2026 Copenhagen Christmas Markets Guide
Craving twinkling lights, steaming mugs of mulled wine or cider, and that special Christmas market magic? Then add the Copenhagen Christmas Markets to your travel list! Copenhagen is full of cozy vibes, delicious treats, and plenty of holiday cheer in this beautiful Danish city. With multiple markets, a buzzing arts and culture scene, and fantastic dining, there’s plenty to love about Copenhagen at Christmas time.
Rapid-Fire FAQ'S about the Copenhagen Christmas Markets
How many markets does Copenhagen have?Copenhagen feels like one long string of Christmas markets with a few others here and there. Copehagen has six main markets: Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market, Royal Danish Academy Christmas Market, Hans Christian Andersen Market, Julemarked Kongens Nytorv, Nyhavn Christmas Market, and Højbro Plads Christmas Market
Should I use card or cash?Mostly card! (Read more about this later in the blog.)
What are the hours of the Christmas Markets? Copenhagen's market hours vary slightly, but most are open daily from around 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Some extend their hours on weekends.
Can you walk from one Christmas Market to the next? Yes! It's easy and highly encouraged.
Do I need to eat before I come?No! Christmas markets are basically a food crawl.
What should I wear? Typically a sweater, pants, a good jacket, a scarf, gloves, and comfy shoes will do just fine. There's very little places to sit, so you'll be on your feet a lot.
Navigating the Language
Denmark's national language is Danish. We found most people we encountered at hotels, popular attractions, and the markets spoke excellent English. If you encounter any language barrier, this can always be quickly remedied using Google Translate. While you definitely don’t need to know Danish to enjoy Copenhagen, here are a few helpful words to know while exploring during Christmas:
Hej - pronounced Hi - means hello - just like in English!
Tak - pronounced Tahk - means thanks/thank you
Copenhagen Christmas Market Locations
Copenhagen Christmas Market Locations
Copenhagen has several Christmas markets spread across the city, but the majority of them are very close together, within walking distance of one another. Here are a few of our favorites:
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market: This iconic amusement park transforms into a winter wonderland. Think twinkling lights, dazzling rides, and Christmas cheer galore. Be sure to try the famous Gløgg (mulled wine) and indulge in some sweet treats. This market is the only market in Copenhagen that charges admission, but once you get there you’ll see why - it’s a theme park! You can buy additional tickets to enjoy rides and attractions once you arrive if you wish.
Højbro Plads Christmas Market: Located right next to the famous Strøget pedestrian street, this cozy market offers a traditional Danish experience. Browse handmade crafts, warm up with a mug of Gløgg, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Many markets can be found along this street.
Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market: This elegant market boasts a beautiful setting in the heart of Copenhagen. Here you'll find high-quality Danish design alongside classic Christmas treats.
Nyhavn Christmas Market: Experience the magic of Christmas along the colorful Nyhavn harbor. This picturesque market offers stunning views, delicious food, and a unique atmosphere.
Copenhagen Christmas Market Opening Dates & Times
Though the 2026 Christmas market dates have not been released yet, we know from years of dates that Copenhagen's Christmas markets reliably kick off early! In 2025, Copenhagen’s Chrsitmas markets were open from November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026. Double-check specific dates before your trip, but generally, you can expect festive fun from mid-November through the first weekend of January.
If you can, visit on a weekday as they are less crowded. Still, the Friday night weekend energy gave way to a more energetic vibe than on a Thursday. Shorter lines for goulash and mulled wine during the weekdays, though! And though the weather is often frigid, Embrace the Hygge: Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is the Danish concept of cozy contentment. Wrap yourself in a warm blanket, sip some Gløgg, and soak up the festive atmosphere. There is a core believe here that there is no bad weather, just bad clothes. So bundle up and enjoy the chill!
Markets & Money
Like most of Scandinavia, Denmark plays its own game and uses different money. You'll need Danish Krone when you visit Copenhagen! If you're wondering if you should bring cash or card to the Christmas markets, the answer is mostly card. Because of the different currency, you'll almost always need card at most booths. Occasionally, it's good to have smaller bills for smaller purchases for $10 of less than $10.
Copenhagen doesn't do Christmas Market "deposits"
While most European Christmas markets tend to do "deposits" for the non-disposable mugs and plates, you won't find that in Copenhagen. Unfortunately, all of the hot drinks are served in paper cups, so there are no market deposits to deal with...nor cute mugs to take home. Food is also served on disposable dishes with disposable cutlery.
How much should I budget for food and drinks?
It's best to assume about $20 (USD) per mealper person for markets in Denmark. Hot drinks typically cost between $8-$12. Dishes such as a sandwich cost around $14. Hot dogs or simpler dishes cost between $7-10, depending on the type. Sweet treats and desserts, on average, range between $4-12. Though it’s one of the priciest markets we’ve been to, the food was absolutely amazing!
If you're looking to buy a more precious and pricier souvenir, you'll be glad to have your card on hand. Always make sure to ask the vendor before ordering or deciding to purchase anything which payment method they will take. We found most vendors spoke some English, but if there is a communication barrier, payment questions can be easily communicated by holding up your credit card and asking, "do you take card?" They will quickly answer with either hand gestures or a verbal yes or no.
A helpful note about taking out foreign currency in cash:
The best practice (and cheapest) for having cash on hand in a new country is to go to your bank at least 10 business days before your trip and ask them for the new currency. Depending on your bank, this transaction will either be free or just a few dollars.
If you're like us and realize the airplane tires hit foreign soil that we forgot to do this, then find an ATM to take out Krona in cash! Yes, you can do this even with an international debit card and even some credit cards. There will typically be a small transaction fee along with the exchange rate. It's still cheaper to take out cash this way than to go to a money exchange or Western Union.
Foods & Drinks to Try
Copenhagen's Christmas markets are a food lover's dream. From traditional Danish treats to international goodies, there's always something delicious to try. Remember, the best way to experience Copenhagen's Christmas markets is to wander around, explore the different stalls, and indulge in whatever catches your eye.
Must-Try Danish Food & Drinks:
Æbleskiver: These fluffy pancake balls are typically served with jam and powdered sugar.
Risengrød: A comforting rice pudding often topped with cinnamon and butter.
Gløgg: A warm and spiced mulled wine perfect for chilly winter nights.
Pebernødder: Small, spicy cookies made with ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
Honningkager: Gingerbread cookies, often decorated with icing and colorful sprinkles.
Rød pølse: A hearty and satisfying hot dog snack, often served with mustard and bread.
Must-Do's While You're in Copenhagen
Explore the Canals: Take a canal tour and see Copenhagen from a different perspective. It's a magical way to experience the city's charm and historic architecture.
Visit Nyhavn: Stroll along the colorful Nyhavn harbor, one of Copenhagen's most iconic landmarks. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, cozy cafes, and beautiful boats. While you’re there, pop into the Nyhavn Christmas market!
Experience Tivoli Gardens: Even if you're not a thrill-seeker, Tivoli Gardens is a must-visit during the Christmas season. With its enchanting lights, festive decorations, and charming rides, it's a winter wonderland.
Indulge in Danish Pastries: Denmark is famous for its delectable pastries. Don't miss the chance to try a warm cinnamon roll or a traditional Danish pastry at a local bakery.
Shop 'til You Drop: Copenhagen is a shopper's paradise. From high-end fashion to unique souvenirs, you'll find it all in the city's stylish shops and boutiques.
How to Get Around Copenhagen
Stay in or near the city center and walk! Walking is always the best way to see the city. If you'd like to go a little further, the metro is constantly running all around town and cost only about $3 per single ride. The metro run frequently and can take you to all of the major sites in town.
Going a little further into town and need a ride? We easily used Uber to get where we needed to go. Copenhagen's main train station is easy to access and goes to many other major stations in many other cities. Being so close to Sweden, Norway, and Germany, Copenhagen is the perfect launching pad for more European adventures.