In December the sun sets over Copenhagen before four in the afternoon, and the city answers the dark the Danish way: with candles in every window, lights on every tree, and a cup of gløgg in every gloved hand.
The Danes have a word for it, hygge, and the Christmas markets are hygge in public: Tivoli turned into a winter village, stalls along the painted houses of Nyhavn, and old Christmas recipes on every corner.
Here are the markets worth seeing, when they open in 2026, what to eat and drink, and how to plan the trip with friends.
What are the best Christmas markets in Copenhagen?
| Market | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas in Tivoli | Tivoli Gardens, city centre | The showpiece: a winter village of lights, stalls and rides |
| Nyhavn Christmas Market | Nyhavn, by the canal | Stalls along the canal of painted houses |
| Højbro Plads Christmas Market | Højbro Plads, old town | A central market on the shopping streets |
| Christmas Market in Christiania | Christiania, Christianshavn | Crafts in the free town’s old hall |
Tivoli Gardens, city centre
Christmas in Tivoli
The 19th-century amusement park dresses up for Christmas: lights on every tree and roof, little market stalls, the old rides running, and the lake lit up at night.
It is the most magical place in the city in December, and it needs a ticket, with the rides paid separately.
Good to know: Go at dusk, around half past three, to see it in daylight and then lit up.
Nyhavn, by the canal
Nyhavn Christmas Market
Stalls line the cobbled quay of Nyhavn, the old harbour of brightly painted houses and wooden ships, with gløgg and æbleskiver at every few steps.
Højbro Plads, old town
Højbro Plads Christmas Market
A market right off Strøget, the long pedestrian shopping street, handy between shops and with a view across the canal to Christiansborg Palace.
Christiania, Christianshavn
Christmas Market in Christiania
The free town of Christiania holds its own market in December, with handmade crafts, art and food, in the big old hall at its heart.
When are the Copenhagen Christmas markets open in 2026?
Christmas in Tivoli usually runs from mid-November into early January, with special hours over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The city’s outdoor markets usually open in mid to late November and run until just before Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent is November 29 in 2026.
Check Tivoli’s own site for the dates, the hours and the ticket prices before you book.
What should you eat and drink at the Copenhagen Christmas markets?
- Gløgg: Danish mulled wine, served with raisins and chopped almonds in the cup, and a spoon to fish them out.
- Æbleskiver: Round pancake balls, dusted with powdered sugar and dipped in jam. The perfect thing with gløgg.
- Brændte mandler: Caramelised almonds in a paper cone, warm from the pan.
- Risalamande: Christmas rice pudding with almonds and hot cherry sauce. At home, whoever finds the one whole almond wins a present.
- Flæskesteg sandwich: Roast pork with crackling, red cabbage and pickles in a bun: Danish Christmas dinner, to go.
How do you plan a Christmas market trip to Copenhagen?
Two or three days covers Tivoli, the markets, and the city by day: Nyhavn, Rosenborg Castle, a harbour sauna and a cold plunge if you are brave, and long candlelit dinners.
Copenhagen is not cheap: Tivoli tickets, food and drink add up, so set a group budget early. Stay in the centre or Vesterbro, and walk or cycle everywhere.
Make it a two-country trip: Malmö in Sweden is about 35 minutes away by train, across the Øresund Bridge.
Why go to the Copenhagen Christmas markets with friends?
Hygge is a group activity: gløgg and æbleskiver for the table, a night in Tivoli on the old rides, and a long dinner with candles everywhere.
In SwipeSights, everyone swipes on real places in Copenhagen, from Tivoli to the wine bar for afterwards, and the group’s picks become a day-by-day plan.
Plan Copenhagen at Christmas together
Start a trip, invite your friends, and let the group’s picks become a day-by-day plan.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Christmas in Tivoli in 2026?
Tivoli’s Christmas season usually runs from mid-November into early January, with special hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check Tivoli’s site for the exact dates.
Do you need a ticket for the Tivoli Christmas market?
Yes. Tivoli charges an entry fee, and the rides are paid for separately. The city’s outdoor markets, like Nyhavn and Højbro Plads, are free to enter.
What is gløgg?
Gløgg is Danish mulled wine, served hot with raisins and chopped almonds in the cup.
What are æbleskiver?
Round, fluffy pancake balls, dusted with powdered sugar and eaten with jam: a Danish Christmas treat.
How many days do you need in Copenhagen at Christmas?
Two or three days covers Tivoli, the markets and the main sights, with time for Malmö across the bridge.
SwipeSights: plan the whole group trip together.
