Copenhagen, Denmark, is one of Europe’s most enchanting holiday destinations, offering a winter experience that combines traditional Scandinavian charm with a magical, cozy ambiance. 2024 Dates: November 15 – December 31.
Picture strolling through cobblestone streets under twinkling lights, savoring the aroma of spiced gløgg, and exploring Christmas markets where every stall feels like a little piece of Danish holiday magic. With historic castles, vibrant harbor views, and some of the best holiday markets in Europe, Copenhagen transforms into a Christmas wonderland that’s both heartwarming and inspiring.
Nancy and I, your holiday travel experts at Two Travel Gurus, know exactly how to make the most of a Christmas visit to Copenhagen. From insider tips on where to find the most festive markets to selecting the perfect hotel for an authentic and comfortable stay, our guide will help you unlock Copenhagen’s seasonal magic. We’ll even share our top recommendations for unique excursions to add an extra touch of wonder to your holiday getaway. Join us as we reveal the best of Copenhagen’s holiday offerings, curated for an unforgettable journey!
Where to Stay: Hotel Skt. Annæ
For a centrally located, cozy stay in Copenhagen, we recommend the Hotel Skt. Annæ. This boutique hotel sits in the heart of the city, just minutes from Nyhavn, the Royal Palace, and several Christmas markets. It’s a chic yet reasonably priced option, combining traditional Danish style with modern comforts. The warm interiors, friendly staff, and well-designed rooms make it a fantastic retreat after a chilly day of exploring the markets.
Staying at Hotel Skt. Annæ offers easy access to Copenhagen’s top attractions and holiday festivities, with nearby public transit options for exploring the city. After a day out, enjoy the cozy lounge or grab a Danish pastry from the on-site café. The hotel’s location and charm make it an ideal choice for immersing yourself in Copenhagen’s Christmas spirit.
Copenhagen’s Best Christmas Markets: Locations, Highlights, and How to Get There
Copenhagen’s Christmas markets are distinct from others in Europe, combining traditional holiday warmth with modern Danish design, creating an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. Each market offers a unique experience—some are bustling with classic holiday decor and festive rides, while others focus on local craftsmanship, minimalist aesthetics, or even bohemian artistry.
What sets Copenhagen’s markets apart is their emphasis on “hygge,” the Danish concept of cozy, joyful living, which you’ll feel in every twinkling light and handcrafted ornament. For those looking to go beyond the typical tourist path, Copenhagen’s markets provide an intimate, authentic experience that’s infused with Danish culture. Unlike larger, busier markets, these spaces allow you to connect with local artisans, sample unique Nordic holiday treats, and discover gifts that are thoughtfully designed and sustainably sourced.
Exploring these markets brings you closer to the heart of Danish holiday traditions, offering a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of Copenhagen’s charm. Here’s our guide to the must-visit markets, all accessible from Hotel Skt. Annæ, to help you experience Copenhagen’s one-of-a-kind Christmas magic.
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Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market
- Location: Tivoli Gardens, 10-minute walk from the hotel.
- Highlights: Copenhagen’s most famous Christmas market, Tivoli Gardens transforms into a magical wonderland, with light displays, festive rides, and over 60 stalls offering Danish Christmas treats, handmade gifts, and mulled wine. The illuminated lake and nightly firework shows add to the holiday magic.
- Getting There: A short walk through Copenhagen’s city center from Hotel Skt. Annæ.
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Nyhavn Christmas Market
- Location: Nyhavn, 5-minute walk.
- Highlights: Set along the iconic Nyhavn harbor, this market features stalls lining the waterfront, each decorated with twinkling lights. This market is perfect for browsing local crafts, tasting Danish treats, and enjoying the view of the historic, colorful buildings.
- Getting There: Just steps from the hotel, making it a convenient first stop.
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Højbro Plads Christmas Market
- Location: Højbro Plads Square, 10-minute walk.
- Highlights: This bustling market in the heart of the old town offers a cozy, traditional Christmas atmosphere with wooden cabins selling ornaments, woolen goods, and Danish gløgg (mulled wine). The market is surrounded by historic buildings, adding to the festive ambiance.
- Getting There: A scenic walk through the city center, passing the Royal Palace along the way.
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Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market
- Location: Kongens Nytorv Square, 5-minute walk.
- Highlights: Located near the Royal Theatre, this market features stalls in the square’s historic setting. It’s one of Copenhagen’s most elegant markets, with high-quality crafts, holiday decor, and gourmet Danish foods. The square’s beautiful Christmas tree is a favorite photo spot.
- Getting There: A quick walk from Hotel Skt. Annæ.
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Freetown Christiania Christmas Market
- Location: Christiania neighborhood, 15-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride.
- Highlights: For a more eclectic experience, visit the Christmas market in Freetown Christiania, a unique, artistic enclave in Copenhagen. This market offers alternative gifts, handmade crafts, and bohemian holiday decorations. It’s a great stop for those seeking one-of-a-kind items.
- Getting There: Walk or rent a bike for a short, scenic ride along the canal.
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Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market
- Location: Nytorv Square, 15-minute walk or short metro ride.
- Highlights: This market pays homage to the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, with decorations inspired by his fairy tales. The market’s atmosphere is magical, featuring costumed characters, artisan crafts, and cozy food stalls.
- Getting There: Walk or take the metro line M3 from Kongens Nytorv to Gammel Strand.
Additional Markets and Hidden Gems
In addition to Copenhagen’s main markets, there are smaller, local markets and unique holiday spots that add even more layers to the city’s festive charm. These hidden gems often take place in quaint neighborhoods or artistic enclaves, offering a glimpse into Copenhagen’s vibrant local culture. For instance, Vesterbro Christmas Market, held in one of the city’s trendiest districts, features booths with modern Danish designs, artisan crafts, and a lively, youthful energy that draws both locals and visitors. Another must-visit is the Royal Danish Arsenal Museum’s Christmas Market, which is steeped in history and offers a stunning setting alongside the Christiansborg Palace. Here, you can explore traditional Danish crafts, sample local delicacies, and shop for handmade gifts in a uniquely historical atmosphere.
These smaller markets bring an intimate, community-focused ambiance to the holiday season, with many vendors emphasizing sustainable and locally sourced items that make for meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts. Visiting these lesser-known spots allows you to step off the beaten path, interact with local artisans, and enjoy the true spirit of Copenhagen in an authentic way. These hidden holiday markets add a special charm to your visit, rounding out your experience with memorable, uniquely Danish touches that bring Copenhagen’s holiday spirit to life.
- Vesterbro Christmas Market: Held in Copenhagen’s hip Vesterbro district, this small market has a trendy, local vibe with artisanal gifts, handcrafted decor, and modern Danish design.
- The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum’s Christmas Market: Located near the Christiansborg Palace, this market offers an impressive selection of traditional crafts and foods in a historic setting, perfect for those interested in Danish history.
Excursions and Experiences Beyond the Markets
While Copenhagen’s Christmas markets are delightful, the city offers plenty of other holiday experiences. Here are our top recommendations for adding festive magic to your trip:
- Tivoli Gardens Rides and Shows
- Tivoli Gardens isn’t just a market; it’s an experience in itself, featuring festive rides, live performances, and nightly light shows. Spend extra time here to enjoy holiday shows, take a spin on classic rides, and admire the enchanting decorations.
- Boat Tour of the Copenhagen Canals
- A winter boat tour along Copenhagen’s canals offers beautiful views of the city, including the famous Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace, and the Opera House. Many boat tours operate year-round and provide blankets and hot drinks to keep you warm as you take in the sights.
- Day Trip to Kronborg Castle
- Just an hour’s train ride from Copenhagen, Kronborg Castle (the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet) hosts its own Christmas events, including festive decorations, traditional performances, and special holiday tours. It’s an ideal day trip for history lovers.
- Explore the Botanical Garden Winter Wonderland
- The Botanical Garden in Copenhagen transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with festive lights and beautiful displays of seasonal plants. It’s a serene and scenic escape, perfect for a quiet afternoon.
- Danish Cooking Class: Learn to Make Holiday Treats
- Take a cooking class to learn how to make Danish holiday treats like æbleskiver (Danish doughnuts) and risalamande (rice pudding). Many local cooking schools offer hands-on classes that give you a taste of Danish Christmas traditions.
- The Little Mermaid and Kastellet Walk
- No trip to Copenhagen is complete without visiting the Little Mermaid statue. Take a winter walk along the waterfront and explore the nearby Kastellet, a historic fortress decorated for the holiday season.
Getting Around Copenhagen
Copenhagen is an easily navigable city, and the Grand Hotel Bohemia’s location makes it simple to access most Christmas markets and attractions on foot or by public transit.
- Walking: Many of Copenhagen’s main markets, like Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and Højbro Plads, are within walking distance, allowing you to explore the city’s cozy streets at your own pace.
- Biking: Copenhagen is a bike-friendly city, with rentals available near the hotel. Biking is a great way to reach areas like Christiania, offering a fun, local perspective.
- Public Transit: Copenhagen’s metro and buses are efficient and easy to navigate, with metro line M3 running through the city center. Tickets can be purchased at stations or on mobile apps.
Why Copenhagen’s Christmas Markets are Magical
Copenhagen’s Christmas markets offer a mix of Scandinavian tradition and modern design, with each market adding its own character to the holiday experience. From the iconic Tivoli Gardens to the alternative market in Christiania, the city provides a diverse range of festive delights. Nancy and I believe that Copenhagen is a one-of-a-kind holiday destination, where you can experience “hygge” (Danish coziness) firsthand. Every market, treat, and twinkling light adds to the magic, making Copenhagen an essential stop on any holiday itinerary.
Why Choose Two Travel Gurus for Your Copenhagen Christmas Adventure
When you book with Two Travel Gurus, you’re choosing experts who understand what makes Copenhagen’s holiday season special. We’ve explored these markets ourselves and know how to create a seamless, unforgettable holiday trip. From selecting the perfect hotel to organizing unique excursions, we’ll handle the details so you can fully enjoy the magic of Copenhagen. Choose Two Travel Gurus, and let us guide you through a winter wonderland you’ll remember for years to come.
