“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” This is your guide to the Christmas markets of Copenhagen. Read for a touch of Danish hygge.
What is ‘hygge’ you ask? Pronounced “hoo-gah” In Danish, it means to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. They take it seriously and it’s part of the culture. It’s welcoming, warm and fuzzy, and you definitely feel that in the atmosphere and the people you meet.
THE MAGIC OF THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Copenhagen transforms into a winter wonderland at Christmas. Its markets offer a selection of activities, including ice skating, games, traditional treats, and handcrafted items. There are several markets dotted across the city, the main one being in the Kongens Nytorv, the King’s Square.
THE KONGENS NYTORV MARKET
The Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market is surrounded by some of the city’s most stunning architecture. It’s the perfect spot for holiday shopping, with vendors selling all kinds of festive goodies. They have things like glass and wooden handmade decorations, clothing, toys, and things for the home. To keep the cold at bay, enjoy hotdogs, hot chocolate, sausages from the grill, mulled wine and cider.
NYHAVN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Along the cobblestone streets of Nyhavn, with its famous colored houses, you will find the Nyhavn Christmas Market. Here you will find yet more stalls offering gifts and food. The Nyhavn is also part of Copenhagens’ famous Santa Lucia parade, see below.
There are also plenty of places here along the waterfront to eat and to grab a drink as you explore.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Boat Tour. Discover the highlights of Copenhagen by land and sea with your ticket to this hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. Explore areas of the city that interest you most with your ticket that’s valid for 1 day.
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN JULEMARKED
The market takes its name from Denmark’s famous fairy tale writer. Wander through the rows of market stalls selling more handmade gifts, gingerbread, and traditional Danish ornaments. You will find this market in Nytorv.
HØJBRO PLADS CHRISTMAS MARKET
If you’re looking for a more ‘European-inspired’ market, the Højbro Plads Christmas Market is the place to go. With an influence from more traditional German markets. It features a variety of food stalls offering bratwurst, Glühwein, and other tasty treats. A giant Christmas tree takes pride of place in the center, perfect for a festive photo-opportunity. You can also find an enormous statue of Bishop Absalon riding a horse.
VISIT TIVOLI GARDENS AT CHRISTMAS
Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, is an absolute must-visit at any time of the year. At Christmas, it turns into a winter village. Decorated with thousands of lights, a snow-covered landscape, and wooden chalets full of goodies. There are fairground rides, galore, arcades, shops, and an incredible food hall. Here you can eat sushi, pizza, burgers, Katsu, noodles, pasta, chicken, fries, Smørrebrød and more!
You will find Tivoli next door to the city’s train station, Vesterbrogade 3. You can order your tickets below. It’s an incredible experience at any time of the year. If you’re lucky, you might even get to feed the peacocks!
Christmas Craft Beer Walk. From Forbes Magazine: “Without a doubt, the best way to experience Copenhagen and the hot (or should I say cool and refreshing) beer scene is to go on a beer tour with an expert from BeerWalks”
SANTA LUCIA PARADE
The Santa Lucia parade takes place in Copenhagen’s waterways. Dozens of kayaks draped in festive decorations, flashing LED lights and people dressed in Christmas costumes, elves, Father Christmas and more. This is an incredibly popular event during the city’s Christmas calender. Arrive early, as people quickly take the best spots along the water.
The parade starts at the Kayak Bar, Børskaj 12. It then makes its way to Nyhavn, Christianshavn, Blox, Højbro, then back to the Kayak Bar. There is lots of singing and entertainment along the way.
TOP TIPS FOR VISITING THE MARKETS
Dress Warmly: Copenhagen can get very cold in winter, so layer up with warm clothing, hats, gloves, and scarves.
Bring Cash: While many stalls accept card payments, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, some stalls only accept cash.
Visit in the Evening: The markets really come to life after dark when the lights twinkle and reflect in the nearby canals. It’s such a unique atmosphere to the daytime and really adds to that festive wintery feel. Grab some food, grab a hot drink and enjoy!
Is Copenhagen expensive? Yes, things are slightly more expensive compared to prices here in the UK, and maybe in your own country. Don’t let that put you off from visiting. You can still budget accordingly and there are plenty of great places to choose from to make it a less costly trip. Christmas markets in general tend to be pricey anyway, so it’s to be expected.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
There are, of course, a million places to go Christmas shopping in Copenhagen, but if, like me, you are a bit of a geek, then a trip to a Lego store is an absolute must. The town of Billund in Denmark is the home of the world’s most famous coloured brick, so why not pick some up while you are here? I had my eye on an awesome little Sonic the Hedgehog set, but didn’t quite take the plunge. Visit the Lego store right next to the entrance of Tivoli Gardens, Vesterbrogade 3.
GO ICE SKATING
In the centre of the city, at the Kongens Nytorv, is a pop-up ice-rink. A very popular spot if you would like to have a go at ice-skating. At the time of our trip, children and adults were all skating around the Chanel Christmsas tree, how very boujee!
EAT & DRINK
There is so much amazing food to choose from here in the markets. Traditional eats, BBQs, smokers full of meat and fish, and plenty of warm drinks to keep you going throughout your visit. If you fancy something sweet, there are stall full of pancakes, fudge, candy, cakes, pastries and chocolate.
Some of our favourites were the BBQ sausages, pork sandwiches and these delicious dumpling looking treats, some stuffed with cheese, cabbage, meat, mushrooms and more.
FIND A WARM COSY CORNER IN A PUB
There are dozens of great places to warm up with a drink in one of Copenhagen’s bars and pubs. So, if you are feeling the chill, head into a bar, grab a drink, maybe even try one of the festive specials on tap. Some even have lovely roaring fires to warm your cockles!
MORE THINGS TO DO IN COPENHAGEN
Of course, Copenhagen isn’t just a city you will visit at Christmas. We did so much more than just visit the markets. Here is a selection of amazing activities you can add to any seasonal itinerary.
You can visit the Church of Our Saviour and the Stairway to Heaven, Copenhagen’s famous mermaid, the Rundetaarn (Round Tower), Christiana, Rosenborg Castle and much more. We will write about all these amazing activities in a future post.
MORE CHRISTMAS MARKET INISPIRATION
If you fancy more festive fun, but in another part of Europe, why not read – Visiting the Christmas markets of Poznań, Poland, and Visiting the Christmas markets of Wrocław, Poland.
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