Denmark, Europe

Copenhagen in December

Christmas markets at Tivoli and Nyhavn and candlelit everything. The best of the dark season.

GoodCold, highs near 39F (4C), dark by 4pm

Nyhavn, Copenhagen — CopenhagenPhoto: Moahim, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Copenhagen. Christmas markets at Tivoli and Nyhavn and candlelit everything. The best of the dark season.

Weather: Cold, highs near 39F (4C), dark by 4pm
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Copenhagen

December is the best of Copenhagen's dark season. Highs sit near 39F (4C), and it is dark by 4pm, but the city makes up for it with Christmas markets at Tivoli and Nyhavn and candles in every window. Crowds and prices rise to the middle of the range, and weekends at Tivoli get busy. Denmark shuts down from Christmas Eve afternoon through December 26.

It suits families, couples and anyone who loves Christmas traditions. It is not for sun seekers or cyclists who dislike wet cold. Plan your festive visits before December 24, and book dinners ahead for the holiday days. For warm-weather Copenhagen, come back in June to August.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Copenhagen this month.

Tivoli at Christmas

The gardens are full of lights, market stalls and rides. Go at dusk, which comes early this time of year.

The Nyhavn Christmas market

Stalls line the painted harbor front, selling mulled wine and treats. It is prettiest after dark.

Candlelit museums and cafes

Short days make it a great month for the National Museum, the SMK and long cafe breaks.

What to pack for December

An insulated, waterproof coat
Warm waterproof boots
Gloves, a hat and a scarf
Hand warmers for evenings at the markets

Our timing tip

Visit Tivoli on a weekday right at opening or at dusk, since weekend evenings in December are very crowded.

Book Copenhagen for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Copenhagen
Opens a hotel search for Copenhagen in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Copenhagen
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Copenhagen
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Copenhagen for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Christmas season

Mid November through early January

Tivoli's Christmas season, the market at Nyhavn, and candles in every window.

Things to do in Copenhagen

Full guide

Tivoli Gardens

Opened in 1843, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Best at dusk when the lights come on. Runs in seasons, not year-round.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Rosenborg Castle and the Crown Jewels

A Renaissance castle in the King's Garden holding the Danish crown jewels. Timed tickets in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

National Museum of Denmark

Vikings, Bronze Age treasures, and Danish history in one building. A strong rainy-day choice.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark

Danish Golden Age painting and a strong modern collection. Evening openings on some weekdays.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Nyhavn

The painted 17th-century harbor front. Photograph it at 8am, then eat elsewhere; the canal-side restaurants are overpriced.

Tickets and tours →

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Forty minutes north by train, on the coast. The sculpture garden and sea views make it a summer half day.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid before 9am in summer. Cruise groups arrive mid morning.
Rent a bike and head to Norrebro, Vesterbro, or the harbor districts instead of staying in the strip between Stroget and Nyhavn.
Book popular restaurants and Rosenborg tickets ahead in July and August. Much of the rest of the city works as walk-in.
For lower prices with summer weather, aim for early June or early September rather than July.

Know before you go

Tivoli is seasonal: a summer season from around April to September, a Halloween season in October, and a Christmas season from mid November to early January. It is closed in between, including most of late winter.
July is Denmark's main vacation month, and some independent restaurants and shops close for two to three weeks.
Many museums close on Mondays. Check before planning around them.
Harbor baths and beach life are summer only, roughly June to August, with daring locals swimming into September.