Copenhagen in December: 13 Amazing Things You Shoudn’t Miss

Planning to visit Copenhagen in December? I’ve got you covered.

As a local, I can tell you that December is one of the most magical times to explore Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, with the Christmas hygge.

I have spent many winters in Copenhagen, and December is undoubtedly the best month to visit during winter. You’ll find no shortage of activities, places to visit and experiences to have.

Knowing what to expect will also help you prepare for the cold, windy days and make the most of your trip.

Let me guide you through the weather and the best things to do in Copenhagen in December, so you can fully enjoy this festive time of year.

Ready to dive into the December magic? Let’s go!

1. Explore the Christmas Markets

Copenhagen Christmas markets in December are in full swing!

The wooden stalls in the market are decorated with glowing lights and are lively with people in the evenings, selling Danish winter treats, warm gløgg (Danish mulled wine), handmade crafts, winter accessories, and more.

It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs by supporting local businesses and soaking in the spirit.

Most of the Christmas markets in Copenhagen are located close to each other, making it perfect for an evening leisure walk. It’s my favourite thing to do in December in Copenhagen.

Just make sure to visit them before they wrap up by the third week of December, around 21st, just before Christmas!

2. Eat Julefrokost & Danish Christmas Treats

Danish Christmas lunch or Julefrokost is a beloved holiday tradition enjoyed for both lunch and dinner.

It’s typically a three-course meal, ending with the classic dessert, Risalamande—a creamy rice pudding topped with cherry sauce.

Join this top-rated Danish culinary walking tour that includes food tastings!

In every Danish household, there’s a fun twist too—a hidden almond, a tradition with everyone competing to find it.

Every Dane has Julefrokost at least twice or three times during the Christmas season in November and December, once at their workplace and with friends and family.

During December, many restaurants serve special Julefrokost menus, so don’t miss out!

My favourite Christmas treats are Gløgg (mulled wine), Æbleskiver (fluffy pancake balls), and Juleøl (Christmas beer). These treats are available only during this season, so be sure to try them all!

Craving for more festive foods?
Check out the more Danish Christmas foods and drinks!

3. Feel the Magic of Christmas at Visit Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Your visit to Copenhagen is incomplete without visiting Tivoli.

The entire Tivoli is decorated with millions of lights, thousands of Christmas trees, baubles, and shops brim with festive cheer and excitement.

You’ll find unique projection shows, concerts, cultural performances, parades, and even an ice skating rink to enjoy throughout November and December.

One of my favourite parts? Meeting Julemanden (Danish Santa Claus) inside Tivoli!

Tivoli Gardens is so much more than an amusement park; it’s a full-blown Danish Christmas experience. I recommend grabbing an entry ticket and strolling through its different corners.

If you’ve got the Copenhagen Card, entry is free! So, no excuses—add Tivoli Gardens to your Copenhagen itinerary right away!

Did you know? The word Tivoli, when read in reverse, is “I Lov It”!

4. Visit Nyhavn and Go on a Canal Tour

The colourful buildings of Nyhavn, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, are beautifully lit up for Christmas, and the entire harbour area buzzes with festive cheer.

The Christmas markets are lined up along the waterfront, offering a diverse range of Danish treats and unique handmade crafts.

Grab a warm glass of gløgg in your hands, take a leisurely stroll through the Nyhavn Christmas market, and soak in the atmosphere.

One of the classic things to do here is hop on a canal boat tour. It’s the best way to see some of Copenhagen’s iconic landmarks from a different perspective.

The boats are heated and covered, so you’ll stay nice and warm while cruising the calm waters. The guides on board are fantastic, sharing fun facts and stories about the city.

And the best part? The waters aren’t frozen just yet, so you can still enjoy the views in all their glory.

5. Warm Up in the Museums, Castles, and Churches

Denmark is packed with historical buildings, and December is the perfect time to explore them and escape the cold.

Living in Copenhagen, I have visited several of them over the years. If you are visiting the city for the first time, here are some places you shouldn’t miss.  

• Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
• National Museum of Denmark
• SMK Museum
• Rosenborg Castle
• Frederiksborg Castle
• Christiansborg Palace
• Amalienborg Palace
• Frederick’s Church (Marmorkirken)

It’s a fantastic way to learn the city’s history and culture while staying warm.

Please note that the opening hours may differ in winter, so be sure to check ahead. If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, don’t forget to see if the Copenhagen Card could save you some money!

The public holidays in Copenhagen in December are the 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st, and January 1. Most attractions and restaurants are closed during this time as Danes celebrate Christmas with their families. However, many places reopen between Christmas and New Year.

6. See the Changing of Guards at Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg Palace is the royal family’s winter residence, and when they’re home, you can witness the grand changing of the Guard ceremony.

This free event takes place at 12:00 noon every day in front of the Amalienborg palace, but what makes it extra special in December is the full music band—flutes, drums, trumpets, and fifes.

While the ceremony takes place year-round, the music band is accompanied by the marching guards only when the royal family is in residence. Don’t miss this unique tradition if you’re in Copenhagen!

Know about the full details of the guards changing event and schedule here!

7. Experience Danish Saunagus

If you’re visiting Denmark in winter, you have to try the sauna experience. I go to the sauna every week—it’s such a refreshing way to relax and recharge in the cold winter.

Danes are known for their hygge culture, and nothing beats the relaxation of a sauna session.

In Copenhagen, you’ll find various types of saunas, like mobile saunas, floating saunas, and private ones where you can book for your whole group.

Saunagus, a combination of sauna and aromatherapy led by a Gusmaster, is also popular among Danes. The gusmaster works with a combination of essential oils on the hot stones and swings the rhythmic heat waves with a towel.

The saunagus sessions take place for about 1.5 hours – three to four sessions with a cold water dipping break in between to create balance.

I love saunas, and it’s the best excuse for me to step out of my house during cold winter weather!

8. Stroll the Streets of Copenhagen

From mid-November to December, the streets of Copenhagen are truly magical.

It comes alive with sparkling lights and decorations, transforming the city into a fairytale dream. One of the best places to experience this magic is Strøget, Copenhagen’s famous pedestrian street, known for its luxury stores. As you stroll through the city, you’ll find Christmas markets popping up at various spots. 

I’ve wandered through these streets and put together a list of the best places to see the lights and decorations, so you can make the most of this magical time. It’s definitely an experience you don’t want to miss!

Go on this cycling tour that most tourists have had a top-notch experience with, before it gets sold out!

9. Go Ice Skating in December

As winter approaches, ice skating rinks in Copenhagen begins to pop up across the city.

The ice skating rinks that are located near popular food markets like Broens and Reffen food markets are always buzzing with energy, especially on weekends.

My favourite one is the huge circular ice rink at Kongens Nytorv that was reopened last year, in 2025, after 16 years.

Ice skating is a fun activity for all ages.

When the lakes are frozen, it is also allowed to skate there. You can see many adults and kids sliding on the frozen lakes.

If you have your own skates, you can skate for free in many places. In some ice rinks, you have to pay an entrance fee. Rental skates and safety gear are available for everyone in all ice skating rinks in Copenhagen.

10. Taste Danish Pastries at Juno Bakery

You can’t leave Copenhagen without indulging in Danish pastries. Fresh and handmade with quality ingredients, they’re simply irresistible.

My personal favourites are Brunsviger, a sweet buttery treat, and Fastelavnsboller, a cream-filled pastry. I also love cardamom buns at Juno Bakery.

As you explore the city’s attractions, make sure to stop by one of the hygge bakeries scattered across Copenhagen. You can also go on a bakery-hopping experience and try different pastries each day in a different bakery.

Pastries are also a comfort food while exploring the city, especially when travelling with kids.

Check availability for this super popular Danish pastry guided food tour!

11. Play Board Games at Bastard Café

Board games are a big part of Hygge culture in Denmark, and it’s no surprise that both children and adults enjoy them. Danes are deeply invested in board games from a young age.

During winter, when it is so windy to wander outside, many Danes play board games at home or gather together to play at cafes.

One of the best places to embrace this tradition is Bastard Café, a vibrant spot where locals gather for a fun time. With over 6,200 games to choose from, there’s always something new to try.

Bastard Café also offers a variety of food and drinks. For just 75 DKK (adults) or 35 DKK (kids), you can enjoy unlimited access to their games for up to three hours. You’ll even get a drink voucher included in the entry fee.

The energy at Bastard Café is high, and it’s an amazing spot for a lively evening in December. It can get pretty busy, especially on weekends, so I highly recommend booking a table in advance.

12. Watch King’s Speech on New Year’s Eve

Every New Year’s Eve at 18:00, Danish national channels DR1 and TV2 broadcast the monarch’s annual speech, a cherished tradition followed by Danes. They never miss watching it, regardless of where they are, whether at home, in a hotel, or at a party.

The speech (in Danish) reflects on global events, emphasizes kindness, and often addresses timely issues like climate change or the digital world. It always ends with heartfelt wishes: “God Bless Denmark and God Bless you All.” in Danish, though.

In 2024, this tradition took a historic turn as His Majesty King Frederik delivered his inaugural New Year’s speech, following the transition of Queen Margrethe.

So, from last year on, it will be King’s speech on New Year’s Eve in Denmark.

13. Watch Fireworks on New Year’s Eve

On New Year’s Eve, Copenhagen is full of energy and excitement.

People absolutely go crazy for fireworks, and you can feel the festive atmosphere everywhere. The real magic happens at midnight when the clock at City Hall Square strikes 00:00, and a huge firework display lights up the sky.

Be prepared for a fun and wild experience—just be cautious as people throw crackers at each other. I do not recommend bringing children to the countdown at City Hall Square.

The Tivoli fireworks show takes place at 23:00. It can be viewed from either inside or outside Tivoli Gardens.

For a more relaxed celebration, dine at one of Copenhagen’s top restaurants with your loved ones or stay in a rooftop hotel to watch the colourful fireworks from the comfort of your room.

For more interesting winter activities in Copenhagen, check out the Ultimate list of things to do in Copenhagen in winter blog.

Copenhagen Weather in December

Copenhagen in December is cold and windy. Expect overcast skies, minimal rainfall, and occasional snowfall.

While the temperature hovers around a high of 4.1°C (39.4°F), the cold is intensified by the winds, especially after sunset. If you’re coming from a tropical climate, be prepared—it’s brisk, though mild compared to other Scandinavian countries.

Daylight is scarce, with only about seven to eight hours per day. The sun sets early between 15:00 and 16:00. Additionally, December has very low sunshine, averaging only about 1.2 hours of sunlight per day.

After sunset, the temperatures drop further, so layering up with warm clothes is essential.

Did You Know? The winter solstice (the shortest day of the year) occurs on December 22, 2025, with only 7 hours of daylight.

Festivals and Events in Copenhagen in December

Copenhagen is lively and full of festivals and events all through December!

Something exciting happens every week. Make sure to bookmark these events on your calendar so you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

1. Lighting up Denmark’s largest Christmas Tree

Denmark’s largest Christmas tree is lit up in the heart of Copenhagen at City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) on the first Sunday of December. The event starts at 13:00 and marks the official beginning of the holiday season. It’s a must-see if you’re in Copenhagen. You can find the event details and the full schedule here.

2. Santa Lucia Parade: December 13

On Saint Lucia Day (December 13th), a beautifully lit Santa Lucia Parade takes place through the Copenhagen canals. The two-hour parade starts at 17:00 from Nyhavn.

You can also catch the Santa Lucia parade at Tivoli Gardens, where it begins at 15:30 and ends at Tivoli Castle. Admission is required to watch the parade at Tivoli. It’s a must-see event that highlights Danish Christmas traditions.

3. Christmas Eve: December 24

In Denmark, Christmas is celebrated primarily on Christmas Eve, with Danes gathering at home with their loved ones.

4. New Year’s Eve: December 31

New Year’s Eve is fun and entertaining in Copenhagen. Head to these best spots to watch the fireworks. Similar to Christmas, many attractions and restaurants are closed on New Year’s Eve and the day of the New Year. 

Is December a Good Time to Visit Copenhagen?

Absolutely! If you’re okay with chilly weather and a little snowfall, then that’s totally fine! Copenhagen in December is one of the best times to experience the city’s vibrant culture and festive vibes.

It is a magical month in Copenhagen, with the festive vibe in full swing throughout the city, and there’s always something happening.

Keep in mind that it’s also one of the busiest times to visit, after the summer, of course. This could lead to increased prices for accommodation and flights, as well as larger crowds. That said, the holiday Christmas atmosphere makes it all worthwhile.

What to Wear in Copenhagen in December?

Bundle up—it’s cold, dark, and windy in Copenhagen during December!

Dressing right is the key to enjoying your time outdoors. After sunset, layering with thermals and a windproof jacket is essential, along with a scarf, beanies, and gloves.

Even during the day, the weather calls for at least a warm down jacket. The wind can be biting, so don’t underestimate it.

If you’re curious about how to dress in Denmark year-round, check out my guide on What to Wear in Denmark for tips to stay comfortable every season.

Get the full packing list for your Copenhagen trip right now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Top Things to Do in Copenhagen in December

December is one of my favourite months of the year. Despite the cold and windy weather, Copenhagen’s festive atmosphere makes up for it.

If you’re visiting Copenhagen in December, be sure to check off these amazing things to do and places to visit. It is also the best month to experience hygge (the feeling of coziness).

Just be sure to dress warmly, enjoy the winter atmosphere, plan your itinerary, and book your tickets in advance to maximize your trip!

Happy exploring!