Denmark is the land of hygge, Copenhagen is the capital of hygge, and many Danes view Christmas as the most “hyggeligt” time of the year. With that in mind, why not take a trip to the Danish capital and sample the many Christmas markets in Copenhagen?
December is the darkest time of the year in Copenhagen, with the sun only peeking above the horizon for a few hours each day. It’s often cold and windy, making it the perfect time to enjoy numerous variations of gløgg (mulled wine).
Who could forget about the many wonderful Danish baked Christmas treats, too, such as æbleskiver?
You will find several kinds of Christmas markets dotted throughout the Danish capital, each of which is unique from one another. If you’re planning a trip to Copenhagen during the festive period, this article will tell you about the best of them.
In addition to discovering the best Christmas markets in Copenhagen, you will also pick up a few more useful tips and tricks for visiting the Danish capital at this time of year.
Are there Christmas markets in Copenhagen?
Yes! Copenhagen has several Christmas markets, many of which are located in the Indre By (inner city) district. Perhaps the most famous is the one in Tivoli Gardens, which we will discuss in more detail later.
While you have to pay to enter the Christmas market at Tivoli, you do not need to for most of the others in the city. The Christmas markets aren’t too different from what you’ll see in other European cities, featuring typically wooden huts and serving a broad range of goods.
The Christmas markets in Copenhagen usually run for around four weeks toward the end of the year.
Is Copenhagen good for Christmas markets?
Many of Copenhagen’s main Christmas markets are smaller than what you’ll find in other European cities, especially if you’re used to German Christmas markets. Nonetheless, the Christmas markets in Denmark’s largest city offer a cozier experience — which is partially thanks to their size.
When you visit the main Christmas markets in Copenhagen, you’ll also need to remember that the city is quite expensive to visit in general. Prices at stalls will reflect this; expect to pay more than you might be used to for food and drink in particular.
One big benefit of the Danish capital’s Christmas markets is that you can sample all of them, even if you’re only visiting for a few days. The majority are within walking or cycling distance of one another, and public transport will take you to all of them if you can’t get there with either method.
Is Copenhagen open during Christmas?
As you might expect from a country with such a good work-life balance, the Danes take their holidays very seriously. Christmas is no exception.
Denmark, like much of Europe, celebrates Christmas on December 24th. If you’re from the US or UK, where it’s on December 25th, the date switch might throw you off-guard.
Regardless, pretty much the entirety of Copenhagen shuts down on both days — and only a small selection of stores will open on December 26th.
In the lead-up to Christmas, most stores throughout Copenhagen are open — as are the city’s Christmas markets. However, many Copenhageners take the final few weeks of the year off, and almost all of them spend most of the festive period with their families.
If you plan to visit Copenhagen in the week or so between Christmas and New Year’s, many shops in the city will open — but some restaurants and tourist attractions may close. On the bright side, you’ll have most of the Danish capital to yourself.
Businesses and shops close on New Year’s Day, with the majority also shut on New Year’s Eve.
When do the Christmas markets in Copenhagen begin?
Copenhagen’s Christmas markets have varying start dates, but generally speaking, most of them begin on the third Saturday in November. The stands will remain open throughout December, and the closing dates vary. Some will shut just before Christmas, whereas others will remain open until New Year’s Eve.
What is the best Christmas market in Copenhagen?
When asking what the best Christmas market in Copenhagen is, the truth is that the answer is subjective. It’ll depend on what your individual needs and wants are, along with whether you’re traveling on your own or with children.
You might also like larger markets, whereas someone else might prefer a more intimate experience — and vice versa.
Below is a summary of Copenhagen’s main Christmas markets, with a little description of what you can expect from each of them.
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is the Danish capital’s main Christmas market; each year, Copenhageners eagerly anticipate the amusement park’s opening for this particular season. If you want to experience Danish hygge first-hand, Tivoli in the run-up to Christmas is the place to be.
At the Tivoli Christmas market, you will find a whole host of food and drink stands dotted throughout the amusement park. You can purchase several Christmas niceties, including gløgg and various forms of candy.
The park is also beautifully decorated, making it the perfect place to spend one of those long winter evenings in the capital.
If you’re visiting Copenhagen with children, going to the Christmas market at Tivoli is non-negotiable.
You’ll need to purchase an entry ticket beforehand, and the prices are as follows:
- People aged 8+: From 145 DKK (c.$19.77)
- Children aged 3-7: From 65 DKK (c.8.86)
- Children under 3: Free
You can buy your tickets here.
Getting to Tivoli is straightforward; it’s just across the street from Copenhagen Central Station’s Bernstorffsgade exit. To get to the main entrance, you’ll need to go to the start of Vesterbrogade — which is not far from the station.
The opening dates for Tivoli’s 2022 Christmas market are November 18th-December 31st.
Nyhavn
The pastel-colored Nyhavn harbor is arguably Copenhagen’s most beautiful — and touristy — quarter. And against the soft winter light, this row of waterfront houses looks particularly picturesque. During the festive season, Nyhavn has an extra bout of life with its small but charming Christmas market.
Despite its relatively small size, the Christmas market at Nyhavn has pretty much everything you’d want. You’ll find various forms of gløgg, including alcohol-free versions. On top of that, you can purchase churros, waffles, and more.
As for gifts, you’ll find several cute outfits for younger ones — along with handcrafted goods and more.
To get to the Christmas market at Nyhavn, take the metro to Kongens Nytorv. From there, you can easily walk across the main square to the harbor; it’ll be on your left-hand side.
Kongens Nytorv
Speaking of Kongens Nytorv, one of the best free Christmas markets in Copenhagen is in one of the city’s largest squares. The Christmas market at Kongens Nytorv livens up the recently-renovated square, which is a popular meeting spot for locals during other times of the year.
The Christmas market at Kongens Nytorv is an ideal stop if you want to sample various Danish Christmas treats, along with several kinds of hot drinks. It’s handily placed close to Strøget, too, which is the main shopping street in Copenhagen.
Kongens Nytorv has a namesake metro station, which is on all four metro lines. It’s also not far away from the main square in Copenhagen if you’d rather get there on two wheels.
The 2022 installment of Kongens Nytorv’s Christmas market will open on November 4th.
Copenhagen Zoo
Copenhagen Zoo is located just behind Frederiksberg Have, which is one of the city’s most beautiful gardens. It’s a fun place to visit throughout the year, with several species from across the globe on show. But during the festive season, you can enjoy even more of a hygge experience with your family.
The Christmas market at Copenhagen Zoo is well-designed for families, including the opportunity for your little ones to meet Santa. You’ll also find reindeer wandering through the park, just to add the finishing touches to a truly Nordic Christmas.
Horses also roam at this time of year, and you will have the opportunity to try various sweet treats.
To get to Copenhagen Zoo, you can take the Metro to Fasanvej Frederiksberg or Frederiksberg Allé. Note that it’s a lengthy walk from all of them (18, 23, and 20 minutes respectively), and Roskildevej — the road it’s on — is quite steep.
Bakken
Bakken doesn’t get as much attention as Tivoli, but it is the oldest functioning amusement park on the globe. Located just north of Copenhagen, this iconic amusement park is much smaller than its more famous counterparts.
If you’re looking for a Christmas market experience away from the crowds, it’s not the worst place to go.
You’ll find several food stands at the Christmas market in Bakken, selling all kinds of sumptuous foods — including nuts and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to win various prizes at the amusement park’s various other stands.
Bakken is free to enter, and it’s right next to Dyrehaven — which is in the upscale Klampenborg neighborhood. It’s a 10-minute walk from Klampenborg station; you can get an S-train heading north from Copenhagen Central Station.
Højbro Plads
Heading back into town, we’re going to another of the main Xmas markets in Copenhagen; you’ll notice its sizable “Christmas Market” signage if you’re on the main shopping street.
The Christmas market at Højbro Plads is one of the city’s most popular, and you can buy all the standard treats and drinks that you’d expect from a European Christmas market.
At Højbro Plads, you can also purchase various gifts to bring back to your friends after your trip. Getting here isn’t too difficult; it’s just off Strøget. You can get the metro to Gammel Strand and walk, or walk down Strøget until just before you reach the ILLUM department store.
Jægersborggade
Nørrebro is one of Copenhagen’s most intriguing districts, and it has a notably bohemian vibe. The neighborhood is home to some of the Danish capital’s most popular shopping streets, with Jægersborggade arguably the most famous of those.
Each year, for one weekend, you can enjoy a cozy experience by trying tasty sweets and interacting with the locals. The street and surrounding ones are full of interesting stores and bakeries, too, making it a pleasant place to stroll and indulge during the other winter weekends as well.
H.C. Andersens Julemarked, Nytorv
Copenhagen has several squares dotted throughout the city, and the locals make excellent use of these public spaces year-round. During the winter, you’ve probably gathered that many of them feature Christmas markets — and Nytorv is no different in that respect.
H.C. Andersens Julemarked is one of the best Christmas markets in Copenhagen, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from a European one. Surrounded by beautiful old buildings and placed across cobblestone streets, you can enjoy live music while browsing the various stands available.
Getting to this Christmas market is easy; it’s just off the top end of Strøget. You can take the metro to Rådhuspladsen and walk from there.
The 2022 Christmas market will be open from November 17th until December 21st.
Meyers’ Christmas Markets
Meyers is one of the most popular bakery chains in Copenhagen (and, as our on-the-ground reporter will tell you, they serve some of the best cinnamon buns in the city). During the lead-up to Christmas, the company has a small Christmas market at Fasangården in Frederiksberg.
The market takes place every Sunday in December, and it lasts from 12:00 to 16:00. You can enjoy æbleskiver (dough balls dipped in icing sugar), along with bread and more. Several events take place throughout, too.
You can learn more about the festivities here (in Danish).
To get here, you’ll need to go to Frederiksberg Have. The closest station is Fasanvej, which is nine minutes away by foot.
Copenhagen is the perfect place to soak up the winter hygge
You will find plenty of Christmas markets in Copenhagen, and each of them is well worth an afternoon to discover what hygge is all about. Copenhageners are very good at making baked goods, especially on those days when the temperatures drop, and the sun hides behind thick, dark clouds.
While the weather is far from ideal, visiting Copenhagen in the lead-up to Christmas is a magical experience. The Danes love Christmas and put an incredible amount of effort into making the entire lead-up special, from Danish Christmas beers to the well-designed markets dotted throughout the capital.
If you need a place to stay during your visit to Copenhagen, there are plenty of hotels available to suit every budget.
We’ve mentioned a lot of popular Danish Christmas foods in this article, but there are plenty more to keep in mind. You can find some of the best Danish Christmas foods here, enabling you to get ready for that all-important Julefrokost.
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
Now read these:
—Experience Copenhagen in December
—Scandinavian festive decorations
—Your guide to Danish Julefrokost
—The Danish Christmas traditions
—Scandinavian Christmas tree look
—Must try Danish Christmas food
—Danish Christmas tree decorations
—Scandinavian Christmas traditions
—Discover Christmas in Copenhagen
—What is Denmark famous for?
