Copenhagen Christmas Guide for 2025

What makes Copenhagen so special during Christmas? In one word, "hygge" describes it best. But we'll get back to that.

For now, all you need to know is that this is the ultimate Christmas Guide for Copenhagen in 2025 – written by a local who spends every Christmas here. In this post, I'll answer common questions about Copenhagen in December, including what you can expect from the weather, the famous Christmas markets, specific dates for all the major events, and why this time of year offers something truly magical.

If you're up for a guided audio walk that will immerse you in the Christmas spirit, consider the StoryHunt audio walk Unlock Christmas in Copenhagen.

Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting at Christmas?

Absolutely, and I say this as someone who has never missed a Copenhagen Christmas. If you're considering a winter holiday, Copenhagen has it all - from enchanting Christmas markets to centuries-old traditions that create an atmosphere you simply can't find elsewhere. 

The Danish concept of "hygge" (pronounced "hoo-gah") is at its peak this time of year, creating cozy warmth everywhere. You'll find festive events, from holiday markets and ice skating rinks to traditional Christmas ballets. 

The city's restaurants and cafes serve up traditional Danish Christmas foods like "gløgg" (spiced mulled wine dating back to the 16th century) and "æbleskiver" (spherical Danish pancakes served with jam and powdered sugar). 

Whether exploring Christmas markets, enjoying festive treats, or walking through beautifully decorated streets, Christmas here is absolutely worth the visit.

Does Copenhagen Have Good Christmas Markets?

Copenhagen's Christmas markets are some of the best in Scandinavia, offering traditional Danish charm and holiday spirit. 

The crown jewel is Tivoli Gardens, which transforms into a winter wonderland from November 14 to January 4, featuring over 70,000 Christmas ornaments and more than 1,000 trees. 

You'll also find markets at:

• Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market (November 14-December 2)
• Højbro Plads (November 4-December 21)
• and the picturesque Nyhavn waterfront (November 4-December 21). 

Each market has its own personality - from traditional crafts to gourmet food and unique Danish treats. Together, these markets make Copenhagen a prime destination for Christmas market hopping.

When Does Tivoli Gardens Open for Christmas?

Tivoli Gardens opens for Christmas on November 14, 2025, and remains open until January 4, 2026 (closed December 24). 

This is Copenhagen's most magical Christmas experience, featuring over 70,000 ornaments and 1,000 beautifully decorated trees. Stroll through Boulevardhaven to admire whimsical light designs, including the tallest tree wrapped in frost-clear and winter-white lights. 

Santa and his reindeer welcome visitors to the cozy Christmas market with around 60 stalls selling decorations, treats, and hot drinks. 

Entry costs 190-210 DKK for adults and 95-105 DKK for children aged 3-7 (free for under 3). 

Most rides remain open during winter, and you can experience special performances like The Snow Queen ballet at Tivoli's Concert Hall, featuring costumes designed by Queen Margrethe and choreography by Yuri Possokhov with music by Oh Land.

What Is Copenhagen Winter Wonderland?

Copenhagen Winter Wonderland is the newest Christmas attraction at Kongens Nytorv square, running from November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026. This replaces the traditional Christmas market with an exciting 1,300 m² ice skating rink that winds around the historic square. 

It's free to skate if you bring your own skates; otherwise, rentals are available. The lights switch on at 5 PM on opening day, synchronized with the famous Hotel d'Angleterre Christmas decorations.

This year features a unique Silent Disco on ice, letting visitors glide through the night to their own soundtrack. The experience includes a small cozy Christmas market and delicious gastronomy from nearby restaurants, bars, and Magasin du Nord.

Will It Snow in Copenhagen at Christmas?

Will It Snow in Copenhagen at Christmas?

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, you might be in luck - but really no one knows yet. Copenhagen's weather in December is chilly, with temperatures typically hovering around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F). 

Snow is possible, but it's far from guaranteed. Snowfall in Copenhagen can be unpredictable, and it's more likely to snow in January or February than in December. 

Even without snow, the city has a wonderfully festive feel, with plenty of holiday lights and decorations creating that cozy winter atmosphere. 

Is December a Good Time to Go to Copenhagen?

December is one of the best times to visit Copenhagen if you enjoy festive activities and don't mind cooler temperatures. The whole city is dressed up for the season, with Christmas markets, seasonal food, and lights strung along streets and squares. 

You'll find a wide variety of holiday events, from concerts and ballets to winter exhibitions at museums like the National Museum's new "Christmas Traditions" exhibition (November 14 onwards). 

Many locals celebrate "julefrokost" (Christmas lunch) with family and friends, and you'll see Danes gathered in cozy cafes and restaurants enjoying traditional holiday dishes.

What Is The Snow Queen Ballet at Tivoli?

The Snow Queen is a gripping tale of love, friendship, and determination performed as a mesmerizing ballet at Tivoli's Concert Hall throughout the Christmas season. 

This production features Queen Margrethe as the creative force behind the costumes and decorations, with music by Danish artist Oh Land. Yuri Possokhov masterfully choreographs the performance, which features over 30 dancers, ballet children, and live music at Tivoli's Concert Hall. 

This is a uniquely Danish interpretation that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Tickets include the entrance fee for Tivoli Gardens, so you can enjoy both the ballet and the magical Christmas atmosphere of the gardens.

Can I See The Nutcracker Ballet in Copenhagen?

Yes! The Nutcracker ballet performs at the Royal Danish Theatre from November 21 to December 21, 2025. This is George Balanchine's masterful interpretation - a timeless classic perfect for those who adore the enchanting spirit of the festive season and the elegance of ballet. 

The Royal Danish Theatre, founded in 1748, originally served as the stage for royal performances but quickly became the center of Danish dramatic and operatic life. The actual building dates from 1874. 

At Christmas, this venue is one of my personal traditions; watching The Nutcracker here creates memories that last a lifetime. It's a cherished experience for many Copenhageners and visitors alike.

When Is the Copenhagen Christmas Tree Lighting?

The iconic Christmas tree lighting at Copenhagen's City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) happens on November 30, 2025, at approximately 3:30 PM. It’s a tradition dating back over a century. 

The event begins with a lively parade and festive Christmas music. As the sun sets, Julemanden (Santa Claus) climbs up a fire truck ladder, and with a countdown, he waves his wand, instantly lighting the towering spruce tree adorned with 800 LED lights and 100 Christmas hearts. The crowd erupts in cheers as a choir and orchestra fill the air with festive tunes. 

In Denmark, Christmas trees are typically spruce adorned with ornaments, hearts, and a star on top as a reminder of the Star of Bethlehem. 

Fun fact: the first Christmas tree in Copenhagen was introduced by the Lehmann family in Ny Kongensgade, causing quite a sensation at the time.

What Time Does It Get Dark in Copenhagen in December?

In December, Copenhagen has some of the shortest daylight hours of the year. The sun rises around 8:30 AM and sets as early as 3:30 PM, giving you just about seven hours of daylight. 

This early sunset can be an adjustment if you're used to longer days, but it also makes the city feel wonderfully cozy in the evenings, with Christmas lights illuminating the streets. This is when “hygge” truly comes alive.

What Is the Hotel d'Angleterre Christmas Tradition?

One of Copenhagen's most beloved holiday traditions starts at Hotel d'Angleterre on Kongens Nytorv. For many Danes, Christmas festivities officially begin when the hotel switches on their splendid facade decoration - a tradition dating back to the 1990s. 

Else Marie and Henning Remmen, who owned the hotel at the time, wanted to do something special for the city, and thus this glistening Christmas tradition was born. Each year features a new theme that transforms the historic building's facade into a sparkling wonderland. 

The lights switch on at 5 PM on November 14th, synchronized with the opening of Copenhagen Winter Wonderland's ice rink. 

Other Reasons to Visit Copenhagen in December

Beyond Christmas markets and holiday lights, Copenhagen offers unique winter experiences. 

• Winter bathing is incredibly popular - yes, it sounds crazy, but you can join locals in a winter swim at designated harbor baths like Kalvebod Bølgen, followed by warming up in nearby saunas like La Banchina. I do it myself every year! 
• Skøjteøen at Reffen offers a 1,450 m² outdoor skating universe with two rinks (one dedicated to young skaters), featuring concerts, markets, exhibitions, and street food. 
• Copenhagen Zoo transforms into a Christmas wonderland with over 400,000 sparkling lights, Santa's House, reindeer, gift workshops, and a Christmas train running through 900 decorated trees. 
• For chocolate lovers, visit Peter Beier Chocolate shops across Greater Copenhagen - choose from around 20 different chocolates crafted from cocoa beans that reached Europe in the 1500s when Spaniards brought them from South America.

How Can I Experience Copenhagen Christmas Like a Local?

To experience Copenhagen Christmas like a local, embrace “hygge” fully. 

• Start your day at a Christmas market before crowds arrive and warm up with gløgg. 
• Try Tuborg Christmas beer during their J-day celebrations. 
• Book a julefrokost (Christmas lunch) at restaurants like Restaurant Kronborg or Restaurant Almanak, where you'll enjoy herrings, liver pate, and roast pork with aquavit. My personal favorite is flæskesteg! 
• Visit the City Hall tree lighting on November 30th, then explore the streets decorated with hanging lights and glowing hearts. 
• Take a winter swim at harbor baths (I do it every year!), followed by sauna time. 
• Watch The Nutcracker at the Royal Theatre - it's one of my personal traditions. 
• Stroll through Nyhavn where Hans Christian Andersen lived and wrote Christmas tales. 

But most importantly: Slow down, enjoy simple pleasures, and embrace the cozy darkness with twinkling lights everywhere.

Final Thoughts on Christmas in Copenhagen

Visiting Copenhagen in December is an experience like no other. The holiday season transforms the city into a festive wonderland, with cozy cafes, charming markets, and a unique atmosphere you won't find anywhere else. 

Whether you're strolling through Christmas markets at Nyhavn and Højbro Plads, skating on the ice rink at Kongens Nytorv, experiencing The Nutcracker ballet, sipping gløgg, or embracing Danish traditions like julefrokost and winter bathing, Copenhagen offers that unmistakable sense of Danish "hygge." 

For the complete interactive experience, Unlock Christmas in Copenhagen with the StoryHunt audio walk.