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Why Copenhagen Is Ideal For A Festive Break This Christmas Season

November 19, 2024

Scandinavian traditions meet modern festive fun in Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city, at Christmas.

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If you’re searching for a family-friendly, festive getaway in the lead-up to Christmas, Copenhagen might be just the destination you need. The Danish capital city offers charming Christmas markets brimming with treats, and the iconic Tivoli Gardens, where families can enjoy dazzling decorations, thrilling rides, and cozy food stalls.

Whether you’re exploring the cobbled streets, sipping on mulled wine, or taking a family canal tour to admire the city’s festive lights, Copenhagen is the Danish city break that promises festive fun for all.

Christmas Season At Tivoli Gardens

Open from November 15 to January 5, Tivoli Gardens’ Christmas season sees the historic amusement park transform into a sparkling winter wonderland, offering a quintessential Scandinavian Christmas experience filled with festive cheer, dazzling lights, and the warmth of hygge.

At the heart of Tivoli’s celebrations is its famous Christmas market, a magical setting adorned with twinkling lights, enchanting decorations, and nearly 900 Christmas trees. Visitors can stroll through stalls offering traditional treats like roasted almonds, warm chestnuts, and gløgg (mulled wine).

Christmas season at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is popular with locals and visitors alike.

Tivoli Gardens

For something extraordinary, head to the Japanese Pagoda, where the Slovenian three-Michelin-starred restaurant Hiša Franko has taken up temporary residence to serve up an unforgettable dining experience.

Prefer something simple? Nearby stalls offer no-fuss comfort food, including delicious roast pork sandwiches and Danish hotdogs.

For families, there’s no shortage of excitement. Children can meet Santa Claus, share their Christmas wishes, and enjoy the playful elves scattered throughout the Gardens. Glide across the ice-skating rink in front of the Tivoli Concert Hall, illuminated by a 43-foot-tall Christmas tree.

Cultural highlights include a performance of The Nutcracker featuring costumes and sets designed by Denmark’s Queen Margrethe, concerts by the Tivoli Youth Guard, and December 13’s Santa Lucia procession—a tradition across the Scandinavian countries.

To end the year with a bang, Tivoli hosts spectacular fireworks displays on December 25, 26, and 31.

Christmas Markets Throughout Copenhagen

Although Tivoli is the centrepiece of Copenhagen’s Christmas celebrations, it’s far from the only option, with festive markets aplenty.

Nyhavn, one of the most photographed locations in Denmark, becomes a vibrant holiday destination during the festive season. This iconic canal in Copenhagen is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere.

Copenhagen’s famous Nyhavn canal is lined with festive stalls in the lead-up to Christmas.

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Just a short stroll away, Kongens Nytorv hosts a bustling Christmas market with even more festive stalls to explore. Meanwhile, Højbro Plads is a favorite among locals, offering a cozy spot to unwind with traditional treats like sausages, baked goods, and æbleskiver (Danish pancake puffs).

The best way to maximize your experience of the city’s festive lights and markets is to download the free Copenhagen Local Walks app. On there, you’ll find a special Copenhagen Christmas Walk, available until December 22.

Christmas Gifts In Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a treasure trove for lovers of Scandinavian design, making it the perfect place to find unique Christmas gifts.

From timeless Danish Modern pieces inspired by icons like Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner to cutting-edge contemporary creations, the city’s design heritage is both rich and evolving.

Explore the freshly renovated Design Museum Denmark, where you can delve into the history of Danish and Scandinavian design. Established in 1926, the museum offers fascinating exhibitions in an elegant Rococo building, ideal for inspiration before you shop.

For gift hunting, head to Strøget, Copenhagen’s renowned shopping street, where prestigious showrooms and local boutiques await. Royal Copenhagen’s signature blue-and-white porcelain designs blend tradition with modern elegance, while Jan Machenhauer’s boutique showcases more fashion-forward Danish style.

For something truly special, stroll along Bredgade, where galleries and shops feature contemporary art and furniture. Copenhagen’s design scene ensures you’ll find a memorable gift to bring home this Christmas.