Copenhagen is often assumed to be a Christmas market destination during the festive period—and, indeed, the markets, with their charming wooden stalls, are among the best in Europe. The city also has a huge array of popular visitor attractions and theme parks that provide excitement, entertainment, and festive joy in a cold, crisp backdrop.
However, like all our favourite city destinations, Copenhagen has so much more to offer. If, like many, you’re keen to step into the authentic culture of a traditional Danish Christmas, explore sights away from the queues and crowds, and discover hidden gems, the city will not disappoint.
In today’s insider guide to visiting Copenhagen for a short break from December through to February, when spring gradually starts to return, we’ll share some of the best things to see and do alongside or instead of the conventional attractions.
Enjoying the Classic Cuisines and Traditions of Christmas in Copenhagen
If you’ve already seen The Little Mermaid, enjoyed the fairground rides at Tivoli Gardens, and bought all the souvenirs, crafts, and keepsakes you can carry at the Christmas markets, it’s time to look a little further afield in this diverse, beautiful, and modern city that has myriad surprises up its sleeve.
Our first tip would be to immerse yourself in the traditions, something that makes a short break over the festive period so much more special. This is equally perfect for adults and children, who can learn about different cultures, try delectable treats, and experience gift-giving traditions that might be very different from those they are used to.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the great ways to make the most of a Danish Christmas break:
- Try æbleskiver, which is served at all the social gatherings, carol-singing performances, and ice-skating rinks. It is a ball-shaped pancake served with sugar and jam and best sampled with gløgg, or Scandinavian mulled wine.
- On Christmas Eve, head to a square or Christmas concert, where you’ll be welcome to join hands with the locals and dance around the Christmas tree while singing carols.
- Book a spot on a paper crafting workshop. Danes make origami-style ornaments for their trees, inspired by the city’s famous resident, Hans Christian Andersen, who made the first festive heart in the 1860s.
Most hotels can recommend events and concerts being hosted during your travel dates, or you can browse Copenhagen short breaks on our website to review those with activities and excursions included.
Finding Secret Spots and Hidden Gems in Copenhagen
Next we’ll run through some of the fantastic and unique experiences you might want to add to your schedule, from the thrilling to the relaxing and the unusual.
Travelling Underground to The Cisterns
The Cisterns are located just next to Frederiksberg Gardens in Søndermarken. They act as an underground museum that showcases incredible glass artwork and modern pieces from Denmark and some of the best artists in the world.
While you’ll only be able to visit if you’re travelling to Copenhagen earlier in the winter or at the end of the season, since the site often closes from December, it’s a must-see experience otherwise. Created as water reservoirs, the space hosts changing exhibitions and feels like an entirely different world as you stroll through the walkways—be sure to wear warm layers, though, as it can be cold!
Concealed beneath the city streets, the Cisterns are vast and considered one of the most memorable fine art display spaces in the world. They are marked only by the two glass pyramids that highlight the entrances.
Unwinding at Refshaleøen With a Winter Dip
La Banchina is a summer hot spot, with guests relaxing on the docks and enjoying food and wine—but in the winter, the sauna comes into its own, open daily and with a capacity for up to eight people at a time with a welcoming atmosphere and waterfront views.
Refshaleøen is an area on the harborfront that embraces the art of hygge. The kitchen is open Thursday to Sunday in the winter and the café is open year-round, serving baked goods, wine, beer, and coffee daily.
A wood-fired sauna contrasts sharply with the ice-cold waters in the designated swimming zone, giving you the option of an exhilarating, refreshing dip or bathing in the sauna.
Giant Hunting on a Forest Art Trail
Suburban Copenhagen is home to an excellent art trail created by artist Thomas Dambo. The trail comprises six huge wooden giants disguised in the woodlands and forests.
This quirky activity gives you an opportunity to see the city from a different angle, travelling off the beaten track in some of the most scenic settings.
Each piece is constructed from recycled wood and was designed to encourage people to enjoy the local nature. Depending on the weather, you can hire a car, use public transport, or rent bicycles; book a tour guide to help you traverse the city; or head to the Arken Museum of Modern Art for a day out close to the sculpture in Ishøj.
Photographing the Colourful Architecture in the Old Latin Quarter
Denmark is known for its unconventional, rustic, and charming buildings, and the old Latin Quarter is a great place to wander. With its cobbled streets and bright, bold, and vibrant facades, it cheers up even the gloomiest winter weather.
Fans of architecture can also stroll around Kartoffelrækkerne and Brumleby, quieter residential areas known for their 19th-century townhouses, or head to Olufsgade.
The latter is far less famous than Nyhavn but is one of the most colourful streets in the whole city, tucked unassumingly away between Østerbrogade—the main shopping street—and Fælledparken, the largest park in the city.
Buying Special Mementos in Copenhagen’s Oldest Tea Shop
Finally, if you’re meandering around Kronprinsensgade and want a glimpse into Copenhagen in times gone by, we recommend a visit to A.C. Perch’s Tehandel—the oldest store in the city, astonishingly, having been trading since 1835.
In the intervening years, very little has changed, and the facade, interior, and eclectic colonial-style décor provide a gorgeous backdrop as you browse a treasure trove of rare and unusual teas, which are still weighed out on traditional scales.
Finish your day with, of course, a customary pot of tea and a homemade cake in the Tea Room next door, and you’ll have tried, experienced and tasted the real Copenhagen at Christmas.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 at 2:30 pm; on the subject of Denmark.