Christmas in West Zealand

When darkness falls early and candles are lit in the windows, West Zealand is a lovely place to find the Christmas spirit. There are wide skies, short distances between villages, manor houses and market towns, and room to take things slowly. Roads wind between fields, woods and fjords, and the next festive stop is rarely far away. This is Christmas in the countryside – with Christmas markets, local festive food and experiences for the whole family in the municipalities of Slagelse, Sorø, Holbæk and Kalundborg. You will find the full programme on Destination Sjælland's Christmas page.

Christmas markets and special days

In November and December, courtyards, museums and manor houses fill with stalls, lights and the scent of mulled wine and æbleskiver, Danish pancake balls. Many places hold their Christmas market on a single weekend, and this is where you find handmade gifts, decorations and local specialities. Among the big ones is the Christmas market at Kragerup Manor, while the museums in Sorø and Holbæk and several farms and vineyards also open their doors. There is Christmas cheer at the old vicarage in Jyderup, and Father Christmas rides a vintage train between Høng and Gørlev. Several markets are free to enter. Dates change from year to year, so always check the programme before you set off.

Festive food from the area

Christmas is also a feast for the heart and the stomach. West Zealand is full of small producers, farm shops and vineyards where you can shop for the Christmas table: cheese and sausages, bread and cakes, chocolate, schnapps, wine, cider and ice cream. Many have extended opening hours in December, and several let you taste before you buy. Many of the producers are close to each other, so you can easily visit several on one trip. It is a pleasant way to combine a trip to the countryside with shopping for gifts and Christmas food with a story.

Christmas experiences for the whole family

Besides the markets, there are Christmas experiences that last all season. The museums put on Christmas exhibitions and workshops where children can make decorations and hunt for elves. Nyvang Experience Centre invites you to Christmas in the old railway town, and Birkegårdens Haver gardens become a sea of lights in the dark months. In Holbæk you can skate at Isrosen, the ice rink in the middle of town, and in several places you can cut your own Christmas tree. There is also Christmas theatre, an Advent lunch at the manor house and Christmas lunches at restaurants and inns.

Give an experience

If you are still looking for a present, an experience could be the answer. A museum gift card, a night at a manor house or in a treetop cabin or a trip to a concert gives something to look forward to after Christmas. On the Christmas page we have gathered a range of gift ideas from West Zealand.

See the full programme

On destinationsjaelland.dk/kampagner/jul you will find this year's Christmas markets, special days, festive food and gift ideas in one place. The page is updated as organisers publish new dates. The page is in Danish – use it when planning a Christmas outing, a family weekend or a trip to shop for the holidays. Bring warm clothes and good shoes, as many of the experiences are outdoors and December evenings can be cold. Find more experiences in the area at destinationsjaelland.dk.