🎄 Flag Day on 25 December in Norway: exact times, etiquette and a peaceful Christmas Day 🕯️
The first day of Christmas — Første juledag (25 December) — is both a public holiday and an official flag day in Norway. If you are spending winter in Oslo, Bergen or above the Arctic Circle, displaying the flag correctly in your yard, at your cottage or at the entrance to your hotel is part of the national ritual of respect for the holiday. In this memo, we briefly discuss the exact time for raising/lowering the flag in winter, who is required to fly the flag, how the rules work in the north, what to do in case of "joint" flagging, and what mistakes guests most often make. This way, you will celebrate the day in the Norwegian way — correctly, calmly, and without controversy.
Is this definitely an official flag day? And is it also a public holiday?
Yes. 25 December (Første juledag) is a public holiday and Norway's official flag day. Government institutions are required to fly the flag on this day; for private individuals, it is a recommendation, not an obligation.
What time should the flag be raised and lowered in winter?
In winter, there is a "winter window". From November to February, the flag is raised at 09:00 and lowered at sunset. There is also a regional clarification for the North (see the next question). The main thing is not to leave the flag up overnight and to follow the local daylight hours. These rules are clearly stated in the official regulations.
And what about the north (Nordland/Troms/Finnmark)?
In the northern counties, the winter flag hours are shorter: in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark, the flag is raised at 10:00 and lowered at 15:00 in winter. This is due to the polar night and very short daylight hours. If in doubt, stick to the official window and check the local daylight forecast.
Is it acceptable to leave the flag up during the "white nights" or when the sun sets late?
No. Even if the sun sets late, the flag should not remain on the flagpole after the set time; in the warm season, there is an upper limit of 9:00 p.m., and in winter, the benchmark is sunset (or the northern window of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). The night flag is one of the most common mistakes made by visitors.
Who is required to fly the flag on 25 December?
Government institutions are required to do so. Municipalities and private organisations fly flags according to their own regulations/traditions; private homes have the right to do so but are not required to. If you are flying the flag as a private individual, simply observe the time and basic etiquette.
Can the Sami and Norwegian flags be flown together on 25 December?
This is not required (6 February is Sami National Day), but if desired, it is permissible to do so, with the Norwegian flag taking priority and on a separate flagpole. Recommendations for the use of the Sami flag are set out in a separate regulatory act of the Sami Parliament; follow it and the general protocol for the time.
What about foreign flags (guests at the embassy/meeting friends)?
Foreign flags are always displayed with priority given to the Norwegian flag and, as a rule, on a separate flagpole; on official buildings — only in cases of international courtesy (visits, receptions, etc.). The main thing is not to take the "place of honour" intended for the Norwegian flag with a foreign flag. Details can be found in the state regulations.
Can the flag be raised on a balcony or bracket instead of a tall pole?
Yes, wall brackets are permitted in private houses and flats. It is important that the flag does not touch the ground/snow, is clean and tidy, and hangs freely without the risk of getting caught on the facade or wiring. Formally, this is a matter of etiquette and common sense; the time for raising/lowering the flag remains the same.
The flag got wet under the snow/wet snow — can it be raised?
It is better to dry it and only then raise it. Norwegian practice implies respectful treatment: a worn or wet flag is not correct. To avoid getting wet, check the forecast and fastenings: wind protection and sufficient distance from the wall will help preserve the fabric.
What is often done incorrectly on 25 December?
Three common mistakes: leaving the flag up overnight, raising it too early in winter (before 9:00 or 10:00 in the north) and using an inappropriate "splittflagg" flag, which is intended for government institutions and ships. Private individuals should use a standard rectangular flag, raised/lowered strictly on time.
We are travellers. Are there any quick rules for hotels/hut tenants?
Yes:
— check with the owners whether you can fly the flag on the property;
— raise the flag at 09:00 (or 10:00 in the north) and lower it at sunset;
— if there are several flagpoles nearby (e.g., at neighbouring houses), do not take a place where the owner's flag is already flying;
— No flags at night.
— when flying flags together, give priority to the Norwegian flag and separate flagpoles.
Where can I check what is open on 25 December and how to get there?
Most shops and Vinmonopolet are closed; transport runs on a holiday schedule, but details depend on the city/operator. Check local transport announcements and timetables: Ruter/Bybanen (city transport), Vy (trains), Flytoget/Avinor (airports) — they always have a "Holiday service" section.
Raising and lowering the flag at the right time is a simple way to join in the Norwegian Christmas tradition while respecting local customs. 25 December is a day of quiet streets, family visits and leisurely walks; let your flag be a neat accent to this peaceful ritual. By following the basic protocol of time and priority, you can easily avoid mistakes and show that you appreciate the country's culture — whether you are celebrating Christmas in the capital or in a snowy hut by the fjord.
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