The Christmas markets are a mixed bag. While the arty markets (coming next week!) are normally sure-fire winners, and the ones with children’s entertainment (later in the month) tend to make the trip worthwhile even if you leave empty-handed, there are a whole bunch of inbetweeners that will disappoint and delight in equal measures.
At a bad market you’ll find 20 versions of the same store selling the same tired old crap they couldn’t get rid of last year, plus almonds. But at a good one, you’ll want to buy something every time you move your eyes, and in a flash you’ll have done all your Christmas shopping, for this year and the next.
Christiania Christmas Market
The Grey Hall, Refshalevej 2, Christiania; Dec 5-20, open Mon-Fri 14:00-20:00, Sat-Sun 12:00-20:00; christiania.org
This unconventional market, which is more reminiscent of an Oriental bazaar, offers a multitude of colourful stalls offering quirky handicraft items, hand-made jewellery, paper-cut Christmas mobiles, knitted sweaters and leather masks.
Jægersborggade Christmas Market
Jægersborggade, Cph N; Dec 7-18, open daily 10:00-16:00; free adm; jaegersborggade.com
A good place to find unique gifts that will make your friends and relatives sigh with awe. And don’t forget to pamper yourself with the amazing food at this hip market.
Tivoli Christmas Market
Tivoli Gardens, Vesterbrogade 3, Cph K; ends Jan 4, open Mon-Sun 11.00-23.00, Dec 31, 11:00-00:30; tickets: adults 99kr, under-8s free adm; tivoli.dk
Make sure you visit Tivoli to sample the Christmas booths decked with trinkets, delicious hot drinks, culinary delights and great gift ideas.
Nyhavn Christmas Market
Nyhavn, Cph K; ends Dec 22, open Mon-Wed 11:00-18:00, Thu-Sun 11:00-20:00; free adm
Stroll along the old harbour to find entertainment, food, craft, mulled wine and decorated stalls that offer traditional Danish Christmas treats such as æbleskiver and gløgg. On November 16 taste Danish Christmas brews to the sound of harbour jazz for just five kroner.
Lyngby Christmas Market
Peter Lundsvej 8, Lyngby; Sun Nov 23, 10:00-17:00; free adm
Another good market to get ready for Christmas with plenty of enticing bargains. Stock up on advent calendars, Christmas wreaths and decorations, and don’t miss the chance to sample its famous apple slice.
Fair Trade Christmas Market
Caféen i Verdenskulturcentret, Nørre Alle 7, Cph N; Nov 29-Dec 20, open 10:00-17:00; free adm
Find Xmas presents from all over the world, including coffee from Sumatra, shoes from Guatemala and a bread basket from Sierra Leone. There are lots of unique gifts and tasty treats along with the chance to learn more about fair trade
Rita Blå’s Julelopper
Trangravsvej 14, Cph K; Nov 22-Dec 20, open Sat 11:00-16:00; free adm
Nab yourself a bargain at the Christmas edition of Copenhagen’s favourite flea market. Choose from a combination of second-hand wares, crafts, design, homemade food and music.
Charity Christmas Market
Nattergalevej 6, Cph NV; every Sat, 1 Nov-27 Dec, 10:00-15:00; free adm
Christmas is a time to share your love and care for your closest ones as well as those in need. Visit a market where every purchase benefits women and children in Bangladesh and India. Choose from vases, kitchen utensils, toys, books of all genres, furniture and more.
Warm Heart Christmas Market
Vigerslevvej 54B, Valby; open Nov 15-16, 12:00-18:00; entry: 10kr
This creative Christmas bazaar is a paradise for those with hobbies. From decoupage and knitting to sewing and jewellery making, it caters to them all.
Retro Christmas Market
Ravnsborggade, Cph N; Sun 16 Nov, 10:00-16:00; free adm
Come and enjoy the ambience of this one-day retro market.
