Tra le viuzze e le casette colorate del centro storico, spuntano non solo stand full of decorations, dolls, Santa Clauses and sweet treats, but also jugglers, tightrope walkers, carriages, and romantic hand-cranked organs.
Walking here and there, it is not rare to come across the Snow Queen, the Little Match Girl, Thumbelina, and many other characters from the Andersen fairy tales, who was born here in 1805 and lived here until adolescence.
In the Lotze Garden, near the children’s cultural center L’Acciarino, a large sycamore shows off 32,000 lit lights, creating the magical effect of a starry sky, and in the nearby Hans Christian Andersen Museum, a large Christmas tree displays decorations faithfully reproducing those made by the author himself. With paper and scissors. In Grontorvet Square, street vendors dressed in traditional costumes teach children the art of weaving fresh fir branches, making crowns and wreaths to decorate with berries, bows, and candles.
At the local history museum (Montergarden), the Christmas atmosphere of the 1800s is revived, with costumed reenactors offering period activities: women making lace; carpenters working wood to create tools and figurines; blacksmiths melting metal…
A classic is the Hans Christian Andersen Parade, held twice daily, during which a singer-actor portraying the writer, accompanied by a procession of children in costume, presents the characters of the most famous fairy tales. However, the must-see event is the lighting of the big Christmas tree in the main square. A thrilling moment, attended by the entire population and Santa Claus himself.
The beautiful square is lit up by thousands of bulbs and people sing a Christmas carol, a simple but genuine way to officially open the Advent and Christmas season, which in Denmark is among the most heartfelt in Europe.
Between stops, it is worth taking shelter indoors for a glass of glogg, the strong and fragrant Scandinavian mulled wine, traditionally accompanied by sweet fritters, or something more substantial, like herring and snaps (potato brandy). Under the large and equipped Spejltellet tent, young and old can rest and have fun thanks to a full program of music and shows.
Reaching Odense during the Christmas season is neither difficult nor expensive: the airline EasyJet offers low-cost flights from Milan to Copenhagen. From there, in less than two hours by train, you arrive in the city, passing under the imposing Storebælt bridge. Alternatively, you can rent a car directly at the airport.
