Like every year, Copenhagen will become permeated with Christmas spirit way earlier than December.
From mid to late November, the wafting smell of almonds and mulled wine will become a familiar one, indicating the next corner of the city will reveal yet another Christmas market.
But while some are cosy and genuinely heart-warming, most of them are tacky and decidedly downbeat, offering the same fare as last year and food items you’ll probably regret buying after a few mouthfuls.
Gems in the rough
Nevertheless, beyond the generic ones, there are a few gems – namely the arty markets where students sell the crafts they’ve been making as part of their studies.
Mostly held in late November, they’re perfectly timed for some early Christmas shopping – after all, who can resist unique pieces at bargain prices? And you never know, but maybe the 200 kroner necklace you just bought might have been made by the next Faberge.
From jewellery and Christmas decorations to ceramics and clothing, there are present opportunities for every member of the family and friends too.
Jewellery for Change
Nov 27, 17:00–20:00; Display, Saxogade 92, Cph V; kea.dk
Talented design students from KEA are taking over the Display shop for their event ‘Jewellery for Change’. Its purpose is to expand the world’s perception of what a piece of jewellery is about. Expect classy items and a good atmosphere to get you in the mood. (LAB)
New Designers’ Market
Dec 5-6 & 12-13, open 10:00-17:00; HC Ørsteds Vej 18, Baghuset, Frederiksberg; dndm.dk
The first New Designers’ Market was organised in 2008 with just six participants, and since then it has done a great job at promoting and extending the market for innovative Danish design. Last year’s market hosted 21 designers and attracted up to 5,000 visitors each weekend. So if you’re searching for perculiar and unique gifts, this is a place you should definitely pass by, particularly as it enables you to speak to the designers themselves.
Arts and Architecture Market
Nov 29, 10:00-17:00; Philip de Langes Allé 10, Cph K; kadk.dk/en
At this annual Christmas market, the students and employees at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation (KADK) sell all the stuff they’ve made during their studies. There’s a great range to choose from, whether it’s Christmas decorations, prints and paintings, jewellery, ceramics and much, much more!
Viktoria Christmas Market
Nov 27-29, open Fri 12:00-19:00, Sat & Sun 10:00-17:00; Vesterbrogade 24B, Cph V
Normally the home of six potters, Viktoria Ceramic Studio will for the fifth year in a row transform into a shopping wonderland where you can purchase goodies such as Copenhagen’s finest ceramics, Jewellery, leather, knitwear and more unique items. Source sample products that you will not be able to find anywhere else, including work by designers such as Kasper Kasper and Tina Marie, while CPH Handmade offer exquisite ceramic products. As well as shopping, you can visit their cosy café and enjoy some fresh pastries, hot drinks, and mulled wine. (LAB)
Rita Blå’s Julelopper
Nov 22-Dec 20, open every Sun, 12:00-17:00; Trangravsvej 14, Cph K; free adm
On the five Sundays leading up to Christmas, Copenhagen Street Food’s festive market will surprise you with the crafts, design, and second-hand wares it has to offer. Make sure you visit on an empty stomach as the choice of homemade food is astounding and worthy of your consideration as a present as well.
BaghusDK Christmas Market
Dec 13-14 & 20-21, open 10:00-16:00; Vesterbrogade 107B, Cph V
On the last two weekends before Christmas, BaghusDK is opening its doors to host a fantastic Christmas market where it will provide discounts on all its current collections of furniture, jewellery and ceramics. Check out their range on its Facebook page.
