29 Delightful Things to do in Copenhagen in Winter

Arriving at Copenhagen train station in the afternoon and it’s freezing cold and already pretty dark!

What have we gotten ourselves into?

Is it a smart idea to be travelling to Copenhagen in winter??

For some reason we had huge expectations of what to expect from Copenhagen heading into the Christmas season.

Not to mention, the Danes have been ranked as the happiest people in the world

Don’t believe me? They even have a book written about it. So, you can “steal” their secretes.

Spoiler alert: Winter in Copenhagen is beautiful! It feels like you have walked into a brightly coloured, Christmas fairy tale.

The bright coloured buildings of Nyhavn reflecting off the canal, the smell of mulled wine and cinammon scrolls, the feeling of happiness in the air and Christmas markets on almost every street corner – okay, so maybe that’s a slight exaggeration but there are a lot of Christmas markets!

Not to mention, the most magical place on earth – Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market!

Don’t believe the folks over at Disney – Tivoli Gardens is the most magical place on earth.

From the moment the sun rose (in Copenhagen in winter that is about 9am) until sunset (around 3pm) we were super excited to explore the stunning city.

One of the best things about the sun setting early, you can explore the Christmas markets in the dark without having to be out in cold super late.

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The best activities in Copenhagen in winter

There are plenty of things to do in Copenhagen in winter, from visiting the Christmas markets to floating down the canals in your hot tub to jumping in to the New Year! Grab out your favourite jacket, gloves and beanie and get ready to explore.

1. Get into the holiday spirit at the Christmas Markets

Copenhagen was the first city we visited on our four month tour of Europe, that had it’s Christmas markets open! I was like a kid in a candy shop!!

The Christmas markets, also known as Julemarked, have to be the best things to do in Copenhagen in winter.

They are adorable, little wooden huts, adorned with Christmas wreathes and garlands, fairy lights and the smells of Christmas are amazing.

You cannot miss out on a warm mug of Glogg, a sweet warm spiced mulled wine, or a bratwurst!

The best bratwurst we had during out time in Europe was at the Christmas markets at Nyhavn.

The Christmas markets are great place to do some Christmas shopping or pick up a souvenir.

Visiting the Christmas markets is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen in December.

Top Tip: I like to buy a Christmas decoration in every city or country we visit. They are small, easy to pack and usually pretty inexpensive. It also means putting up the Christmas tree is a little more special each year as you reminisce on all the travel adventures you have had.

Check out the full guide of Christmas markets in Copenhagen.

2. Step into a winter wonderland fairy tale at Tivoli Gardens

You cannot miss a visit to Tivoli Gardens when you are in Copenhagen in Winter. Tivoli Gardens in an amusement park in the center of Copenhagen that was opened in 1843.

Even though are in Europe, Tivoli has an oriental theme, and it is just magical at Christmas.

Tivoli is constantly evolving to continually provide a new experience for its visitors.

Despite the constant evolution, Tivoli has managed to maintain it’s charm and traditions. It is for this reason that Tivoli Gardens is a must on any travellers (or locals) bucket list. 

Make sure, you check the dates before you go! Our original plans had us leaving Copenhagen the day before Tivoli opened for Christmas, so we changed our plans to make sure we could visit Tivoli Gardens Christmas market.

3. Float in a hot tub down the canals

What better way to see Copenhagen than sailing down the canals in a HOT TUB! Cruise around the harbor in a hot tub big enough for 5 people.

The hot tubs are filled with clean salt water and are a beautiful 40℃/104℉.

The cruise lasts for one and a half hours and you are provided with a boat, a skipper, Bluetooth Speaker and the use of changing rooms.

You can cruise with 1 person or 5 people! You rent the boat, so the price is the same for 1 or 5 people, so you don’t have to share with strangers if that is not your thing. For an hour and a half the boat costs 2200DKK.

Not only do Copenhot have floating hot tubs, they have stationary hot tubs, cold tubs and saunas.

Make sure you check out Copenhot because what better way to spend a day in Copenhagen in winter?

4. Wander down Købmagergade

Købmagergade is the main walking street in Copenhagen. Along the street you can find all of your major shops and there are lots of them!

During Christmas it is decorated beautifully and you can hear Christmas carols playing over the loud speakers.

Even if you are not in to main stream shopping while you travel, I still recommend a stroll along Købmagergade.

There are little carts roasting chestnuts on an open fire, okay so maybe not an open fire, but they are cooking chestnuts and there are musicians busking all along the street.

For a shopping street, there is quite the atmosphere during winter!

I recommend grabbing a warm drink (or like we did, some mulled wine from the Christmas market) to keep you warm on your walk.

5. Eat until you can’t eat anymore at the food markets

One of the things I love about Europe, are their Food Halls. Every city seems to have an amazing food hall filled with local foods and Copenhagen is no different.

It is a great way to try some local foods and to keep warm in the winter. I love walking up and down the aisles looking at all the amazing food options and the smells are next level.

Top Tip: Double check the internet before you set out on a 30 minute walk, starving and really needing the loo! Ie, make sure the food markets are open before you head off. We didn’t and we ended up very hangry!!

However, here are some recommendations that we have for Food Halls/Markets in Copenhagen:

Torvehallarne Market

Situated right by Nørreport Station, Torvehallarne Market has over 80 stalls!!

That is 80 stalls, of amazing local produce from tea and coffee, to chocolate, to sandwiches, pizza and of course Smørrebrød.

You cannot visit Denmark without trying some Smørrebrød, it is basically an open sandwich on rye bread. There are so many different toppings and they are amazing.

Tivoli Food Hall

Tivoli Food hall is next to Tivoli Gardens, but is open all year round. At night time Tivoli Food hall is extremely busy (especially when they gardens are open), so I suggest checking out the Food Hall at lunch time.

There are only 15 food stalls which make it very cosy, especially in winter when it is freezing outside. It is a great place to relax and grab a drink.

Christmas Markets

Now of course, the Christmas markets are not always open but they are open in Copenhagen in Winter, so why not classify them as food markets.

During winter, I don’t often eat at restaurants, instead we head to the Christmas markets. It is a budget friendly option when it comes to dinner.

Some food and drinks you MUST try at the Christmas markets are:

Glogg: a cup of hot danish mulled wine (some of the best in Europe if you ask me)

Bratwurst: Typically German sausages but the ones at the Christmas market at Nyhavn are amazing!!

Cured Meat: You can pick up salami, sausage, ham, almost any type of cured meat you can think of and of course, you need to grab the cheese that is usually sold near by.

Fudge: I had never seen so much fudge or some many different types of fudge before. So if you have not tried fudge before or you LOVE fudge, grab some at the Christmas markets.

Unicorn fudge anyone?

6. Take a million photos at Nyhavn

If you have ever seen a photo of Copenhagen you have probably seen a photo of Nyhavn. No matter the time of year, it is beautiful.

The bright coloured buildings that line the canal reflect off the water and it is stunning. I’m not kidding when I say you will take a million photos and you’ll probably visit more than once during your trip.

In winter, Nyhavn transforms into magical winter wonderland.

The boats that line the canal are decorated for the season and of course, there are gorgeous Christmas markets.

The Nyhavn Christmas markets were the first Christmas markets that we saw for the “season” and they really set the bar quite high.

A super cute thing to do is to take a tour of the canal and get a different view of Nyhavn. This one hour tour leaves from Nyhavn and you can take in some of the main sites from the water.

7. Take a walking tour of Copenhagen

On a freezing cold day, there is no better way to warm up than by walking around the city taking in all of the main sites.

Whilst I love exploring a city on my own, getting lost and finding new places, I do like to take a walking tour because how else can you learn about the history or find some hidden gems.

So, rug up, put some sturdy shoes on – make sure they’re sturdy! You will want to keep your feet warm and make sure you don’t trip on the cobble stones, and get ready to explore the beautiful city!

Be sure to ask your guide, for some local recommendations on places to eat, drink and things to see.

There are few options for walking tours in Copenhagen, this guided tour is amazing. This three hour walking tour begins at the train station entrance near Tivoli and is very interactive, fun, interesting and really informative.

The guides are also full of amazing local tips on where to eat, bars to visit and museums to see. So make sure you make the most of the guide while you have them and ask ALL of your questions.

If you’re travelling on a budget you can take a free walking tour! These walking tours are also run by locals and they are just as an informative and full of local tips.

If you prefer to go and your own pace self -guided walking tours are another great way to get the lay of the land and are much cheaper than a “proper” guided tour.

Another brilliant way to see a city is to take a guided FOOD TOUR! Walking while your eating means that calories don’t count right?

8. Warm up with a mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine

There is something so cosy about walking around in the freezing cold holding a hot cup of something. I love ordering a hot mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine and exploring the city.

This is one thing I like about travelling in winter, is walking around at night time, all rugged up and drinking a hot drink.

Copenhagen is an extremely walk able city and it is so beautiful at both night and day, that you could easily wander around for hours.

One thing to try and remember to carry around with you is a reusable cup. I try to remember mine but some days, I just forget!

9. Visit a free museum

Like in London, Copenhagen has a lot of FREE museums. This is perfect when you are in Copenhagen in winter, because it provides you with a budget friendly way to warm up.

For a list of free museums check out this post by short travel tips or this one by routes north

10. Gracefully (or not so gracefully) skate across the ice

So I’m clumsy at the best of times, but add ice and skates and you have a comedy! However, it is something that you have to do in Europe in winter.

Entrance to the ice skating rinks are free but you do need to pay for your skate hire. If you have your own skates, it is completely free.

There is an ice skating rink near the entrance to Frederiksberg garden. You can hire skates for 50 DKK or have your own sharpened for 70 DKK. Skates are available to hire up until an hour before it closes.

The ice skating rink is open from the last Sunday in November until February.

11. Explore the canals from the water on a Canal Tour

Looking for a unique way to see Copenhagen during your winter visit? Check out the city’s canal tours!

Regular tours depart from Gammel Strand or Nyhavn and take around 60 minutes.

You’ll get to see many of the city’s sights from a different perspective as you glide by on the boat.

While on your tour make sure you look out for the Opera House, Amalienborg Palace and Christinaborg Palce as well as admiring Nyhavn from the water.

Dress in layers and wear winter boots, because it can be very cold outside during the Copenhagen winter!

Although the canal boats have a heated canopy, standing outside the canopy will require some warm gloves, boots, beanie and jacket.

12. Enjoy a traditional Danish Lunch

After your canal tour, stop by one of Copenhagen’s traditional Danish lunch spots for a hearty meal to help warm you up! We recommend Brooklyn bar where you can enjoy a delicious and traditional smørrebrød (Danish open-faced sandwich), with various toppings including meat, egg, fish, cheeses or chutneys.

A smørrebrød at Brooklyn bar will set you back around 58DKK.

Brookyln bar is hidden down a side alley and away from the main tourist areas, which gives it a much more local feel.

13. Visit the little Mermaid

Copenhagen’s most iconic landmark is the little Mermaid statue (Den Lille Havfrue).

The statue, located on a rock in the harbour, was a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the city and was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Little Mermaid”.

The statue has become one of Copenhagen’s biggest tourist attractions, with more than 1 million visitors each year.

Even though the statue is small, it’s definitely worth a visit during your winter trip to Copenhagen! While there are still plenty of tourists trying grab a peak at the Little Mermaid it is much less crowded than during the summer.

Try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon for less crowds.

Just be warned that it can be quite cold and windy down by the water, so make sure you dress warmly!

14. Stroll along Stroget

When in Copenhagen, one of the best ways to enjoy the city is by taking a leisurely stroll down Stroget.

Stroget is a pedestrian only street that stretches for 1km.

As you walk, you’ll find plenty of shops to browse through, ranging from budget-friendly stores to luxury shopping experiences.

And if you get hungry along the way, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, with eateries on both sides of the street.

So whether you’re looking for some souvenirs or just want to take in all the sights and sounds Copenhagen has to offer, a walk down Stroget is definitely the way to go!

15. Explore Norrebro

If you’re looking to explore a different side of Copenhagen, be sure to check out the neighbourhood of Norrebro.

Norrebro is known for its quirky dress sense and for being a “hipster” neighbourhood.

You’ll find everything from trendy coffee shops to vintage stores, not to mention street art on practically every wall.

Jægersborggade is one of the most famous streets in Norrebro and is filled with art galleries, coffee shops and more cafes than you can count.

Norrebro is also the perfect place to base yourself when staying in Copenhagen as it is only a short train ride into the city centre.

So if you’re looking for an authentic Copenhagen experience, be sure to check out Norrebro!

16. Cycle through the streets and along the canals

Copenhagen is known for being a very bike-friendly city, with dedicated cycle paths and lanes throughout the city.

And what better way to explore Copenhagen than by cycling!

Not only is it a great way to get around, but it’s also a great way to see the sights.

There are plenty of places to rent bikes, so you can easily explore the city at your own pace.

17. Take in the views of Copenhagen from Christiansborg Palace Tower

If you’re looking for a great way to take in the views of Copenhagen, be sure to climb the tower at Christiansborg Palace. At 106 meters tall, it offers a magnificent view of the city’s rooftops and is free to access.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can also splurge a little and enjoy a meal at the tower’s restaurant, which offers a Nordic menu.

The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and cakes, so you can easily make a day of it! And with stunning views of Copenhagen to enjoy while you eat

18. Get lost in Freetown

Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was founded in 1971 by a group of hippies who were looking for an alternative to the Danish government and society.

The neighbourhood is car free and has its own set of rules which are independent from the Danish government.

Christiania is made up of art galleries, workshops, homemade houses, organic eateries and gorgeous nature. It’s most certainly a unique place to visit and you can tell that the residents take pride in their community.

Freetown can feel a little “sketchy” so I recommend visiting during day light hours if you are unsure.

While you are unable to take a tour through Freetown you can take a “self guided tour” which takes around an hour and a half, although you are able to pause and take your time.

The self guided tour or game, allows you to crack codes to and let story of Freetown unfold as you find out more about the area and the history of free town.

19. Take in the beauty at Copenhagen’s Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the beauty of nature, Copenhagen’s Botanical Gardens is definitely worth a visit.

Located just a short walk from the city centre, the gardens are home to a wide variety of plants, trees and flowers.

The gardens are open every day of the week, so you can easily fit it into your schedule.

The Botanical Gardens are a living museum which is home to Denmark’s largest collection of plants that include some species that are no longer found in the wild.

It is famous for it’s historical glass houses, there are 27 in total and the most famous one is the old Palm House which was built in 1874.

The Old Palm House is 16 meters tall and has a narrow cast-iron spiral staircase which leads up to a passageway at the top of the glass house.

20. Warm up in a Sauna

Saunas are a popular way to relax and warm up in Copenhagen. After spending the day exploring the sights you might want a nice place to warm up.

There is no better place than Scandinavia to experience the Sauna culture, so don’t forget to pack your swimwear.

In Copenhagen there are a wide range of spas, saunas and hammams to choose from. Depending on what you are looking for you can choose from spas with beautiful architecture, wellness centers or even a boat to enjoy your sauna experience.

21. Embrace the Hygge Culture

If you’re looking for a little bit of Hygge in your life, Copenhagen is the perfect city to visit.

Hygge (hue-guh) is a Danish word that has no direct translation in English, but it can be loosely defined as “a feeling or mood that comes from taking pleasure in simple things” or “coziness.”

The Hygge culture is all about embracing the simple things in life and enjoying the moment. It’s about being with friends and family, eating good food, drinking warm drinks and spending time outdoors.

Copenhagen is the perfect city to experience Hygge because it’s known for its cozy cafes, charming shops and beautiful parks.

22. Climb the spire at the Church of our Savior

If you’re looking for a unique experience while in Copenhagen, climbing the spire at the Church of our Savior is definitely worth considering.

The church is located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of Copenhagen from the top.

The climb is not for the faint of heart as there are over 400 stairs to navigate, but it’s well worth it once you reach the top.

The church was built in 1752 and is one of the most iconic buildings in Copenhagen.

If you’re looking for a challenge and want to see some amazing views, climbing the spire at the Church of our Savior is definitely something you should consider.

What better way to warm up on a cold winters day?

23. Explore the National Gallery of Denmark

The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst) is the largest art museum in Denmark.

It is located in the heart of Copenhagen and has exhibitions from both Danish and international art from the 14th century to the present day.

The collections on display at SMK include European Art, Danish and Nordic Art, French Art, Danish and International Art after 1900, The Royal Collection of Graphic Art and The Royal Cast Collection.

The museum is open:

10am – 6pm Tuesday – Sunday

10am – 8pm Wednesday

Closed Monday

Entrance to the museum costs:

Adults 120 DKK

Under 27 95 DKK

Under 18 Free

24. Walk along Magstraede

Magstraede is one of the oldest streets in Copenhagen and one of the few streets in the Old Town of Copenhagen to retain its original cobble stone road.

The houses and buildings along the street are beautifully coloured and are hot spot for taking photos.

If you are looking for the perfect instagram shot, this is the street for you! If you would like to get the perfect picture make sure you get here early in the morning (well, as early as you can on these short days).

25. Climb the round tower

If you are looking for a place to escape the crowds in the middle of Copenhagen the Round Tower is the perfect place.

Walking up the wide spiral path is like stepping back in history—or at least, that’s what the stories claim. If you believe them, a Russian tsar once rode his horse all the way up to this very spot.

Amateur astronomers and curious visitors can still find use of the observatory today, as it is the oldest functioning one in all of Europe.

A short spiral walk will take you to the top of the tower where you’ll be able to access not only the observatory, but an outdoor platform providing breathtaking views of Copenhagen’s old city district.

26. See a film at Palads Theater

The Palads Theater is the perfect place to get in out of the cold and take some time to relax.

The Theater houses 17 screens and the largest cinema seats 689 people.

There is a candy bar to purchase your snacks and enjoy a movie.

27. Explore the fairytale castles on a day trip from Copenhagen

If you’re looking for an escape from the city, why not take a day trip to see some of the beautiful fairytale castles in the area? J

Just a short train ride away, you can explore these stunning castles and get a taste of Danish history.

There are a number of castles to choose from, so you can tailor your day trip to suit your interests. If you’re looking for something family-friendly, be sure to check out Kronborg Castle which is home to Hamlet.

No matter what castle you choose, be sure to pack your camera – these castles are definitely photo-worthy!

28. Take a day trip to Malmo

If you’re looking for a day trip that’s full of adventure and beauty, be sure to take a trip to Malmo, Sweden. Located just a short train ride away from Copenhagen, Malmo is definitely worth the visit.

There’s so much to see and do in Malmo, you’ll definitely need more than one day to explore it all. But here are some of the highlights that you won’t want to miss.

1. Take a walk through the Old Town: Malmo’s old town is full of cobbled streets and picturesque buildings. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere.

2. Visit Malmo Castle: Located in the heart of the city, Malmo castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is now a museum.

3. See the Turning Torso: The Turning Torso is a skyscraper in Malmo that’s famous for its unique architecture.

29. Don’t forget to buy a warm Cinnamon scroll

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a warm cinnamon scroll to make you feel at home. And what better place to buy one than Copenhagen, Denmark?

Copenhagen is known for its delicious pastries and cinnamon scrolls are definitely one of the highlights.

You can find them in most bakeries throughout the city, but here are a few of my favourites.

• Skt Peders Bageri: One of the oldest bakeries in Copenhagen and a favourite among locals for their cinnamon scrolls and swirls
• Meyers Bageri: despite having many locations around Copehagen Meyers Bageri still has the feel of small local bakery
• Brødflov: this has to be one of the best, there is something about their cinnamon scrolls that has you coming back for more.

Copenhagen weather in winter

Copenhagen is very cold in winter. The days are usually around freezing and often, they fall below freezing. Night times are below freezing and snow is common.

The days are very short, especially in December, the sunsets around 3pm.

Where to stay in Copenhagen

There are many great places to stay in Copenhagen, I recommend staying as close to the center as possible. You can stay pretty close to the city center but still feel as though you are staying in a local area.

Cheaper options – Copenhagen is an expensive city but there are still some cheaper options. One option is to stay in the Copenhagen Downtown Hostel or if you would rather a cheaper hotel instead of a hostel you could stay at the CABINN Copenhagen.

Mid range accommodation – located close to most of the main “things to do” is the gorgeous Hostel SP34 which is a lovely three star hotel or Absalon Hotel Copenhagen which located right by the train station.

Luxury accommodation – if you prefer to treat yourself to a little luxury check out the Andersen Boutique Hotel which located 200m from the central train station.

Airbnb – another good option for accommodation is Airbnb. Airbnb is a great way to “live like a local”. We stayed in a great Airbnb in Nørrebro, it is located very close to supermarkets, restaurants and a train station. By train it is located 10 minutes from the center of Copenhagen.

Some other great neighbours to stay in are: Indre By (upmarket), Vesterbro (nightlife), Osterbro or Nyhavn (families)

What to wear in Copenhagen in Winter

Like many places in Europe in winter, it is freezing outside but a million degrees when you walk inside a shop, cafe, museum or accommodation.

So the key to dressing for Copenhagen in winter is, layers! Layers will become your best friend. They will keep you warm outside and are easy to take off when you go inside.

Warm Socks – keep your feet warm and comfortable with proper socks. Merino wool is amazing, it comes from the merino sheep in New Zealand.

They will keep your feet warm but are also breathable. Sometimes, we wear two pair of socks at time. I recommend packing a few pair of socks but remember you can wash as you go.

Merino Wool Thermals – Thermals are not something you will necessarily wear every day but if its really cold, you will be really glad to have that extra layer.

Warm Boots – do not skimp on you boots. It gets super super cold in Copenhagen in winter well really, all of Europe!

Not only is the air cold but the ground also gets very cold. There is nothing worse than walking around with super cold feet.

Make sure your boots are at least semi water proof to protect your feet from the rain and snow.

We love Timberland boots because they’re sturdy and waterproof but also super cute! Which is a win win!

Warm Jacket – I was worried about spending so much money on a jacket but I am so glad that we did. We wore them nearly every day and were super warm.

Down jackets are perfect because they are easy to “stuff” into a bag but the feathers inside the jacket make them extremely warm.

Scarf – Like most other items I have mentioned, you will want to pack a scarf. Scarves are fantastic because they have a few uses.

They obviously keep your neck warm, but you can use it to cover your face and also if you get a big scarf you can use it as a blanket or a shawl.

Beanie – for cold weather, I prefer to wear beanie over a hat. Beanies will stay on even if the wind picks up and they also keep your ears warm.

You want to get a double layered beanie as this well keep the wind out and keep your head warmer for longer.

Gloves – you will want to make sure you have gloves when you’re in Copenhagen in winter. I recommend buying some gloves before you go because they are very expensive in Copenhagen and not great quality.

FAQs: Visiting Copenhagen in December

Wrap Up: Visiting Copenhagen in winter

Copenhagen is a great city to visit in winter!

The snow makes Copenhagen a magical place to explore and there are still plenty of things to do to do in Copenhagen in the winter.

You can explore the city’s sights, take a stroll down Magstraede or even climb the Round Tower. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can also take a day trip to Malmo.

Be sure to warm up with a cinnamon roll from one of the local bakeries.

Looking for more inspiration for winter city breaks in Europe? Check out this post on the best places to visit in Europe in the winter.

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