Norwegian movies for Christmas
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Are you new in Norway and wonder if there are Norwegian Christmas films? Then you have come to the right place. Read on.
Every year during Christmas, many Norwegians watch the film “Tre nøtter til Askepott” (English title: Three wishes for Cinderella). It is a strange tradition because the film is not Norwegian and is also not a high-quality film. It was made in 1973 by producers from East Germany and Czechoslovakia. You can watch the movie on the Norwegian TV channel NRK every Christmas Eve. All the voices are dubbed into Norwegian by one and the same actor.
If you hear a Norwegian shouting in a funny voice a phrase that contains «tre nøtter!» (three nuts!), then you know that the phrase comes from this movie. Norwegians will be impressed if you can tell them some fun facts from the movie. Read, for example, on Wikipedia.
In 2021 there was a new recording of the fairy tale, this time with Norwegian actors.
Below are some tips for movies that might give a good family time this Christmas. And since Norway is the topic of this article, we have included only Norwegian movies. Maybe you can learn a little Norwegian if you put on subtitles.
Do you want more tips for Christmas movies? You can find a lot of tips in this article.
Barnevakten’s tips for Norwegian Christmas movies
- The rating ranges from 1 to 6 where dice roll 6 is the best.
- An icon with an A means that the movie is suitable for everyone, there are no scenes that are too intimidating or inappropriate for children.
- An icon with 6 means that the film is best suited from the age of 6 years and above.
«Teddybjørnens jul»
- English title: Teddy’s Christmas
Norwegian family movie, 2022
Recommended for the whole family
A charming retelling of Alf Prøysen’s classic song, presented as a high-quality family film. The story is told mainly from Mariann’s perspective, and the film includes several new elements not found in the original song—while still clearly embracing the Christmas spirit. The film conveys a strong message that love matters more than money, a theme carried over from the classic song. It also introduces new messages about the importance of being yourself and not losing your imagination. But the most central theme is the idea of going to great lengths to make things right when you’ve done something wrong. To some extent, it also encourages children to take responsibility for their own mistakes. Few children’s films highlight such values, and the film communicates them clearly and effectively. The film is primarily aimed at younger children, but it is entertaining enough for the entire family.
Read Barnevakten’s review
«Solan og Ludvig – Jul i Flåklypa»
- English title: Louis & Luca and the Snow Machine
Norwegian children’s movie, 2020
Recommended for the whole family
Solan og Ludvig – Jul i Flåklypa is a successful sequel to the legendary «Flåklypa Grand Prix» (The Pinchcliffe Grand Prix), where we follow Reodor Felgen, Ludvig, and Solan’s attempts to get snow for Christmas in Flåklypa. In this film, there is snow, or lack of such, and that is the problem. At first, Reodor will not make a snow machine. But curiosity and pride ultimately win, and the consequences don’t wait. The film offers great family entertainment with humor and warm undertones. With Norwegian audio, you will occasionally hear a dialect from the inland and it can be difficult to understand if you are new in Norway. Alternatively, you can put on subtitles in your own language.
Read Barnevakten’s review
«Brillebjørn feirer jul»
- The Spectacled Bear Celebrates Christmas
Norwegian children’s movie, 2020
We recommend for the youngest
Johannes always celebrates Christmas with his grandparents’ family, but since grandpa died just after last Christmas, only Grandma is left. And since it was Grandpa who was the Christmas General, Johannes might have to take over that job. He decides to make a really great Christmas, and together with grandma, he makes a list of everything they should make ready before the rest of the family arrives. Join us in celebrating Christmas with Johannes and Brillebjørn in a cozy, funny, charming, and educational Christmas film for the very youngest, which also evokes the Christmas spirit and highlights what is important and nice during the Christmas time.
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«Karsten og Petras vidunderlige jul»
- Karsten and Petra’s Wonderful Christmas
Norwegian children’s movie, 2014
We recommend for children
Two close friends create the world’s best Christmas spirit in a great film for small children. The film is a great fit in the pre-Christmas season and can inspire creativity, compassion, and family fun.
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«Jul med Astrid Lindgren»
- Astrid Lindgren’s Christmas
Norwegian children’s movie, 2024
We recommend for the whole family
A cozy Christmas film for the youngest viewers, made up of four short animated films based on Astrid Lindgren’s stories, tied together by a framing narrative. The message centers on the importance of family, friendship, and being together during Christmas. All in all, this is a lovely holiday film that offers entertainment and Christmas spirit for young children.
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«Pulverheksas magiske jul»
- The Witch’s Magical Christmas
Norwegian children’s movie, 2024
We recommend for children
In Pulverheksas magiske jul, we follow the Powder Witch and her friends. In the first half, she must find a remedy at the top of Frossenfjell, while the second half revolves around the Christmas feast. The production quality is mediocre, but the stories offer uplifting messages along with charm and humor. The short runtime makes this film perfect for a quick movie moment with the kids.
Read Barnevaktens’s review
«Jul på Kutoppen»
- English title: Christmas at Cattle Hill
Norwegian children’s movie, 2020
Suitable for the Youngest
Can Klara make a fantastic Christmas at Kutoppen? In this cozy movie for the youngest, a lot of fun happens, and even a nisse (a mythological creature from Norse folklore) appears that gets clumsy coconut! This is a well-made animated film for small children and well-suited for a cozy movie time. There is also a nice message to share Christmas with those you love, and at the same time find friendships and a pleasant time with others with whom you are not usually friends.
Read Barnevakten’s review
«Snekker Andersen og Julenissen»
- English title: Santa Swap – Merry Christmas Mr. Andersen
Norwegian children’s movie, 2016
We recommend for children
This is a well-made, funny, and heartwarming Norwegian children’s movie that is perfect for bringing up the Christmas spirit. The children can enjoy the carpenter’s many crazy inventions, while the Santa family he visits is very sweet and fun. The film lacks a good message, but the humor and mood make this a great film for the youngest.
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«Snekker Andersen og Julenissen: Den vesle bygda som glømte at det var jul»
- English title: Forgotten Christmas
Norwegian children’s film, 2019
Suitable for children
This is a cozy and kid-friendly movie. Especially the beginning of the film has many funny episodes that arouse laughter, and the fairytale universe of Alf Prøysen is awesome. However, we think children deserve better movies. The story is extremely simple and there is hardly a message to get apart from the obvious fact that Christmas is the time to be together and eat good food.
Read Barnevakten’s review
«Gledelig jul»
- English title: Another Happy Christmas
Norwegian comedy, 2020
Suitable for everyone, best suited for adolescents and adults
Annemor and Frank usually celebrate Christmas in southern regions (southern Europe), but this year Annemor gathers the family for Christmas celebrations at home on their farm in Norway. As in most families, there are many problems that boil beneath the surface, both of the soft and unspoken kind, and when there is also a big secret in the family that forces itself forward, it goes without saying that this will not be a normal Christmas celebration. Gladelig Christmas is a clever and well-made comedy with a lot of great humor, but the film doesn’t create a great commitment to the characters. We don’t get a good insight into the root of their problems, and the end of the film feels a little tame and uninteresting; the solution becomes too simple and predictable. But by all means, this is a cozy and funny movie that we think very many people will greatly appreciate.
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«Den første julen i Skomakergata»
- Christmas on Cobbler Street
Norwegian drama, 2023
We recommend for 6 years and above
Den første julen i Skomakergata is based on the classic TV series but clearly tells a different story. The year is 1945, and most Norwegians are looking forward to their first Christmas celebration after the war. A young girl named Stine hides in Shoemaker Andersen’s workshop, setting off a story with a heartfelt message about forgiveness and friendship. The character development is perhaps the film’s strongest aspect, though the attempt to introduce an antagonist is less successful. All in all, it’s a pleasant Christmas film for the whole family.
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«Dragevokterens jul»
- English title: Dragon Girl
Norwegian adventure film, 2020
Suitable for 6 years and above
Mortimer dreams of becoming a famous YouTuber, but no one wants to watch his channel. Sara is on the run. She has escaped from the refugee reception center and is afraid of being sent out of the country. When a fire-breathing dragon crashes into the house where Sara is hiding, it becomes very clear that this will not be an ordinary Christmas. Dragevokterens Jul is a film that has just the right level of ambition to be a Norwegian fairytale adventure film with a fire-breathing dragon. There’s a lot of good messages too. But it is also very disappointing that such a good idea has become such a simple story. The film is good enough to entertain children, but the audience should have been taken more seriously with a story that at times becomes a little silly.
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«Julenatt i blåfjell»
- English title: Magic Silver
Norwegian children’s movie, 2009
We recommend for 7 years and above
Princess Fjellrose and Red Santa Boy Dreng must save the world from eternal darkness in this exciting and entertaining adventure film. The film has a nice message about courage, forgiveness, and the value of helping each other.
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«Blåfjell 2 – Jakten på det magiske horn»
- English title: Magic Silver 2
Norwegian children’s movie, 2011
We recommend from 5 years
The second film about the elves in Blåfjell is a nice pre-Christmas adventure with a clear climate message for children between the ages of five and twelve.
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«Julekongen – Full rustning»
- English title: The Christmas King: In Full Armor
Norwegian adventure movie, 2015
Suitable for 6 years and above
Julekongen – Full Rustning is a nice sequel to the popular Christmas King series that went on television. The film offers fresh humor, a good message, and an exciting perspective on evil – where we get to see that people are more complex and not quite as easy to understand than is the case in most films. This is pretty cool to do in a children’s movie. Unfortunately, there are far too many weak and unbelievable scenes for the roll of the dice to get louder. But the film is still a good fit for children aged six to 11.
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«Tre nøtter til Askepott»
- Three Wishes for Cinderella
Norwegian family film, 2021
Suitable for 6 years and above
Tre nøtter til Askepott features beautiful landscapes and a fresh, modern Cinderella. In this version, Cinderella is portrayed as an independent young woman, with a positive message that you are good enough as you are, and it emphasizes that your destiny is in your own hands. However, much of the charm of the 1973 Czech version has been lost in this retelling. The stepmother also comes across as quite frightening, and some scenes may be scary for children under six.
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«Reisen til julestjernen»
- English title: Journey to the Christmas Star
Norwegian fairytale adventure movie, 2012
Suitable for everyone, can be seen with the whole family
The remake of the beloved Christmas story is tainted by poor dialogue and special effects, but we still think many children will enjoy watching Reisen til julestjernen. Although the film is a disappointment, it also has good qualities – the cozy adventure about young Sonja takes place in beautiful surroundings and everyone has nice costumes. Note that the witch and count are pretty naughty, and some scenes might be a little creepy for the very youngest.
Reisen til julestjernen has also been played on Norwegian theatre stages for many years. If there is no pandemic when you read this, you can alternatively watch the play in the theatre.
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«Snøsøsteren»
- The Snow Sister
Norsk family film, 2024
We recommend for 9 years and above
A touching and heartfelt film about grief and Christmas, offering both an engaging story and a strong festive atmosphere. Julian’s family has experienced a significant loss, and understandably, they are struggling to cope. When Julian meets Hedvig, who is full of joy and Christmas spirit, she helps him process his grief and rediscover things to look forward to. For many children, it’s important that a Christmas film addresses such themes and shows that the holiday season can be difficult. Hedvig’s role in the story creates a very touching narrative, making it clear why she and Julian become so close. Through Julian’s relationships with his best friend, Hedvig, and his little sister, themes of friendship and family are highlighted, deeply connected to the main storyline.
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There’s something in the barn
Norwegian horror, 2023
Suitable for older teens
An American family inherits a farm in Norway, but the barn is home to a mischievous troll-like creature, which becomes enraged when the family throws a party to get the reserved Norwegians to open up. Despite the very grotesque scenes, the cultural contrast depicted in the film is more interesting than the horror elements. While the first half of the film feels like a traditional family-focused Christmas movie, the second half turns into a bloody thriller with horror elements. The film includes drunk driving, children drinking alcohol, lots of blood, corpses, and grotesque acts of violence, making it most suitable for older teens.
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