The Danish Christmas markets return for the '21 season
After the challenges of 2020 and the unusual Christmas that followed, the Danes are going all in on this year’s Christmas season. Across the country, the festive markets begin to pop up around mid-November. From the palace to the prison – here are five Danish Christmas markets not to miss.
Photo:Kim Wyon, Copenhagen Media Center
The iconic one: Tivoli Gardens
This year 1 million lights, 1000 Christmas trees and 10 tons of fir branches are decorating the Tivoli Gardens. Christmas is the festival of hearts, which is also the theme of this years celebration. Decorative hearts will be placed all over the park, the biggest and enchanting one at 11 feet, is located outside of the palace-like Nimb Hotel. As a special treat this year, Tivoli will showcase the most advanced light display to date. Besides the beautiful Christmas decorations and lights, you’ll find a great number of Christmas stalls, where you can buy everything from sweet Christmas delicacies to handmade ornaments and crafts.
Dates: 19 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
Photo:d'Angleterre
The central one: King's New Square
The historic King's New Square, Kongens Nytorv in Danish, makes a perfect setting for Christmas. Marvel in traditional Christmas decorations of Magasin and Hotel d’Angleterre, while shopping for Christmas presents and decorations in one of the many charming stalls. Warm yourself with a glass of Christmas apple punch or the famous Glühwein. For a more adventurous experience, try out the ice rink located in the square. The rink is back after having been closed for years due to the construction of the City Circle Line metro.
Dates: 12 November - 22 December
Photo:VisitOdense
The fairy tale one: Magic Christmas Market in Odense
Odense turns into a magic place at Christmas time, as the square right next to the childhood home of famous Danish writer H.C. Andersen, fills with Christmas stalls, fairytale figures, historic carrousels and horse carriages. Explore the many decorative stalls, where you’ll find local food specialties, Christmas treats, handmade jewelry and much more. Once in Odense, make sure to stop by the newly opened museum, H.C. Andersen’s House.
Dates: 4-5 December and 11-12 December
Photo:Fængselsmuseet
The alternative one: Christmas in FÆNGSLET
Spend a day or two exploring the Christmas market in the old Horsens State Penitentiary. Take a walk through the numerous stalls that offers everything from Christmas ornaments and crafts to traditional Danish Christmas treats like Risengrød, a sweet rice porridge. Go to the elf town Snekøbing and visit Santa, or head to Snedkeriet, Gymnastiksalen and Magasinet to find a great Christmas present among the many design, vintage and craft shops.
Dates: 12 – 14 & 19 – 21 November
Photo:Heino Eisner - VisitNordsjælland
The magestic one: Kronborg Castle
Feel the Christmas spirit at Kronborg Castle, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site also known as Hamlet’s Castle. With its renaissance décor and majestic towers, it provides a perfect setting for one of Denmark’s largest Christmas markets. Stroll around the many stands featuring local arts and crafts, toys, unique decorations and of course Christmas treats of several sorts. Be sure to also check out the beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the Ballroom.
Dates: 28 November – 13 December (Sat-Sun 10am – 5pm)