How to Plan for Copenhagen at Christmas
Copenhagen is simply fantastic in the months of November and December. Sure, it can be cold and get dark early, but when you're bundled up and enjoying a warm drink under the Christmas lights or in the festive Julemarkeds (Christmas Markets) - you'll feel warm and cheery. Even though the weather isn't perfect - you can use this guide to get the most out of your trip to the Danish capital at Christmastime.
How is the weather?
Because Copenhagen has a coastal climate, it's damp and can often feel colder than the temperatures make you think. The winds also add to the chill, and with the early sunset - you will need warm and waterproof layers of clothing.
It's normal to have 17 days with precipitation on an average November or December. Be prepared for some rain or sleet, even a dusting of snow, but there's usually not much accumulation.
Clothes to Pack
🥶 Wool Hat
🧣 Scarf
🧤 Gloves or Mittens
🧥 Heavy Waterproof Jacket
🩲 Long Underwear or Long Johns
👖 Wool Trousers or non-denim pants (much warmer)
🧦 Wool Socks
🥾 Winter Boots
👚 Sweaters
Copenhagen Christmas Markets
These Copenhagen Christmas Markets are open daily and throughout the months of November and December. Throughout the city you will also find smaller, neighborhood Christmas Markets that operate in more of a pop-up style. They're open 1-2 weekends in December, but are just as fun and festive as the mainstays listed below.
Julemarked Kongens Nytorv Danmarks største
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Make sure to get there during the evening so you can also see the Hotel D'Angleterre with its enchanting lights and Christmas decorations.
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Christmas Market Højbro Plads
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Lovely at night and it's gorgeous to see Christianborg Palace in the background of the market. On the 13th of December, it's a great place to watch the Santa Lucia kayak parade in Holmens Canal.
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H.C. Andersen's Julemarked
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This market is a bit smaller, but on weekends you can usually catch a Hans Christian Andersen mascot walking around.
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Tivoli Gardens
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We can't get enough of Tivoli - we have been season ticket holders since we moved to Copenhagen in 2017.
A few Tivoli tips:
- Basic entrance to the park does not include rides, you can pay extra for an unlimited ride wristband or purchase ride fare inside the park from machines.
- We normally recommend that you commit half a day to Tivoli, especially if you're short on time in the city. You can also exit and reenter if you get a hand stamp.
- Crowds are the biggest after school/work hours so that's a perfect time to leave and see another attraction or get a bite to eat in a more affordable setting (food inside Tivoli can be pricey)
- Check Tivoli's website before you plan your visit to make sure they are open. Also, there are events and concerts where the rides close early (but your admission includes the event/concert)
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Nyhavn
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You'll see that prices are higher along Nyhavn and it's also true of the Christmas market staples like Gløgg, but it's gorgeous and you have to go.
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Den Grå Hal
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Christiania is safe, but there have been drug related violent crimes committed there, so be cautious and on alert when you visit.
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Christmas Shopping and Souveniers
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Indoor Activities
Museums
Designmuseum Denmark
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Try to pair this museum with a visit to the medicine museum next door if you can make it happen.
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Medicinsk Museion
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You saw Derek miss this one, but time it well and you can visit two museums just next to each other - Design and Medicine.
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National Museum of Denmark
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The National Museum of Denmark is incredible, especially if you're interested in Viking History. We have been fortunate enough to collaborate with the National Museum of Denmark for a couple of YouTube videos in Copenhagen and their other efforts in Jelling - and their staff is TOP NOTCH.
The exhibitions are creatively displayed and a special attention is taken to make them interactive. It's easy to navigate the museum and explore in English, and compared to other museums in Copenhagen and elsewhere, the National Museum of Denmark is very "kid friendly".
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Palaces
Christiansborg Palace
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Christianborg Palace is now the home of the Danish government including the Parliament, Prime Minister's office, and the Supreme Court.
TIP: You can purchase a ticket to tour the palace, but we highly recommend a visit to the top of the tower.
This is one of the best FREE activities in Copenhagen - you can enter through the main entrance and look for a sign and queue that say "the view". After a security check, you can take two elevators and a staircase to the tower above Christianborg for a remarkable (and free) view of the city.
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Amalienborg
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Amalienborg is the home to HM Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and CrownPrince Frederik and his family. You cannot guarantee yourself a glimpse of the Royals, but you can guarantee something else if you visit at noon. Each day, the Danish Royal Guard march from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg Palace where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. The ceremony takes place daily with the guard leaving Rosenborg Castle at 11:30 to arrive at Amalienborg Palace for the ceremony at 12:00.
The Amalienborg museum is wonderful, but if you are pressed on time - our recommendation is to prioritize Rosenborg Castle, but make sure to witness the changing of the guard and the march to Amalienborg Palace at noon.
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Rosenborg Castle
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This early 17th century Palace was once the summer house of King Christian IV, but now it's a museum that holds some of Denmark's most impressive treasure. Make sure to see the Crown Jewels and the Coronation Thrones. After your visit, unwind in the King's Garden (Kongens Have) surrounding the castle. It's the most visited green space in the city and the PERFECT spot for a picnic and a bottle of wine. If you time your visit right, you can watch the Danish lifeguards who guard the treasury at Rosenborg march to Amalienborg Palace - home of the queen! They leave daily at 11:30 to arrive at Amalienborg by noon.
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Indoor Activities for Kids
Experimentarium
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This science museum is fantastic for kids and their grown ups. It's a little bit outside of the city, but easily reached by train, public transportation or even bike.
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Outdoor Activities
Broens Gadekøkken
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It can get busy on weekends with nice weather, but you'll also get to experience a Danish loppemarked or "flea market" at the same location. Arrive early for a table if you're in a group!
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Food and Drink
Try the Danish Christmas Meal
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Casual Restaurants
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Fancy Dining
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