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Best Christmas markets in Copenhagen
Discover Copenhagen's best Christmas markets.
Denmark’s capital really pushes the boat out when it comes to the festive season, with Christmas markets springing up all over the city from early November onwards. As well as the usual mix of baubles, handicrafts and meet-and-greets with Santa, there are plenty of out-of-the-ordinary spots, such as Christmas with the animals at Copenhagen Zoo and rides on the rollercoasters in the world’s oldest amusement park. Here’s our handy guide to five of Copenhagen’s best Christmas markets…
Once you’ve finished reading, take a look at our Copenhagen deals
Once you’ve finished reading, take a look at our Copenhagen deals
HØJBRO SQUARE
Where better to start than right in the heart of Copenhagen’s city centre? This historic space has been a fixture since the beginning of the 20th century, and it’s transformed over the festive period, with around 200,000 twinkly lights illuminating it. All the usual suspects are here, including log cabins packed with gifts, frankfurters on the grill and homemade glühwein – hot, mulled wine. The market opens on 4th November, it’s open every day of the week and there’s no entry fee. And to top it off, little ones can have their picture taken with the big man for free.
You can take a stroll through the city centre on the Feel the Copenhagen Christmas spirit walking tour
You can take a stroll through the city centre on the Feel the Copenhagen Christmas spirit walking tour
COPENHAGEN ZOO
If there’s one thing more festive than a Christmas market, then it’s a Christmas market among reindeer and penguins. The city’s sprawling zoo becomes a winter wonderland from 19th November, with around 400,000 sparkling lights and 900 Christmas trees on display, a roller-skating rink between the panda and penguin enclosures, and a workshop where you can make jewellery with reindeer’s antlers and learn more about Santa’s sleigh-pullers. Of course, there are meet-and-greets with the man himself and a traditional market, too. And if you haven’t had your festive fill in time for the big day, then no worries – the market runs right through ‘til New Year’s Day.
BAKKEN
Just six miles north of the city centre, Bakken proudly boasts the title of the world’s oldest amusement park. Entry’s free and most of the park’s 32 rides are open during the Christmas period, which starts with the opening of the Christmas market on the 25th November. The market’s open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays ‘til 18th December, and then on weekdays until the 22nd. Among the stalls, you’ll find handmade knitwear and alcohol-filled gift boxes, but it’s the rides that keep the crowds coming – the teacup ride and the carousel are two of the more relaxed ones, while the SkyRoller’s set up for adrenaline junkies.
TIVOLI GARDENS
This city centre spot’s the third-oldest amusement park in the world, and it’s just a 10-minute stroll from Hojbro Square. While the park’s open at various times throughout the year, it really comes to life over the festive period, with more than 70,000 baubles and around 1,000 Christmas trees turning it into a winter wonderland that even the biggest grinches will enjoy. The market contains around 60 stalls, and the park entrance fee includes access to the market, a visit to Santa, an up-close view of the illuminations show, and plenty more. The park opens on 19th November and remains open ‘til New Year’s Eve.
You can book your Tivoli Gardens tickets before you go
You can book your Tivoli Gardens tickets before you go
NYHAVN
If zoos and theme parks aren’t your thing, then the Christmas market at Nyhavn may be just the place. Of all the market spots, it’s arguably the most scenic throughout the rest of the year, with colourful houses and restaurants sitting either side of a narrow waterway that’s lined with boats. Come Christmastime, the restaurants decorate their canopies with lights and garlands, while stalls selling tree decorations and traditional Scandinavian knitwear are lined along the water’s edge, but this is definitely one of the more understated Christmas markets in Copenhagen.
You can check out Nyhavn on the Best of Copenhagen photo tour
You can check out Nyhavn on the Best of Copenhagen photo tour
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Author: Darren Notley
Last updated: 09.11.2022