Copenhagen Christmas Markets in 2025

Copenhagen shines during the holiday season, with its streets glowing under festive lights and the smell of mulled wine (gløgg) wafting through the air. 

As a local Copenhagener, I know how magical our city feels in December - and it's largely thanks to the variety of Christmas markets. Each one offers something unique, so here's my guide to help you choose the right market (or markets!) for your visit.

And if you need a travel companion directly in your ears, you can Unlock Christmas in Copenhagen with StoryHunt’s audio walk.

👇🗺️ Map of all Copenhagen Christmas markets 🎄🎅

1. Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market

Perfect for: Families, first-timers, and lovers of all things magical

Why go? Tivoli Gardens is Copenhagen's most magical Christmas experience. 

While it's the only market charging admission (190-210 DKK adults, 95-105 DKK children 3-7, free under 3), the experience justifies the cost. You'll find over 70,000 ornaments, 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, and thousands of twinkling lights. 

Santa and his reindeer welcome visitors to 60 festive stalls selling handmade gifts and traditional treats. Beyond the market, entry includes access to rides, a 350 m² ice skating ring, and live performances like The Snow Queen ballet featuring costumes by Queen Margrethe. 

Tips:

• Visit evenings when lights create pure magic around the illuminated Nimb Hotel. 
• Be prepared for crowds - it's famous for good reason.

Getting there: Use the map below or find it here: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V.

2. Copenhagen Winter Wonderland at Kongens Nytorv

Perfect for: The more daring couples and/or cultural interested

Why go? Copenhagen Winter Wonderland is an ice skating experience, not a traditional market. After a 16-year absence, the legendary circular rink returned to Kongens Nytorv (November 14 - January 4, 2026). 

This spectacular 1,300 m² rink winds around the historic Krinsen garden and Christian V statue, letting you skate 360 degrees surrounded by iconic buildings like the Royal Theatre and Hotel d'Angleterre. 

This year features Silent Disco on ice. While smaller than traditional markets, skating in this historic setting creates unforgettable Copenhagen Christmas magic.

Tips: 

• Skating is free with your own skates; rentals available. 
• The rink operates daily 10 AM-9 PM. 
• A small Christmas market runs Tuesday-Thursday (3-8 PM) and Friday-Sunday (11 AM-8 PM) with quality gastronomy.

3. Nyhavn Christmas Market

Perfect for: Couples, photographers, and those seeking the classic Copenhagen postcard

Why go? Nyhavn's market (November 4-21) stands out for its unbeatable location along Copenhagen's most photographed canal. 

Colorful 17th-century houses and historic ships create a romantic backdrop perfect for that postcard shot. Hans Christian Andersen lived at three addresses here and wrote Christmas fairytales including "The Little Match Girl" and "The Snow Man." 

While smaller than Tivoli, Nyhavn's charm lies in ambiance and authenticity. Wooden stalls offer Christmas decorations, Danish handicrafts, and brændte mandler (caramelized almonds) you can smell from blocks away. 

Tips:

• Visit during golden hour around 3:30 PM for stunning sunset photographs. 
• The market is free, making it budget-friendly. 
• Combine with a winter canal tour, then warm up at nearby Zeleste for exceptional gløgg in their beautiful courtyard.

Getting there: Use the map below or find it here: Nyhavn, 1051 København K.

4. Højbro Plads Christmas Market

Perfect for: Shoppers, food lovers, and city explorers who want a traditional market.

Why go? Højbro Plads Christmas Market (November 4-21) offers traditional Christmas market vibes right in Copenhagen's city center near Strøget shopping street. 

Decked out in Christmas decorations, lush garlands, and twinkling lights, the square brings that good old-fashioned Christmas spirit with wooden stalls surrounding the iconic Absalon statue on horseback. 

This market excels at food - try excellent bratwurst, crepes, and other street food delicacies. Beyond treats, stalls sell artisanal crafts, gourmet goodies, and unique Danish souvenirs. 

The friendly Santa Claus entertains children and adults alike. 

Tips:

• Go hungry; this market has some of Copenhagen's best Christmas street food
• Visit before 5 PM to avoid after-work crowds
• Easy to combine with visits to Christiansborg Palace or Rosenborg Castle nearby.

5. Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market

Perfect for: Families, fairy tale lovers, and those looking for a less crowded experience

Why go? The Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market is at Gammeltorv, running November 14 to December 20, 2025. 

This fairy tale-themed market celebrates Denmark's famous author, with stalls named after his iconic stories. Perfect for families seeking less overwhelming experiences than Tivoli. 

Children love the carousel and meeting Julemanden (Santa Claus), while adults appreciate traditional Danish decorations, handicrafts, and jewelry. 

Beautiful light installations create magical evening atmosphere. Every Saturday 2-3 PM, the Copenhagen Post Orchestra performs Christmas tunes in red postal uniforms - unmissable!  

Tips: 

• You might encounter H.C. Andersen himself wandering the market. 
• Entry is completely free. 
• Gammeltorv's central location makes it easy to combine with the Round Tower or Strøget shopping.

Getting there: Use the map below or find it here: Nytorv, 1450 København K.

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you want the full festive experience: Go to Tivoli Gardens. It’s the quintessential Copenhagen Christmas market.
• For a romantic evening: Head to Nyhavn. The cozy setting by the canal is perfect for couples.
• For last-minute gifts and great food: Visit Højbro Plads. Its central location makes it ideal for spontaneous visits.
• For families with young kids: Opt for the Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market, where children can enjoy fairy tale-themed fun.

When Do Copenhagen Christmas Markets Open in 2025?

Most Copenhagen Christmas markets open in early-to-mid November and close December 21st. 

The earliest markets - Højbro Plads and Nyhavn - open November 4th, followed by the H.C. Andersen Christmas Market on November 7th. Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Winter Wonderland both open November 14th and exceptionally stay open until January 4, 2026 (closed December 24-25 and December 31-January 1). 

Specialized markets have different schedules: Værnedamsvej operates only the first Saturday of December, while Copenhagen Zoo's market runs throughout December. Christiania's market typically operates December 7-20. 

Check official market websites before visiting for any last-minute schedule changes, especially during weekends when some markets extend their hours.

Which Copenhagen Christmas Markets Are Completely Free?

Most Copenhagen Christmas markets are free - you only pay for purchases. 

• Nyhavn (November 4-21) is the most romantic free market, set along the iconic canal with colourful 17th-century townhouses. Perfect for photographers and couples enjoying roasted almonds or Danish hotdogs. 
• Højbro Plads (November 4-21) offers traditional market atmosphere in the city center with excellent street food like bratwurst and crepes. 
• The H.C. Andersen Christmas Market at Gammeltorv (November 14-20) features fairy tale-themed stalls, perfect for families where children meet Santa Claus. 

Are There Unique or Alternative Christmas Markets Worth Visiting?

Beyond traditional markets, Copenhagen offers distinctive experiences. 

• Copenhagen Zoo transforms with 400,000 sparkling lights, Santa's House, reindeer, and a Christmas train through 900 decorated trees. Children make straw animals while browsing festive stalls. 
• Christiania's market at Den Grå Hal has operated since the 1970s, offering bohemian handmade crafts. 
• Veras Vintage Market at Tunnelfabrikken focuses on sustainable, secondhand goods - perfect for eco-conscious shoppers. 
• Værnedamsvej Market operates only the first Saturday of December, transforming this cozy street between Frederiksberg and Vesterbro. 
• RAW Marked at Nørrebrohallen features 80+ artisans selling quirky creative gifts like upcycled lamps and handmade soaps. 

Each offers unique Copenhagen Christmas character.

What Happened to the Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market?

The traditional Kongens Nytorv market relocated to Thorvaldsens Plads for 2024, but in 2025 it will be held at Nytorv (different from Kongens Nytorv), and it is now called “Nytorv Julemarked”.

Since 2025 is the first year at this location, we can’t yet be sure whether it will rival the others on this list.

What Should I Know Before Visiting Copenhagen Christmas Markets?

• Most Copenhagen markets operate daily with varying hours - typically 11 AM-7 PM weekdays, extended to 8-9 PM weekends. 
• Markets get crowded after 5 PM when locals finish work, so visit earlier for relaxed experiences and better photography. 
• Only Tivoli charges admission (190-210 DKK adults); others are free. 
• Copenhagen is largely cashless - most stalls accept cards and mobile payments. 
• December temperatures hover 0°C-5°C (32°F-41°F), with darkness arriving 3:30 PM, so dress warmly in layers. 
• Traditional treats include gløgg (mulled wine), æbleskiver (spherical pancakes), brændte mandler (caramelized almonds), and flæskesteg (roast pork sandwiches). 
• Most markets close December 21st, but Tivoli and Copenhagen Winter Wonderland stay open through January 4, 2026. 

Explore all markets with our audio walk Unlock Christmas in Copenhagen or Christmas with H.C. Andersen audio walk.

My Personal Recommendation

If you can only visit one, I’d say start with Tivoli Gardens for the sheer magic of it. Yesterday I was talking with two visitors from Australia who stated that during their whole trip (7 days in Copenhagen):

Tivoli was the best part of Copenhagen! We loved the lights and everything was just so magical. This was very unique.

However, my personal favorite is Nyhavn - there’s something about sipping gløgg while strolling along the iconic harbor that feels quintessentially Danish. For ultimate experience, combine Copenhagen Winter Wonderland's ice skating at Kongens Nytorv. 

Get an overview of all Christmas Markets using the map below.

Whichever one you choose, you’re guaranteed to leave with a heart full of hygge and holiday cheer. Enjoy your visit!