Copenhagen Christmas Markets 2024: 5 Best Markets To Visit
Updated for winter 2024.
If you pick one Christmas market to visit in Europe this year, let it be the wonderful Copenhagen Christmas Markets.
Not content with only one market, the Christmas Markets in Copenhagen pop up at various spots around the city. Dotted along the canals and pretty squares, each bring pure festive magic and heaps of Christmas cheer.
This year, I spent four days in Copenhagen at the start of the festive season and it embodied everything I love about Christmas: thousands of fairy lights, mulled wine, exceptional food, festive music, seasonal crafts, twinkling decorations, and of course, the grandest Christmas trees.
This was my first visit to Copenhagen, and I was instantly wrapped up in the charm of it all.
So, if you too are planning a trip to the Copenhagen Christmas Markets, in this article I’m sharing the prettiest festive spots and best markets to visit for ultimate Christmas magic. Plus, how to get to Copenhagen and where to stay.
Disclaimer: My trip to Copenhagen was gifted from Jet2CityBreaks, but all thoughts & opinions are my own - I always write honestly about the experiences I had, and only accept trips to places I genuinely wish to visit.
What you need to know about planning a
Copenhagen Christmas Market trip IN 2024
First up, some practical tips and advice for visiting Copenhagen’s Christmas Markets this year:
When do the Copenhagen Christmas Markets open?
The date for this year’s Copenhagen Christmas Markets is 17th November until the 31st December 2024. Each of the markets on our list is open every day during those weeks.
However, a word of caution on timings: some of the smaller markets may start to close in the week leading up to Christmas, depending on the crowds. Tivoli Christmas Market however is most definitely open till the 31st December and you can buy a ticket in advance here.
How long do the Copenhagen Christmas Markets last?
The Copenhagen Christmas Markets officially last until the end of December, with most markets finishing on, or around, the 31st December. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the festive season.
Do note the warning above on the smaller markets. Personally, I think it’s best therefore to visit late November till the week before Christmas for guaranteed markets plus the most festive spirit.
Do I need tickets for the Copenhagen Christmas Markets?
The vast majority of the Christmas markets in Copenhagen are free to enter, which is part of what makes them so special. There are a few markets which require tickets, like Tivoli Gardens, but these are rare.
How many days do I need to see everything?
To explore the main Christmas Markets, plus experience Copenhagen’s best spots, I’d say four days is perfect. This allows you time to visit the markets, try some of the city’s best eateries, and enjoy the wine bars.
If you’re visiting from Denmark, or just want to see the Copenhagen Christmas Markets, then one to two days is plenty.
Are the Markets crowded?
One of my biggest concerns were the potential crowds. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much space there is to get around each of the Copenhagen markets.
With that said, they are busier at weekends, and I’d recommend visiting in the morning or through the week if you want to experience the markets with the least amount of people.
Are the Copenhagen Christmas Markets worth it?
Absolutely, yes. Alongside markets in Edinburgh and Strasbourg, the Copenhagen Christmas Markets are known as some of the best in Europe. In part, I think, because they are so heavily influenced by the incredible local food scene and the much-loved Danish concept of hygge.
Surrounded by glistening fairy lights, with incredible mulled wine & hot chocolate, and amazing food, winter city breaks don’t come any better than Copenhagen.
This is cosy season at its absolute best, and I would highly recommend visiting.
How to get to Copenhagen
Fly (UK): We had flights from Newcastle with Jet2, who fly to Copenhagen from most major UK airports.
Its only a short journey from the UK (around 1.5 hours). We had a morning flight and landed in Copenhagen early afternoon, which was absolutely perfect because it gave us the rest of the day and night to explore. From Copenhagen Airport its an easy 30-minute journey into the city centre on the Metro.
The Jet2CityBreak package includes both flights and hotel, so it’s an extremely easy way to experience the Christmas Markets in Copenhagen. Plus, the accommodation on offer is ideally located for a Copenhagen city break.
Our flights also included generous 22kg hold-bags as well as hand luggage, which was ideal because Copenhagen in winter is seriously cold ! Trust me, you’ll want to pack oodles of layers and a big winter coat.
If you’re considering flights to Christmas Markets this year, then I highly recommend travelling with Jet2.
Fly (US): For our US readers, SAS/Scandinavian Airlines fly non-stop to Copenhagen from most major cities.
Metro: Once you’re in Copenhagen, the Metro is an incredibly easy way to get around the city. For the Christmas Markets, I recommend taking the Metro to Kongens Nytorv station - from here its a short stroll to the Christmas Markets at Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn. From there, walk, or cycle, to the other markets located in the city centre.
Alternatively, take the Metro to København H (Copenhagen’s central station). Directly next to the market at Tivoli Gardens, it’s also an easy walk to those Christmas markets in the city centre and only 25-minutes to the market at Nyhavn.
Where to stay For Copenhagen’s Christmas Markets
For the Christmas Markets, where you stay in Copenhagen is super important. Trust me, it can make or break your trip and you don’t want to stay too far out of the city centre.
So, whilst there are heaps of fantastic hotels in Copenhagen, if I had to choose just one, it would be 71 Nyhavn Hotel, which you can find on Jet2holidays.
This gorgeous boutique hotel is located in pretty Nyhavn, right beside the canal. It’s within walking distance of all the main Copenhagen Christmas Markets, plus its a stylish spot for a city break.
Inside is seriously cool, with original features from its warehouse background - lots of big wooden beams and exposed brick, alongside comfortable and modern rooms. Breakfast at 71 Nyhavn Hotel is highly rated and I can see why - honestly, its one the best I’ve ever experienced in a hotel and ideal before a day of exploring!
The 5 best Copenhagen Christmas Markets
What you might not know is that Copenhagen has several Christmas Markets, not just one. Located across the town, they are within walking distance of each other.
Each market has different stalls, but there’s always food, decorations, hot chocolate, and the opportunity to sample Gløgg, a Danish sweet and spicy mulled wine.
If you’re visiting, these are the the Christmas Markets in Copenhagen you don’t want to miss:
1. Christmas at Tivoli Gardens
One of the most famous spots in Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is open year-round. Normally a very lovely amusement park, in the festive season it is utterly transformed into a Christmas wonderland.
Located beside City Hall Square, you’ll find dozens of stalls here selling everything from delicious food and speciality deli produce to traditional mulled wine, crafts, and woollen mittens.
You’ll also find fairground rides for both kids and adults, an incredible food hall, and a handful of other wonderful restaurants and coffee spots.
Though beautiful at any time of the day, personally I recommend you visit in the early evening when the gardens come to life under thousands of twinkling fairy lights.
And with 70,000 Christmas baubles and more than 1,000 Christmas trees on display, Christmas at Tivoli Gardens is very magical.
Skip the queues by booking your Tivoli ticket in advance here.
Plus, there’s lots to see, so give yourself the whole evening at Tivoli Gardens. Have dinner in the food hall, walk around and soak up the atmosphere, have a go on the rides (if you dare!), and spend hours discovering corners of festive delights.
Tivoli Gardens is the only Christmas Market on our list that has tickets and I recommend you buy them online in advance. This means you can walk through the main gate rather than having to queue.
Tickets include entrance only, entrance and rides, and packages with foodie treats like popcorn. The gardens are open from 11am till 10pm and you can book a Tivoli Garden ticket here.
Area: Vesterbrogade 3, near City Hall Square
2. Nyhavn Christmas Market
This Copenhagen Christmas Market is located in Nyhavn and runs the length of the canal. It’s easily one of the prettiest spots on our list and a real “ooh” moment when you see it for the first time.
Down one side of the cobbled street, below the famous colourful buildings, are heaps of restaurants & bars. Most offer outdoor seating with little fires, cosy blankets, and sheepskin rugs to keep you warm.
On the other side, by the water, are little stalls selling Gløgg and much-needed woolly souvenirs like hats & mittens.
Overhead is a blanket of twinkling fairy lights, and, in my opinion, Nyhavn is a strong contender for the most festive street in the city.
Do note, it is very popular and can be overwhelming with crowds, especially at the weekend. Which is why I recommend going mid-week if possible. Also, be sure to cross the bridge and see the whole street from the other side. This is one of the most famous views in Copenhagen and it’s extra special at Christmas.
And, as a final note, whilst I do recommend a beer or hot chocolate in one of the cosy outdoor spots on this street (it’s perfect for people watching), I don’t recommend you eat here. In all honesty, it’s a touristy area - and you’ll get much better food at one of the many exceptional eateries dotted around the city.
Area: Nyhavn, near Kongens Nytorv Square
3. Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market
From Nyhavn, it’s impossible to miss Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market. Just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, beside the Royal Theatre, this small but fun market is well worth a stroll.
You’ll find all the classics like sausages, smoked salmon, tornado potatoes, cookies, nougat, and freshly roasted chestnuts. And there’s a lovely wooden chalet bar area at the start of the market, where you can take a break from the cold weather and enjoy a toasty Gløgg.
Kids especially will love the giant teddy bear and reindeers, made completely of fairy lights!
This 17th-century square is completely transformed, thanks in part to the Christmas Market, but also the festive displays on the buildings surrounding the square. The giant icicles at Hotel D'Angleterre, just across the road, are a must-see. Whilst next door department store, Magasin du Nord, also put on a beautiful display of golden lights.
Area: Kongens Nytorv Square
4. Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market
Located in the heart of Copenhagen, in the Strøget shopping district, this Christmas Market is named after the renowned Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen.
Decorated in hundreds of fairy lights, this market has a fun, lively atmosphere no matter what time you visit. Come evening it gets busy and it has the biggest bar we saw in any of the markets, playing festive music and serving, amongst other drinks, spicy Gløgg.
There’re tons of stalls to wander amongst too and you’ll find all of the classics here, like sausages, nougat, hand-crafted souvenirs, and more practical items like cosy blankets & rugs.
And little ones will love to meet Santa Clause who often wanders around the market.
Area: Nytorv, near Strøget in the city centre
5. Højbro Plads Christmas Market
This is possibly my favourite Copenhagen Christmas Market. Right in the centre of town, it’s similar to the Hans Christian Andersen market but smaller a little quainter.
Dozens of stalls take over the square and vendors sell a variety of high-quality souvenirs and handmade crafted gifts like festive wooden figurines and beautiful Christmas decorations.
This is a good market for foodies, and you’ll find plenty of eating options here, including crispy potato skewers, smoked salmon, waffles, roasted almonds, and hot chocolate.
In my opinion, the traditional Bratwurst sausages at this Christmas Market were the best we sampled, freshly cooked over hot coals and heaps of flavours to choose from.
There’s also plenty of wooden benches to stop and eat at. And incredibly cosy little huts to hide from the weather in.
Area: Højbro Plads, near Strøget in the city centre
Must see Christmas displays in Copenhagen
What makes Copenhagen so special at Christmas is how magical every part of the city looks. Honestly, I was not prepared for the level of festive decor, baubles, and sheer amount of fairy lights.
From famous storefronts to pubs, alleys, and hidden squares, everywhere seemed to have been transformed into a winter wonderland!
So, if you’re visiting for the Christmas Markets, also visit:
Gråbrødretorv: this charming square is filled with twinkling restaurants (find it here)
Kongens Bar: a traditional pub with the most incredible decorations (find it here)
Læderstræde: my favourite little street, so many glistening lights (find it here)
Hotel D'Angleterre: outside this hotel is a wonderfully festive scene (find it here)
Magasin du Nord: the twinkliest storefront (find it here)
Store Strandstræde: a little street near Nyhavn with lovely decorations (find it here)
Packing for Copenhagen in winter
If you’re going to spend a few days exploring the Christmas Markets in Copenhagen, be prepared to be outdoors for most of the time. And in winter time, it’s very, very cold here - so pack accordingly.
Thankfully we had hold luggage (thanks Jet2CityBreaks!) and I packed a big winter coat, thermals, and my woolly hat. Each item was very much required.
Whilst we didn’t have much snow (it was the end of November), there was ice and a few wintery flurries. I suspect even further into December it’ll get colder and you’ll need extra layers, wool jumpers, and socks, and winter boots.
Read my what to pack for winter travel post for winter outfit inspiration.
Enjoy the best Copenhagen Christmas Markets
Hopefully you’re now feeling suitably festive with my guide to the best Christmas Markets in Copenhagen!
Looking for more Copenhagen inspiration? Read my guides to the best bars in the city, find out where to go for brunch in Copenhagen, or browse the best restaurants (coming soon).
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