Copenhagen in December feels like it was designed specifically for Christmas. The days are short, people are out in the streets enjoying themselves, and every street seems to glow with fairy lights strung between historic buildings.
Christmas markets in Copenhagen aren’t just an additional thought here, they’re an integral part of how the city experiences winter. When you wander around the city during November and December you’ll come across the cute wooden stalls, giant ice rinks, fairy lit waterways and stalls selling hot wine. Walking around Copenhagen’s Christmas markets is one of the best ways to understand what hygge really is.
My first visit to the city was specifically to find the best Christmas markets in Copenhagen, so I’ve put together this guide along with some FAQ to help you plan your festive trip.
The Best Christmas Markets in Copenhagen
Does Copenhagen have lots of Christmas markets?
Yes!..and not just one or two. Copenhagen has several Christmas markets, spread across the city centre, historic squares, gardens, and neighbourhoods.
Some are big and festive, others small and quietly charming, but all of them share the same essentials: fairy lights, wooden chalets, warming food, and usually without the crowds you might expect.
What makes Copenhagen’s Christmas markets special isn’t their size, it’s their atmosphere. There’s less loud music and spectacle than in some European cities and they’re certainly less well known that the Christmas Markets in the Black Forest, but I really enjoyed the slower pace.
I liked how they didn’t feel as crowded or flashy and there was more emphasis on coziness, craftsmanship, and slowing down rather than the hard sell you often expect.
When do the Copenhagen Christmas markets open?
The dates for the Copenhagen Christmas markets vary from year to year but in general they run from mid November until the end of December.
In 2026 you can expect most of the Christmas markets in Copenhagen to open around November 15th – 20th and run until the end of December – with some running until the beginning of January.
For some of the smaller markets and the more alternative markets like Christiania dates might vary & start later in the year.
Are the Christmas Markets in Copenhagen free?
Generally, the Christmas Markets in Copenhagen are not just free to enter, but require no advanced planning as they are part of the city streets and squares.
There is one definite exception to the rule, which is Tivoli Gardens – Tivoli is strictly ticketed entry. Although it is possible to enter for free on the day, to avoid queuing for tickets and to ensure you get enough time inside, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance.
It’s actually a very good time to visit the city and make the most of the free things to do in Copenhagen, as it can be quite an expensive destination, but the festive period offers you the chance to wander around and take in the sights without overspending on activities.
I was also able to get a good deal on flights to Copenhagen with Jet2 by planning a few months in advance.
Where to stay for the Copenhagen Christmas Markets
Copenhagen has not shortage of places to stay, and a very convenient metro that means it’s easy to get around – so you can visit the best Christmas Markets in Copenhagen without spending too long on public transport.
Prices can go up quickly during the lead up to Christmas, so it’s best to book ahead. Here are some of my suggestions for where to stay during your festive visit.
- I stayed at the Scandic Kødbyen as it’s an affordable modern hotel near the trendy meatpacking district.
- Motel One Copenhagen is a trendy and centrally located hotel
- Generator Copenhagen is only 150m from Kongens Nytorv Square and its lovely Christmas market.
- Boutique Hotel Herman K is well placed to visit a number of Copenhagen’s best Christmas markets.
OK, let’s get stuck in with the best Christmas Markets in Copenhagen…
Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market
If there’s one Christmas market in Copenhagen that feels like the heart of the city, it’s Kongens Nytorv (or the King’s New Square). Set in one of Copenhagen’s most famous squares, it is made up of wooden stalls near the Royal Theatre, Hotel D’Angleterre, and close to Nyhavn and Strøget.
The surrounding buildings are particularly photogenic as many of them but on huge festive light displays.
In the centre of the square there is usually an ice rink, or in this year’s case – an ice ring, as it was a large circular track winding around the square.
In terms of numbers of stalls it isn’t the largest of the Christmas markets in Copenhagen but it still often draws in the tourists as it’s quite unique in its surroundings. There are plenty of tables to stop and have a bite to eat and it’s well located for public transport.
Kongens Nytorv is lively, especially in the evenings, but it never feels overwhelming. It’s a perfect first stop if it’s your first time experiencing Christmas in Copenhagen.
Dates – mid-November to late December 2026
Højbro Plads Christmas Market
A short walk from Kongens Nytorv, Højbro Plads feels slightly more intimate, like a quieter cousin to the bigger markets. Tucked close to Strøget and surrounded by historic buildings like the Court House.
Højbro Plads is ideal for unhurried wandering. The stalls are all pretty close together and theoretically you could walk around the whole place in ten minutes, but it’s also a nice place for lingering. There are some great light displays including pretty sleighs, giant teddy bears & reindeer making it quite a good spot for kids.
As well as the normal wine and snacks there are some great handicrafts and jewellery stalls here.
Dates – Around mid November and closing around December 31st
Hans Christian Anderson Christmas Market
The Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market is located at Gammeltorv Square in Copenhagen’s historic centre, adjacent to Nytorv.
Here you’ll often find home-baked treats, crafts, knitted items, simple decorations and quite sweetly, each wooden cabin is named after one of Andersen’s iconic stories.
It’s also a great market for bringing children to as little ones can meet Santa at his dedicated wooden cottage.
Tivoli Gardens at Christmas
No list of the best Copenhagen Christmas markets is complete without Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli Gardens isn’t technically just a ‘Christmas Market’ it’s also the second oldest amusement park in the world.
However it’s so beautifully festive that it’s a must-visit. During December, the historic amusement park transforms into a glowing winter world filled with lights, decorations, and festive stalls woven between rides and gardens.
Located near City Hall Square, Tivoli doesn’t just have festive stands but it has dozens of rides, including a surprisingly exhilarating wooden roller coaster that we loved, still with a human operating the brake.
It’s particularly lovely at dusk and into the evening, when the lights reflect on the ponds and the rides light up the sky. It’s also a great place to eat dinner, as it has a surprisingly affordable food hall, with numerous places offering both local and international options.
Tivoli is busier and more theatrical than the city-square markets, but that’s part of its charm. It’s the place to go when you want to fully lean into the Christmas spirit.
Dates – Year round from 11am until 10pm
Nyhavn and its winter charm
While Nyhavn isn’t always the most traditional stop of the Copenhagen Christmas markets, it deserves a place on any Christmas walk through the city. The colourful buildings lining the canal look especially beautiful in winter, and the festive energy of the nearby markets spills naturally into the area.
One of Copenhagen’s most famous streets – the buildings in winter are decorated with fairy lights and numerous wooden stalls line the water’s edge, selling the usual trinkets, drinks and snacks.
It pairs beautifully with a visit to Kongens Nytorv as it’s so close to walk and makes the whole area feel like one continuous Christmas scene.
As well as the pop up stalls there are plenty of bars and restaurants if you need a bit of a break and a proper meal.
Christiania’s alternative Christmas market
For something completely different, head toward Christiania, where Christmas markets often take on a more creative, alternative edge. The freetown of Christiania organises a Christmas market in “Den Grå Hal,” a tradition since the 70s. The stalls here tend to focus on handmade crafts, art, and unique gifts you won’t see anywhere else in the city.
Christiania always has a bit of a bohemian edge and this follows onto its Christmas market. It’s free to enter and usually starts around the 5th or 6th of December.
The atmosphere is relaxed and a little unconventional – a great contrast to the classic markets in the city centre and perfect if you’re looking for something truly one-of-a-kind.
Experiencing Copenhagen’s Christmas markets
The best way to enjoy Copenhagen’s Christmas markets isn’t to treat them as a checklist. Instead, let them shape your days: wander until you’re cold, warm up with gløgg and browse without urgency.
If you’re already thinking about city breaks to Copenhagen, then making it a festive trip is definitely a good plan! It’s one of the best places to visit in December or November.
Start with Kongens Nytorv, drift toward Højbro Plads, detour through Nyhavn, and save Tivoli for a dedicated evening. If you stumble upon a smaller church or neighbourhood market along the way, all the better.
If you’re looking for a winter getaway, you could do what I did and choose from some Festive City Breaks with Jet2holidays – many UK cities offer direct flights including Gatwick & Heathrow and in the north you can choose from flights from Leeds Bradford Airport or Manchester.
I loved my time exploring Copenhagen’s Christmas markets and I hope this guide helps you plan your own trip.
