Copenhagen Christmas Markets 2026: Dates, Map & My Favorites
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Copenhagen’s Christmas markets run from early November to about December 21, 2026, and Tivoli Gardens’ Christmas season continues to January 3, 2027. The markets are smaller and more spread out than Germany’s, but they’re warm, candlelit, and very Danish. Expect gløgg, æbleskiver, wooden stalls, and plenty of hygge.
I’ve visited Copenhagen’s markets on my trips. My favorites are Tivoli at night, the Christmas market at Kronborg Castle, and the indoor market in Christiania. I’ll never forget drinking gløgg on the pirate ship in Tivoli. The 2026 lineup has changed a lot, so here’s every market, with this year’s dates.
Copenhagen Christmas markets 2026 at a glance
| Market | 2026 dates | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas in Tivoli | Nov 13, 2026–Jan 3, 2027 (closed Dec 24) | Paid ticket |
| Julemarked Nytorv & Gammeltorv | Nov 6–Dec 21 | Free |
| Jul på Højbro Plads (new) | Nov 14–Dec 20 | Free |
| Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square, new) | Dec 11–20 | Free |
| Nyhavn | Usually early Nov–Dec 21 [VERIFY 2026] | Free |
| Christiania (Den Grå Hal) | Usually Dec 5–20 [VERIFY 2026] | Free |
| Kronborg Castle, Helsingør | Dec 5–6, 12–13, 19–20 | 150 kr adults (135 online), kids free |
What’s changed in 2026: the long-running Højbro Plads market has been replaced by a new “Jul på Højbro Plads.” There’s a new market on City Hall Square from December 11 to 20, and the classic market that used to be on Kongens Nytorv is now on Nytorv and Gammeltorv, just off Strøget. Many older guides still list the old locations.
Copenhagen Christmas Market Map
Most of the central markets sit on a roughly 2 km line you can walk in about 25 minutes without stops: Nyhavn → Kongens Nytorv → Højbro Plads → Nytorv & Gammeltorv → City Hall Square → Tivoli. Christiania is a short walk or metro ride across the harbor, and Kronborg is a day trip by train.
The Best Christmas Markets in Copenhagen
Christmas in Tivoli
If you only see one, make it Tivoli. The historic amusement park turns into a Christmas village with thousands of lights, fake snow, market stalls, rides, and an ice rink, and it’s at its best after dark.
- Dates: November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Closed December 24.
- Hours: usually 11 am–10 pm Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Check tivoli.dk for your date.
- Entry: paid ticket; book online. Rides cost extra, or you need a ride pass.
- Tip: go just before dusk so you see it in daylight and lit up, and book The Nutcracker in Tivoli’s concert hall if you want a special evening.
More in my Tivoli Gardens guide.
Julemarked Nytorv & Gammeltorv
The big traditional market, formerly on Kongens Nytorv, now fills two connected squares on Strøget. It’s free, central, and has a free ice rink with free skate rental. With Højbro Plads changing format, this is the classic downtown market this year.
- Dates: November 6 to December 21, 2026
- Entry: free
Jul på Højbro Plads (new for 2026)
Højbro Plads has hosted a market for years, but 2026 brings a new version, with stalls and entertainment from Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. It’s a timely chance to learn about the two North Atlantic parts of the Kingdom of Denmark, which get far more headlines than visitors. Kids will like the interactive exhibition of talking trees.
- Dates: November 14 to December 20, 2026
- Entry: free
Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square, new for 2026)
A new, short-run market in front of City Hall, a few steps from Tivoli.
- Dates: December 11 to 20, 2026
- Entry: free
Nyhavn
The most photographed market in the city: a row of stalls along the canal, with fairy lights strung across the old ships’ masts. It’s small, so treat it as a stroll with a cup of gløgg rather than a shopping trip. Walk to the quieter side of the canal for the best photos.
- Dates: usually early November to December 21 (2026 dates not yet announced)
- Entry: free
Christiania Christmas Market (Den Grå Hal)
For something different, head to Freetown Christiania. The market is indoors in the Grey Hall, run by local artists, with handmade crafts, art, and a relaxed, bohemian feel. It’s a good break from the more commercial markets and a good choice on a rainy day. It gets crowded on weekends.
- Dates: usually about December 5 to 20, noon to 8 pm
- Entry: free
- Note: respect Christiania’s no-photography rules in parts of the neighborhood.
Kronborg Castle Christmas Market (day trip)
My favorite reason to leave the city. On three December weekends, Hamlet’s castle in Helsingør fills its Renaissance halls with Christmas stalls, artisan food, handmade gifts, and workshops.
- Dates: December 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20, 2026
- Entry: 150 kr for adults (135 kr online); children free
- Getting there: about 45 minutes by train from Copenhagen Central Station, then a short walk.
Make a day of it with Frederiksborg Castle. See my Frederiksborg & Kronborg day trip guide.
Smaller markets I skipped or found underwhelming
On my visits, the old Hans Christian Andersen market and the previous Højbro Plads market felt small compared with Tivoli. Both have since changed format, so they may be worth a fresh look. I also missed the Christmas events Visit Carlsberg, so check their 2026 dates if you have extra time. Copenhagen Zoo and the Open Air Museum also hold Christmas events that are good for families.
What to Eat and Drink at Copenhagen’s Christmas Markets
- Gløgg: Danish mulled wine, often served with raisins and slivered almonds in the cup. Eat them with a spoon.
- Æbleskiver: round, fluffy pancake puffs served with powdered sugar and jam. You’ll see them everywhere.
- Christmas ham sandwiches: warm roast ham or pork in a roll. It’s the easiest market lunch.
- Brændte mandler: warm candied almonds in a paper cone.
- Risalamande: creamy rice pudding with almonds and cherry sauce, the classic Danish Christmas dessert, found more in restaurants than at stalls.
Most stalls take cards and mobile payments. Denmark is close to cashless, so you rarely need kroner.
Tips for Visiting Copenhagen’s Christmas Markets
- Go after dark. With sunset before 4 pm in December, you’ll have plenty of evening to enjoy the lights.
- Plan around December 21. Most free markets close by December 20 or 21. Tivoli stays open until January 3 (except December 24).
- Dress for wind. The harbor wind is colder than the thermometer says.
- Book Tivoli and Kronborg tickets online to save time, and money at Kronborg.
- Combine the markets with a walk. The Nyhavn-to-Tivoli route above makes an easy evening.
Where to Stay Near the Copenhagen Christmas Markets
All three of my Fora picks put you within walking distance of the markets, and all three come with partner perks when you book through me.
- Nimb Hotel: at Tivoli’s edge, the closest you can get to the Christmas lights.
- Villa Copenhagen: opposite Tivoli and next to Central Station, handy for the Kronborg day trip, with a heated rooftop pool.
- Hotel Sanders: a stylish small hotel near Kongens Nytorv, steps from Nyhavn.
See the details and perks in my Copenhagen in winter guide, or ask me about your dates →
Copenhagen Christmas Markets FAQ
When do the Copenhagen Christmas markets open in 2026?
The first, Nytorv & Gammeltorv, opens November 6. Tivoli opens November 13 and Højbro Plads November 14.
When do they close?
Most free markets close by December 20 or 21. Tivoli’s Christmas season runs to January 3, 2027.
What’s the best Christmas market in Copenhagen?
Tivoli, for the full experience. For something free and traditional, go to Nytorv & Gammeltorv. For a day trip, go to Kronborg Castle.
Is the Tivoli Christmas market free?
No. Tivoli requires a paid entry ticket. Most other Copenhagen markets are free.
Are the markets open on Christmas Eve?
Most close before Christmas, and Tivoli is closed on December 24.
Is Copenhagen good for Christmas markets?
Yes, if you go for the atmosphere rather than the size. Pair it with Tivoli and a castle day trip and it’s a lovely few days.
Want Help Planning It?
I’m a Fora travel advisor based in St. Louis, and I plan Christmas trips through Scandinavia and Germany by train. I earn commission from hotel and tour partners, so in many cases working with me is free. If you’d like a detailed day-by-day itinerary, that comes with a small planning fee.
Final Thoughts
December is the best month to visit Copenhagen, and the Christmas markets are a big reason why. I’ve never felt more in the Christmas spirit than I did there, between the lights, the gløgg and the candlelit stalls. If your trip lands in Advent, make time for at least a few of them.
Read next: Copenhagen in winter · Nuremberg Christmas market · German Christmas markets guide
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