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Copenhagen Christmas Markets: Get Festive In Denmark

Forget Germany and Austria’s Christmas offering this year, it’s high time you experienced the Danish ‘hygge’ of a festive winter wonderland in Copenhagen

Leave your dreams of Lapland behind – this year it’s all about Copenhagen.

Trendy all year around, it’s as if Copenhagen was designed especially for Christmas, so go now before everybody else does!

There’s every chance of snow, the lights are twinkly, ‘hygge’, which loosely translates as “coziness” is practically a national pastime and they even like their beer as much as we do. What’s not to love?

The Christmas tree in Tivoli, Copenhagen in 2012 (REX)
The Christmas tree in Tivoli, Copenhagen in 2012 (REX)



With time as short as the days this time of year, here’s our festive cheatsheet to make sure you see the very best on offer.

Christmas shopping
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a Christmas market and while Germany used to have the market cornered on these gluhwein soaked experiences, Denmark is now presenting stiff competition when it comes to Christmas shopping, with a boozy beverage in hand.

Check out the Christmas markets at Tivoli Gardens (more about these later), Nyhavn, or for a more alternative experience try the markets at Christiania.

Known for its hippy credential, Christiania (a freetown which began when squatters seized land belonging to the military in 1971 and is now tolerated as an unofficial commune) opens its doors to Christmas shoppers with an oriental bazaar. Beginning on 5th December, you can expect handmade jewellery, ornaments, and wrought iron candle-holders amongst other things.

Foodstuffs at the Stroget markets (PP)
Foodstuffs at the Stroget markets (PP)



More mainstream shopping can be found on Strøget, the longest pedestrianised shopping street in Europe. Alongside the usual designer labels, you’ll find Danish design mecca Hay, fantastic for furniture, stationery and other clever bits and pieces for the home.  Strøget has its own Christmas market, with hats and clothing alongside hot cocoa and Christmas kringles (a traditional Danish pretzel shaped pastry).

Scandi stalwarts George Jensen and Royal Copenhagen are also great places if you’re looking to splurge on crockery or silverware for a loved one, or yourself! And department store, Magasin, Denmark’s answer to Selfridges, is also worth a look.

Cute stalls in Copenhagen (REX)
Cute stalls in Copenhagen (REX)



Christmas sights
Tivoli Gardens are spectacular year round, but particularly special at this time of year. From 15th November, Tivoli throws opens its doors to its Christmas vision. This year, the Nordic theme features a traditional Alpine village, complete with snow covered trees and houses (with smoke billowing from the chimneys), wooden skis, thousands of bells and lights strung through the trees, and Father Christmas and his reindeer.

You’ll also be able to indulge in themed festive food and drink, in addition to the rides, restaurants and bars found within. This festive paradise has something for everyone.

Nyhavn markets ready for the rush (Flickr/Harry Teng)
Nyhavn markets ready for the rush (Flickr/Harry Teng)



The old harbour, Nyhavn, (pictured above) is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic sights; never more so than at Christmas when it’s lit up. The already buzzy vista, which is studded with restaurants and bars, plays host to a Christmas market, with entertainment, gløgg (mulled wine) and traditional Danish gifts, from 14th November.

The new Nordic cuisine
Widely recognised as the best restaurant in the world Noma may be difficult to score a reservation for (expect at least a three month waiting list), but its founder Rene Redzepi has spawned a legion of acclaimed chefs, who’ve gone on to open their own places to rival him. Among our favourites:

Höst
A more reasonable way to experience the experimental cooking based on foraged ingredients than Noma; Höst’s beer and ryebread porridge are to die for.
Nørre Farimagsgade 41 1364 Kbh.K

Geranium
Nipping at Noma’s heels, Geranium has its own place on the world’s best restaurants list and you will need to book in advance to secure a table here. If you can get in, you won’t be disappointed – the food is spectacular, with a wine list to match.
Per Henrik Lings Allé 4, 2100 København Ø

For more casual eating, Mother, in the meatpacking district, offers the best pizzas in the city.
Høkerboderne 9, 1712 København

The Coffee Collective (Flickr/Premshree Pillai)<br /><br />
The Coffee Collective (Flickr/Premshree Pillai)


 
To wash it down, how about a Christmas beer? Forget Starbucks’ seasonal gingerbread latte or the weathered “Holidays are coming” of a Coca Cola Christmas, in Copenhagen Carlsberg release Tuborg Julebryg (Tuborg Christmas Brew), a Christmas classic that despite only being available for 10 weeks of the year (that’s how long the festive season lasts in Copenhagen!) is still their fourth best seller. How’s that for getting into the Christmas spirit?

For those with a more sophisticated palate, cocktail bars we like in Copenhagen include the perennially popular Ruby’s, as well as The Union, a speak easy found behind an unmarked door. Ring the gold doorbell and demand entry from 8pm!
The Union - Store Strandstræde 19, 1255 København

If you’re looking for deliciousness in the daytime, try Torvehallerne (pictured), the covered markets near Norreport station. The two restored warehouses house everything from smørrebrod (traditional Danish open sandwiches) to sushi, with several decent Danish bakeries thrown in. They’re also home to an outpost of the Coffee Collective (pictured), a local favourite that will satisfy even the purists amongst you.



Where to stay

Hotel D’Angleterre

Hotel D&rsquo;Angleterre (PP)
Hotel D’Angleterre (PP)


If you feel like spoiling yourself this Christmas, you can’t do better. Refurbished in 2013, this 5-star palace is pure opulence. Those who can’t meet the hefty pricetag can content themselves by viewing its impressive Christmas decorations from outside.
Rooms start at £290.
Kongens Nytorv, 34, 1050 København K

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
Slightly further out of town, fans of Danish design will love the aesthetic here. Room 606 has an entire book dedicated to it, while the “Swan” and “Egg” chairs in the lobby were designed specifically for the hotel by Arne Jacobsen. Stunning views of the city from higher floors. Rooms from £148.
Hammerichsgade 1

Further afield
For a culture fix, try the internationally acclaimed Louisiana Art Museum, just a few kilometres up the coast. Easily accessible by train, the scenery on the way is stunning, and the museum’s worth the trip. You pay a flat entry fee for entry to all exhibits, the permanent collection, and sculpture garden too. Currently, the museum houses a show by Danish-Icelandic artist, Olafur Eliasson that will certainly get you talking.

With this much to do, you may want to stay well into the New Year too…

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