Ultimate Guide to Christmas at Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
Thinking about visiting Tivoli Gardens during Christmas? Trust me, it’s absolutely worth it!
I visited Tivoli during Christmas, and it truly felt like stepping into a fairytale. Most Danes make it a yearly tradition to visit Tivoli during the Christmas season.
I’ll explain why Tivoli Gardens is a must-visit this Christmas season, including details about the light displays, Christmas market, seasonal treats, and special shows.
It’s a wonderful hygge experience for all ages that will leave a lasting impression!
Are you ready to dive into the holiday magic of Tivoli Christmas? Let’s go!
In This Post:
Copenhagen Tivoli Christmas Dates 2025
Christmas at Tivoli Gardens runs from mid-November to early January. In 2025, the Tivoli Christmas celebrations are from 14 November to 4 January.
The opening hours are:
- Saturday to Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 22:00
- Thursday and Friday: 11:00 AM – Midnight 24:00
Skip the queue and buy the Tivoli Gardens entry ticket online NOW!
Christmas Decorations at Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas. Over one million lights, 50000+ baubles, and thousands of Christmas trees add to the festive vibe.
The Nimb Hotel at the Tivoli is richly decorated and glows with numerous lights.
My favourite is the giant Christmas tree between the Tivoli Concert Hall and the Open Air Stage. Father Christmas or Santa Claus lights the big tree on November 14th at 18:00.
As night falls, the decorations become even more enchanting. The whole garden glitters with warm and festive lights!
What I love about the decorations at Tivoli is that they change every year. It’s a tradition for both Danes and tourists to visit annually because there’s always something new, unique, and innovative to discover.
Floating Planets Decoration
24 glowing “planets” float around the Hanging Garden every evening from 16:30 during the Christmas season.
Each unique planet is crafted from laser-cut, hand-sculpted aluminium discs, creating a dynamic interplay of light and colour.
When the sun goes down, watch as these reflective surfaces shift and shimmer, bringing the beauty of the universe to life in the heart of the garden.
Fireflies Decoration
Hundreds of luminous “fireflies” float gracefully in the gardens in front of the Nimb Hotel.
These LED lights hover above the ground with unpredictable movements. The light installations are up every evening at 16:30, turning the area into a glowing garden.
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market
Shopping at Christmas markets at Tivoli during Christmas is an amazing experience. Rows of wooden stalls are filled with festive goodies—cozy gift shops stocked with handmade Danish items, Christmas decor, and unique souvenirs to bring home.
From delicious treats at food stalls to thoughtful gifts for loved ones, the market has something for everyone, including the kids. Take a stroll and soak in the festive vibes.
The Tivoli christmas market is open during the park timings hours from November 14th to January 4th.
Did you know? The Christmas market in Tivoli Gardens is featured on CNN’s list of the world’s best Christmas markets!
Julemanden or Santa at Tivoli Gardens
Santa or Father Christmas’s house is the Open Air Stage at Tivoli Gardens, where he warmly welcomes visitors of all ages.
Personal photography is not permitted. However, you can capture a picture with Santa for DKK 80 or two pictures for DKK 150.
You can find him from November 14 to December 23, with specific times—
- Monday to Friday between 12:00-22:00
- Saturday and Sunday, an hour early from 11:00
- On December 22 and 23rd from 11:00 to 22:00
- Santa takes daily breaks from 13.30-14.30 and 19.00-20.00
To ensure your visit, it’s best to arrive early, as lines may close up to an hour before Santa’s break.
If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll be thrilled to meet him! Take them along for this magical experience—it’s a memory they’ll cherish forever.
Did you know? If you’re a resident of Denmark, you can win gifts by participating in an elf-hunting event!
Free Christmas Events at Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen
If you’re wondering what to do in Tivoli Gardens for free during the Christmas season, there’s actually a lot to see—especially the magical displays and Christmas parades that happens only this time of year.
Keep reading, because I’ve listed all the festive highlights you won’t want to miss.
1. Tivoli Lake Illumination Show
Experience a stunning 10-minute illumination show where light, sound, laser, fire, smoke, and water come together, inspired by The Nutcracker and set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music.
My favourite spot to watch? the bridge across the lake or near the Camel Trail (roller coaster).
Shows run hourly, starting at 19:30, with the last one at 23:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. On other days, the final show wraps up at 21:30.
Trust me, you don’t want to miss this magical display! And it’s FREE with Tivoli’s entrance.
Did you know? Tivoli Gardens Christmas entry ticket is free with Copenhagen card!
2. Tivoli Christmas Animations Projection Show
At Nimb’s facade, beautiful projections and holograms light up the mirror-like ice in front of Nimb, creating a dreamy winter forest with reindeer, frozen lakes, combined with a fairytale soundscape.
Designed by animation artist Morten Just Hansen, it feels straight out of a storybook.
You can enjoy this magical Christmas show every day from 4:30 PM until closing throughout the Christmas season. The show is free to watch with the Tivoli’s entrance.
It’s a must-see during your visit, but just a heads up on the dates with exceptions—
- No animations between 17:30 and 18:15 on 13 December due to the Saint Lucy’s Day procession
- 20:45-20:55 on 25th and 26th December
- 23:00-23:10 on 31 December due to New Year fireworks.
Read Next: Top tips to save money at Tivoli Gardens
3. Copenahgen Tivoli Christmas Lucia Parade
As evening sets in, on December 13, the Santa Lucia Parade begins at 17:30 from Swing Carousel to Little Tivoli through the gardens.
Almost 100 choirs march, each holding a candle, as they sing the Santa Lucia song and Christmas carols. To me, it was quite an experience to watch it in person.
The event is a cherished tradition drawing many Danes as well as tourists. The parade is free to watch with the Tivoli entrance ticket.
4. Tivoli Youth Guards Christmas Parade
Every Saturday from November 22 to December 20, at 13:30, the Tivoli youth guards march through the gardens of Tivoli in striking red uniforms and bearskin hats, playing the festive Christmas carols.
With 90 members aged between 9 and 16, this lively procession starts and finishes at the Tivoli castle. It’s a delightful entertainment experience to watch while you are there!
All Tivoli visitors can watch it for free with a valid entrance.
Skip long queues and buy the entry tickets to Copenhagen Tivoli Chritsmas NOW!
5. Christmas Fireworks at Tivoli Gardens
The 10-minute soecial Christmas fireworks display occurs on December 25th at 21:30 and on 26th at 23:00 and on New Year’s Eve (December 31st) at 23:00.
These breathtaking fireworks are a festive highlight! Make sure you’re there to enjoy the spectacular display.
You can watch these fireworks even from outside of the Tivoli Gardens. But the best view points are in the area in front of Plænen stage, in front of Glass Hall entrance, and in front of Nimb.
Paid Christmas Shows and Musicals at Tivoli
Beyond the free experiences, Tivoli Gardens also hosts several special Christmas shows that require separate tickets in addition to the park entry.
These special performances run only during the festive Christmas season and are incredibly popular, so they sell out fast.
If you’re planning to catch one, make sure to book your seats well in advance.
1. The Snow Queen Ballet Show
If you’re in Copenhagen at Christmas, make time for The Snow Queen at Tivoli’s Concert Hall . Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved 1844 fairy tale, it’s a beautiful story of friendship and courage brought to life by 35 ballet dancers, talented students from the Tivoli Ballet School, and musicians from Tivoli Copenhagen Phil.
The music is created by Oh Land, choreography by Yuri Possokhov, and the set and costumes are designed by HM Queen Margrethe—truly a magical combination.
- Price: Starts from 235 DKK (Tivoli entrance fee included)
- If you are under 25, you get a 70 DKK discount
- Show Dates: November 27 to December 21
If you watch only one show in Copenhagen Tivoli Christmas, let it be this one!
2. Tinkas Christmas Adventure – The Musical
A beloved Danish Christmas musical inspired by the popular Christmas calendar premiers about the elf girl Tinka at the Glass Hall Theatre in Tivoli.
It’s all in Danish, no English translations here! This is a Danish Christmas tradition that the locals treasure.
- Price: Starts from 445 DKK (Tivoli entrance and service fee included)
- Show Dates: November 12th – 16th, and December 26th to 29th
3. De Nattergale’s Advent Calendar Show
In Tivoli’s Glass Hall, you can watch De Nattergale’s Advent Calendar theatre show come to life on stage.
Based on the beloved TV classic, the show follows three elves on a mission to find the music box key that keeps the elf Gammel Nok alive. It’s playful, nostalgic, and full of Danish Christmas humor—perfect if you want to watch a true holiday drama.
- Price: Starts from 295 DKK (Tivoli entrance fee included)
- Show Dates: November 21 – December 20
Skip long queues and buy the entry tickets to Copenhagen Tivoli Chritsmas NOW!
4. Tivoli Garden’s Christmas Concert Hall Orchestra
Get into the Christmas spirit with Burhan G and the Danish Entertainment Orchestra as they bring holiday magic to Tivoli.
Burhan is well-loved in Denmark for his Christmas calendar song “Tinka” and his album Et Barn af Jul—his voice has practically become the sound of Danish Christmas.
Together with the orchestra, he fills the hall with warmth, nostalgia, and beautiful symphonic versions of classics, hymns, and his own songs.
It’s the kind of concert that makes December feel extra magical and truly unforgettable. Don’t miss it!
- Price: Starts from 450 DKK (Tivoli entrance fee included)
- Show Date: December 3 at 20:00
Ice Skating Rink at Tivoli Gardens
Located in front of the Tivoli concert hall, glide around a 350m² artificial skating rink, with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree right in the center. Ice skating at Tivoli is pure holiday magic!
The rink is made of plastic, so you must rent the skates in Tivoli which cost 60 DKK for 45 minutes. However, the skating aid and helmets are available for free.
Watch the Coral Reef Fish Feeding at the Tivoli Aquarium
If you’re visiting Tivoli Gardens with kids, don’t miss the coral reef fish feeding.
From November 14 to January 3 at 13:00, you can watch the colorful fish eat while a keeper explains the underwater world.
Tickets cost 50 DKK (plus Tivoli entry).
Restaurants at Tivoli Gardens during the Christmas Season
Tivoli Gardens is a culinary delight during Christmas! Several fine-dining restaurants and cafes serve delicious meals and festive treats. Tivoli Food Hall featuring 15 food stall is also located in the premises.
Many Danish restaurants offer Julefrokost, a special three-course Christmas lunch or dinner that’s a must-try.
Besides the restaurants, several food and drink stalls can be seen as well. Don’t miss classic Danish Christmas treats like Æbleskiver (fluffy pancake balls) and Gløgg (mulled wine), available only during Christmas in Denmark.
How to Dress for Tivoli Garden’s Christmas?
Denmark’s weather in winter can be unpredictable with rain, snow, and wind making it feel colder than the forecasted temperature.
Layering is essential to stay warm, especially if you’re outdoors for extended periods. Fast amusement park rides can be chilly, so bundle up with a windproof and waterproof jacket.
To make the most of your visit, know how to dress for each season in Denmark which will help you stay comfortable and prepared for white Christmas!
Skip long queues and buy the entry tickets to Copenhagen Tivoli Chritsmas NOW!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you visit Tivoli during Christmas?
Absolutely! Visiting Tivoli during Christmas is a must. The park is transformed into a hygge atmosphere with bright lights and Christmas decorations. You can enjoy festive treats and special Christmas shows and parades.
Is Tivoli Gardens open on Christmas Day?
Yes, Tivoli Gardens is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
When are the Christmas lights turned on at Tivoli Gardens?
Just before sunset, Tivoli’s Christmas lights are switched on. The lights come alive as the evening sets in, making the garden even more enchanting.
Final Thoughts: Christmas at Tivoli Gardens
If you’re in Copenhagen during the holidays, Tivoli Christmas is definitely a must-visit, and make sure to add it to your itinerary!
Whether you’re there to enjoy the rides, meet Santa, or simply wander through the beautifully lit gardens, Tivoli is a perfect place to welcome the festive season.
Also, check the other activities to do in Copenhagen during Christmas, in addition to the Tivoli Gardens.
So bundle up, grab a gløgg, and get ready to experience Danish Christmas like never before!
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