Chilly nights, twinkling lights and the smell of festive treats wafting through the air, the Copenhagen Christmas markets make the idyllic setting for your festive getaway.

With a big emphasis on all things hygge, this is the place to be for warming food, cosiness, steaming mugs of mulled wine and amazing markets.

Whether you’re looking for a truly traditional experience or something a little different, Copenhagen offers up a sparkling selection of options. No matter which ones you decide to visit, you can be certain you’ll be feeling festive by the time you head home.

So, pack your woolly hat and prepare to get festive, as we take you through the best Copenhagen Christmas markets.

Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market

Tucked between the historical districts of Nyhavn and Strøget, the Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market is a traditional treasure. The warmly-lit stalls, ribbon-wreathed walkways and snow-dusted spruces work together to make a real winter wonderland. As far as Danish Christmas markets go, it’s a quintessential example.

Here, you can explore handmade crafts and pick up unique gifts for loved ones at home. If you’re hungry, simply follow the wafts of freshly baked treats and traditional dishes for a real taste of Christmas in Copenhagen. If you’re lucky, Santa Claus may make an appearance too!

Nyhavn Christmas Market

What better setting to host a magical Christmas market than on the famous Nyhavn harbour? At this time of year, the port is transformed into a twinkling backdrop for the bustling market. The different coloured houses and moored boats are all warmly lit by the glow of the stalls and the fairy lights strung above, making for an enchanting look.

Take your time and stroll along the harbour, soaking up the charming sights, delicious smells and sounds of carols as you go.

Time your trip right and you could be in for one of the most Instagram-worthy moments of the festive period. Saint Lucy’s Kayak Parade is a spectacular Christmas traditional, where hundreds of kayaks, decked out in tinsel, and lights make their way past the harbour and through the canals spreading festive cheer.

Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market

During the festive period, the famous Tivoli Gardens are embellished with glistening baubles, sparkling tinsel and glowing stalls. As you explore the range of foods, drinks and gifts on offer to the sound of Christmas classics, watch out for the Tivoli Youth Guards. These youngsters put on a fantastic parade through the market in their traditional festive red uniforms.

Got the little ones in tow? They’ll love Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market. Take them for a spin on the carousel, treat them to some freshly-baked gingerbread, or let them meet Santa in his cosy Christmas Bazaar. If you’re feeling particularly graceful, you can also check out the ice rink here. Covered by a twinkling canopy of fairy lights, it’s a romantic spot for gliding around hand in hand.

Freetown Christiania Christmas Market

For something a little different, head to Copenhagen’s hippy hotspot, Freetown Christiania. A far cry from the traditional setting, the market here offers a new take on the usual festivities to offer something completely unique.

Reminiscent of an Oriental bazaar, this bustling hub offers just about every handicraft you can think of. From traditional Christmas mobiles through to clothes and handmade mirrors, this is the place to source a quirky gift. Grab yourself a glass of steaming gløgg (or mulled wine) and explore the fascinating mix of stalls on display.

Hans Christian Andersen Market

Dedicated to the father of fairytales, the Hans Christian Andersen Christmas market is second to none when it comes to magical settings. Tucked into one of the oldest and most historic parts of Odense, this market takes traditional charm to the next level. Think time-honoured Danish delicacies, beautifully spiced wine and old-fashioned stalls, all bordered by some of the most elegant of Copenhagen’s iconic buildings.

When you’ve soaked up all that Christmassy goodness, why not learn more about the market’s namesake? The Hans Christian Andersen Museum isn’t far away, so you can get your fill of magical experiences all in one day.

Kronborg Castle Market

Copenhagen really pulls out all the stops when it comes to finding the ideal backdrop for a Christmas market, and Kronborg Castle is on the money. Spread throughout the snug rooms and majestic halls of the impressive fortress, you can explore the range of stalls at your own pace, discovering unique crafts as you go. An indoor market may not be the norm, but it’s the ideal place to explore if you prefer a cosier setting for your Christmas market experience.

Any literature fans get double the fun here. Kronborg Castle, often called Hamlet’s Castle, was Shakespeare’s inspiration for the setting of the play. Once you’ve explored the market stalls, why not take part in a guided tour with the only remaining survivor of the tragedy, Horatio?