As an expat in Denmark, experiencing Christmas in Denmark is a must. The Danes are known for their love of hygge and their beautiful Christmas traditions, which transform the city into a winter wonderland. In this article, we’ll give you 25 tips and ideas for celebrating Christmas in Denmark like a local.
Key Points
- Ice Skating and Events in Copenhagen: Ice skating at Tivoli or Frederik’s Church and attending Christmas concerts or festivals enhances the festive experience in Copenhagen.
- Hygge: The Danish Way of Coziness: Hygge, symbolizing coziness and warmth, is pervasive during Christmas, exemplified by cafes and bakeries like The Living Room and Sankt Peders Bageri.
- Christmas Markets in Copenhagen: Popular markets such as Nyhavn, Højbro Plads, and Kongens Nytorv offer decorations, handmade gifts, and traditional Danish foods.
- Tivoli Gardens: The Ultimate Christmas Destination: Tivoli Gardens becomes a fairy-tale setting with thousands of lights and Danish holiday treats like gløgg, making it a must-visit during Christmas.
- Introduction to Christmas in Denmark: Denmark transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, markets, and traditional foods, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
Introduction to Christmas in Denmark
Christmas is truly a magical and enchanting time in Copenhagen. Throughout the city, you will find it beautifully decorated with countless twinkling lights that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The charming streets are filled with bustling Christmas markets, each offering a delightful array of festive decorations and unique holiday gifts. From savoring traditional Danish foods to participating in cozy winter activities, there is an abundance of experiences for everyone to enjoy and cherish during this joyful holiday season.
Tivoli Gardens: The Ultimate Christmas Destination
Tivoli Garden is undoubtedly one of the absolute best and most magical ways to experience the true spirit of Christmas in Denmark. It provides a unique and enchanting holiday atmosphere that perfectly captures the warm and festive essence of traditional Danish Christmas celebrations. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beautifully decorated surroundings, enjoy charming Christmas markets, and feel the joyful spirit that makes this time of year so special across Denmark.
Christmas Markets in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is home to a wide variety of charming Christmas markets, where visitors can discover an extensive selection of traditional Danish Christmas decorations and beautifully crafted handmade gifts. These markets offer a festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer, perfect for finding unique presents and enjoying seasonal treats. Some of the most popular and well-loved Christmas markets in Copenhagen include:
- Nyhavn Christmas Market: Located in the historic Nyhavn district, this market offers a beautiful setting and a wide range of vendors selling everything from mulled wine to handmade crafts.
- Højbro Plads Christmas Market: This market is located in the heart of the city and features traditional Danish Christmas decorations and food.
- Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market: This market is located in front of the Royal Danish Theatre and is known for its cozy atmosphere and beautiful Christmas lights.
Danish Christmas Decorations
Danish Christmas decorations are wonderfully simple yet incredibly beautiful, embodying a charming and timeless aesthetic. From delicate paper hearts to intricately carved wooden ornaments, the Danes have mastered the art of creating a warm, cozy, and festive atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season.
If you want to experience and purchase authentic traditional Danish Christmas decorations, you can find a wide variety at many of the bustling Christmas markets throughout Copenhagen. Additionally, popular stores such as Søstrene Grene and Flying Tiger Copenhagen offer a fantastic selection of these classic decorations, making it easy to bring a touch of Danish holiday magic into your own home.
Traditional Danish Christmas Food
Danish Christmas food is famously hearty and incredibly delicious, offering a rich array of traditional flavors that bring warmth and joy to the holiday season. Some of the most popular and beloved dishes include:
- Roast pork: A classic Danish Christmas dish, served with potatoes, gravy, and red cabbage.
- Risengrød: A traditional Danish rice pudding, often served with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Risalamende: A traditional rice pudding-based dessert with whipped cream and almonds.
- Æbleskiver: Small, fluffy pancakes served with jam and powdered sugar.
- Medisterpølse: A type of Danish sausage made from pork and spices.
How to Make Æbleskiver at Home
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Heat the æbleskiver pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of butter or oil to each well.
- Pour the batter into each well, filling them about 2/3 of the way full.
- 6. As the æbleskiver begin to cook, use a skewer or fork to flip them over and cook the other side.
- Once the æbleskiver are golden brown on both sides, remove them from the pan and serve with your choice of jam and powdered sugar.
Christmas Shopping in Copenhagen
If you are searching for unique and memorable Christmas gifts, Copenhagen offers a wide variety of excellent options to explore. Whether you are interested in beautifully handmade crafts or stylish designer clothing, you are guaranteed to discover something truly special and meaningful for everyone on your holiday gift list. Some of the top places to shop for Christmas gifts in Copenhagen include:
- Strøget: This pedestrian shopping street is home to many popular stores and designer brands, as well as smaller boutiques and gift shops.
- Illums Bolighus: This design store is known for its beautiful Scandinavian home goods and accessories.
- Hay House: This Danish design store offers a wide range of stylish furniture, decor, and accessories.
Hygge: The Danish Way of Coziness
Hygge is a deeply cherished Danish concept that centers around feelings of coziness, warmth, comfort, and a strong sense of togetherness. Especially during the magical Christmas season, you’ll find hygge embraced and celebrated in every corner of Copenhagen.
To truly experience hygge for yourself, try curling up with a soft, warm blanket and a captivating book, or savor a steaming cup of rich hot cocoa while sharing joyful moments with close friends and family. Some of the most delightful and authentic places to immerse yourself in hygge throughout Copenhagen include:
- The Living Room: This cozy cafe is the perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee and a book.
- Kaffestuen: This cafe serves traditional Danish pastries and is known for its cozy atmosphere.
- Sankt Peders Bageri: This bakery is a local favorite, serving delicious Danish pastries and bread.
Ice Skating in Copenhagen During Christmas
Ice skating is an incredibly popular and beloved winter activity in Copenhagen, attracting both locals and tourists alike. During the festive Christmas season, you have the wonderful opportunity to lace up your skates and glide across the ice at a variety of charming and conveniently located spots throughout the city. Some of the most popular skating locations where you can enjoy this magical winter pastime include:
- Tivoli Gardens: Tivoli Gardens has a beautiful ice skating rink in the heart of the park.
- Frederiksberg Runddel: This public square has a large ice skating rink that’s free to use.
- Østerbro Stadium: This outdoor ice skating rink is open from December to February and offers skate rentals.
Christmas Concerts and Events in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is home to a wide variety of Christmas concerts and festive events, offering everything from classical music performances to charming Christmas markets and lively seasonal festivals. If you find yourself celebrating Christmas in Copenhagen, some of the most popular and highly recommended events to experience include:
- Copenhagen Christmas Markets: These markets offer a festive atmosphere and a wide range of vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to traditional Danish food.
- Christmas at Tivoli: Tivoli Gardens hosts a variety of Christmas concerts and events throughout the season, including a traditional Christmas concert with the Tivoli Boys Guard.
- Royal Danish Orchestra Christmas Concerts: The Royal Danish Orchestra hosts a series of Christmas concerts throughout December, featuring classical music and Christmas carols.
Visiting Copenhagen’s Churches During the Holiday Season
Copenhagen is home to numerous stunning and historically rich churches that are definitely worth exploring and visiting during the festive holiday season. Among these, some of the most popular and frequently visited churches include:
- Church of Our Lady: This beautiful cathedral is located in the heart of Copenhagen and features stunning architecture and artwork.
- Frederik’s Church: Also known as the Marble Church, this impressive church is located near Amalienborg Palace and features a beautiful dome and intricate interior.
- Vor Frelsers Kirke: This church is known for its stunning spiral staircase and beautiful baroque architecture.
Christmas Lights and Decorations in the City
Copenhagen is widely celebrated for its stunning and enchanting Christmas lights and festive decorations that transform the city into a magical winter wonderland. Some of the most popular and captivating places to experience these dazzling Christmas lights and charming decorations throughout the city include:
- Strøget: This pedestrian shopping street is lined with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations.
- Nyhavn: The historic Nyhavn district is decorated with festive lights and Christmas decorations, creating a beautiful and cozy atmosphere.
- Tivoli Gardens: Tivoli Gardens is known for its stunning Christmas lights and decorations, which transform the park into a magical winter wonderland.
How to Celebrate Christmas in Denmark on a Budget
Celebrating Christmas in Denmark doesn’t have to be expensive or put a strain on your budget. There are numerous affordable and budget-friendly ways to fully enjoy the festive holiday season throughout the city, including:
- Walking tours: Take a free walking tour of the city to see the Christmas lights and decorations.
- DIY decorations: Make your own Danish Christmas decorations at home using materials like paper, string, and pine cones.
- Outdoor activities: Ice skating, sledding, and winter walks are all free or low-cost activities that you can enjoy in Copenhagen during the Christmas season.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Copenhagen
New Year’s Eve is an incredibly significant and widely celebrated occasion in Copenhagen, with a vast array of exciting parties and diverse events happening all across the city. If you are looking to make the most out of your New Year’s Eve experience in Copenhagen, some of the best ways to celebrate this special night include the following options:
- Fireworks at Tivoli: Tivoli Gardens puts on a spectacular fireworks display at midnight to ring in the new year.
- Harbour Cruise: Take a New Year’s Eve harbour cruise to see the fireworks from a different perspective.
- Street Parties: The streets of Copenhagen come alive on New Year’s Eve, with many people celebrating in the city center.
Danish Christmas Traditions for Children
Danish Christmas traditions are incredibly enjoyable and create a festive atmosphere that delights both children and adults alike. Among the various customs, some of the most popular and cherished traditions specifically for children include:
- Advent Calendar: Children in Denmark receive an Advent calendar on December 1st, which they open each day to reveal a small gift or treat.
- Christmas Calendar: Many Danish families also have a Christmas calendar, which counts down the days until Christmas with a small gift or activity each day.
- Nisse: Nisse is a mischievous Christmas elf who plays tricks on people during the holiday season. Children in Denmark often leave a bowl of porridge out for Nisse as a way to appease him.
Christmas Movie Screenings in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is home to numerous movie theaters that offer a wonderful selection of classic Christmas movies throughout the entire holiday season. Therefore, if you happen to be celebrating Christmas in Denmark this year, you will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy these festive film screenings. Below, you can find a list of some of the most popular and beloved Christmas movie showings that are sure to bring holiday cheer to your celebrations:
- The Royal Theatre: The Royal Theatre shows a variety of Christmas-themed movies and performances throughout the season.
- Cinemateket: Cinemateket is a classic movie theater that often shows Christmas movies during the holiday season.
- Grand Teatret: Grand Teatret is a beautiful old movie theater that shows a variety of movies throughout the year, including Christmas classics.
Where to Find the Best Christmas Trees in Copenhagen
If you are looking to decorate your very own Christmas tree in the beautiful city of Copenhagen, you have a variety of wonderful options available to help you find the perfect tree that suits your style and holiday spirit. Some of the most popular and highly recommended places to buy Christmas trees in Copenhagen include:
- Supermarkets: Many supermarkets, including Netto and Føtex, sell Christmas trees during the holiday season.
- Christmas Tree Farms: You can find several Christmas tree farms just outside of Copenhagen, where you can choose your own tree and cut it down yourself.
- Christmas Tree Stands: There are also many Christmas tree stands throughout the city, selling a variety of sizes and types of trees.
Danish Christmas Desserts and Sweets
Danish Christmas desserts and sweets offer a wonderfully delicious and indulgent way to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season. Among the most beloved and popular treats that many look forward to during this festive time are:
- Pebernødder: These small, spiced cookies are a traditional Danish Christmas treat.
Klejner: Klejner are fried dough cookies that are often served with powdered sugar and jam.
- Marzipan: Marzipan is a sweet almond paste that’s often shaped into festive shapes and used as a decoration or gift.
- Peppernuts: Peppernuts are small, crunchy cookies made with spices like cinnamon and ginger.
Christmas Traditions of Copenhagen’s Immigrant Communities
Copenhagen is an incredibly diverse and vibrant city, home to a wide range of immigrant communities, each bringing with them their own rich and unique Christmas traditions. These varied customs add to the festive atmosphere and cultural tapestry of the city during the holiday season. Some of the most beloved and popular immigrant Christmas traditions celebrated in Copenhagen include:
- Turkish Christmas: Many Turkish families in Copenhagen celebrate Christmas with a big feast and traditional Turkish dishes like lamb and baklava.
- Somali Christmas: Somali families in Copenhagen often celebrate Christmas with a big family gathering and traditional Somali dishes like sambusa and maraq.
- Thai Christmas: Thai families in Copenhagen celebrate Christmas with a mix of traditional Thai dishes and festive European foods like roast pork and mulled wine.
Christmas Day in Copenhagen: What to Expect
On Christmas Day, a large number of businesses and restaurants throughout Copenhagen are typically closed, resulting in the city being notably quiet and peaceful during this special time. If you plan to celebrate Christmas in Denmark, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience:
- Public Transportation: Public transportation in Copenhagen operates on a reduced schedule on Christmas Day, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
- Restaurants: Many restaurants in Copenhagen are closed on Christmas Day, so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance if you plan to dine out.
- Festive Walks: Take a festive walk through the city on Christmas Day to see the beautiful Christmas decorations and lights.
Danish Christmas Gifts and Souvenirs
If you are currently on the lookout for unique, thoughtful, and memorable Christmas gifts, as well as special and meaningful souvenirs to bring back home from your exciting trip to the beautiful city of Copenhagen, here are a few wonderful and carefully selected ideas to consider during your visit:
- Danish Design: Copenhagen is known for its beautiful Scandinavian design, and there are many stores and boutiques where you can find unique home goods and accessories.
- Christmas Decorations: Traditional Danish Christmas decorations like paper hearts, wooden ornaments, and straw stars make great gifts and souvenirs.
- Danish Food and Drink: Bring home a taste of Denmark with traditional Danish foods like marzipan, Æbleskiver mix, and Danish beer or aquavit.
Best Photo Spots for Christmas-Themed Pictures
Copenhagen is an incredibly beautiful city throughout the entire year, but it becomes especially charming and picturesque during the magical Christmas season. If you are planning to celebrate Christmas in Denmark and want to capture the festive spirit through your photos, here are a few of the very best spots where you can take stunning and memorable holiday pictures:
- Tivoli Gardens: The beautiful lights and decorations at Tivoli Gardens make for stunning photos.
- Nyhavn: The colorful houses and festive decorations in Nyhavn are perfect for holiday-themed photos.
- Kongens Nytorv: The large Christmas tree and beautiful lights at Kongens Nytorv make for a classic holiday photo backdrop.
Sustainable Christmas Practices in Copenhagen
If you want to celebrate Christmas in a truly sustainable and environmentally conscious way, there are numerous eco-friendly practices and thoughtful habits you can easily adopt right here in Copenhagen. By embracing these ideas, you can enjoy the festive season while minimizing your ecological footprint and contributing positively to the planet. Here are some inspiring and practical suggestions to get you started:
- Buy a Live Christmas Tree: Rather than buying a cut tree, consider buying a live tree that can be planted after the holiday season.
- Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping: Instead of using traditional gift wrap, consider using recycled or biodegradable wrapping paper, or wrap gifts in fabric or reusable bags.
- Shop Locally: Support local businesses and artisans by shopping for Christmas gifts and decorations at markets and small shops.
Conclusion
Celebrating Christmas in Denmark offers a truly wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich Danish culture and cherished holiday traditions. From the warm and inviting atmosphere of cozy hygge cafes where you can relax with a hot drink, to the lively and festive Christmas markets filled with unique gifts and seasonal treats, there is genuinely something special for everyone to enjoy throughout the holiday season in this charming city. We hope these helpful tips and suggestions will enhance your festive experience and make your time in Copenhagen even more memorable and joyful.
FAQ
How can I shop for Christmas gifts in Copenhagen on a budget?
You can enjoy free walking tours to see holiday lights, make your own Danish decorations, and partake in outdoor winter activities like ice skating and sledding, which are low-cost ways to celebrate.
What traditional Danish foods should I try during Christmas in Denmark?
You should try roast pork with potatoes and gravy, risengrød (rice pudding), risalamende (rice pudding dessert), æbleskiver (puffy pancakes), and medisterpølse (pork sausage).
Where are the best spots for ice skating in Copenhagen during Christmas?
The best spots for ice skating include Tivoli Gardens’ ice skating rink, Frederiksberg Runddel’s free rink, and Østerbro Stadium’s outdoor rink with rental options.
How can I experience hygge during Christmas in Denmark?
To experience hygge, you can relax with a warm blanket and a book at cozy cafes like The Living Room or Sankt Peders Bageri, or enjoy hot cocoa with friends in warm, inviting atmospheres.
What are the most popular Christmas markets to visit in Copenhagen?
The most popular Christmas markets in Copenhagen include Nyhavn Christmas Market, Højbro Plads Christmas Market, and Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market, each offering festive decorations, handmade gifts, and traditional Danish foods.
