COPENHAGEN DENMARK: TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
While Copenhagen might not be the first destination that comes to mind for European Christmas markets, Denmark’s enchanting capital is a festive Scandinavian escape during the holiday season. Every November and December, several holiday markets transform the city center into a magical winter wonderland. Below is my holiday guide to the Copenhagen Christmas Markets including a rundown of all the markets, the best places to eat, hotel recommendations, Christmas market tips and more.
This post contains affiliate links. When you click these links I may get a small commission that won’t cost you anything, but it does help me run this website.
Outdoor rink at the Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market.
The festive Christmas market at Højbro Plads.
COPENHAGEN TRAVEL TIPS
- ARE THE MARKETS FREE? – With the exception of Tivoli Gardens, the Christmas markets are completely free to visit! You only pay for souvenirs, food and drinks.
- STAY CONNECTED – Most hotels and restaurants have free wifi, but for 24/7 connection I recommend purchasing an eSIM before flying to Denmark. I use Holafly – it’s affordable, and only take a few seconds to install. The eSIM plans for Denmark are linked here (use code BUCKETLISTBUMS for 5% off).
Hot chocolate.
WHEN TO VISIT COPENHAGEN
Copenhagen is a year-round destination, but for the purpose of the Christmas markets, you’ll want to time your visit between mid-November and end of December to coincide with the holiday festivities. If you can visit in November when the markets first open, you’ll avoid some of the crowds that steadily grow as Christmas approaches. Detailed market schedules listed below.
Mulled wine is everywhere at the Christmas markets.
HOW MANY DAYS IN COPENHAGEN
Length of stay really depends on how much time you want to spend at the Christmas markets. It’s possible to experience Copenhagen’s best Christmas markets in two full days, but if you want a more relaxed pace, as well as time for other sightseeing, I suggest three days in the city.
The markets are filled with decor, lights and tasty eats.
COPENHAGEN CHRISTMAS MARKETS
CHRISTIANIA CHRISTMAS MARKET
Set inside the storied Den Grå Hal, Copenhagen’s Christiania Christmas Market serves up a wonderful cozy twist on traditional holiday markets. Set in an indoor hall, it buzzes with creative energy as local artisans showcase hand-carved crafts, custom jewelry, clothing and art pieces not available at the other Christmas markets.
- 2026 Christiana Christmas Market Dates: December 8-20, 2026
- 2026 Christiana Christmas Market Hours: 12 PM-8 PM (daily)
CHRISTMAS MARKET AT NYTORV & GAMMELTORV
Set across two connected historical squares in central Copenhagen, the Christmas Market at Nytorv & Gammeltorv is one of the best in the city. The twin squares fill with glowing stalls selling handmade gifts, winter treats, warm drinks and there’s even an outdoor ice rink.
- 2026 Christmas Market at Nytorv & Gammeltorv Dates: November 6-December 21, 2026
- 2026 Christmas Market at Nytorv & Gammeltorv Hours: 11 AM-7 PM (Monday to Wednesday), 11 AM-8 PM (Thursday), 11 AM-9 PM (Friday and Saturday) and 12 PM-7 PM (Sunday)
HOJBRO CHRISTMAS MARKET
Nestled in the center of Copenhagen, the Højbro Plads Christmas Market brings old-world charm to life with dozens of wood chalets glowing under a canopy of holiday lights. The market is filled with authentic Scandinavian crafts, cozy knitted goods, unique handmade gifts from local artisans and delicious treats. I like like the storied whimsical decor at this market.
- 2026 Højbro Plads Christmas Market Dates: November 14-December 20, 2026
- 2026 Højbro Plads Christmas Market Hours: 11 AM-7 PM (Monday to Wednesday), 11 AM-8 PM (Thursday), 11 AM-9 PM (Friday and Saturday) and 12 PM-7 PM (Sunday)
KONGENS NYTORV WINTER WONDERLAND
Kongens Nytorv Winter Wonderland transforms a historic plaza in Copenhagen’s city center into a vibrant seasonal hub centered around a grand outdoor ice-skating rink. It surrounds the iconic statue of King Christian V with festive market stalls, glowing holiday decorations and an ice rink.
- 2026 Kongens Nytorv Winter Wonderland Dates: November 13, 2026 -January 4, 2027 (closed December 24, 25, 31 and January 1)
- 2026 Kongens Nytorv Winter Wonderland Hours: Typically 10 AM- 9 PM daily
NYHAVN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Scattered along Copenhagen’s iconic waterfront, the Nyhavn Christmas Market brings the historic 17th century harbor to life with glowing wooden huts framed by brightly painted townhouses. Visitors stroll alongside historic ships while savoring classic Danish holiday treats and sipping hot chocolate and mulled wine. With its twinkling lights, artisan crafts and charming seaside atmosphere, it captures the quintessential cozy spirit of Scandinavian holiday traditions.
- 2026 Nyhavn Christmas Market Dates: Early November through late December
- 2026 Nyhavn Christmas Market Hours: 11 AM-7 PM (Monday to Wednesday), 11 AM-8 PM (Thursday), 11 AM-9 PM (Friday and Saturday) and 12 PM-7 PM (Sunday)
TIVOLI GARDENS CHRISTMAS MARKET
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market turns Copenhagen’s iconic amusement park into a storybook winter setting, glowing under a shimmering canopy of thousands of fairy lights and snow-sprinkled pine trees. Charming wooden stalls brim with handcrafted gifts, steaming glögg and hot roasted chestnuts, while enjoying nostalgic rides, an ice rink and festive light displays.
- 2026 Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market Dates: November 13, 2026-January 3, 2027
- 2026 Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market Hours: 11 AM-10 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 11 AM-12 AM (Friday to Saturday)
The Nyhaven Christmas Market is small, but lovely on the iconic stretch of waterfront.
FOOD & DRINKS TO TRY AT THE CHRISTMAS MARKET
- ÆBLESKIVER – Round Danish pancake ball topped with powdered sugar or jam
- alkoholfrit gløgg – alchohol free
- BRÆNDTE MANDLER – Traditional Scandanavian candies and caramelized almonds
- JULEBRYG – Christmas beer
- FLÆSKESTEGSSANDWICH – Roasted pork, red cabbage, pickled cucumbers and creamy spread on a soft bun
- GLOØGG – Warm mulled wine
- PEBERNØDDER& BRUNKAGER – Soft dumpling with vanilla sauce
- RISALAMANDE – Chilled rice pudding with sugar, vanilla, whipped cream and chopped almonts
- SMØRREBRØD – Open-faced sandwich on buttered rye bread
- RISENGRØD – Rice porridge with butter, cinnamon and sugar
The cinnamon rolls from Skt Peders Bageri are ridiculously delicious (best at opening when the rolls are warm and soft).
BEST COPENHAGEN HOTELS
1 Hotel Copenhagen is a new property that opened its doors in 2025. It sits in across from the university inside a historic building that has been transformed into an eco-sanctuary filled with the brand’s signature living greenery, reclaimed materials and natural light. There are 282 Scandinavian-styled rooms to choose from that feature raw wood, a muted color palette, soft textiles and concrete. My favorite stay in Copenhagen.
The beautiful Admiral Copenhagen Hotel sits in a restored 18th century waterfront warehouse in a fabulous location that overlooks the harbor near Amalienborg Palace and the Opera House. The rooms offer guests a sleek Scandanavian design, some with dazzling wood beams and exposed brick. There are 366 rooms – all feature premium bedding, soundproofing and dediated work spaces.
This historic palace hotel on Kongens Nytorv dates back to 1755. D’Angleterre is the epitome of luxury offering guests lavish rooms, Michelin-starred restaurant Marchal and a subterranean spa. Service here is unmatched and the storied setting is truly timeless.
NH Collection Copenhagen is centrally located on the harbor in Christianshavn. Rooms are stylish, clean and inviting with sweeping views of the waterfront. It’s a bit chilly in winter, but the property does boast a chic rooftop lounge with views of the city spires.
For a completely unique stay, Nimb Hotel is set in a Moorish style palace inside Tivoli Gardens. A cross between Disneyland and Marrakesh, the boutique hotel features stylishly appointed suites feature four-poster beds, hard wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and a dark, muted color palette.
RADISSON COLLECTION ROYAL HOTEL
Another modern property is the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel. It’s located across from Copenhagen Central Station and Tivoli Gardens.
Absolutely love the exposed wood beams at Admiral Copenhagen Hotel, one of the most iconic stays in the city.
WHERE TO EAT IN COPENHAGEN
- HYTTEFADET – Gastropub
- JUNO – Bakery
- LA ROCCA – Italian
- NOMA – Fine dining
- OLIVE KITCHEN – International
- PIZZERIA MAMEMI & WINE BAR – Pizza
- POMODORO D’ORO – Italian
- Ø12 COFFEE & EATERY – Brunch
- REFFEN – Food hall
- RESTAURANT KOMPLET – Danish
- SANKT PEDERS BAGERI – Bakery (cinnamon rolls)
- TIVOLI FOOD HALL – Food hall
- TORVEHALLERNA FOOD HALL – Food hall
The colorful Nyhaven waterfront.
GET TO COPENHAGEN
- CAR – It’s possible to reach the city center by car, but once in Copenhagen a car isn’t necessary. The city is flat, and easy to walk, bike and take public transportation.
- FLIGHT – The Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is located five miles from the city center, connecting the city to destinations around the world.
- TRAIN – Direct trains connect the Copenhagen Airport (Terminal 3, Tracks 1–2) to Copenhagen Central Station.
1 Hotel Copenhagen is brand-new and bursting with greenery.
GET AROUND COPENHAGEN
- TRAIN – Trains are frequent, clean and convenient for transport to all parts of the city.
- UBER – Uber is available in Copenhagen, the most convenient ride share option.
- BIKING The city’s flat terrain make Copenhagen a popular mode of transportation.
- WALKING – Within specific neighborhoods of Copenhagen, walking is the easiest way to get around.
Torvehallerne Food Hall.
