6 Things to Do in Copenhagen at Christmas
It may be hard to believe, but we’re barreling towards Christmas on all corners of the globe. Here in Copenhagen, the days have grown short and the chilly weather has descended. The Christmas lights have already made their way up to brighten the darkness. Copenhagen at Christmas is charming and there are so many ways to get out in the cold weather to enjoy it. These are our family favorites, the ways we embrace the city in the season.
Christmas Markets (Julemarked)
It’s the obvious choice for a reason – Christmas markets in Europe are extremely festive and worth an explore if you’re in almost any town or city of size on the continent. In Copenhagen, we like to check out a few each year.
Christmas markets are kind of a dime a dozen in my view. Usually, you’ll see very similar stalls in each place, especially food-wise, so don’t worry too much about trying to figure out the best place to get a sausage or a hot drink. There are, of course, standouts selling interesting and more unique cuisines and lots of stalls selling crafts. Here’s the lowdown.
Nyhavn Christmas Market is the most picturesque, lining the city’s most famous canal and buzzing with restaurants and tourists. I would say, in terms of quality of stalls, it’s my least favorite, but we always go by for a quick stroll and to see the tall ships lit up with Christmas lights, which is a sight not to be missed.
Quick tip: Sometimes the view (and the crowds) are more manageable if you stroll down the opposite side of the canal and take in the market from afar. You won’t be missing much shopping-wise. The better options are in other markets.
Højbro Plads Christmas Market is tucked into a lovely little space near the Gammel Strand metro stop. It’s got a nice view over the canal if you want to grab a German sausage and a hot wine (see below for more info) and sit for a spell under the square’s famous statue.
The H.C. Andersen Christmas Market is located at Nytorv – if we need to skip one because we’re short on time, it’s usually this one, as it’s a tight space that fills up in peak hours. It can be hard to navigate, especially with children in tow.
At Nytorv/Gammeltorv you’ll find Nytorv Christmas Market with more extensive light displays. My kids always like this one the most because there’s a bit more room to explore.
Be sure to check out Copenhagen Winter Wonderland at Kongens Nytorv as well – it’s a mix between Christmas market and winter festival. It’s in the biggest space and features an ice skating rink, making it super vibe-y. You’ll find what I think are the most interesting stalls for food, most of them from local bakeries and restaurants, while truly feeling in the very heart of the city.
Tivoli Gardens
It’s a Copenhagen staple, and it may be at its best at Christmas time. Yes, it’s a little chilly on the rides, but the atmosphere makes up for it. Come for a thousand Christmas trees and even more lights. Indulge in hot drinks and treats (again, see below for more info on that) and feel your Christmas spirits soar.
Quick tip: Weekends at Tivoli are crowded. Aim for a weekday if you can manage. I’d start earlier in the day and stay for dark when all the lights come on. Remember, dark is early in the winter, with a sunset time of somewhere between 3:30 and 4 p.m., so that shouldn’t be too difficult. It’s best to ride early, when the lines aren’t at their peaks and see the decorations in the dark!
Gløgg!
Representative of all the Danish Christmas foods you should try while you’re here, this one is the real star. Warm red wine seasoned with cinnamon and cloves, topped with raisins and slivered almonds. It’ll warm you up on cold nights.
Be sure to look for æbleskiver, (pancake balls dipped in powdered sugar and jam), flæskesteg (roast pork served in a sandwich or as a main dish), and risalamande (rice porridge mixed with whipped cream and topped with warm cherry sauce). These dishes are the perfect taste of a Copenhagen Christmas.
Stroll the Canals
The canals are one of the loveliest places to walk during the winter months, especially in the late afternoon/evening when the sun has set. There are Christmas lights everywhere reflecting off the water and painting Copenhagen in the most magic light. Start near the Danish Architecture Center and follow the canal past many famous Copenhagen sites. You’ll pass the Gammel Strand area (beautiful at Christmas), the Harbor Promenade (Havnegade Promenaden), Nyhavn, Ofelia Plads, and can even continue on up to Amalienborg Palace.
Christianshavn is another great place to experience the canals and beautiful Copenhagen atmosphere. Take the metro to the Christianshavn station and walk directly along the canal front for as long as you like. Veer off the path to spot some of the city’s most famous spires, including the twisted spire of the Church of our Savior. You’ll see so much of the city and really take in so many Christmas vibes.
Go Ice Skating
There are so many places to ice skate outside in the city under Christmas lights. We love the space at Reffen, an outdoor street food venue with such character. Open on the weekends, you can find food, hot drinks and skating all right by the harbor front. There’s also a skate park on site for kids tired of the ice skating.
For other options during the week days, try the rinks at Kongens Nytorv, Broens Street Food or Frederiksberg Gardens.
Hygge Like a Champ
There’s no keeping it a secret – the weather leaves a little something to be desired in the winter months in Copenhagen. You’ll likely find days with overcast skies or light drizzle. Come with waterproof coats, hats and gloves to make your exploring doable.
The hardest part may be that the daylight hours are short near Christmas Day. To make your time special, embrace the hygge. The Danes are the best at cozy, so spend extended time in a charming, candle-lit cafe over a coffee or a glass of red wine. Enjoy an evening at your apartment with blankets, candles, and a good movie. It’s easy to buy some of those Danish specialties (æbleskiver and gløgg are perfect for movie night) at any local grocery store and prepare at home. It may seem like the wrong way to travel somewhere, but after a day out in the cold, it will feel FANTASTIC.
Glædelig Jul!
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