Christmas in Copenhagen: Must-Do Experiences and Shopping

Copenhagen is one of the Christmas capitals of Europe. In December, the city reveals its most magical side, inviting you not only to discover its museums and landmarks but also to explore its stylish shops, historic venues, and festive cafés and restaurants. The Danish capital is enchanting during the holiday season, combining tradition, cutting-edge design, and the cozy hygge atmosphere. From the dazzling lights of Tivoli Gardens to the Christmas markets that fill the city center, Copenhagen offers a truly unforgettable and magical Christmas experience. With picture-perfect markets, fairy-tale scenery, and twinkling lights everywhere, the city is the perfect place to soak up the true spirit of Christmas.

12 Delicious Things to Do in Copenhagen at Christmas

1. Experience the Magic of Tivoli Gardens

If there’s one unmissable attraction at Christmas in Copenhagen, it’s Tivoli Gardens. This historic amusement park—the second oldest in the world—puts on a spectacular show for the holidays, with thousands of sparkling lights, lavish decorations, and stalls selling delicious Christmas treats. Whether you’re after adrenaline-pumping rides or just in need of a festive sugar rush, Tivoli has it all. Stay until evening for a quieter, more atmospheric experience.

2. Wander Through Copenhagen’s Christmas Markets

Beyond the markets inside Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen is dotted with charming Julemarked—the city’s own Christmas markets. While you may find many stalls selling similar goods, these markets are ideal for enjoying the festive spirit with a warming glass of Gløgg. A few favorites:

The Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market

Set on the majestic King’s Square, this market blends wooden stalls and decorations, selling a range of gifts and treats—including irresistible Danish hot dogs.

Højbro Plads Christmas Market

Also known as the High Bridge Square Market, this cozy, traditional spot offers wooden cabins selling local products and sheltered corners for sipping a hot drink.

Nytorv Christmas Market

Next to the iconic Strøget shopping street, this Hans Christian Andersen-themed market is a fairy-tale for kids, with festive trees and family activities.

Copenhagen Zoo Christmas Market

The city zoo also hosts a spectacular Christmas market—with 900 Christmas trees, 400,000 twinkling lights, and even horse-drawn carriage rides. A treat for all ages.

3. Go Christmas Shopping at Design Markets

Besides the main markets, Copenhagen is home to smaller, design-focused fairs—perfect if you’re after unique and original gifts. Among the best known are the Vesterbro RAW Julemarked, Designmuseum Julemarked, and Finders Keepers Christmas Market.

4. Stroll Along Nyhavn

The charming Nyhavn harbour, lined with colorful 17th-century houses, is a Copenhagen icon. At Christmas, this area turns even more magical—with festive market stalls offering treats to enjoy as you take in the view.

5. Embrace the Hygge Atmosphere

The Danish concept of “hygge“—the art of comfort and conviviality—really comes alive at Christmas in Copenhagen. Many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops ooze a welcoming, intimate vibe, perfect for unwinding with friends over a glass of wine.

6. Taste Danish Christmas Treats

Food and drink are an irreplaceable part of the Christmas experience in Copenhagen. Don’t miss the Gløgg (Danish mulled wine), Æbleskiver (round, fluffy pancakes), or Risalamande (creamy rice pudding).

7. Be Enchanted at Torvehallerne

This beautiful indoor market in Copenhagen’s heart is perfect for both foodies and hygge seekers. Sample Danish classics like Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) and even join the Gløgg Championship for a festive experience.

8. Go Ice Skating

In winter, several ice rinks open across Copenhagen, including Frederiksberg Runddel and Broen’s, where you can skate and sample local treats.

9. Admire Storefront Christmas Displays

Downtown Copenhagen exudes festive cheer, with some shops outdoing themselves on dazzling window displays—such as Magasin du Nord, the 19th-century department store, and Royal Copenhagen, famous for its special Christmas table exhibits.

10. Relax in a Hot Tub or Sauna

For a truly Nordic experience, treat yourself to a hot tub or sauna with city views. Places like Copenhot let you unwind in style—often with a bartender serving drinks as you soak.

11. Visit Castles Decked Out for Christmas

If you have extra time, take a trip to Kronborg Castle—known as Hamlet’s castle—and enjoy one of Denmark’s most beloved Christmas markets. Or explore Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle, both magical during the holidays.

12. Join the Santa Lucia Parade

If you’re in Copenhagen on December 13, don’t miss the unique Santa Lucia parade: kayakers decorate their boats and sing Christmas carols as they sail the city’s canals. An unforgettable sight.

Christmas Shopping in Copenhagen

A great place to start is Kongens Nytorv, the New Royal Square, home to the Hotel D’Angleterre, a symbol of old Danish elegance. Nearby, you’ll find the Royal Theatre, which hosts stunning Christmas performances by the Royal Danish Ballet. Next to the Hotel stands Hviids Vinstue, an intriguing historic tavern serving food and drinks since 1723.

With its stained glass windows, dark wooden beams, worn tables, and vintage photos, this venue is truly unique. Walk onto Strøget to enter the elegant part of this famous pedestrian street, decorated with green garlands and a red heart in the center.

Strøget is perfect for classy yet affordable gifts—think beautiful Danish design items from Bodum or creative decorations from Illum, a four-story department store filled with everything imaginable.

Don’t miss the well-stocked shop at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, with its glass-roofed café and stunning city views. In Amagertorv square, with its stork fountain, Royal Copenhagen dominates—a world-famous porcelain brand celebrating the 100th anniversary of its distinctive Christmas plates.

In its House of Porcelain, a Renaissance-style building, you’ll find beautifully themed Christmas tables. On the ground floor, an outlet offers second-hand goods at 20–50% discounts. And at the in-house patisserie, you can sample traditional sweets—crispy gingerbread and dark biscuits—with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Still on Strøget, stop at Illum Bolighus, a Danish design hub, and the enchanting Christmas shop inspired by the countryside—brimming with decorative baskets, crystal miniature trees, almost life-sized straw animals, and quality ornaments from Danish artist Jette Frölich.

Unique Finds in Copenhagen’s Shops

If you’re after something special, leave Strøget for Strædet, famed for antique shops, and head to the National Museum on Ny Vestergade 10. Entry is free, and inside there’s a large shop offering authentic replicas of Viking jewelry in silver, gold, bronze, and amber, along with miniature castles, medieval villages, and model ships.

From the museum, walk to Andersen Boulevard and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, recently restored and renowned for its French and Danish modern art collections. Continue to the Tivoli Museum shop, packed with tin soldiers, wooden puzzles, and other children’s favorites—including the celebrated Christmas stamp, a Danish tradition since 1904.

Opposite, in City Hall Square, a magnificent Christmas tree covered in white lights and paper hearts creates a striking scene, warmed by Christmas music and carols. At Boghallen bookstore on the square, you can pick up Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales—a must for Christmas shopping in Copenhagen.

Christmas Markets in Copenhagen

Follow Vesterbrogade to Tivoli Park and step into its bustling Christmas market, full of gift stalls and souvenirs. Kids can enjoy rides, pony rides, and ice skating on the lake. The festive outdoor vibes are joined by the scent of sweets and steaming gløgg, the strong, spiced Scandinavian mulled wine.

At Tivoli, temptations abound, from fast food to traditional fare (jellied ham and roast pork, duck with red cabbage, plums, pickles, caramel potatoes, and ris à l’amande, a creamy rice dessert with cream and chopped almonds), as well as Michelin-starred restaurants like The Paul, Café Ketchup, NIMB, or Ultimo.

Christmas Markets not to miss in Copenhagen

November 14–December 30
Tivoli Christmas Market & Ice Skating
November 20–December 31
Christmas Table Themes, Royal Copenhagen Retail, Amagertorv
November 25–December 15
Jette Frölich – Christmas Lounge at Gammel Holtegaard
November 14–December 22
Christmas Market in the Charming Nyhavn Quarter