Wandering through the winding streets and colorful houses of the historic center, you’ll discover not only stalls brimming with ornaments, toys, Santas and delicious treats, but also jugglers, tightrope walkers, horse-drawn carriages, and charming barrel organs.
As you stroll around, it’s not unusual to meet the Snow Queen, the Little Match Girl, Thumbelina, and many other beloved characters from the fairy tales of Andersen. Andersen himself was born here in 1805 and spent his childhood and teenage years in the city.
In the Lotzes Garden, near the Acciarino children’s cultural center, a giant sycamore tree lights up with over 32,000 twinkling lights, creating the magical effect of a starlit sky. Nearby, at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, a grand Christmas tree displays decorations faithfully reproduced from those the famous writer once made himself with paper and scissors. On Grontorvet Square, street vendors in traditional costume teach children how to weave fresh fir branches into decorative crowns and garlands, finished with berries, ribbons, and candles.
At the local history museum (Montergarden), you can step back in time to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Christmas in the 1800s. Actors in period costumes demonstrate old crafts: women making lace, woodworkers carving utensils and figurines, blacksmiths melting and shaping metal…
A classic highlight is the Hans Christian Andersen Parade, held twice daily. Here, an actor-singer portrays the great storyteller and, together with a cortege of costumed children, brings his most famous fairy tale characters to life. But the most magical moment is undoubtedly when the giant Christmas tree is lit up in the main city square—a moment everyone anxiously awaits, joined by the whole community and Santa Claus himself.
The beautiful square beams with thousands of festive lights as people join together in traditional carols—a simple, heartfelt way to open the Advent and Christmas season in Denmark, one of the country’s most cherished celebrations.
Between one activity and another, take time to warm up indoors with a glass of glogg, the flavorful Scandinavian mulled wine traditionally served with sweet fritters—or try something heartier, like herring and snaps (potato aquavit). Under the large, well-equipped Spejltellet tent, adults and children alike can relax and have fun, enjoying a packed schedule of music and live shows.
Getting to Odense during the festive season is easy and affordable: EasyJet offers low-cost flights from Milan to Copenhagen. From there, you can reach the city by train in under two hours, crossing the impressive Storebaelt Bridge. Alternatively, you can rent a car right at the airport.
