Looking Forward to Christmas in Copenhagen (What to do in Copenhagen in Winter)

The Magic of Copenhagen's Christmas Markets

Copenhagen's Christmas markets are nothing short of enchanting. The moment you step into the historic Tivoli Gardens, you're transported into a winter fairytale. The market lights dance against the early winter darkness, creating a warm glow that seems to chase away the cold. Wooden stalls line the pathways, filled with traditional Danish julemarked treats and handcrafted gifts that speak to our rich cultural heritage.

My favorite market remains the one at Nyhavn, where the colorful historic harbor becomes an even more picturesque scene during the Christmas season. The smell of æbleskiver (traditional Danish pancake balls) and gløgg (mulled wine) fills the air, tempting visitors and locals alike. I love watching my daughters navigate through the market, their cheeks rosy from the cold, picking out unique gifts and sampling local delicacies.

Tivoli Gardens: A Christmas Wonderland

Tivoli Gardens during Christmas is truly a magical experience that captures the heart of Copenhagen's holiday spirit. As one of the world's oldest amusement parks, Tivoli transforms into an absolute winter wonderland that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The entire park is illuminated with millions of twinkling lights, creating a breathtaking display that turns the landscape into a glittering christmas masterpiece. Elaborate light installations dance across the trees, and traditional wooden Christmas houses pop up throughout the park, selling everything from handcrafted gifts to traditional Danish Christmas treats. My family and I love walking through the park in the early evening, watching the children's faces light up with wonder, listening to the classical Christmas music that plays softly in the background, and enjoying the festive atmosphere that seems to transport you to another world. The iconic Tivoli roller coasters become even more magical when covered in frost and lights, creating a scene that is quintessentially Copenhagen – a perfect blend of whimsy, tradition, and pure Christmas joy.

Embracing Hygge: Our Christmas Home Transformation

Hygge is more than just a Danish concept – it's a way of life, especially during Christmas. Our home becomes a sanctuary of warmth and comfort, with carefully chosen decorations that blend tradition with our personal style. White candles everywhere, soft wool blankets draped over our furniture, and strings of warm fairy lights create an inviting atmosphere that makes everyone want to stay close and connected.

My wife has always been exceptional at creating this cozy environment. She carefully arranges our julepynt (Christmas decorations), mixing traditional Danish elements like woven heart baskets (julehjerter) with family photographs and handmade ornaments collected over the years. The Christmas tree – always a real Danish fir – stands as the centerpiece, decorated with a mix of classic glass ornaments and sentimental family pieces.

Family Traditions and Togetherness

With our daughters now grown, our Christmas celebrations have evolved, but the core of our traditions remains unchanged. Christmas Eve is sacred in our household – a quintessential Danish celebration that differs significantly from Anglo-American Christmas Day festivities. We gather around the table for and juleaften (Christmas Eve dinner), traditionally featuring roast duck, caramelized potatoes, and rødkål (red cabbage).

After dinner, we join hands and dance around the Christmas tree, singing traditional Danish Christmas songs. It's a ritual that always brings laughter and sometimes tears, a beautiful reminder of our family's bond. The gift exchange follows, with everyone taking turns opening presents, a moment of pure joy and connection.

Culinary Delights: Copenhagen's Christmas Restaurants

Copenhagen's culinary scene truly comes alive during the Christmas season. Restaurants throughout the city offer special julefrokost (Christmas lunch) menus that showcase the best of Danish Christmas cuisine. We have a few favorite spots that have become part of our annual tradition.

Restaurant Schønnemann in the city center offers an incredible traditional Danish Christmas lunch experience. Their smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) are legendary, and their festive menu is something we look forward to every year. For a more modern take, Restaurant Höst provides an innovative approach to Danish Christmas cuisine, blending traditional flavors with contemporary techniques.

Walks Along the Copenhagen Lakes: Winter's Embrace

One of our most cherished family activities during the Christmas season is walking along the beautiful Copenhagen Lakes. The søerne – a series of man-made lakes in the city center – become a winter wonderland during December. The trees are often dusted with frost, and the water reflects the soft winter light, creating a serene landscape that seems almost painted.

These walks are perfect for working up an appetite before our next meal or digesting the abundant julefrokost. We bundle up in warm Danish wool sweaters – trøjer – and enjoy the crisp air, watching the city's rhythm slow down and become more introspective during the holiday season.

Danish Christmas Customs: More Than Just Celebrations

Danish Christmas customs go beyond mere celebration – they're a deep expression of cultural identity and community. Julehygge is about creating moments of warmth, connection, and genuine happiness. It's not about extravagance, but about appreciating the simple, meaningful moments with loved ones.

Our daughters have grown to appreciate these traditions more deeply as they've gotten older. They understand now that Christmas isn't just about gifts, but about maintaining connections, respecting our heritage, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Preparing for the New Year

As Christmas approaches and eventually gives way to the New Year, there's a sense of anticipation and reflection. Copenhagen becomes quieter, more contemplative. The Christmas lights continue to twinkle, but there's a subtle shift in the atmosphere – a preparation for new beginnings.

We'll likely spend New Year's Eve with close friends, another Danish tradition of gathering and sharing hygge moments. Fireworks will light up the Copenhagen sky, and we'll toast to another year of love, challenges, growth, and family.

Conclusion: The Heart of a Copenhagen Christmas

Christmas in Copenhagen is more than a season – it's an experience, a feeling that permeates every aspect of life. It's about hygge, family, tradition, and the simple joy of being together. As I look around our warmly lit home, watch my daughters laugh, and feel my wife's hand in mine, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for these moments.

To those who haven't experienced a Danish Christmas, I say: come to Copenhagen. Feel the magic, taste the æbleskiver, walk the frosty lakes, and understand what julehygge truly means.

Glædelig jul – Merry Christmas – from our family to yours.