, we aim to make Ribe a destination worth visiting throughout December for the entire family.

The four Advent weekends are especially packed with events and are truly worth experiencing. Our goal is to offer experiences that engage all the senses – from the enchanting Christmas lights throughout the historic town, to guided tours with the town watchman sharing stories from Ribe’s past. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride with your family and see the town from a new perspective.

Check out the full weekend programs under the ‘Advent Event’ section in the menu. Let yourself be swept up in the charm of Christmas in Ribe!