Copenhagen can be a bit chilly in winter, but that's actually part of the charm of a Nordic city break. And what better time to travel to Copenhagen than at Christmas time? In fact from November Copenhagen Christmas markets open their doors in every corner of the city, where you can find delicious snacks, unique gifts and warm clothes. During the Christmas period, Copenhagen changes a lot, with wonderful Christmas decorations throughout the city and you can stroll through the Tivoli Gardens, sip Gløgg in one of the many markets or ice skating, fully experiencing the atmosphere of Danish Christmas "hygge" wherever you go. When we discovered that on the dates we had chosen for our trip to Copenhagen the city was already in full Christmas mood, we literally went crazy, and I must say that we were not disappointed in the slightest.
Copenhagen Christmas Markets 2023: from November 3rd to December 21th
But let's see all your must-see destinations for your Christmas tour of Copenhagen.
Julemarked Kongens Nytorv e Nyhavn
Kongens Nytorv is the largest square in Copenhagen, with some of the most important buildings in the city: the Royal Theater, the wonderful Hotel d'Angleterre and the Charlottenborg Palace and it's located in the largest commercial area of ​​the Danish capital. During the Christmas period, a big Christmas market develops all around the square, which continues in the port of Nyhavn, the King's New Square Christmas Market (Julemarked Kongens Nytorv). You can buy Christmas gifts and decorations in the many charming stalls, stroll along Nyhavn, beautifully decorated, boats included, and its cafes complete with covers and fireplaces on every table, and finish at Magasin du Nord.
Julemarked Højbro Plads
The High Bridge Square Christmas Market is held in Hojbro Plads, in the city center of Copenhagen, a beautiful square where the famous Stork Fountain is located: to create a special Christmas atmosphere, the characteristic wooden houses were imported directly from Tyrol, illuminated by 180,000 lights. At the Christmas Market in Hojbro Plads you can buy blown glass decorations, handmade woolen clothes and taste gluhwein, an artisanal mulled wine produced for more than 100 years by the Reich family of Copenhagen. We went around lunchtime to eat something, but it certainly deserves more a walk after sunset, to fully enjoy the magic of Christmas and the wonderful Christmas decorations.
HC Andersen Julemarked
Here in H.C. Andersen Christmas Market the atmosphere is more intimate thanks to more subdued lighting: there's also the house of Santa Claus. Truly a fairytale Christmas market in the heart of Copenhagen. The market is named after the most loved and famous Danish storyteller in the world. Here you can taste, smell and buy everything your Christmas heart desires. You can find Christmas decorations, gifts, jewelry, mulled wine and hot chocolate. The market also has a real nostalgic carousel for children, a Christmas caravan and, of course, Santa himself in Santa's house. This is the only Christmas market where we could find Chimney Cakes, so if you're a fan of this delicious cake like me, don't miss it!
Opening hours of the Christmas Markets in Copenhagen: From Monday to Wednesday: 11a.m. - 7p.m. Thursday 11a.m. - 8p.m. Friday and Saturday 11a.m. - 9p.m. Sunday 12p.m. - 7p.m.
In all the markets you will find numerous Christmas street food stalls, with lots of sweets, hamburgers, hot dogs and mulled wine. We often ate in Christmas Markets saving something compared to restaurants around the city. Entry is free!
Tivoli has entertained young and old ones since its opening in 1843 in the heart of the city: it's the most visited seasonal theme park in the world. Crossing the entrance you immediately enter a world of fairy tales, exotic lands and splendid rides: for the bravest, the park offers amazing roller coasters and one of the highest calcinculus in the world. The Tivoli Gardens are splendid, especially at Halloween and Christmas, when the atmosphere becomes unique and inimitable with specific seasonal openings. You'll find special decorations and lights, extraordinary performances, fireworks displays, but also enjoy sweets and typical specialties. From mid-November and in December it hosts the famous Christmas market at Tivoli, one of the best in Scandinavia: an unmissable experience for families and lovers of the magical Christmas atmosphere. I strongly advise you to explore it in the evening: there is a completely different atmosphere.
It becomes a romantic place with many lights that dot the trees and paths; the cafes, restaurants and attractions remain open for those who want to take a walk, eat something and fully enjoy the splendid Christmas atmosphere. In this market you will find around 60 stalls with any Christmas decoration, street food, sweets or hot drinks your heart could wish for, also a great idea to make some gifts in the stalls selling knitted goods, leather goods, handicrafts and articles of gastronomy. To understand how to best organize your Copenhagen itinerary and enter the Tivoli Gardens, click here.
This year the Christmas decorations were very special: in front of Nimb, a large red Christmas heart featured projected images showing fascinating Christmas stories. For the first time ever, a sparkling Christmas tree on Lake Tivoli and the usual iconic Christmas tree set up in front of the Tivoli Concert Hall. A magical and sparkling Christmas atmosphere is guaranteed.
PRICES of Tivoli Gardens tickets: 155 DKK (20,5 €) from Monday to Friday 165 DKK (22€) Saturday and Sunday Admission is free with the Copenhagen Card, but if you want to ride a roller coaster or one of the park's spectacular rides, you will have to pay a supplement. To find out more about the Copenhagen Card, I refer you to the article with the practical guide of the city.
Broens Skojtebane (Ice Rink)
Crossing the Inderhavnbroen from Nyahvn towards Christnshavn, you will find the Broens Skojtebane, a skating rink located in front of the Nordatlantens Brygge. With its 600sqm of ice it will give you wonderful moments overlooking the port of Copenhagen for 75 DKK per hour. Copenhagen is a wonderful city, waiting to be discovered, and the magic of Christmas gives it that something extra that makes it a unique and unmissable destination. Definitely an ideal destination for a Christmas trip. To better organize your itinerary in Copenhagen and also enter the Christmas destinations click here. If, on the other hand, you need a practical guide and useful tips to organize your trip to Copenhagen, here is the link. And you? Have you ever been there for Christmas?