Touring The Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market and More in Copenhagen, Denmark

Europe is rich in charm and tradition – traits that are highly elevated during the holiday season. In 2016, we spent December traveling all over Europe visiting every Christmas market possible. A Christmas market was very high on our list was the famous Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market in Copenhagen, Denmark. Joey had accrued a lot of time-off while working/living in Germany so it was the perfect excuse to use head north and visit Copenhagen’s Christmas Markets

A little information about Copenhagen, Denmark:

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a city brimming with centuries of history and a modern, progressive outlook. Founded as a Viking fishing village over a thousand years ago, Copenhagen evolved into a significant medieval trading hub and later became the seat of the Danish monarchy. Its strategic location on the Baltic Sea shaped its role as a center of commerce and culture in Northern Europe.

Today, Copenhagen is celebrated for its forward-thinking urban planning, sustainable initiatives, and high quality of life. Visitors can wander through the cobblestone streets of the picturesque Nyhavn waterfront, marvel at the iconic spires of the Christiansborg Palace, or explore the historic charm of the Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. With its innovative approach to urban design, thriving culinary scene, and emphasis on green living, Copenhagen continues to captivate visitors as a beacon of Scandinavian elegance and modernity.

How did we get to Copenhagen, Denmark:

One of the best parts of living in Europe is traveling is relatively cheap once you’re already inside the continent. Flights for $30 from Berlin, Germany to almost any country could be found, with relative ease. Joey had a meeting in Copenhagen and we decided to make a longer weekend out of it.

Why do we love traveling during the coldest months of the year?

The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year to explore a city. The way the streets are lined with twinkly lights and the love and joy that is projected is enough to make any grinch’s heart grow.

While there are many Christmas markets in the United States, European Christmas Markets have a certain allure to them. Large Christmas trees, exotic smells, different languages being heard, and so much more. Visiting European Christmas markets should be high on everybody’s bucket list.

Fun fact: Copenhagen has incredible hotdogs. Like my favorite in the whole world. They have what I can best describe as crispies on them and are topped with pickles. It was fun walking through the different markets and then stopping for a quick hotdog (which we did quite often).

Although it is a bit manufactured, I would recommend visiting Tivoli Gardens in Denmark, Copenhagen during December. It feels a little like Disney, but they have lovely little shops and the whole place is lit up/decorated for Christmas (two pictures below).

Traveling to cold places can be a big turn off for some, but I highly recommend you make a trip to Europe in December, bare the cold, and explore the many Christmas markets.

In my rank of markets I’ve been to, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denamark in definitely in the top 5. The charm of the city in combination with the festive decor (and the hotdogs) makes for a wonderful holiday stop to add to your bucket list.

Does Copenhagen, Denmark have more than one Christmas Market?

Yes! Actually, most large European cities have more than one Christmas Market, here is a list of other Christmas Markets in Copenhagen, Denmark worth checking out!

  • Christmas Market at Kongens Nytorv
  • Christmas Market at Højbro Plads
  • Flid Christmas Market
  • H.C. Andersen’s Christmas Market
  • VÄRK’s Christmas Market
  • Christmas Market at Store Godthåb
  • Christmas at Fasangården
  • Vesterbro RAW Christmas Market
  • Christmas Market on Værnedamsvej