Denmark during the festive season transforms into a scene of cosy lights, warm mulled wine and fairy-tale atmosphere. Hereâs a guide to some of the best Christmas markets in Denmark, what makes them special, and links to check for current opening dates and details.
Why Danish Christmas markets are special
Denmark has a long tradition of winter celebrations â even before the Viking Age â as a way to bring light and joy to the dark months.
The Danish concept of hygge (coziness, warmth, togetherness) is very alive in these markets: flickering candles, wooden stalls, warm drinks, festive decorations.
Many of the markets are free to enter (unless part of an amusement-park) and located in historic squares or parks, making walking between them easy.
Top Markets to Visit
1. Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen)
Located in Copenhagen, the historic amusement park becomes a winter wonderland at Christmastime.
Youâll find wooden chalets with gifts and treats, rides and rides-lights, and atmospheric decorations.
Dates (2025 season) are around mid-November to early January: e.g. one source gives 15 Nov 2025 to 5 Jan 2026.
Website link: Tivoli Gardens Christmas MarketÂ
Tip: Visit after dark to get the full light display effect. Dress warmly and allow time for strolling rather than rushing.
2. Højbro Plads (Copenhagen)
A very central market, right by Strøget (the main pedestrian shopping street in Copenhagen).
Offers a more traditional market feel: hand-crafts, gløgg (mulled wine), festive food, all in a historic square.
Free admission. One guide lists the 2025 opening from 4 Nov to 21 Dec.
Tip: Combine with shopping in Strøget and pop into the surrounding cafÊs for hot cocoa or Danish pastries.
3. Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market at Nytorv / Gammeltorv (Copenhagen)
This market has a unique twist: each stall is named after one of H.C. Andersenâs fairyâtales (such as The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen, etc.).
Located at Nytorv / Gammeltorv in historic Copenhagen city centre.
Free entry. Date example: 14 Nov â 20 Dec 2025 for this market.
Tip: Great for families (kids will like the storyâtheme) and for finding gifts with a literary/design twist.
4. Other Noteworthy Markets Across Denmark
In the city of Aarhus: the âRidehusetâ market and the âOld Town (Aarhus)â market are mentioned as festive markets with crafts and tradition.
In the town of Nyborg on Funen: a Christmas market held during the first two weekends in December on Nyborg Torv.
Tip: If you have more than a weekend, consider venturing outside Copenhagen to experience more local and less crowded markets.
Practical Tips for Visiting
When to go: Many markets open mid-November. Full festive atmosphere is typically late Nov through December.
What to wear: Dress in layers; Danish winters are cold and the markets are often outdoors in the evening.
What to expect:
Hot drinks: âgløggâ (mulled wine) and hot chocolate.
Traditional food: Danish pancakes (ĂŚbleskiver), roasted nuts, sausages.
Crafts & gifts: local design, wooden toys, woollen items, decorations.
Accommodation & location tips: Stay centrally in Copenhagen so you can walk between markets and other attractions easily.
Booking early: For major markets like Tivoli, itâs advisable to buy tickets/enter early to avoid queues.
Why go?
Visiting a Danish Christmas market is about more than shopping â itâs about the atmosphere, the lights, the warmth in the cold, and the hyggelig feeling. Whether youâre strolling through fairy-tale stalls at the H.C. Andersen market or feeling childlike wonder at Tivoli, itâs a festive experience that blends tradition, design, and culture.
Planning links
âChristmas markets in Denmark 2025â â Opdag Danmark site: opdagdanmark.dk
âChristmas markets in Copenhagenâ â general guide: christmasmarketcopenhagen.com
âVisit Copenhagen â Christmas in Copenhagenâ â official city tourism page: visitcopenhagen.com
