This year’s Christmas decorations might be less about Santa and more about the Nisse. Flying Tiger Copenhagen, the design variety store born in Copenhagen, Denmark, has been selling its “Nisse series” themed on a Nordic elf since Friday, October 16, 2026. In Kansai, it has stores in Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo and Nara.
Santa’s other Christmas star
The Nisse is an elf long loved in the Nordic countries. A figure from folklore said to protect homes and farms, it is known for its red pointed hat, and is also said to help Santa Claus at Christmas. Nisse have become a more common sight in Japan each season, and the store is pitching them as “the Christmas star after Santa.”
The series is part of the store’s Christmas campaign running October to December, “Not your ordinary Christmas,” which adds a playful twist to the classic holiday. Eight items are highlighted.
Long-legged Nisse and Nisse wearing a tree
The “Long-legged Nisse” has long legs as its charm point, with a red-and-green hat and a fluffy white beard. Sat on a shelf or windowsill, it is said to have plenty of presence. ¥770 each (tax included).
The “Xmas Nisse” look as if they are wearing a Christmas tree, with green and red tree hats decorated with stars and colorful trims. They come in two types, ¥440 and ¥330 (tax included). Their faces vary, from fluffy white beards to cheerful smiles, so choosing a few favorites to display together sounds fun.
Knitted ornaments and a Nisse house
The knit-style “Xmas Nisse” (set of 2, ¥330 each, tax included) come in red and green Christmas colors with pointed hats. Hung on a tree, they add a cozy feel.
Another eye-catcher is the “Nisse House” (¥550, tax included), a wooden miniature set. Combine the red door, mailbox, window, trees and presents to build a tiny Nisse world on a wall or shelf.
The prices are modest, so picking out several to create your own Nisse corner could be fun.
Product information
- Product: Nisse series (eight items highlighted)
- On sale: since Friday, October 16, 2026
- Prices: Long-legged Nisse ¥770 each; Xmas Nisse ¥440 / ¥330; Xmas Nisse (set of 2) ¥330 each; Nisse House ¥550 (all tax included)
- Where: Flying Tiger Copenhagen stores (67 in Japan as of October 29, 2026; in Kansai, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo and Nara)
- Note: Items vary by store. Sales end when stock runs out
- Brand site (Japanese): https://blog.jp.flyingtiger.com/
- Rakuten store (Japanese): https://www.rakuten.co.jp/flyingtigercopenhagen/
