If you want to enjoy the best and largest Christmas markets in Europe, the Danish capital is not the place to visit. But if you are in Copenhagen in the holiday season, there are some charming Christmas markets in the city that can uplift your stay.
Let’s see what options you have for Christmas markets in Copenhagen, plus some local advice on what to do and what to buy at these places.
Modt Copenhagen Christmas Markets Are Along Strøget
Strøget is one of the world’s most famous pedestrian streets, a place that you’ll definitely check out when visiting Copenhagen. It’s not a coincidence that I included it in my one-day and two-day itineraries.
Fortunately the kilometer-long street between the two iconic squares, Rådhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv, is also the home for the most famous Christmas Markets in Copenhagen. So you don’t need to travel anywhere, don’t need to insert extra hours into your schedule to experience the Xmas vibe and bring home some Danish memories.
Stroll along Strøget and enjoy the Christmas markets of Copenhagen at the same time. See the interactive map below for exact locations.
When Are Christmas Markets Open in Copenhagen?
Before diving into the specific markets, let’s see when these holiday markets are open in general.
First, they fortunately open around early/mid November. This is earlier than many famous markets in Central Europe, so you have almost 2 months in Copenhagen when you can experience the beauty of these Christmas Markets.
Second, they are open every day, generally between 11am or noon and 7pm or 8pm. I suggest you check the actual opening hours in Google Maps, but if you come here in the afternoon, you won’t be disappointed. The only thing worth keeping in mind is that 7pm is pretty early, don’t expect Copenhagen Christmas Markets being open into the night.
Christmas Markets in Copenhagen
Let’s see where exactly, along Strøget, can you find the Christmas markets (Julemarked in Danish) in Copenhagen.
Højbro Plads
Højbro Plads is by Gammel Strand Metro station (M3/M4). The square and the Christmas market can be seen from the pedestrian street. According to my experience, this, along with the HCA market, is the most permanent market in the city. Not only because it’s been here for years, but also because it always has the same selection of nice Danish hand-made Christmas items and food. Compare this to the one at Kongens Nytorv.
Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market
Not far from Rådhuspladsen, Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market is another good option to explore local hand-crafted goods and warm food during the dark and cold winter afternoons. The stock is not much different from Højbro Plads. As both are quite a bit smaller than many Christmas markets around the continent, I definitely suggest checking out both.
Kongens Nytorv
Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen’s iconic square has been hosting Christmas markets for a long time. In recent years however, a large part of the square has been converted into an ice-skating rink every winter. This is wonderful in itself, you can even rent a pair of skates and slide along the holiday lighting of this very metropolitan square.
But this also means that the actual Christmas market is just a fraction of what it used to be. These days it is mainly about food, and while the wooden stalls, the ice-skating rink and the lights around the square give it a very unique and holiday feeling, the joy of shopping hand-crafted goods and exclusive gifts is definitely missing.
Tivoli Christmas Market
Tivoli has its whole magic world, and I definitely suggest you visit it no matter which part of the year you happen to be in Copenhagen. It is a nice city park, a charming market and a theme park with thrill rides at the same time.
You have to pay a hefty fee just to get into the park (around 200 DKK per person at the time of writing this article), but I definitely think it’s worth it. Tivoli dresses up for Christmas every year, from around mid-November to early January (check their website for actual Christmas season and prices). I know some people visit Christmas markets just for the feeling, and it is quite a feeling that you’ll experience here.
Inside the park, you can of course find a large selection of shops with everyday and more exquisite items. Whether it’s a Christmas tree ornament, some winter clothing for cold days, or just something to eat, you’ll find it in Tivoli. If the entry fee is not a problem for you, I definitely advise you to visit Tivoli Gardens in your hunt for the best Christmas market in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Christmas Market Locations
What to Buy at Copenhagen’s Christmas Markets
It is definitely up to you what items you want to bring home from your Copenhagen winter trip. But let me give you a couple of tips that you might find useful, especially paying attention to the local aspect.
- Christmas tree ornaments are always a nice souvenir from a winter market. Look for traditional Danish ones with the red and white colors. The Danish heart, or julehjerte, is a traditional Christmas decoration in Denmark symbolizing love and togetherness during the holiday season.
- Some stalls offer very good quality winter clothing for colder days.
- There are several food stalls in these markets, often with a broad international selection. For traditional Danish food, try sausages or flæskesteg (if available).
- Talking about food, you should also try æbleskiver, the traditional Danish Christmas pancake balls.
