One of the best things to do in Copenhagen in December is to spend an evening wandering around Copenhagen Christmas Market.
You can sample traditional Danish food and snacks, shop for handmade Scandi gifts and enjoy the historic sights of Copenhagen under the lights and decorations.
In this guide, I share the confirmed dates, opening times and locations for 2024.
Copenhagen Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Copenhagen Christmas Market dates: 5th November to 21st December 2024 (confirmed).
Tivoli Christmas Market dates: 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in March. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Sources: Dates are obtained directly from the event website, available here and from Tivoli’s website.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: There are several events in Copenhagen including at Højbro Plads, Kongens Nytorv, Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn on the waterfront.
General opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 11am to 7pm.
Thursday to Saturday: 11am to 9pm.
Sunday: 12pm to 7pm.
Tivoli opening times: 11am to 10pm and until midnight on the weekends.
Christmas Eve: Tivoli is closed on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Hygge and Happiness Culture Tour
Winter events: Ice skating, Christmas light events and see Santa’s sleigh.
Travel tip: Cross the bridge to Malmo to add a Swedish Christmas experience to your itinerary.
Copenhagen weather in winter: Temperatures average 5°C / 1°C (high / low) in December.
Where to stay: CitizenM is centrally located around the block from the Tivoli Gardens.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission:
The main Christmas markets are free.
Tivoli requires purchasing a ticket.
Santa: Yes, Monday to Friday: 3pm to 6 pm at Højbro Plads and Kongens Nytorv. Photos are free.
Ice skating: Yes, at Tivoli Gardens and Frederiksberg Gardens.
Reason to visit: The beautiful white Christmas setting, unique Danish themes and the historic Tivoli Gardens.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, Copenhagen is known for its plant-based options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Food specialties: Cinnamon-infused mulled wine, called gløgg in Danish and æbleskiver as a sweet treat.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Convenient Hotels
Copenhagen has many beautiful design hotels and great places to stay in the city centre and inner suburbs.
CitizenM is the hotel I recommend. It’s centrally located, nicely designed, and affordable, which is important in Copenhagen, a relatively expensive city.
Read my guide to hotels in Copenhagen for a full list of options for where to stay.
Recommended Tours
I recommend taking the Hygge and Happiness Culture Tour to see the city’s highlights and experience a touch of Danish culture.
Alternatively, consider a food tour of Copenhagen, where you can learn about the local culture through their cuisine.
On a city tour, you’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, such as Nyhavn Harbour, Christiansborg Palace, and the world-famous Little Mermaid statue.
Location Map
List of Markets and Events
- Højbro Square: This free market in Copenhagen’s historic city centre is the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing or shopping in Strøget.
- Kongens Nytorv: A classic Danish market in the historic heart of Copenhagen. Stop by to see the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations at Hotel d’Angleterre and the Magasin department store.
- Tivoli Gardens: For a true Nordic experience, there is nowhere better than the Tivoli Gardens Christmas market. Wooden stalls are decorated with lights and pine branches, leading to a cosy atmosphere amongst Tivoli’s regular amusement park rides. You do have to pay the Tivoli entrance fee to visit the market, but it’s a great experience once you’re inside.
- Carols and Kayaking: The Danish Santa Lucia parade takes place on the decorated canals of Copenhagen. Watch and listen to the kayakers as they sing Christmas carols as they paddle by.
- Hans Christian Andersen: This unique market is located on Nytorv Square. The stalls are named after the fairytales of the famous Danish author. This is a fun event for children, who can meet Santa, make ornaments, and ride on a traditional carousel.
- FLIDS: A hub for Scandinavian and Danish art and design. This is the place to see local exhibitions by talented local artists and the latest in Danish design. Located in Nørrebrohallen, Flids is a sustainable market that turns into a festive market for two days at the beginning of December. There is a small fee to enter.
- Grønnessegaard: Located on Grønnessegaard Estate near Hundested, this exclusive market is held for two days over the last weekend in November. Note there is a fee for entering.
- Ice Skating in Copenhagen – As one of the few cities with multiple ice rinks in winter, you can effectively skate your way around Copenhagen at the ice rinks at Tivoli Gardens, Frederiksberg Gardens and also one at Toftegards Square in Valby.
- Kronprinsengade – Look up to see the ceiling of lights on Copenhagen’s busiest shopping street. The Christmas lights cover the street, creating a beautiful experience.
- Sustainable shopping in Copenhagen – The city of Copenhagen is showing a strong movement towards sustainability. There are many ways to minimise your impact, which include reducing consumption and making ethical choices. Copenhagen has many shops selling sustainable products when you need to buy something. Many of these boutique stores are in the Nørrebro or Østerbro districts. Take the time to walk around these shopping areas or hire a bike if the weather is good.
What to Expect
About the Market
As you wander the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant and festive atmosphere with lights, decorated trees, and traditional market stalls.
Rows of wooden huts sell everything from handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts to delicious Danish pastries and traditional hot mulled wine.
Travel tip: The markets and stores in Copenhagen are generally closed from the 24th to the 26th of December.
But if you happen to be visiting on these dates when places are closed, you’ll still be able to enjoy the lights and decorations throughout the city centre.
Food Specialties
The following traditional dishes are almost essential to the Danish holiday season and offer a taste of Danish culture and tradition.
Many of them can be enjoyed by vegetarians with a little adaptation, and you’ll often find these at the market stalls or local eateries.
- Æbleskiver: These are small round pancakes typically served with jam and powdered sugar and are a Danish tradition.
- Risalamande: A rice pudding dessert commonly eaten at special events in Denmark, typically topped with cherry sauce.
- Flæskesteg: Traditional dish consisting of roast pork with crispy skin, typically served with red cabbage and boiled potatoes.
- Gløgg: A warm spiced wine that is a winter classic made with red wine, spices, and almonds.
- Leverpostej is a Danish liver pate often served with pickled beets and rye bread on Christmas Eve.
- Rugbrød is a hearty Danish rye bread often served with cheese, pate, or cold cuts during the holidays.
- Brunede kartofler: These caramelised potatoes are a popular side dish.
- Grønlangkål is a Danish dish of creamed kale, often served with boiled potatoes. Vegetarian options include using vegetable broth and plant-based cream.
- Risengrød: A sweet rice porridge often served as a dessert, similar to the Norwegian dish “Risgrøt”.
Personal Insights
Copenhagen stands out as one of Europe’s coolest cities, focusing on design, organic food, and boutique shopping.
It’s a haven for bakery lovers (like me) and those who can’t resist an open sandwich (also me).
The city’s walkability and cycling culture add to its charm, making it easy to explore.
Travel tip: Be prepared for the cost; Copenhagen is a very expensive city.
In winter, you can stay out of the cold by shopping in unique Danish design stores, where you’ll find exceptional furniture, homewares, and jewellery.
Copenhagen’s museums, such as the Designmuseum Denmark and the National Museum of Denmark, are also worth a visit.
Local cafes offer a cosy spot for hot chocolate and specialty coffee. I recommend taking a walking food tour to experience the city’s culinary delights.
Travel Information
Not only can you experience the markets in November, December and January, but it’s also a great time to experience Danish hygge.
This is a traditional Danish experience and way of life where locals (and visitors) live in the moment with their friends and family in a cosy setting.
Christmas is a perfect time for hygge, as you can appreciate the little things that make you happy while participating in a Danish cultural experience.
Exploring Copenhagen
If you have some free time in Copenhagen, consider exploring other districts besides the city centre. Vesterbro, Nørrebro, and Christianshavn have activities and events, each with its own character and charm.
To explore further, consider renting a bike to ride through the streets, taking in the lights and decorations on many corners.
Copenhagen’s bike-friendly infrastructure makes it easy to navigate the city. But remember to rug up before you go!
Sustainability Tips
- To shop mindfully means thinking carefully about each purchase. Market stalls are full of unique, handcrafted items that make meaningful gifts without contributing to unnecessary consumption. Look for gifts that have a story, supporting local artisans and sustainable practices.
- Copenhagen is renowned for its cycling culture and excellent public transport network, making it easy to choose eco-friendly travel options. The city’s compact size also makes walking between different markets and attractions both feasible and enjoyable.
- Staying in a sustainable hotel in Copenhagen isn’t just a responsible choice; it’s also an experience in itself. Many hotels in the city are powered by renewable energy and follow eco-friendly practices, aligning with your sustainable travel goals.
- Reducing meat and dairy consumption is another impactful way to celebrate sustainably in Copenhagen. Many stalls and local eateries offer tasty plant-based options while lowering food-based emissions.
- Finally, enrich your experience by venturing beyond the main tourist spots. Copenhagen’s vibrant arts scene, local events, and quieter neighbourhoods offer a deeper connection with the city.
If you have visited Copenhagen and would like to share your experience, leave a comment or tips for other travellers below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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