Norway Pavilion was next, but not much more than a passing through. We didn’t stop for food*, but I did see someone with an amazing looking cupcake! We didn’t go on the Frozen ride as couldn’t get a FastPass+ slot for it, and the line wait was too long for us to bother with.
*The reason we didn’t stop for food was because there wasn’t a Holiday Kitchen in Norway. I’ve been doing a bit of research (since my memory is a bit hazy) and it would seem not all the country Pavilions have a dedicated Holiday Kitchen, but most do have seasonal offerings at their regular booths and food/beverage carts.
Norway
The Christmas season is a festive time in the “Land of the Midnight Sun”; however there are remarkable differences between the holiday celebrations in Norway’s cities and the age old traditions of farming communities.
In Norwegian towns and cities, there are a host of festivities leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Many will celebrate the holidays going to concerts, fairs and markets, with caroling and church services, or the familiar custom of awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus.
On many Norwegian farms, there is also much excitement as children anticipate the visit of “the Barn Santa,” Juleniseen, a gnome who lives in woods and barns across the countryside. It is believed that he is the guardian of the farm animals and every family’s welfare. Young children leave a steaming bowl of porridge in the hayloft during the holiday period to thank Juelnissen.
Christmas Eve on the farm is busy with fun activity. Farm animals are treated to the finest oats and barley. Birds are offered a julenek, large sheaves of grain placed high on spruce poles. Gifts are opened. After darkness, it’s “lights out” as homes are illuminated by only the warm glow of candlelight.
Throughout Norway – the Musevisa is a very popular song about a Mouse family preparing for Christmas. In the spirit of the song, Christmas Day throughout Norway is “family time!” Everyone gathers to enjoy the precious gift of food, music and good times that may last for hours!
The entertainment in Norway told the story of Julenissen…