Copenhagen at Christmas is special. The Christmas lights twinkle, the smell of roasted almonds spreads throughout the city, and the shop windows are decorated with the finest Christmas displays. Plan a trip to Copenhagen in the run-up to Christmas and look forward to experiencing when the holiday spirit takes over Denmark‘s capital.
Copenhagen at Christmas
- Christmas markets and activities
- Christmas shopping in Copenhagen
- Where to eat
- Where to relax
- Winter activities
Copenhagen at Christmas: Things to do
There is no shortage of things to do in Copenhagen during the winter. Just make sure to bring your warm winter boots.
Christmas in Tivoli
If there is one place you need to go on a winter trip to Copenhagen, it’s Tivoli. The world’s second-oldest amusement park is magical at all times of the year, but at Christmas, there’s an extra special atmosphere.
Admire Tivoli illuminated by thousands of Christmas lights, taste all kinds of delicacies in the cosy Christmas stalls, visit Santa Claus, and take part in Tivoli’s traditional Christmas tree lighting and Lucia procession.
Copenhagen hristmas Markets
There is no shortage of Christmas Markets in Copenhagen. In all the city’s open squares you will be greeted by the sweet smell of roasted almonds and the sound of Christmas music.
As early as November 3, the doors to the year’s first Christmas market at Kongens Nytorv open. For the rest of the Christmas season, large and small Christmas markets follow suit.
Taste delicious winter treats and buy fine Christmas decorations for the tree at the traditional Christmas Markets in Copenhagen.
Skating rinks in Copenhagen
The best-located skating rink in Copenhagen is at the end of the Inderhavnsbroen on the Grønlandske Handelsplads. Here, skaters have a view of the harbour, and if you get hungry you can visit the food stalls in Broens Gadekøkken.
Another ice rink that is worth visiting is the cosy Frederiksberg Runddel at the entrance to Frederiksberg Have, which is transformed into an ice rink during the winter.
Christmas shopping in Copenhagen
Want to do some shopping during your winter visit to Copenhagen? Then you have come to the right place. It is almost impossible to come home empty-handed from Copenhagen.
Second-hand shopping in Copenhagen
If you love secondhand and vintage you are in luck. A wealth of jam-packed treasure troves and more curated vintage shops await. Worth mentioning are Veras Vintage, Reseller and, not least, Carmen Copehagen, which every second-hand fashion lover should visit.
Make your own Christmas gifts
If you are creative make sure you visit a krea cafe. Here you can create Christmas gifts yourself. For example, try your hand at painting your own coffee cup at Creative Space, take knitwear to Woolstock, or you can make your own jewellery at Smykbar. While walking around getting your shopping done, don’t forget to admire the beautiful Christmas displays in the shop windows.
Must try foods and restaurants when visiting Copenhagen at Christmas
Copenhagen’s large food scene invites you to enjoy tasty moments this winter.
Christmas cake
Nothing beats mom’s home baking. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t treat yourself to exploring Copenhagen’s many delicious bakeries.
Make your way past the incomparable Juno The Bakery, which during the Christmas season creates sweet Christmas treats such as candied orange and French nougat. Don’t forget to get a bag of their famous baked goods to takeaway.
Another must-visit is Denmark’s oldest patisserie, La Glace. I recommend tasting a variety of their sweet Christmas treats along with a pot of real chocolate.
Christmas lunch
Upgrade this year’s Christmas lunch with a visit to one of Copenhagen’s many traditional restaurants. At Christianshavn’s Færgecafé you can enjoy the food with homemade schnapps, all served in warm, welcoming surroundings.
If you are looking for a big Christmas table lunch, head to Restaurant Møntergade, where the kitchen serves modern Christmas dishes.
If you prefer a simple Christmas lunch, satisfy your hunger with mulled wine and smørrebrød (a traditional open-faced sandwich) at Hviids Vinstue, which has been located on Kongens Nytorv for almost 300 years.
Christmas beer in Copenhagen
Christmas beer is one of the most loved drinks during the winter in Copenhagen. In fact, more than 220 Danish breweries produce over 350 different Christmas brews, which can only be enjoyed at this time of year. You will be able to find a traditional Christmas beer on the drinks menu at every bar and restaurant in Copenhagen.
But if you really want to pamper your taste buds, explore Copenhagen’s large selection of speciality beer bars. The Copenhagen beer market has a bunch of exciting local and innovative microbreweries. My favourite is Nørrebro Bryghus, which since its start in 2003 has helped change the Danes’ attitude to speciality beer. Or stop by Dia’legd in Vesterbro, where you can get a taste of Funen’s beer art.
Relax in Copenhagen this Christmas
On your trip to Copenhagen give yourself the chance to relax at one of the amazing spas or try winter swimming.
Spas in Copenhagen
There is nothing better than stepping into a warm bath after a day out in cold Copenhagen. Why not combine your winter trip to Copenhagen with a spa stay at one of the city’s many spa hotels?
My pick is the 5-star Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden, which is like a trip to tropical countries in the middle of Copenhagen. Remember to pack your swimwear and enjoy a dip in the hotel’s picture-perfect pool.
Winter bathing in Copenhagen
For something different, test out the tradition of winter bathing or winter swimming. Copenhagen is home to approximately 25 winter swimming clubs, many of which are housed in their own swimming facilities. Start the day with an icy dip at Islands Brygge, followed by a leisurely stroll through Copenhagen’s Christmas Markets.
For more winter vacation inspiration check out the 8 best Christmas markets in Europe for 2023 or see what Sweden in winter has to offer.
