Højbro Plads Christmas Market
As the days get shorter and Christmas nears, Copenhagen takes on another character that makes it a truly magical place. A few days ago, I arrived in this city in search of the essence of what makes the Danes some of the happiest people on earth. And the result? Like many others – you just don’t want to leave.
Modern day Copenhagen is often associated as the forefront of modern design and innovative cuisine, amongst many others. So how does it celebrate a tradition like Christmas? Just try picturing this. The enticing scent of cinnamon, raisins and spices from Glögg in the air and the city filled with a tasteful sprinkling of Christmas decorations – think silver and wooden ornaments, white fairy lights, and a cooler colour palette.
Instead of santa plush toys, various types of tomte can be found in most Christmas stalls. He’s a bearded farmer with an incredibly tall, pointy hat.
Dotted across the city are flower stands selling all types of Christmas flowers; mistletoe, pinecones, Christmas trees small and large, and intricately crafted wreaths.
However, at the heart of it all is Copenhagen’s Christmas markets – read more on my highlights below:
1. Tivoli Gardens
A traditional Danish Christmas lunch from Færgekroen Bryghus, roast pork and duck
As the second oldest amusement park in the world, Christmas in Tivoli Gardens is a much celebrated tradition, drawing countless of wide-eyed locals and tourists alike with the entire park decorated with thousands of fairy lights, Christmas trees and dazzling light installations. Whilst you can spend hours exploring the gardens, the park is also filled with Christmas stalls, restaurants offering Christmas themed menus and lots of wintry local delicacies that will keep you warm.
Vesterbrogade 3
1630 København V, Denmark
https://www.tivoli.dk/en/
Located opposite central station
2. Nyhavn Christmas Market (Nyhavns Julemarked)
At Nyhavn, the colourful buildings and historic waterfront dating back to the 17th century provides the perfect backdrop for Christmas celebrations. Whilst the markets are a lot smaller compared to others, its charm certainly makes up for it. It can get rather windy here, so make sure you rug up and grab yourself a couple of hot drinks – or stop by for some churros at the nearby Rajissimo.
Nyhavn 1F
1051 København K, Denmark
http://www.nyhavn.com
Kogens Nytorv Christmas Market
Just minutes from Nyhavn is the Kogens Nytorv Christmas Market, though smaller this year due to construction works in the area, has quite some interesting installations (polar bears!) and is the perfect spot to enjoy the annual Christmas displays from the historic Hotel D’Angleterre.
Kongens Nytorv
1050 København K, Denmark
http://www.jul-i-kobenhavn.dk/en/
Højbro Plads Christmas Market
And finally, one of my favourite Christmas markets along with Tivoli – the Højbro Plads Christmas Market. Located in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping district, Højbro Plads is large public square just off the pedestrian-only Srøget and opposite the Georg Jensen flagship. If you’re visiting Copenhagen for the first time, this traditional market is an ideal place to experience the Danish Christmas spirit.
Højbro Pl., 1200 København K
Denmark
How are you celebrating Christmas this year, and where is your favourite Christmas market? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!