Christmas in Copenhagen
The merriest of times in the merriest of places. Copenhagen simply oozes Christmas spirit and "hygge" of course. Experience the exclusive atmosphere of Copenhagen Christmas, where traditional customs are mixed with plain fun and good times.
Christmas experiences
Christmas markets are plenty in Copenhagen and so are places to check out fine art. We recommend doing both.
Copenhagen is a genuine Christmas city, where it is impossible not to get in the spirit for the Christmas holiday season. The best place to soak up the atmosphere is at one of Copenhagen’s many Christmas markets.
Copenhagen is a great city for art lovers and home to internationally acknowledged art museums, and also boasts some fantastic themed and historic museums.
If you want to get everything Christmas in Copenhagen in one go, it can seem overwhelming. Luckily, Copenhagen Christmas Walk has created a guide on their app so you can do it all!
Christmas beyond Copenhagen
Food and Delicacies
The Danish Christmas food is a huge part of the Danish Christmas "hygge". Check out our guides to where to find the best traditional restaurants, cafés, bars, and pastries for the holidays.
Glögg is the perfect drink to consume after a cold day or while you stroll through one of Copenhagens many Christmas Markets.
Danish Christmas is tied to a lot of traditions, and Danish Christmas food is a complete chapter in itself.
Special Christmas beers are Copenhagen favourites as the spirit of Christmas is in the air - You’ll love them too.
The tradition of Christmas pastries goes a long time back, but the last decades' focus on elevated gastronomy has sparked a new pastry revolution.
It's a classic you can't miss out on
The Tivoli Gardens are something special all year round and worth a visit for young and old. But of course, Tivoli is going all in on bringing the fairytale Christmas atmosphere you would expect.
Christmas in Tivoli
Holiday shopping
Coming home from Copenhagen emptyhanded won't do. Got to go find the perfect gift for your dearest ones or even make it yourself. Check out the many vintage and second-hand stores for that unique Christmas present.
If you are a second-hand or vintage lover, you have come to the right place. Copenhagen is full of stores giving clothes and furniture a second life, ranging from thrift stores supporting charities to upscale stores focusing on high-end vintage pieces.
Remember the time when we actually made our gifts ourselves? It’s a long-forgotten art to sit down and create and put your love into a unique and personalised gift. But now it’s time to bring back that tradition.
Experience the floating Santa Lucia parade in Copenhagen’s canals.
13 December, you can experience an alternative take on the traditional, Danish Santa Lucia parade, when kayaks sail through the canals dressed in lights and Christmas decorations.
Santa Lucia parade in kayaks
Warm and cosy or chilly and refreshing
There is nothing like stepping into a warm and cosy setting after a full day in the brisk December weather. Or the other way around. If you want to go all the way, you do like many of the local Copenhageners, and dip into the icy waters of the harbour. It's a special treat, that you will remember for a long time. On the contrary, if you're more into warm and relaxing experiences, going to one of the many spas in Copenhagen might be more up your alley, after a day at the ice rink.
Looking for christmas markets in Copenhagen? Click here
Indulge in the world of wellness that Copenhagen has to offer. Relax in the lounge at Amazing Space d'Anglettere Spa, enjoy a hot stone massage at Ni'mat Massage & Spa, or get pampered at AIRE Ancient Baths.
Ice skating in Copenhagen is the perfect way to embrace the chilly winter months – cosy, fun, and a little active! Find the cozy ice rinks here.
Where to find the best places to go ice swimming in Copenhagen? If you have built up your courage to go for an exhilarating icy dip then you can't go wrong with these places.
Fairytale castles and palaces
The history of Copenhagen is something that can't be denied and some of the most evident examples are the many castles and palaces scattered around the city and beyond city limits. You might just find the true historical holiday cheer here.
A royal hermitage set in the King’s Garden in the heart of Copenhagen.
Experience 800 years of royal history at the awe-inspiring Christiansborg Palace.
Drama-packed Kronborg is one of Northern Europe’s finest Renaissance castles.
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