December 2024 Scandinavian Film & TV column

The Danish word julekalender, literally translated as Christmas calendar, has two meanings. It’s a special TV series running from 1 December until Christmas Eve and is accompanied by an interactive advent calendar with a box to open each day. However, unlike in the UK, each box opened is linked to that evening’s episode.

What started as a show for children on Danmark’s Radio (DR) in 1962 has since expanded as TV 2 Danmark adopted the popular format. Both broadcasters have also had an adult-specific show; TV 2 achieved the most success with its 1991 hit The Julekalender.

This year, by taking advantage of streaming technology, DR and TV 2 are hosting various forms of content. DR is ready with series two of its popular Tidsrejsen (The Time Journey) from 2014, which, as the title suggests, is about time travel. Younger audiences will enjoy the Norwegian production Snøfall (Snowfall), about the nine-year-old orphan Selma. Additionally, DR is making a host of previous julekalender shows available on its streaming platform from November 1.

TV 2 is doing a repeat of the 2017 show Tinkas Juleeventyr (Tinka’s Christmas Adventure). It centres around the elf girl Tinka, who together with other young elves visits the elf king to receive proof that they are real elves. Like DR, TV 2 also hosts a series of previous julekalender shows via its streaming platform. TV 2 is the only broadcaster to show an adult julekalender this year, with a repeat of The Julekalender on its sister channel, TV 2 Charlie, and streaming platform.

Supports good causes

For both DR and TV2, the purchase of advent calendars has an educational, charitable, and development focus. Since DR launched its first in 1962, the profits have been donated to help children in developing countries. TV 2 is donating the profits to Julemærkehjemmene (Christmas tag homes), which supports vulnerable children aged 7-14 suffering from neglect, bullying, and loneliness.

Sweden and Norway also have a tradition of showing julekalender 1-24 December.

Anders Lorenzen is a Danish blogger and film and TV enthusiast living in London.