The Christmas season in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is just as much about shopping as it is about rides.
Late November and December are good times to visit Denmark. Although the chance of snow is relatively low, you are always guaranteed a festive atmosphere at any of Denmark’s Christmas markets.
Scandinavian Christmas markets are renowned for their cozy atmosphere with often handmade gifts, reindeer sleigh rides and the scent of roasted nuts filling the air.
Here are some of the best examples in Denmark, starting with the capital, Copenhagen.
Christmas in Tivoli
If you have kids of any age, a visit to Copenhagen’s historic Tivoli Gardens amusement park is a must, but especially during the park’s short Christmas season.
One of the oldest amusement parks in the world cuts through the dark winter with dazzling white lights and Christmas trees around every corner.
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens becomes a festive wonderland during its Christmas opening season.
Small shops sell all manner of gifts while Santa’s Grotto is a perennial favorite with kids. Of course, the rides are open during the winter season to keep the youngest busy, while the program of concerts and plays offers many surprises for couples.
Open from November 19 until the end of the year, Tivoli’s winter season is such an important part of Christmas for the people of Copenhagen. But it’s not the only choice in town.
Christmas markets in Copenhagen
Instantly familiar to anyone who has ever searched for photos of Copenhagen, the Nyhavn canal turns this time of year into the perfect festive party spot for a taste Hot winethe Scandinavian version of mulled wine popular throughout the region.
Nearby, the Kongens Nytorv the square hosts a more shopping-oriented market. Popular with locals for after-work get-togethers, food and drink, Hojbro Plads has a strong German influence. Many vendors even come from Germany for the occasion, so expect German-style sausages with pancakes and waffles.
A bustling shopping street in Copenhagen dressed up for Christmas.
Visitors to Copenhagen looking for something a little different could try the Christiania Christmas Market. The exotic market with unique handicrafts and lots of food is hosted inside Gray Hall in Christiania, Copenhagen’s most unique neighborhood.
While most other markets open in mid-November, Christiania’s only opens on December 9.
Elsewhere in Denmark
In a style similar to Tivoli, The old Town in Aarhus opens for a short Christmas period. The open-air museum is an atmospheric place at any time of the year, but especially at Christmas.
From November 19, the museum creates a walk with lanterns around the old town decorated with historical decorations.
White lights illuminate the Christmas season in Aarhus, Denmark.
Inside the shops you will find storytelling elves and traditional Danish Christmas dishes. A replica of Denmark’s very first Advent calendar makes an original gift from the dedicated Christmas shop.
Elsewhere in Aarhus, the historic cobbled street Møllestien is a beautiful setting for more than 40 stalls. Run by street dwellers, profits from the market are donated to charities. The Christmas tree plantation and the Topkær bazaar are also worth a visit.
In Alborg, old square The square once again hosts the city’s Christmas market, open every day until December 23. If you’re visiting Aalborg, a visit to Aalborg Zoo is a must to include in your festive itinerary thanks to its annual “light walk” through the gardens.
In the historic center of Odense, the Hans Christian Andersen market opens the first two weekends of December. Merchants sell everything from jewelry to knitwear. Due to the market’s limited opening hours, Odense fills with people on market days to enjoy the 19th century theme and soak up the festive atmosphere.
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