December is a wonderful time to visit Copenhagen, as the city is filled with the magic of winter and Christmas. From twinkling lights to charming Christmas markets, the entire city offers activities for all ages, both indoors and outdoors. Explore Copenhagen in December with our guide on what to do, from Christmas markets to free activities. Check out our map and start planning!
Looking for festive things to do in Copenhagen in December? Be sure to explore the cozy Christmas Markets throughout the city, adding some extra holiday cheer to your visit. Browse through beautiful ornaments, handmade knitwear, and enjoy traditional glögg and æbleskiver as Christmas music fills the air.
There are several festive Christmas Markets in the city center. Find them at Kongens Nytorv, Højbro Plads, and Axeltorv. They are open daily until Christmas.
Want to visit a true winter wonderland this December? Stop by the always-magical Tivoli, transformed into something out of a fairytale. The iconic amusement park twinkles with lights and cheerful decorations, the scent of delicious food mingles with laughter and joyful screams from the fun rides.
Take the kids to see Santa in his house, rent ice skates and test your skills on the ice, and enjoy all the rides.
A trip to Tivoli is an absolute must-do when in Copenhagen. Why not combine it with another must-do Copenhagen activity: a canal tour? With Stromma’s Tivoli Combi-Ticket, you get an entrance ticket to Tivoli and a 1-hour guided Classic Canal Tour.
Step into this winter wonderland at Vesterbrogade 3.
Photo credit: Tivoli
For a unique twist on what to do in Copenhagen in December, hop on board Stromma’s Christmas Jazz Cruise. Enjoy live jazz as you sail through the narrow canals of Copenhagen, with a jazz band playing their own versions of beloved holiday classics.
The jazz tour lasts an hour, and you’re welcome to bring something to drink – perhaps glögg or hot chocolate from a nearby Christmas market.
Departing from Nyhavn 3 at 15:00 on the four Sundays of Advent (December 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd). The boat is covered and heated, so you’re in for a cozy winter boat tour.
At Reffen, you can experience the spectacular Van Gogh exhibition that makes you feel like you’ve stepped directly into his paintings! This 1000m2 space is filled with light and sound, where his most famous works of art are projected on a two-story high wall.
Put on a VR headset and take a stroll alongside the artist himself through 8 of his iconic works, including Starry Night Over the Rhone. It’s an experience like no other, and if you’re an art fan, this incredible lifelike journey is not to be missed.
Visit the studio, where you can create your own art, project it on the walls, and officially call yourself a featured artist at a museum.
This is a limited pop-up experience in Copenhagen, so please check their website before going. Step into art, literally, at Refshalevej 175 A & B. Join Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus and get off at stop 34 – Reffen.
Is there anything more delicious than a sticky cinnamon bun, a tasty Danish, or a gooey chocolate chip cookie? In the land of hygge, these mouthwatering treats rank high on the self-care scale, and that’s probably why the city has so many amazing bakeries.
It’s impossible to choose a favorite, but here’s a list of 5 of the absolute best and must-try bakeries:
Owned by Richard Hart, former baker at the Michelin-awarded restaurant Noma, Hart Bakery is famed for its off-the-charts flavors and impeccable quality.
Locals and food lovers alike flock here for their sourdough bread, croissants, and cardamom rolls – a must for anyone seeking the best in Copenhagen.
At Lille Bakery, it’s more than just baked goods; it’s an experience. Being both a bakery and an eatery, you can stop by for a coffee and a roll with cheese or stay for lunch.
This bakery works closely with local farmers, and primarily uses Danish, locally produced ingredients. Their menu changes with the seasons, ensuring fresh, seasonal flavors.
Here you’ll find traditional baked goods like croissants and pain au chocolat, as well as Danish delights like Tebirkes (to die for) and Nutella buns (also to die for), of very high quality.
They also serve breakfast and brunch as well, if you’re craving more than just a pastry. Enjoy Croque Monsieur, Caesar salad, apple crumble, or overnight oats, and pair it with a lemonade or latte for a special treat.
Apotek is the Danish word for pharmacy, but at Apotek 57, they serve a different kind of remedy - one for the soul! Instead of medicine, you’ll find comforting fruit tarts, waffles with compote, caramelized cinnamon buns, and sourdough rolls, each made to bring you joy.
This bakery honestly goes out of their way to spoil their customers! Try a double chocolate pain au chocolat or one of their innovative cross-laminated pastries – a hybrid creation combining the best of several worlds, such as banana caramel, cake crumble, and roasted pecans, all in one perfect pastry covered with maple syrup glaze.
They also offer a delicious selection of pizzas, garlic bread, cakes, and coffees.
Explore these incredible bakeries and find your very own favorite. Find the location of each bakery on the map below.
At the spellbinding Museum of Illusions, nothing is at it seems! The mind-bending installations will make you second-guess what you think you see versus what’s actually there.
Catch a glimpse of infinity, take a walk in an upside-down world, and shrink your body in the illusions rooms. Experience holograms and optical illusions that will teach you about vision, perception, and how the brain works.
Visit this out-of-the-ordinary museum at Frederiksberggade 24.
Photo credit: Museum of Illusions
The Lapidarium of Kings, located on Slotsholmen beneath the vaulted ceilings of the old brewhouse, is home to hundreds of historic statues and sculptures. These artifacts once adorned royal gardens, palaces, and buildings across Denmark. After years of weather exposure, many pieces were deteriorating, but instead of discarding these literal pieces of Danish history, they were preserved here.
One of the highlights is the equestrian statue of King Frederik V, which once stood in the courtyard of Amalienborg Palace. Incredibly, it is said that the statue cost more than the palace itself!
Discover the past at Christian 4.s Bryghus, Frederiksholms Kanal 29. Take Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus to stop 1 – Ved Stranden.
Stroll through the Arctic, Asia, Africa, and Europe in one day at the Copenhagen Zoo. Pet the friendly goats and visit the farm animals in the kid zoo. Here, you’ll also find a huge playground, and you can either buy food and snacks or enjoy your own packed meals in the picnic area.
Watch polar bears swim in the Arctic Circle exhibit, walk through the rain forest, or sit and watch the cheeky monkeys as they tease and chase each other. Don’t forget to visit the giant pandas – they’re extremely cute and much bigger than you’d expect!
For a great view of the city, head up the zoo tower. Just note, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for this, available in the zoo shop near the entrance.
Pet the goats at Roskildevej 32. Join Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus to stop 27 – Copenhagen Zoo.
Photo credit: Copenhagen Zoo
Hviids Vinstue has been part of Copenhagen for 300 years and has always been a meeting place for locals, regular folks, and artists alike. The bar has stood through events like the major fires in 1728 and 1795, the English war in 1801, as well as the occupation during World War 1 – if only walls could talk!
Glögg is a tradition that goes back many years, and at Hviids, they’ve been serving the mulled wine since 1945. Their glögg is so popular that they’ve used the same recipe for decades and even started bottling it. So, if you fall in love with this drink, you can take a bottle home.
Say cheers at Kongens Nytorv 19.
Winter in Copenhagen doesn’t have to be expensive. If you're looking for free things to do in Copenhagen in December, there are plenty of exciting activities that won't cost you a thing.
Stop by The David Collection, a fascinating art museum featuring Islamic art, European art from the 17th to 19th century, and Danish early modern art.
The collection includes Dutch and French paintings, chinoserie, and European furniture. Islamic art is the largest collection in the museum, and it covers the classical Islamic world featuring calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry.
Find the museum at Kronprinsessegade 30-32. They are closed on Mondays.
Climb the tower of Christiansborg Palace and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city. The tower is 106 meters high. However, the viewing platform is 44 meters above ground, giving you the perfect view over the roof tops. Can you spot Tivoli, the Marble Church, and the Round Tower? On a clear day, you can even see the Øresund strait, separating Denmark from Sweden.
Enjoy the view at Christiansborg Slotsplads. The tower is closed on Mondays.
Originally an anchor forge, this building was converted into a church in 1619 by King Christian IV. As the area’s population grew, the church underwent significant expansion between 1641 and 1646, giving it its characteristic cross shape.
Marvel at the stunning altarpiece, the unique silver collection, and the baptismal font. The church also contains memorials to historical figures, including Admiral Niels Juel and Tordenskiold, though visitors cannot access these parts of the church.
Find the church at Holmens Kanal 21.
If you’re looking for even more budget-friendly ideas, check out our guide on free things to do in Copenhagen.
There’s no clear answer to this, as the weather in December is quite unpredictable. If you’re visiting for a few days, you’re likely to experience a mix of sun, wind, rain, and possibly hail and snow. Temperatures are low, so be sure to pack warm clothes. The cold wind makes gloves and a hat essential, and don’t forget warm, waterproof shoes or boots.
Below, you’ll find a map highlighting the 9 best things to do and see in Copenhagen this December. Grab your most comfortable shoes, dress warmly for the winter weather, and explore these amazing spots around the city.
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