Best Copenhagen Christmas Markets 2025 (A Local’s Guide)

Looking forward to experiencing Christmas in Denmark? The best Copenhagen Christmas markets will transport you into a winter wonderland with festive lights, special treats, and cozy holiday vibes.

I have explored all the Copenhagen Christmas markets for several years and discovered the best ones that capture the essence of Danish hygge and festive cheer.

But with so many markets scattered across the city, how do you know which ones are worth a visit?

I have compiled an ultimate guide on everything you need to know about Christmas markets in Copenhagen, including what to see, what to taste, and which markets offer the most festive experiences.

Let’s get ready for a magical Danish Christmas!

1. Højbro Plads Christmas Market

• Date: Starts from 5th November to 21st December
• Timings: 11:00 – 19:00
• Location: Højbro Plads

Located close to the historic square near Strøget, the city’s main shopping street, Højbro Plads is the busiest Christmas market in Copenhagen. Also known as High Bridge Square Christmas Market, it takes inspiration from German Christmas markets but with a Danish touch, reflecting the local culture and style.

The Højbro Plads Christmas market houses a giant Christmas tree. The wooden stalls decorated with festive lights add to the charm. It attracts a large crowd of both locals and tourists.

From handmade ornaments to festive decorations to local delicacies, they sell a variety of items for you to choose from. It is a perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones.

My favorite thing about the Copenhagen Christmas markets is the aroma of cinnamon, roasted nuts, and mulled wine, which welcomes you and fills the air around you.

When you stroll through the market, treat yourself to Danish Christmas specialties like Æbleskiver (small Danish pancake balls), Gløgg (mulled wine with almonds), and caramelized almonds. They are available only during the Christmas season in Denmark.

2. Thorvaldsens Plads Christmas Market

• Date: Starts from 4th November to 21st December
• Timings: 11:00 – 22:00
• Location: Julemarked Thorvaldsens Plads

The Christmas Market at Kongens Nytrov is relocated to Thorvaldsens Plads this year due to the ice skating rink at Kongens Nytorv which is back after 16 years.

A huge Christmas tree, illuminated raindeers, and a huge teddy bear welcome you.

The market is known for its magical fairy lights. You’ll spot beautifully decorated giant teddy bears, reindeer, and Christmas trees all around.

The stall brims with traditional Danish Christmas foods like flæskesteg (roast pork), pebernødder (Danish Christmas cookies), and of course æbleskiver and gløgg.

There are a lot of Christmas stalls where you can wander around.

A wide variety of high-quality products and souvenirs can be bought including handwoven scarves and mittens, festive decor, and handcrafted gifts. I bought a printed Shots glass here and felt really happy with it!

3. Christmas market at Tivoli Gardens

• Date: Starts from 15th November to 5th January, closed on Christmas Eve
• Timings: 11:00 – 22:00 from Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 to 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays
• Location: Tivoli Gardens
• Entry Fee: Unlike the other free Christmas markets in Copenhagen, Tivoli Christmas Garden is not free for visitors. You need to buy the entry ticket to the Tivoli Gardens which will allow you to access the Christmas village.

Christmas at Tivoli Gardens is the most grandeur and truly magical of all and a must-visit Copenhagen Christmas market. I have visited Tivoli Gardens every season, but nothing compares to the festive atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of a traditional Danish Christmas.

The entire amusement park is decorated with thousands of Christmas baubles, sparkling lights, and beautifully decorated trees. At the center of the park, there’s a huge Christmas tree with a little train circling around it. You’ll also spot Julemanden (Santa Claus) and his Nisse (elf) spreading the holiday cheer!

A lot of special Christmas events, fireworks, and performances happen at Tivoli Gardens during the festive season. Make sure to download the mobile app so you can easily check the event timings and venue location, ensuring you don’t miss a thing! 

You can easily spend the whole day wandering through the Tivoli Gardens and enjoying the rides.

The Copenhagen Tivoli Christmas Market is more than just a place to shop—it’s an immersive experience with festive cheer and rich Danish traditions.

4. Nyhavn Christmas Market

• Date: Starts from 3rd November to 21st December
• Timings: 11:00 – 22:00
• Location: Nyhavn

Located along the famous Nyhavn harbor, the Nyhavn Christmas market is one of the best Christmas markets in Copenhagen. The waterfront is set up with different stalls against the backdrop of Nyhavn’s colorful 17th-century townhouses, adding “hygge” to the atmosphere.

I love Nyhavn, especially during Christmas. As the night falls, the markets come alive with a warm glow and Copenhagen’s prettiest. I always feel so welcomed every time Danes sing carols and give chocolates to passing visitors.

The food stalls at Nyhavn showcase an array of traditional Danish treats and warm beverages to delight the senses. The best way to stroll the canals is by grabbing a Julebryg (Christmas brew or Christmas beer) or hot chocolate. Gløgg is most sold here.

The market boasts a wide variety of souvenirs and unique handcrafted items to gift your loved ones. Due to the prime location and a popular tourist attraction, the prices are expensive compared to the other Copenhagen markets.

Regardless of whether you buy or eat, you must experience the beautiful Christmas traditions, history, and festive vibes at the Nyhavn Christmas market.

Did you know? The concept of Christmas markets first originated in Germany and spread across to other European countries.

5. Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market

• Date: Starts from 22nd November to 21st December, 17th nov – Dec 21
• Timings: 11:00 – 21:00
• Location: Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market

HC Andersen Julemarked or Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market captures the charm of Denmark’s beloved literary author.

The market exhibits an extensive selection of goods including Danish jewelry, artisanal crafts, warm woolen clothes, wooden cutleries, bags, and belts, to name a few.

In addition to the goods, you can also taste the delicious Copenhagen Christmas special foods like roasted and caramelized almonds, Gløgg, Æbleskiver, and Risalamande (rice pudding with cherry sauce).

The wooden stalls are decorated with festive lights, making it a sight to behold. The HC Andersen Christmas market has a wooden hut dedicated to Julemanden (Santa Claus). You can spot him and take a picture. The live music around the sunset hours makes the place more vibrant.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 15:00, the Copenhagen Post Orchestra takes place at the HC Andersen Julemarked near the courthouse near Strøget. Do not miss the chance to listen to Christmas tunes while the concert band is dressed in red postal uniforms.

6. Christiana Christmas Market

• Date: 7th December – 20th December, yes only in the December month
• Timings: 12:00 – 20:00, but closes at 18:00 on the last day
• Location: Den Grå Hal

Christiana Christmas Market is one of the oldest Christmas markets since the 70s. The indoor Christmas market which takes place at Den Grå Hall is lit with many grand chandeliers and is one of a kind in the Nordics.

Many cozy stalls can be seen selling a variety of stuff including paintings, handmade crafts, woolen clothes, jewelry, home decor, and more. A great place to buy souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones.

Live music in the evening is so good to listen to. Last year, the retired police officers opened the Christmas markets by singing gracefully.

If you are visiting the Christiania Christmas market, you should definitely check the new ice skating rink in the heart of Pusher Street!

7. Copenhagen Zoo Christmas Market

• Date: 20th November – 1st January
• Timings: Julemarked is open through the zoo’s opening hours
• Location: Copenhagen Zoo

Copenhagen Zoo’s Christmas market may not be as big as some of the others in the city, but it has a unique charm all its own. I love how the wooden stalls are lined up, decorated with Christmas trees, and glowing with golden lights, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. You might even spot Julemanden (Santa Claus) making an appearance!

The zoo itself is beautifully lit up during Christmas, adding an extra layer of magic to your visit. You can enjoy some traditional Danish Christmas treats and do a bit of holiday shopping at the stalls.

And if you have a Copenhagen Card, you get free entry, which is always a bonus! If not, the entry fee is not worth it for the festive experience.

Copenhagen Christmas Market Dates

The Christmas season in Copenhagen starts early and is much longer. It starts from mid-November to the 21st of December, just before Christmas.

The Christmas markets in Denmark get traction during this time of the year. On the day of Christmas, only Tivoli Gardens Christmas market is open and other Christmas markets are closed for 3-4 days, close to Christmas.

Best Time to Visit Copenhagen Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets are open from 11:00 until 21:00 or 22:00 during the Christmas season. 

The best time to visit the markets is around and after the sunset hours when markets come to life.

Entry Fee for the Christmas Markets in Copenhagen

All the Copenhagen Christmas markets are FREE to enter, except the Christmas markets at Tivoli Garden Christmas market and Copenhagen Zoo.

I have visited the Tivoli Gardens during the Xmas season and it is absolutely worth it!

Must-Try Food in Copenhagen Christmas Markets

I love Copenhagen Christmas markets, especially for the distinct and delicious local food available only during the festive season.

Here are some of my personal favorite Danish Christmas foods and must-try in Copenhagen Christmas markets.

• Æbleskiver, Danish Pancake balls with jam and powdered sugar
• Gløgg, mulled wine with almonds (Say ‘skål’ when you toast, pronounced as ‘Skol’)
• Risalamande, rice pudding with cherry sauce
• Brændte Mandler, roasted and caramelized almonds
• Pebernødder, Danish Christmas cookies
• Hot Chocolate with generous whipped cream
• Flæskesteg, roasted pork sandwich

In Denmark, every year, on the first Friday of November, J Day is celebrated – all the Danish breweries release a limited edition of Christmas Beer, including Tuborg and Carlsberg.

Juleøl or Julebryg is the most loved Danish Christmas beer available throughout the festive season in all supermarkets and bars. You should try Juleøl if you are visiting Copenhagen during winter. Akvavit and Schnaps are also famous during the Christmas season.

Of all, Juleøl is my favorite!

Copenhagen Christmas Market Souvenirs

Are you wondering what to buy in the Copenhagen Christmas markets? The goods sold in the Christmas markets in Copenhagen are of high quality and mostly hand-crafted.

Here are some unique Danish gifts or keepsake ideas to buy.

• Hand-knitted woolen mittens and socks
• Ceramics or woodworks showcasing traditional Danish patterns
• Cute “Hygge” souvenirs
• Lego Blocks

Most of the vendors are locals. So you’ll be supporting small businesses.

Read: Unique Danish Christmas gifts to buy from Denmark for everyone!

All the Christmas market stalls accept either card payments or Mobile Pay. If you don’t use Mobile Pay, I advise you to carry cash while shopping in the Copenhagen Christmas markets.

Copenhagen Christmas Markets Map

The best six Copenhagen Christmas markets are located in the city center, at a walkable distance to each other.

Although the best way to commute between the markets is by walking, you can also rent a bicycle and roam around.

The Copenhagen Christmas market at the zoo is a bit far from the rest of the group.

What to Wear while Visiting Christmas Markets?

Layer up! It is cold.

The temperature in Denmark during November and December ranges from 0℃ to 10℃. The daylight is less and the temperature dips as it gets darker.

The Danes love to have a white Christmas but snow is rare during Christmas in Denmark

With the wind, it feels much colder than it actually is. So, make sure to pack the essentials – rainproof jackets, thermals, gloves, scarves, and winter boots to make yourself warm and comfortable while exploring.

Other Christmas Markets in Denmark

Christmas markets are set up in various cities across Denmark. In Odense, Bornholm, Aalborg, and Aarhus, the Christmas markets are as grand as in Copenhagen. However, the Christmas markets in Copenhagen are the best of all!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Best Copenhagen Christmas Markets

Copenhagen Christmas markets are a feast for the senses, offering delicious Danish Christmas food, unique handcrafted souvenirs, and enchanting lights that together create a truly memorable holiday experience.

Looking for more fun things? Check out the list of activities to do during Christmas in Copenhagen!

I hope you enjoy the best Danish Christmas in Denmark.

Glædelig Jul! (Merry Christmas)