The Danish Royal Family will mark Christmas Eve with an afternoon church service at the Church of Our Lady, followed the next day by the solemn Christmas Mass at Vor Frue Kirke. The festivities will culminate on December 31, when King Frederik delivers his traditional New Year’s address.
It has been an especially full and public December for King Frederik, Queen Mary, and their four children, Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, who have shared an unusually warm and family-focused holiday season with the public.
© KongehusetA Christmas full of traditions:
Throughout the past month, the royal family has taken part in some of the most cherished Nordic Christmas customs, offering rare glimpses into their private, home-centered celebrations.
© KongehusetFrom cozy palace scenes to light-hearted sibling rivalries, the images reveal a close-knit family dynamic and an easy, affectionate relationship between parents and children.
© KongehusetThe festive marathon began in late November when Queen Mary, joined by King Frederik, lit the first candle of the Advent wreath, a beloved tradition across Northern Europe.
© KongehusetSoon after came a joyful video of the entire family decorating the palace Christmas tree to the sound of music and traditional dances. Family pets made an appearance, alongside personalized ornaments and a winter-themed snack break.
© Kongehuset18-year-old Princess Isabella had the honor of lighting the second Advent candle. The royal household later shared a playful competition between Christian and Vincent, joined by their sisters, as they tried to outdo one another in baking gingerbread cookies.
© KongehusetThe twins lit the third candle, while Crown Prince Christian, as heir to the throne, completed the tradition by lighting the fourth and final one.
More festive moments:
Away from the family celebrations, King Frederik attended a Christmas concert featuring music by Bach, while Queen Mary reflected on the year’s work of her foundation. Together and at times separately, they continued to fulfill a series of official engagements, balancing festive warmth with royal duty.
© KongehusetOne of the highlights of the season was the annual Christmas reception for palace staff, attended by more than 450 employees. Joined by Queen Margrethe, the royal family personally greeted guests and wished them happy holidays, sharing mulled wine and seasonal treats in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
A touching moment with Queen Margrethe:
Among the most endearing moments of the season were images released just days ago of King Frederik with his mother, Queen Margrethe. The former monarch is seen teaching her son how to cut and weave traditional Danish Christmas paper hearts, an intimate scene that reflects both their close bond and Margrethe’s well-known love of crafts and design.
© kungahusetChristmas greetings from abroad:
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic in Washington, Prince Joachim, Princess Marie, and their children, Henrik, 16, and Athena, 13, shared their own Christmas greeting.
In a series of images, Joachim appears in a Santa hat, his children pose outdoors, and Princess Marie proudly displays a festive Christmas roast. The message shows the personal, family-oriented holiday cards popular among European royal families this year.
© detdanskekongehusChristmas spent apart:
This Christmas, the Danish Royal Family will be divided. King Frederik, Queen Mary, their children, and Queen Margrethe will celebrate together at Amalienborg.
© detdanskekongehusPrince Joachim and Princess Marie, however, will remain in Washington, where they have lived since the summer of 2023, as Joachim continues his work as a defense industry attaché at the Danish embassy.
Whether together or apart, Christmas remains a deeply meaningful and visibly joyful time for Denmark’s royal family.
