When we stepped off the plane in Copenhagen on a brisk December afternoon, we weren’t sure what to expect. We’d seen pictures of Copenhagen in the winter, which had given us high expectations of fairytale castles dusted with snow, Christmas Markets filled with good cheer, and random carolers stumbling around drunk off of pudding or whatever like a scene from a Dickens novel.
But we all know that Instagram and Pinterest aren’t necessarily the most accurate depictions of a destination, right? So we were cautiously optimistic. Maybe Copenhagen would be cute; maybe it would be freezing and miserable.
We would soon find out.
Well, let me set your curiosity at ease straight away: not only is Copenhagen the EXACT vision of that European Christmas dream that we had been unrealistically hoping for, but it’s somehow EVEN BETTER.
There are the canals of Nyhavn dotted with colorful tall, thin houses, adorned with wreaths and pine boughs. A Christmas Market around every corner, wafting the tantalizing smells of gløgg and sizzling bratwurst and fluffy aebleskiver. Hygge floating around giving imaginary air-hugs in droves.
Copenhagen is a holiday dream come true!
We felt like rambunctious youths in any 90’s movie about Christmas, waking up to a Christmas tree the size of my current apartment, stuffed with presents that probably total up to roughly half the value of our student loans, chubby-cheeked and sparkly-eyed and ready to kick the butt of any evil criminal who dared stand between us and literal Santa Claus.
From the time the sun rises at around 9 am – which is, conveniently, also our preferred wake-up time – to when it sets at 3 pm – also conveniently, the time we get tired of exploring and want to go sit around in PJs watching Netflix – visiting Copenhagen in winter was everything that we California kids had DREAMED of.
And now, as we sit sadly stuffed into our Christmas tree-less apartment (because it’s too small) which doesn’t even have any wrapped presents (because we spent all of our money on travel, whoops) we’re going to re-live our favorite December destination in the hopes that you, dear reader, will venture out and explore gorgeous Copenhagen in the winter so we can live vicariously through your Instagram photos.
Here are all of the best things to do in Copenhagen in winter!
Table of Contents
Psst: We have a couple more posts about visiting Copenhagen in the winter! If you’re planning a trip, you’ll definitely want to take a look at these.
- Copenhagen Castles Guide: Self-Guided Day Trip from Copenhagen
- Holiday Food in Copenhagen, Denmark: What to Eat This Winter
- Europe in Winter Packing List: 32 Backpacking Essentials
- 15 Things To Do in Aarhus, Denmark – The “City of Smiles”
We’ve also helpfully compiled the information in our 3 Copenhagen posts into a handy dandy PDF that you can take with you on your trip! Sign up below to download the FREE Copenhagen Winter Guide.
Get the Copenhagen Winter Guide!
Subscribe below and we'll send you a 10-page Copenhagen Winter Guide packed full of helpful information for your trip. PLUS our favorite tips for visiting Copenhagen!
What to Wear in Copenhagen in Winter
Copenhagen in the winter is cold, and sunlight lasts only from about 9 am until 4 pm. You’ll want to layer up every day.
Luckily, winter layering is the perfect vehicle for adorable accessories like scarves and hats!
Here are our recommendations for clothing that’s both functional AND super cute to wear in Copenhagen in the winter! If you’re looking for more details, we’ve got a full Europe in winter packing list guide.
- Warm Walking Boots: Do not skimp on your shoes for your trip to Copenhagen in the winter! This is a walking city and it will be COLD, so you need to have shoes that are up to the task. We recommend boots that can withstand ice or snow, are totally waterproof, and are comfortable enough to walk in for HOURS, especially on uneven cobblestone. Sounds darn near impossible, right? Well, it’s not. We’re OBSESSED with our winter boots (and yes, we both have the same ones. Because we’re kinda gross like that). They’re cute, they’re insanely comfortable, they’re waterproof leather and lined with shearling to keep your toes toasty warm, and they’re extremely lightweight and foldable so you can stuff them in your bag when you travel. Oh, and they have thin and flexible soles that let your feet function as if you were walking around in freezing cold Copenhagen completely barefoot! Note: you might find yourself in need of some calf strengthening if you’re not used to barefoot-style soles. We can’t recommend these boots enough. They’re made to last and they’re worth every cent – we wore them for 2 months straight in frigid wintry Europe and never suffered a cold or sore foot! Plus, they’re cute AF. Here are my boots and Jeremy’s boots. You can read more about them in our round-up of our favorite travel shoes for women or for men.
- Warm Wool Socks: Warm boots aren’t the only thing you’ll need to keep your feet toasty warm. Make sure you don’t just have run-of-the-mill acrylic socks – they won’t keep your feet warm while you’re exploring Copenhagen. Make sure you get socks that are primarily made of soft, heat-regulating wool, like these or these.
- Travel Jeans: Unlike regular jeans, travel jeans are designed specifically to solve travel-related woes. One of my personal woes is the lack of pockets on women’s jeans. My favorite travel jeans have 7 POCKETS. 7!! And 2 of them are zipped and hidden inside other pockets, for extra pickpocket protection – crucial in any European country. Jeremy and I each have a pair of Aviator USA black jeans. They’re super stretchy and buttery soft, dry quickly in the rain or when wet, and keep our legs warm when it’s cold out. They’re cozy enough to wear on a plane, stretchy enough to accommodate that 5 extra pounds of holiday weight I always seem to bring back home with me, and they’re super cute! We’re both obsessed. You can get a pair of men’s or women’s black jeans (my personal favorites) or a pair of indigo jeans on the Aviator USA website.
- Wool Leggings: These super comfy 100% wool leggings function just like long underwear. Except they’re made of soft, super-luxurious wool instead of cheap polyester, and make your legs feel like they’re being hugged by an extremely soft sheep. I wore a pair of these under my pants every single day and they kept me toasty warm (without being too hot)! Jeremy has this pair, too. Bonus: they also double as the world’s coziest lounge leggings or even sleepwear!
- Warm Leggings (with pockets!): Although we bring our wool leggings to layer under our pants, I also bring a pair of regular leggings – you know, for when it’s a balmy 40 degrees in the sun. I love these pants because they actually look like pants, not leggings – and they have ZIPPERED POCKETS!!!! Not those stupid pockets that can fit like, a chapstick and 3 dimes – you can actually zip a phone in there. BLESS.
- Flannel Shirt: I’m in LOVE with the MerinoLux flannel button-downs from Royal Robbins. They’re stretchy, they’re cozy, they’re blended with merino wool (yassss) and most importantly, they’re warm AF. But not so warm that you’ll get all sweaty running around Europe and exploring because they’re also super breathable. They’re also wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, and moisture-wicking, and have a hidden zip pocket – so basically everything you could ever ask for in a flannel shirt. I’ve been searching for the perfect flannel for YEARS (you know, one that didn’t give me button-down boob gap and allowed me to actually cross my arms) and this is The One. I love it! Here’s mine and Jeremy’s.
- Wool Undershirt: Laying is crucial when it’s this cold. My favorite way to make sure I stay warm all day is to put a warm layer of wool on before everything else. This is the wool cami I wear, and this is the wool t-shirt Jeremy wears.
- Day Bag: I carried this day bag with me every single day packed with my packable down jacket, an extra pair of gloves, and anything else I needed for the day – a notebook, a water bottle, an endless supply of snacks, whatever. Jeremy carried our camera gear in this bag along with his packable down jacket and scarf.
- Warm Hat: A warm hat is an absolute necessity in chilly Copenhagen. It also doubles as a super cute accessory! You want a hat that will stay on your head even in blustery gusts of wind and keep your ears nice and warm, so stay away from those brimmed ~travel girl types of hats and stick with reliable beanies instead. Personally I’m a fan of the ones with poofs on top, like this or this. Jeremy is more of a purist, and likes to wear beanies like this one, which is made from earth-friendly recycled wool and nylon. To keep your head AND your face warm (and also ensure that nobody will ever talk to you) get this Cthulu Hat. And then send me pictures of you wearing it, please.
- Warm Jacket: I brought 2 jackets with me to Europe: a beautiful camel-colored A-line wool coat like this one that kept me incredibly warm and looked amazing in all of my pictures, and a travel-friendly packable down jacket that I kept stuffed in my daypack in case I needed an extra layer! Jeremy wore a wool-blend coat similar to this one and this one.
- Scarves: I LOVE a chunky scarf. They’re my favorite accessory! And you will absolutely need a good scarf in Europe. I love this super soft scarf from Royal Robbins, which is blended with wool and turns into a cute shawl or infinity scarf with a few well-placed buttons. I’m also a big fan of scarves that are big enough to double as blankets, like this one or this one.
- Gloves: Don’t go outside in Copenhagen without gloves on! You will regret it. I love these wool gloves that work with touchscreens because let’s face it, I have a hard enough time using my phone without wearing gloves.
For more packing tips, head over to our Europe in winter packing list.
What to Do in Copenhagen in Winter
Soak up Holiday Cheer at Christmas Markets
Yes, duh. This is our first suggestion for what to do in Copenhagen in winter because it’s THE BEST thing to do in Copenhagen in winter! We experienced our very first Christmas Markets ever here, and we’ve been hooked ever since!
As you browse the stalls of adorable Christmas gifts and crafts, be sure to pick up a steaming mug of Gløgg: sweet mulled Danish wine with raisins and almonds.
For an even stronger cup of Gløgg, you can add rum. #YOLO. We’ve got a list of our favorite Copenhagen Christmas Market foods in our Copenhagen Holiday Food Guide.
There are loads of options for Christmas Markets in Copenhagen (here’s the full list). You can also check out this ultimate guide to Chrismas markets in Copenhagen. Here are our faves:
- Julemarked (German Style) | Address: Højbro Plads, 1200 København K, Denmark
- Nyhavn Christmas Market | Address: Gamle Carlsberg Vej 11, 1799 Valby, Denmark
- Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market | Address: Axeltorv, 1609 Copenhagen K, Denmark
- The Christmas market at Kongens Nytorv | Address: 1050 Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen K, Denmark
Go Ice Skating
Ice Skating is the quintessential winter activity!
There are a couple of public outdoor ice skating rinks in Copenhagen. Admission is free, but you’ll need to rent your ice skates by the hour (unless you’re the type of person who brings ice skates in their luggage, which we are not).
We like ice skating because it’s the type of athletic activity that involves holding hands if you’re even slightly unathletic, which we both are. Somehow we still manage to fall on our butts ungracefully.
- Frederiksberg Runddel | Address: 2000 Frederiksberg, København K, Denmark
- Toftegårds Plads | Address: Toftegårds Plads 1, 2500 Valby
Take a Day Trip from Copenhagen to Visit Fairytale Castles
Fairytale castles topped our list of must-see places in Europe in winter, and we jumped on the chance to take a day trip from Copenhagen to visit them!
Denmark was once a thriving monarchy with loads of enormous castles, one of which was even immortalized in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. We think venturing out to see the castles is one of the best day trips from Copenhagen in winter.
There are plenty of Copenhagen castle tours that will take you to visit stunning Frederiksborg and Kronberg (of Hamlet fame) on a group tour, like this one.
Or, if you’re more of the DIY type, here’s a guide to seeing the Copenhagen castles on your own on a self-guided day trip from Copenhagen.
Just leave early: we reached Kronberg Castle just as it was getting dark (around 4 pm), only to discover that the entire castle was lit with nothing more than candles and the whole thing was closing soon on account of pitch darkness. We did have just enough time to tour the castle and discover that, to our delight, there was a Christmas Market hiding inside (because of course there was)!
- Frederiksborg Castle | Address: Møntportvejen 10 3400 Hillerød
- Kronborg Castle | Address: Kronborg 2C, 3000 Helsingør
Relax in a Hot Sauna
What’s more Nordic than a steamy sauna in the dead of winter? Answer: nothing.
We Americans may not have the tolerance for winter chill like our Viking friends, but we can certainly appreciate the appeal of a hot bath when it’s chilly out! Copenhagen embraces this tradition wholeheartedly, and one of the best things to do in Copenhagen in winter is to get yourself to a relaxing sauna and spa.
There are plenty of options for saunas in Copenhagen. But our favorite is the adorably named CopenHot.
Seasonally open CopenHot offers like, a zillion options for spa-seeking visitors on Copenhagen’s waterfront: there’s scenic spas with panoramic water views, giant wooden tubs of hot water, and even sailing spas. Yes, like, a boat full of spa. On the open water. So. Epic.
- CopenHot | Address: Refshalevej 325, 1432 København
Explore a Winter Wonderland in Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is one of Copenhagen’s claims to fame, and it’s a Winterland fairytale in November and December.
The amusement park has been sitting smack dab in the middle of Copenhagen since 1843, making it the 2nd oldest amusement park in the world. Take that, Disney World!
During the winter, Tivoli transforms into a massive Christmas Market. We spent a full day exploring and wandering around, hand in hand. We didn’t even go on any rides – it was just so beautiful!
- Tivoli Gardens | Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark | Entrance: 110dk each
Tips for Visiting Tivoli Gardens in Winter
- Visit mid-day to avoid crowds. Not only is the lighting better for your adorable Instagram photos, but you’ll spend a lot less time waiting in line for rides, food – everything! We visited around noon and the park was blissfully sparse – but as soon as the sun sets around 4 pm, the crowds arrived. To ensure you don’t spend your time freezing in line to enter the park, get a skip-the-line ticket!
- Plan to eat lunch in the park. As with any good Christmas market, there is plenty of delicious holiday food! We shared a gløgg with aebleskiver. Don’t forget to save some crumbs to feed the flock of ducks that hangs out in the pond. Psst: we’ve got a whole post about the best holiday foods in Copenhagen.
- The best bathroom in Tivoli is in Nimb, the hotel that leads into the park. Walk inside like you own the place, take the elevator, and head to the basement. You’ll find the bathrooms by the gym. You’re welcome.
Fun Fact: the #1 oldest amusement park in the world, Dyrehavsbakken (Bakken for short) is also in Denmark, just a quick 30-minute train ride away. It’s 431 years old, so not exactly high-tech – everything is made of wood and held together with ye olde cement.
Also, it’s in the woods and surrounded by deer, which is adorable. Unfortunately, it isn’t open during the winter months. Which is why this is a fun fact, and not a thing to do in Copenhagen in the winter.
Stroll Down Købmagergade
During our trip to Copenhagen in December, we kept randomly stumbling onto streets that had been all dressed up in Christmas cheer.
We didn’t know when or where to expect them, but we’d turn a corner and suddenly be transported into a magical holiday wonderland. It was like Narnia, except with streets instead of wardrobes. And no talking animals. … Or even queens. In related news, we’re now accepting guest metaphor writers. Ahem.
Copenhagen has no shortage of pedestrian-only streets, and Købmagergadeis one of the most beautiful.
During the winter, the street gets all gussied up in long strands of holiday lights that are both magical and totally Instagramable.
Fall in Love With Nyhavn
If you’ve ever looked at pictures of Copenhagen, you’ve seen Nyhavn. The colorful port is the most recognizable icon of Copenhagen!
But during the winter months of November and December, Nyhavn becomes transformed from your typical run-of-the-mill picture-perfect boat-lined colorful canal (I’m kidding, there is nothing typical about Nyhavn) to a Christmas wonderland!
Christmas Markets line the canal on one side, and each boat is decorated with holiday decorations.
If you want to go all in, take a canal cruise – Nyhavn is a port, after all! This 1-hour cruise leaves from Nyhavn and takes you past sights like the Little Mermaid statue and the Amalienborg Palace.
Or, take a tour of the Carlsberg Brewery – a horse-drawn carriage ride down the canals is included with your entry. Because of course it is.
- Nyhavn Christmas Market | Address: Gamle Carlsberg Vej 11, 1799 Valby, Denmark
- Carlsberg Brewery | Address: Nyhavn 1-71, 1051 København K
Stuff Your Face at Food Markets
Ah, food markets. How I love thee.
Food markets are like combining my favorite activity, eating, with my other favorite activity: looking for food I want to eat. They’re like a mall, except instead of clothing, you’re browsing for fresh cheese and roast duck and extremely specific kinds of charcuterie.
The food markets in Copenhagen are the perfect place to warm up and stuff your face with local delicacies, especially during the holiday season! You can even take a Copenhagen Christmas food tour, like this one.
Here are our favorite food markets in Copenhagen:
Torvehallerne
Torvehallerne is one of the best food markets we’ve ever been to! And we’re like, really into food markets, so that’s saying a lot.
We’ve got a full write-up of what to eat in Torvehallerne here, but these are our top 3 picks:
- Ma Poule: Home of the best sandwich in Copenhagen: the famous duck confit sandwich! Made with arugula and spicy mustard. Delicious! Also, a great selection of charcuterie and cheese. Details
- Gorm’s: The best pizza in the city! We tried a Danish Christmas pizza, and it was heavenly. Website
- Hallernes Smørrebrød: All Smørrebrød, all the time. Hallernes has a huge selection of delicious looking Smørrebrød, from smoked eel to liver pate to classic herring. At least, we think that’s what they were – we couldn’t find an English menu! We ordered Roast Beef (or whatever Roast Beef actually means in Danish) and it was heavenly. Website
Paper Island
Paper Island Street Food Market is where you should go when you’re extremely hungry but not sure exactly what you want to eat.
It’s basically a huge warehouse filled with colorful ethnic street food trucks from around the world (Colombian! Turkish! Moroccan! Korean!) all decked out in an anti-establishment, ultra-cool vibe.
We’ve got a write-up of our favorite stalls in Paper Island here, but these are our top 3 picks:
- Creme Brulee Donut: OK, I couldn’t find the name of the stall. But just look for a sign that says “Creme Brulee Donut.” You’d think it’s just a donut filled with creme brulee cream, but no: the donut itself is actually rolled in sugar and torched right in front of your eyes, making it a crispy, sugary little piece of heaven!
- The Spoon Company: Stick-to-your-ribs Danish stews and soups, made with hearty ingredients. We tried the Venison stew with fresh currants, and it was absolutely perfect on a chilly day.
- Copper & Wheat: Try the duck and arugula sandwich on brioche with crispy duck-fat fries.
*Update 2020: Our readers have informed us Paper Island has closed down *sobs* but the unofficial replacement can be found at Reffen and is supposedly the biggest street food market in the Nordics. Have you been? Let us know what it’s like!
For more drool-worthy Danish holiday foods, read our yummy guide to Holiday Food in Copenhagen!
Hot Drinks & Hygge
There is just something about a steaming mug of something on a cold winter’s day that gives you that warm, fuzzy-tummy feeling known in Danish as Hygge.
We got our first real taste of Hygge as we were on my way to see a fairytale castle. We were walking through the adorable town of Hillerød on our way to Frederiksborg Castle when a couple of cherub-cheeked Danes popped out from a tiny windmill (I kid you not) and handed us each a free cup of hot chocolate.
Ever the skeptical Americans, we were like, “why, though?”
“Just to promote the Christmas Spirit,” they chirped happily.
That may have been the exact moment when I fell madly in love with Denmark.
I had a long, meaningful moment of peace with my hot chocolate. I started into its chocolatey depths and it looked back at me lovingly. I never knew the meaning behind all those pictures of women staring into their Pumpkin Spice Lattes before this moment, but now I get it: it’s hygge.
Hygge is a HUGE part of Danish culture. Take a Hygge & Happiness tour to learn all about hygge and get deeply in touch with your inner cozy side.
Or, get your hygge on with a cup of coffee and an almond croissant from Democratic Coffee, which also happens to be inside of the most beautiful library we’ve ever seen (or you can also check out any of these gorgeous coffee shops. Copenhagen has excellent coffee).
- Democratic Coffee | Address: Krystalgade 15, 1172 København K, Denmark
Not much of a coffee drinker? Pick up an incredible hot chocolate from Conditori La Glace, the oldest (and probably best, according to their adorably modest website) confectionery in Denmark.
If you’re a hot chocolate connoisseur, here’s a bunch more options. Of course, you can always try hovering around tiny windmills in the hope that somebody will appear and hand you one.
- Conditori La Glace | Address: Skoubogade 3, 1158 København K, Denmark
Warm Up in a Free Museum
Sure, most of the things on this list are outdoor activities. But what about when you’re just freezing and want to warm up?
That’s when you should plan to duck indoors for a while. Luckily, Copenhagen has a bunch of museums that are totally free!
So you warm up while you’re learning things and pretending to be super cultured. You class act, you!
Here is a list of free museums in Copenhagen. You can also get free or discounted entrance to a ton of museums with the Copenhagen Card!
Don’t forget to stop by the gorgeous Black Diamond Library to warm up with a book – or a tour!
- The Royal Library | Address: Black Diamond, Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1, 1221 København K, Denmark
Visit Kongens Nytorv
Kongens Nytorv, also known as “The King’s Square,” is the largest square in Copenhagen.
Visit Kongens Nytorv in late November or December and you’ll be treated to some of the best Christmas displays in all of Copenhagen.
The stunning Hotel D’angleterre and the Magasin Du Nord department store right next door deck themselves out with Christmas displays that will have you humming Christmas carols even though we all know Christmas carols are horrible and they serve no purpose other than getting stuck in your head and driving you crazy for months at a time.
There’s also, of course, an ice skating rink and a Christmas Market. Of course.
To reach Kongens Nytorv, wander down adorable Strøget, which is another one of Copenhagen’s famous pedestrian-only street. The street itself is lined with stores, which isn’t something we care much about, but it’s also decorated with adorable hanging decorations like pine boughs and lit-up hearts.
If you’re feeling hungry, duck into the uber Danish Royal Smushi Cafe for some smørrebrød and hygge.
Take a Walking Tour of Copenhagen
Spending the day walking around Copenhagen is a fantastic way to explore the city – and keep warm in the frigid winter weather!
Copenhagen is an excellent walking city and seeing it on foot (or on a bicycle) is the perfect way to take in the sights of this amazing city. Put on a pair of wool socks and walking shoes (be sure they can handle Copenhagen’s cobblestone streets) and you’ll be all warmed up in no time!
We spent a few hours wandering from our hostel up to the Little Mermaid. Our path took us right through Nyhavn up to Amalienborg Palace – just in time to see the changing of the guard – and up into adorable Kastellet Park, too!
Here are a few options for exploring Copenhagen on foot.
- Guided Walking Tours of Copenhagen: There are some fantastic guided tours of Copenhagen which will give you an in-depth look at the city, like this one! Or join the Classic Copenhagen Tour, which starts at 11.00 am every day at the Copenhagen City Hall (bring cash to tip your guide).
- Self-Guided Walking Tours of Copenhagen: The Wanderblogger has a fantastic self-guided walking tour of Copenhagen that actually starts at the Little Mermaid statue.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen, Denmark
There are a lot of options for places to stay in Copenhagen! We recommend basing yourself as close to the charming City Centre as possible so that you’ll be walking distance down charming cobblestone streets from most of the best things to do in Copenhagen.
Here are a few options to suit every budget:
- Inexpensive Hostels: As budget travelers visiting Copenhagen on a very long trip, we chose to stay in the Copenhagen Downtown Hostel. The location was excellent, plus fantastic facilities and friendly staff! You don’t have to stay in a dorm to benefit from the cozy social atmosphere or shared kitchen, either – you can get a luxurious private room. We also recommend Generator Hostel Copenhagen, a “luxury” hostel (that really feels more like a boutique hotel) located just off of Kongens Nytorv.
- Airbnb has several excellent options for apartment rentals, all of which are straight out of a Pinterest search for Scandanavian decor (my entire Pinterest feed, tbh). We love this charming apartment curiously located in one of the oldest buildings in Copenhagen; this cozy, bright, and super budget-friendly little flat; and this stunning a-frame loft with exposed beams that make me want to move into a barn.
- Charming Boutique Hotels: If your budget has a little room to stretch, there are some absolutely stunning boutique hotels in Copenhagen that are affordable on a mid-range budget. We love the gorgeous Hotel SP34, located within walking distance to just about everything on our list! Plus, how killer are your Instagram photos going to look in those beautiful rooms?! Can the lobby just be my apartment?! I’m obsessed. We also love Hotel Skt. Petri. Honestly, the views from the windows & the proximity to Torvehallarne alone are enough for me. But in addition, this gorgeous hotel has luxurious amenities for daysssss! You can score deals for a fantastic rate, too.
Travel Tip: If your check-in and check-out times don’t sync up with your need to roam the streets and you need a place to store your bags check out LuggageHero, a service that helps you find a safe place to keep your luggage while you’re running around! Use the code PRACTICALW for 2 hours of free luggage storage on us.
Are you all warm and fuzzy and ready to spend Christmas in Copenhagen? Personally, I had to stop myself from booking a ticket while writing this post. I want to go back so bad!
Psst: We have a couple more posts about visiting Copenhagen in the winter! If you’re planning a trip, you’ll definitely want to take a look at these.
- Copenhagen Castles Guide: Self-Guided Day Trip from Copenhagen
- Holiday Food in Copenhagen, Denmark: What to Eat this Winter
We’ve also helpfully written up a handy dandy e-book that you can take with you on your trip! Sign up below to download the FREE Copenhagen Winter Guide.
Get the Copenhagen Winter Guide!
Subscribe below and we'll send you a 10-page Copenhagen Winter Guide packed full of helpful information for your trip. PLUS our favorite tips for visiting Copenhagen!
Looking for more amazing destinations for winter travel in Europe? Here are some of our favorites:
- Two Super-Detailed Winter Europe Itineraries
- 10 Magical Things to do in Bremen, Germany in Winter
- Romantic Bruges, Belgium: Adorable Things to do in Bruges in Winter
- 10 Things to do in Vienna in the Winter: The Ultimate Vienna Christmas Guide
- The Perfect 7-Day Norway Itinerary for an Epic Winter Trip
- 35 Photos of Norway in the Winter to Inspire your Wanderlust
Hey, we want to hear from you: what gives you that Danish feeling of hygge? Drop us a comment below!
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Our Top Travel Tips & Resources
- Face Masks: Scientific consensus demonstrates wearing face masks protects both yourself and those around you from viral spread! We love these reusable face masks because they're ethically made with sustainable materials and budget-friendly.
- Booking Flights: To score flight deals, search on Skyscanner or Kayak. Money-saving tips: fly mid-week or on the weekend; fly carry-on only on a budget airline; and take red-eyes or early morning flights.
- Accommodations: We usually stay in mid-range boutique hotels or private rooms in hostels. We use Booking.com to book hotels (we love their flexible cancellation policy) and Hostelworld to book hostels (low deposit, easy change/cancellation, and excellent reviews). Depending on the destination, we also love staying in AirBnBs. We've also used TrustedHousesitters as both hosts and travelers.
- Travel Insurance: We always, always, ALWAYS buy travel insurance for international trips, and we STRONGLY suggest it - visit our Travel Insurance Guide to find out why. We recommend either World Nomads or SafetyWing for international travel insurance.
- Vaccines & Meds: We use the travel guides on the CDC website to research recommended medications and vaccines for international trips. We always recommend getting every vaccine recommended by the CDC! You can get them at your primary care doctor's office or a walk-in pharmacy.
- Tours: We love booking guided tours, especially food tours and walking tours, to get a local's perspective and a history lesson while sight-seeing! We book our tours using Viator and GetYourGuide.
- Transportation: We use Rome2Rio to figure out how to get from place to place using public transit. When we book a rental car, we use Kayak to find the best deal.
- Luggage Storage: Whenever we're checking out early or taking advantage of a long layover, we use Stasher or LuggageHero to safely store our luggage while we're running around. On Stasher, you can use the code PW10 for 10% off your booking!
- What to Pack: Here are the travel essentials that we bring on every trip. We also have packing lists for hot weather, cold weather, and many more. Take a look at all of our packing guides!
Tracey says
Hi Lia, I want to thank you so much for all your helpful information. I was researching what type of winter clothes to buy for a trip to Europe, (being from Australia I had no clue about really cold weather), and found your original post, thanks to your advice I bought the Gobi hi top boots as well as thermals and socks from Icebreaker. We have just got back from a months holiday in Salzburg, Bruges, Lucerne, Amsterdam, St Petersburg and Moscow and you were right, even in snow and walking around all day on cold cobblestones my feet were never cold or sore and the thermals helped enormously!
Practical Wanderlust says
Wow! We are so glad to hear that Tracey!
Practical Wanderlust says
Thanks Tracey,
We are so happy to hear our recommendations were useful to you!
Ellen says
Perfect! Thank you! We’ll be in Copenhagen as the first stop on our 7 week 40th birthday extravaganza! My partner wanted to see the northern lights for her birthday so we’re doing it! This resource looks perfect for us, as we won’t want to be splashing too much cash right at the start! PDF and walking tour look awesome. Thanks!!
Practical Wanderlust says
Sounds like a wonderful time Ellen!
Happy travels 🙂
Chiara Dias says
This is amazing!!! Planning a solo trip for 3 days… totally looking forward to it now! The pictures are breathtaking!
Lia Garcia says
That sounds like a great trip!! Enjoy!
Candice says
Thanks so much for all of this detailed information and links!!
Practical Wanderlust says
Glad to know it was helpful to you!
Mo says
Hello, just wanted to inform that BAKKEN (the oldest amusement park) is open in the winter! Every weekend until the 22. December! It is super cute and there’s also a christmas market + super hyggeligt! 🙂
Practical Wanderlust says
Wow! Thanks so much for that info! Amusements park and Christmas market all in one place sounds AMAZING! Makes me wish I was back in Copenhagen this Winter
Brittnay says
Thanks for the list of Christmas markets!! I now have some new ones to check out, ohhh and the Gløgg sounds incredible with the raisins and almonds!
Ashlea says
Omg Copenhagen in winter is amazing 🙂 and I just love that the Danes have ‘hygge’… what an amazing concept to have a single word for (sometimes English is a little disappointing)!
nicole says
Hi Lia, Love everything about this post – it’s both helpful and really bringing the Christmas magic! I’m planning a weeklong trip to Copenhagen the last week of November and I’m planning to follow in your footsteps! I’m wondering, how long were you there? Can I do everything in 6 days? And if not, what should I absolutely not miss? Thanks!
Lia Garcia says
Copenhagen is teeny tiny and you can absolutely do everything in 6 days! Our trip was about 5 days total, with plenty of time to just relax in coffee shops and sleep in until 10am everyday (aka until sunrise).
Eliza says
Hi Lia! My husband and I know we want to make a trip to Europe this December but are still debating on where to go. This post just bumped Copenhagen quickly up the list!! I have a few questions… How was communication for you there? We aren’t against going somewhere with a different language but at most we can understand just a little Spanish. I want to make sure we wouldn’t be in over our heads in a new place! Also, any recommendations of what to do if we are there for Christmas Day? Are there places open on that day or should we expect to stay in?
Lia Garcia says
Hey Eliza, most people in Copenhagen speak excellent English and we had no difficulties communicating despite not speaking a word of Danish. You’ll be fine! As for Christmas Day, we didn’t visit on Christmas Day ourselves and I don’t want to give you inaccurate information – that might be a good question for your hotel or a local. I’d probably plan to stay in just in case. Hope that’s helpful!
Clivia Li Vigni says
We just booked a trip to Europe for Xmas starting with Copenhagen for a few days and I was super anxious about what winter clothes to bring with me/buy and you made it so sooo easy. I couldn’t have found a better post to help me out with this along with recommendations of places to go during our visit. I cannot wait! Thank you, you ROCK!
Lia Garcia says
Aw, that’s awesome to hear! So glad we were able to help 🙂 have an amazing trip!
Cindy Denton says
Lia! This is one of the best blogs or guides I have researched! The pictures are breathtaking and you are right, your coat is super cute! We will be there November 16-21. I cannot wait to see our daughter who is studying abroad there but next to her, those markets sound AMAZING along with those castles. Thanks for doing such a good job! It makes one excited to go there! Which market was your favorite and not to miss?
Lia Garcia says
I’m so glad you like the post, Cindy! As far as our fave Christmas Market, we really liked the one in Tivoli Gardens for the winter wonderland ambiance (although it costs money to enter) but for regular Christmas Markets, we liked Hojbro Plads. It’s small but it has everything you want, not terribly crowded, and centrally located.
Luis Coquis says
Amazing information- Thank you soooo much Lia!!!
Margo says
So much amazing information! I just scheduled a few days in Copenhagen after adventuring in northern Finland mid-December for my birthday (solo trip!). Initially I was a little concerned about visiting in the winter, but this has gotten me so excited!!
Lia Garcia says
I’m excited for you, Margo! Have an amazing birthday trip!!
Manish says
The smartest travel blog ever by mile. The way you could weave content with commerce deserves a Harvard biz review case study. Hats off and keep exploring!
Lia Garcia says
Ooooh boy I’m gonna need to buy myself a new hat to fit the extra 5 sizes that my head just inflated from all that flattery 😉 Thank you Manish!
Veronica Castillo says
Such a great guide! We plan to go thanksgiving week, but not sure if the christmas decor will be up by then? Do you know if when they open the christmas markets?
Lia Garcia says
The Nyhavn Christmas Market will be open, as it opens in early November. Kongens Nytorv, Tivoli, the Hans Christian Andersen Christmas market, and Højbro Plads should also be open – they opened in the 3rd week of November last year, so you should be there right around when they open!
Tracey says
Thank you so much for helping us make up our minds which country to visit for next Christmas … it looks so amazingly beautiful there. We are from Australia so found the recommendations for clothes soooo helpful, especially the boots!
Lia Garcia says
Happy to help! Eat a bunch of Christmas spice pickled herring and smorebrod in my honor 😛
Lena says
You just got me SO EXCITED for our upcoming trip and made me feel like the $$$ are worth it! Thanks for such an informative and helpful guide! Your blog + content seriously rocks!
Lia Garcia says
Awww, yay!! That’s what I’m here for 🙂 Enjoy your trip, Lena!
Sophie says
Such great pictures! The Christmas tree is absolutely gorgeous and I love your hat! So cute. Copenhagen looks beautiful this time of year.
Joanna says
I found your post extremely helpful. Thank you so much for sharing. Did you visit the old town of Aarhus (Gen Gamle By)? Is it possible to visit it in one day commuting from Copenhagen?
Lia Garcia says
I didn’t visit it! But now I want to! Come back & let us know 🙂
Kell | Happy Go Travel says
What a great comprehensive post! Thanks so much for sharing.
sarah says
Wow, this is brilliant. I am heading back to Copenhagen for Christmas this year and this post has everything I have been looking for! Cannot wait to get there now.
Jordan says
You know that I swoon over all your posts (and wish I could be half as witty as you) because this one totally pulled at my heart strings! I was in Copenhagen 3 years ago during Christmas time and absolutely fell in love with it! Seriously tempting me to make another trip there (and Hamburg is only 4 hours by train from Copenhagen!)
Lia says
Yesssss do it!!!
Ha says
I love your guide! I lived in Copenhagen for 1 year and I think it’s the most beautiful city <3
Jessica carpenter says
All you had to say was creme brûlée donut and I was sold. Actually, everything about this has me sold. I just did a poll on IG asking people to decide if I go to Costa Rica or Belgium and Amsterdam the first week of December. They voted CR (the bastards), but I didn’t listen and bought tix for Europe. I. AM. OBSESSED. WITH. CHRISTMAS. I have to see the markets and lights. Copenhagen was definitely on the list and it looks awesome. Pinning this for a future Christmas trip!
Lia says
LMAO your poor readers just wanted to see some sloths on your feed! Hehe. I’m with you though – we’re straight up OBSESSED with Christmas Markets after our trip last year! Sloths can wait for warmer months.
Anisa says
I have only been to Copenhagen in the summer, but I can see why it is perfect for Christmas. It kind of looks like the towns from those train sets. I am not a big cold weather person but will brave it for good reason, plus there is that sauna and museums to keep warm!
Taylor Johnson says
This place is definitely a winter wonderland.
Christie Sultemeier says
Gorgeous, Lia! I honestly wouldn’t have picked Copenhagen as a place to go in winter but after seeing this I am going to keep it in mind when making plans. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing
Michelle says
I love all of the beautiful decorations. It seems like a Christmas fairytale come true! One day I will make it to the European Christmas markets, one day!
Brianna says
I’m so surprised how there’s like….no snow on the ground in December? Maybe it comes later in the season. Even still, your photos really do make it look like a Christmas fairytale dreamland!
Lia says
Last year when we were there it was unseasonably warm, like in the 30’s and 40’s. Also, we visited in early December, and I think snow usually doesn’t come until later in the month. So no snow for us 🙁 In fact, during our 2 months in Europe in the dead of winter we barely saw any snow at all! Global warming 🙁
Mina says
OMG! This sounds so Christmas-amazing! Actually, I’ve been very keen on visiting Copenhagen lately (after reading a book) and this blog post really comes at the perfect time, as I also can’t wait for Christmas time!
All awesome tips! Thank you big time!
Lia says
Ooooh what book? I love reading books that make me want to visit places!
Mina says
Lia, it was he Hornet flight by Ken Follett. A great story about the Second World War (not a 100% real though) but fascinatingly written. Recommend it highly
Sarah says
I went to Copenhagen in February and it was TOO COLD. I loved the city so definitely need to return during a more temperate time. Your pictures of the city during holiday season look lovely.
Lia says
It’s definitely very cold in the winter 😛 We prepared like crazy and pretty much wore head to toe wool every single day, so we were toasty warm!
Karolina says
Beautiful post! so detailed and I really love the pictures ❤️
Isie says
Such a great post! I really want to visit Copenhagen (I live nearby in Hamburg).
Lia says
Oooo you’re so close! We stopped by Hamburg (& Bremen) just after our trip to Copenhagen!
Mae-Gene says
I saw sale fares the other day for Copenhagen but ended up deciding not to book them… Your post has me seriously regretting that decision! It looks like such a beautiful place to explore and the food sounds amazing! I will definitely need to reconsider visiting over Christmas!
Lia says
Yassss jump on them! There are a ton of super cheap nonstop flights to Copenhagen from Newark and even out here in Oakland. We really only visited Copenhagen in the first place because we found an insanely cheap flight 😛 but we were so glad we did!
vanessa anderson says
Wow this is such a comprehensive guide. I visited Cophenhagen many years ago but you’ve inspired me to put it back on my “places to revisit” travel list. Or maybe a Christmas option!
Emma MacDonald says
Oh my goodness… you have just completely sold me on copenhagen! I want to go now! How cute and quirky.
Sarah says
You are making me so excited!!! Just booked my trip a couple days ago Do you think I’ll still need wool socks/undershirts etc in late November?
Lia says
Yes, I really do. We visited in the first week of December, and although it wasn’t snowy, it was still frigid and freezing cold. Much better to over-prepare than to spend your entire week holed up inside because it’s so cold outside!
Eva says
I fell in LOVE with Copenhagen the very moment I got off the bus when I got there. I have only been there once and I long to go back and take my boyfriend there. When I visited I was living in Oslo for an exchange wt the university, and Oslo was madly packed with snow, so packed with snow that everything was white and the sky was also always white because it was snowing every day so it was thick with clouds. We visited Copanhagen in the middle of February and its southern location made it snow-free in February already. On the day we got there it was actually sunny. I hadn’t seen the sun in two months (not joking), and you can imagine the colours of Nyhavn in the sun under a blue sky. Pure LOVE.
I also love Christmas,so I think I should really go back for the Christmas markets… 😀
Malini says
What a great resource! We are planning a trip soon and this is awesome!