Christmas in Copenhagen: Top 10 Things To Do In 2024

Christmas in Copenhagen is a bucket list experience for many people visiting Denmark. If you dream of a festive escape to Copenhagen this holiday season and wonder what to do, you have come to the right place. 

There are different things to do from Christmas markets to traditional Danish Christmas cuisines during this time of year.

I have experienced the city’s Christmas celebrations firsthand and can tell you that, you’ll feel the magic in every corner of the city. There’s something truly special about Copenhagen at Christmas. And well, the best time to experience “hygge”!

I have listed the top things to do in Copenhagen during Christmas, from must-visit spots to special events to make your holiday trip unforgettable.

Ready to experience Copenhagen during the festive Christmas season? Let’s dive in!

1. J Day

J Day or the festival of beer is the first event that kickstarts the Danish Christmas. On J Day, the first Friday of November at 21:00, Turbog (part of Carlsberg) releases the Christmas beer called Julebryg.

It is a big event where most Danes rush to get the first taste of the Julebryg of the year.

Curious to know where J Day is celebrated in Denmark and how you can be a part of the festival? Read the detailed blog to know everything about J Day!

2. Christmas Procession at Amagerbrogade

Juleoptoget på Amagerbrogade or the Christmas procession at Amagerbrogade is an annual event started in 1969. Since then, it has become a beloved Christmas tradition in Denmark. It is held on the fourth Saturday of November every year.

The longest Christmas parade starts from the corner of Gyldenrisvej and Amagerbrogade at 16:03, and ends at the Christmas Møllers Plads, over 1 Km. The procession takes at least 2 hours from start to finish.

The streets come alive with Christmas garlands and festive lights! The parade moves along on foot and wheels, featuring over 1,000 participants and hundreds of unique vehicles.

You’ll see vintage cars, bicycles, Christmas marching bands, Disney and Star Wars characters, Santas, cheerleaders, firefighters, sports clubs, and more—all accompanied by lively music.

You should watch the parade and wave to all the cool kids at the Amagerbrogade Christmas parade event. The parade fosters a sense of community and togetherness. About 60,000 people gather to witness the event. Gear up guys, it is going to be crowded!

3. See the Christmas Tree getting Illuminated

On the first Sunday of Advent December, the lighting event of the largest Juletræ (Christmas tree) in Denmark takes place in front of the Copenhagen City Hall Square or Rådhushaven.

The event begins with a lively parade and festive Christmas music. As the sun sets, Julemanden (Santa Claus) climbs up the fire truck ladder, and with a countdown, he waves his wand setting on the lights from the top, instantly lighting up the Christmas tree.

The streets are decorated with strings of hanging lights connecting either end and a glowing heart perfectly centered in the middle.

The crowd erupts in cheers as a choir and orchestra fill the air with festive tunes through large speakers. It is an exciting way to kick off the Christmas season in Copenhagen.

Watching it for the first time was a completely new and memorable experience for me. I’m always in awe of how traditions truly lift the Christmas spirit.

4. Watch the Santa Lucia Parade

Every year on December 13th, the Santa Lucia Parade street processions take place at Tivoli Gardens and Lucia I Kajak in the Copenhagen canals. Saint Lucia Day is an important day in Scandinavia. First started in Sweden and spread to Denmark in 1944.

The kayaks are decorated with lights and garlands. The lead girl is highlighted from the rest by wearing a crown of candles on her head.

The Lucia in Kayak parade starts at the Kayak Republic/ Kayak Bar at 17:00 and goes via Christianshavn, Blox, and Højbro Plads, and ends where they started. The entire parade takes about 2 hours and ends at 18:45 or 19:00.

The kayakers will sing Christmas carols in Nyhavn, Christianshavn, and by Højbro Plads.

I witnessed the whole event and was delighted to see something like it for the first time. If you are around, you should definitely see it for yourself to experience the best Copenhagen Christmas.

5. Explore the Copenhagen Christmas Markets

Whether you’re hunting for hand-crafted Christmas gifts, tasting traditional Danish delicacies, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, Copenhagen’s Christmas markets have it all!

Open from mid-November to a week before Christmas, the Christmas markets are free to visit and are spread across the city.

Stroll through the five best Christmas markets in Copenhagen for a unique experience. I head there every year, too! It’s just one of those traditions that I can’t miss.

Did you know? Christmas in Denmark is celebrated on 24th December, the Christmas Eve. The big celebrations are on the 24th, not the 25th as in many countries.

6. Visit the Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second oldest amusement park opened in 1843, is decorated in grandeur every year for the Christmas season with over 50,000 Christmas baubles and 1000s of Christmas trees. The entire amusement park is illuminated with light displays, turning night into day.

You can’t leave Copenhagen during Christmas without visiting the Tivoli Gardens. It is one of the must-visit places to visit during Christmas. The kids will just love it! I have visited Tivoli Gardens during all the seasons but Christmas is truly magnificent and deserves a visit.

Did you know? They also sell yearly passes to Tivoli Gardens which allows you to visit all year round

Among the two entrances, enter from the main entrance for a beautiful corridor welcome. You can meet Julemanden (Santa) and Nisse (elf) at the Tivoli Gardens Christmas village.

The Christmas season at Tivoli always has special events, performances, fireworks, and more. Download the Tivoli app to get the latest updates and don’t miss them.

If you want to soak in the festive vibes, go during the sunset hours to see how the amusement park transforms into a fairy night.

Buy a Copenhagen card to access Tivoli Gardens for FREE.

7. Buy Christmas Gifts for Loved Ones

Buying gifts for Christmas is a tradition among Danes. They exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, 24th of December.

Unlike in the US, the Danes don’t expect creative or personalized gifts. So, you don’t need to stress too much about finding the perfect gift. They generally appreciate something simple.

The kids in Denmark love Lego blocks while the adults love porcelain from Royal Copenhagen and a Juleøl (Christmas Beer).

Read: 10 Amazing Danish Christmas gifts to buy this season in Denmark!

The Christmas market also boasts a lot of handwoven mittens and socks, hand-carved wood and ceramics with traditional Danish patterns, cute souvenirs, and more.

8. Treat Yourself with Special Danish Christmas Delicacies

I love Denmark, especially during Christmas. Ah, the aroma of the roasted and caramelized almonds, and Gløgg (mulled wine) fills the air.

During the Christmas season, you’ll find a variety of special Danish foods that are only available at this time of year. Even Danish breweries like Tuborg and Carlsberg get into the festive spirit by releasing limited-edition Christmas beers each year on J Day, and the Danes absolutely love them!

Here are some of the Danish delicacies you must try during the Christmas season. You can find them in many restaurants, shops, and at the Christmas markets.

• Gløgg, spiced sometimes alcoholic mulled wine(Say ‘skål’ when you toast, pronounced as ‘Skol’)
• Æbleskiver, Danish pancake balls with jam and powdered sugar
• Pebernødder, Danish Christmas cookies
• Brændte Mandler, roasted and caramelized almonds

‘Julefrokost’, is a Danish Christmas Lunch, usually shared with loved ones. The meal often features a lot of roasted pork, duck or goose, caramelized potatoes, red cabbages, and ending with Risalamande, a Christmas dessert. And of course, plenty of drinking, often involving schnaps or aquavit.

Reserve a table at a restaurant in advance and the Danish Christmas lunch usually takes about 2-3 hours. It is one of the best things to do during Christmas in Copenhagen.

Did you know? Christmas in Denmark is a family event. Most of the shops and workplaces are closed between 24th and 26th December.

9. Watch the Copenhagen Christmas Cabaret

Christmas Cabaret is a famous theatrical experience in Copenhagen. Special shows are performed during the Christmas season at Det Kongelige Teater (The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage) and at Tivoli Gardens (Glass Hall and London Toast Theatre). 

I guarantee you so much laughter and holiday cheer. The artists are the experts in the field and are so passionate and experienced. Book your tickets online in advance and enjoy the show.

Tip: The tickets to the shows at Tivoli Gardens include entry to the Tivoli Gardens as well. You need not buy separate entry tickets.

Watching a Christmas Cabaret will add to a unique experience in Denmark during Christmas.

Alternatively, you can go to Wallmans Christmas show combined with a special Christmas dinner for ultimate evening fun.

10. Chase the Christmas Lights

Christmas lights and decorations in Copenhagen are spread across the city. One of the must-do activities is to see the enchanting Christmas lights.

The streets are lined with hanging stars, glowing reindeer, and festive market stalls that light up after sunset. Every corner of Copenhagen glows with festive charm.

So gear up, grab a hot drink, and wander through the seven best spots that capture the best Christmas lights and decorations, which are nothing short of magical during this season!

Christmas Events in Copenhagen

Here is a list of unique Christmas events in Copenhagen that take place during November and December. Don’t miss them if you are visiting Denmark during the holiday season.

1. J Day – Beer festival celebrations in Copenhagen and all across Denmark
2. Lucia in Kayak parade in the Copenhagen Canals.
3. Christmas Procession at Amagerbrogade
4. See Denmark’s largest Christmas Tree getting Illuminated

Copenhagen Christmas Weather

The weather in Copenhagen changes abruptly during winter. You can expect occasional rain showers, snowfall, and sometimes even fewer hours of sunlight throughout the day.

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.

Layer up and be prepared for the cold nights. Make sure to pack the essentials – rainproof jackets, gloves, scarves, winter boots, and thermals to make yourself warm and comfortable while exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Christmas in Copenhagen

Christmas in Copenhagen starts early from mid-November and lasts longer until the New Year. Many events take place throughout December, not just on Christmas Day.

On the day of Christmas, visit the Tivoli Gardens for the best festive experience.

Now that you have a list of things to do during Christmas in Copenhagen, have a wholesome Danish Christmas and make the most out of your holidays!

Looking for more activities to do in winter in Copenhagen? Check out Ice Skating and skiing in Denmark.