As we approach the darker days, these festivities will surely bring some light to this time of year. So bundle up and get cosy with some spiced gløgg and a warming atmosphere.
Denmark is known for these annual markets, and Copenhagen is home to some of the best ones in the country. See what the city has to offer this time of year, and take a walk through what resembles a winter wonderland.
The best around
There are many markets around town to choose from, but how do you know which ones to check out? We’ve done our research, so read on to see what we recommend as the best markets happening this year.
Whether you’re visiting Denmark or you live here, these markets will give you a true feel for a hyggelig Danish Christmas experience!
Rita Blå’s Xmas Design Flea Market
Dec 10-11, 10:00-18:00; Centralpostbygningen, Tietgensgade 37, Cph V; free adm
Next door to Copenhagen Central Station in the old post office building area, this market specialises in crafts, design and vintage clothing. Visiting the stalls is like attending a party as the music never stops. This Christmas edition includes children’s workshops, tasty Christmas food and musical performances. Bargains and Christmas trees.
Christmas Market in Tivoli
ends Dec 31, open Sun-Thu 11:00-23:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-00:00, Dec 24 11:00-16:00; Dec 25 11:00 – 23:00; Dec 31 11:00 – 00:30; Vesterbrogade 3, Cph K; entry: 120kr, under-8s free adm; tivoli.dk
The city’s biggest Christmas market will teleport you into a fairytale. Besides the obvious rides and games, try the appetising culinary delicacies and hot drinks, get inspired by great gift ideas or just simply walk around an astonishing place that is always surrounded by laughter.
The Royal Christmas Market at Kronborg Castle
Dec 3-4 and 10-11, open 10:00-17:00; Kronborg Castle, Helsingør; 50kr; under-4s free adm; kongeligeslotte.dk
The famous Hamlet Castle will be holding its annual Christmas market this December. Treat yourself like royalty and enjoy all of the magical Christmas festivities, such as horse-drawn carriage rides and watching the Fairy Tale Theatre in the great ballroom. Take the opportunity to find special, handmade Christmas products from the 100 stalls at the market as well as participate in gift-making workshops. Guided tours will also be provided for those who want to learn more about Christmas at Kronborg.
Lyngby Christmas Market
Dec 3-4 & 10-11, open daily 10:00-16:00; Lyngby Nordre Mill, Lyngby
Who said Tivoli was the only themepark with a Christmas market?! Bakken, the oldest in the world (founded in 1583), is moving some of its Christmas stands to Lyngby.
International Christmas Market in Højbro Plads
ends Dec 23, open Mon-Wed 11:00-19:00, Thu 11:00-20:00, Fri 11:00-21:00, Sat 10-21, Sun 11:00-18:00; Højbro Plads 9, Cph K; free adm; julemarked.nu
Experience an old-fashioned Christmas like in the good old days with decorated trees, 80,000 sparkling lights, elves, reindeer and Santa’s sleigh. Don’t miss out on the delicious German barbeque sausage and gløgg.
Christiania Christmas Market
Dec 9-20, open 12:00-20:00, last day 12:00-18:00; Grey Hall, Refshalevej 2, Christiania; christiania.org
Every year during December, the Grey Hall in Christiania is transformed into a Christmas market that offers untraditional experiences when you get tired of the crowded shopping malls. Instead, enjoy the cosy and warm atmosphere, gløgg with less familiar flavours and the pleasant smell of roasted almonds.
Dragør Christmas Market
Dec 3, open advent weekends 10:00-16:00; Dragør Borgerforening; free adm
This is the 25th year of this special Christmas market, and one you don’t want to miss. Since 2014, the Dragør Christmas Market has been celebrating with a “time travel” theme that they borrowed from “Tidsrejsen,” the DR1 julekalendar TV program. Enjoy the charm of the beautifully decorated Borgerforeningen hall, while sipping on mulled wine and tasting the markets classic fritters. There is also the opportunity to take part in the Santa lottery. Along with the various stalls selling Christmas hearts, woolen goods, and traditional tree decorations, join in on all of the different Christmas festivities that Dragør has to offer.
Design Xmas Market
Dec 2-4, Fri 12:00-19:00, Sat & Sun 12:00-17:00; Victoria Ceramic Studio, Vesterbrogade 24B, Cph V; free adm
Normally the home of six potters, Viktoria Ceramic Studio will for the sixth 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 offers exquisite ceramic products. As well as shopping, you can visit the cosy café and enjoy some fresh pastries, hot drinks, and mulled wine.
Østerbro’s Hyggeligste Xmas Market
Dec 3-4, 10:00-16:00 (Santa 13:00); Remisen, Blegdamsvej 132, Cph Ø; 10kr; under 16s free adm
Named by Antik & Auktion magazine as one of Copenhagen’s best, the Christmas edition of the well-known flea market will serve up countless possibilities for presents. As the organisers proudly proclaim, it’s the “market where people meet”.
HC Andersen Xmas Market
ends Dec 22, open daily 11:00-19:00; Fri-Sat 11-20:00; Axel Torv, Cph K; julemarked.co
After a successful opening year in 2014, the carousels are returning to the centre of Copenhagen. So jump onboard HC Andersen or Santa Claus – all kids’ ages are catered to.
Nyhavn Christmas Market
ends Dec 23, open Sun-Thur 11:00-19:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-20:00; Nyhavn, Cph K; markedskalendaren.dk
Can you imagine a more beautiful place in Copenhagen for a Christmas market than Nyhavn? Swing by the charming harbour and taste local treats such as æbleskriver and gløgg, whilst listening to traditional Danish Christmas hits.
Carlsberg Xmas Market
Dec 2-4, 10:00-17:00; Visit Carlsberg, amle Carlsberg Vej 11, Cph V
Hop aboard for what is probably the best Christmas market ever arranged for dad. Sample special beer, stock up on your festive brew and tick off the chore of buying a tree while you’re nicely sozzled. And if your kids behave, treat them to a horse-drawn carriage and æbelskiver.
Flid’s Xmas Market
Dec 3-4, 11:00-17:00; Nørrebrohallen, Cph N; over-12s 30kr, under-12s free adm: flidmarked.com
Entrepreneurs, craftsmen and other exhibitors will be selling their one-off knick-knacks. Prints, jewellery and ceramics will heavily feature. Cards and Mobilepay accepted! Check the website for a list of the 100-odd stall holders.
BaghusDK Xmas Market
Dec 13-14 & 20-21, 10:00-16:00; Vesterbrogade 107B, Cph V; free adm
The Danish furniture, ceramics and jewellery designers at BaghusDK sell prototypes, discontinued goods, samples and exhibition products – all of their own creation. Look out for the discounts in their big Christmas sale and check out their range on the Facebook page.
Christmas at Kødbyen
Dec 10-11, 10:00-18:00; Kødbyen, Flæsketorvet, Cph V; koedbyensmadogmarked.dk
An event at Kødbyen always ensures a down-to-earth yet edgy urban atmosphere. Enjoy a weekend in the food district filled with churros and sandwiches as well as many Christmas dishes and treats. There will also be lots of live music to enjoy while sipping your hot cocoa.
