All About the Christmas Spirit in Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city, is overflowing with festive cheer during the winter holidays—and there’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by taking part in a seasonal tour. Whether you’re interested in learning about the city’s Yuletide festivities or simply want to explore some of Copenhagen’s most popular sights and attractions, there are plenty of tours available to join. Here, we take a look at some of the best Christmas-themed experiences on offer in the city.

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

One of the most popular and romantic Christmas-themed activities in Copenhagen is a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city’s most scenic areas. This extraordinary experience starts at Kongens Nytorv, a historical and picturesque square situated near the waterfront. You’ll then be provided with a comfortable carriage pulled by a magnificent horse, journeying across renowned sites such as the Little Mermaid Statue, Amalienborg royal palace, and Rosenborg Castle. All along the route, your knowledgeable guide will provide entertaining stories and curiosities about some of the city’s most iconic historical locations. You’ll also be enthralled by the festive decorations that line the canals and bridges of Copenhagen, creating an incredibly magical atmosphere as you move through this beautiful city.

Canal Cruise

What better way to explore the city of Copenhagen than by gliding through its canals aboard a canal cruise? Hop aboard a boat at Gammel Strand docks and get ready for a fascinating journey along Copenhagen’s waterways, discovering some of its most idyllic sites at ground level. This cruise is particularly special during winter months when you can observe all of the wonderful holiday decorations that have adorned the city from from a different perspective. You’ll cruise gently down picturesque canals, stopping every now and then to admire local landmarks such as Amaliehaven Park, the National Museum of Denmark, and Blocksbjerg hill. Built during the 17th century, this enchanting tour route offers a truly unique introduction to Copenhagen, complete with Christmas spirit.

Christmas Food Market

Christmas shopping in Copenhagen is an experience unlike any other and if you’re looking for local gifts while soaking up some holiday cheer then you should definitely visit Torvehallerne KBH. This wonderful market is home to some of Denmark’s best open-air vendors which stock treats, souvenirs, and Scandinavian gift ideas from morning ’til night. For those in search of festive food fare, however, Torvehallerne has plenty to offer—including some delicious traditional Christmas treats. Look out for æbleskiver, which are tasty pancakes filled with apples and served with warm caster sugar, or try julekage—a type of Danish holiday cake mixed with rum and spices for a heavenly flavor. You can also find refreshing beverages such as gløgg (mulled wine) and hot chocolate to keep you warm during icy winter days.

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is another fabulous Christmas destination in Copenhagen. This classic amusement park welcomes visitors over the festive season with enchanting decorations and winter activities that can captivate people of all ages. Part of Tivoli’s Yuletide appeal comes from its incredible lightshow which programs thousands of LEDs to create entire streetscapes themed around twinkling fairytales and stories—it’s truly remarkable to behold, especially when accompanied by all of the park’s other seasonal activities, such as ice skating on the lake, carousel rides and a wave-making wave machine that’s perfect for cooling off on hot days. All these reasons make Tivoli Gardens one of Copenhagen’s top destinations for spreading Yuletide joy and getting into that special Christmas spirit!

Book Your Tour

Regardless of whether you’re alone or with someone special, Christmas in Copenhagen provides an amazing range of attractions to keep you entertained during your stay in the city. A festive carriage tour or a Christmas food market visit is only the start—so why not make the most of your stay by exploring everything this city has to offer? There are plenty of options available, so head over to GetYourGuide now and book your unforgettable Christmas tour through Copenhagen!

An Insider’s Guide to Experiencing the Christmas Spirit in Copenhagen

Denmark’s capital city, Copenhagen, is a unique gem filled with culture, history, and charm. Especially during the Christmas season, this city transforms into a winter wonderland, making it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the yuletide cheer in a Nordic setting. Here’s our guide to experiencing the best of the city during Christmastime:

Local Attractions: Uncovering Copenhagen’s Hidden Gems

While Tivoli Gardens and The Little Mermaid are undoubtedly iconic spots for tourists to visit during their Copenhagen trip, there are several other lesser-known places that make this city a special place to visit. For instance, the Assistens Cemetery is a beautiful, sprawling park that provides a poignant juxtaposition of life and death. The Andersen Boutique Hotel, dedicated to the fairy tale author, is another interesting spot that will leave visitors feeling enchanted. Christiania, an exceptional neighborhood, is a former military establishment that has turned into a self-proclaimed autonomous, artistic, and liberal city. There are no cars here, and the colorful street art, cafes, and market stalls make it an ideal spot to spend an afternoon.

Dining Spots: Savoring Copenhagen’s Local Cuisine

There are several unique Danish delicacies that visitors should try during their stay in Copenhagen, such as the traditional open-face sandwich, smørrebrød, made with rye bread and adorned with meats, fish, or vegetables. Aebleskiver, which translates to “apple slices,” are mouth-watering pastries that are cylindrical in shape and typically served with jam and powdered sugar. Another delicious treat is Flæskesteg, a roasted pork dish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. For a more upscale experience, try a Michelin-starred restaurant like Noma, which boasts an innovative Nordic menu and delights diners with its emphasis on local ingredients.

Cultural Experiences: Getting Immersed in Copenhagen’s Holiday Spirit

Copenhagen is a city with deep cultural roots, and its celebrations during the holiday season are no exception. Experience the city’s traditional Christmas markets where vendors sell festive handicrafts, candles and gløgg, a Danish holiday favorite made with mulled wine and spices. Visit Tivoli Gardens, which is transformed into a winter wonderland with spectacular light shows, ice skating, rides, games and food stalls. The National Museum of Denmark offers the opportunity to learn about Danish Christmas traditions and customs. And, of course, the city’s prominent theaters host holiday-themed productions, like the Christmas Show at the Tivoli Concert Hall, which is a highly anticipated event in the city’s cultural calendar.

Local History: Some Fascinating Tales About Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a rich history, and there are many stories from the past that bring the city to life. One of the most captivating is the legend of Amalienborg Palace’s Changing of the Guard, in which Danish soldiers dressed in full regalia march through the streets. Visitors can go on a nighttime ghost tour of the city, to hear spine-chilling tales of ghosts and apparitions at spots like the King’s Garden or the Crypts of the Cathedral. The Round Tower, built-in 1642, is Europe’s oldest functioning observatory, where one can still witness one of the most enchanting and visually stunning performances in the world — the “parade of the stars”.

Beyond the Conventional: Unique Tips for Experiencing Copenhagen

For a truly unforgettable experience, rent a bicycle and take in the city on two wheels. Copenhagen is a city that gives plenty of consideration to its cyclists, and tour operators like Cycling Copenhagen can provide guided bike tours for visitors. Visit the alternative neighborhood of Vesterbro, which is filled with craft breweries, unique shops and trendy cafes. Or take a trip to the nearby Øresund Bridge, which connects Denmark to Sweden, providing the opportunity to visit two countries on the same day. For a more tranquil experience, take a stroll through the city’s many parks, like the King’s Garden, or enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the canals.

In Summary, Copenhagen is a city filled with spirit, beauty, and enchantment, especially during the Christmas season. From its unique cuisine and cultural experiences to the hidden gems and fascinating history, the city has something for everyone. It’s a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list, and with a little bit of insider knowledge, visitors can unlock all of the city’s treasures.