25 Delightful Things to Do in Copenhagen in Winter

Copenhagen is enchanting in every season I’ve visited, but I have to admit, there’s a unique magic to Copenhagen in winter. And why wouldn’t it be?

After all, this is the homeland of hygge – that almost-mystical word people say you can’t translate, capturing the essence of coziness and contentment, especially in the cold months. So it’s no wonder then that every nook and cranny of Copenhagen in winter exudes warmth and charm!

For me, visiting Copenhagen in December (or late November) is as good as it gets, when the Christmas markets are at their full power. This is when the city starts to don its festive feel, with the early-setting sun being replaced by twinkling fairy lights and lit candles, heralding the Christmas season.

By contrast, January, February, and March in Copenhagen are colder and quieter, as the festive fervor subsides — but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting in those months, either. This is when you’ll find the best places and smallest crowds, and you’ll get a sense of daily life for Danes.

No matter when you visit, the inviting cafés, the lively craft beer spots, the frosty canals, and the pastel-hued architecture promise to sprinkle some cheer on even the drabbest of winter days. If you’re considering a winter trip to Copenhagen, here are my favorite things to do.

If you’re visiting other places in the Nordics this winter, like Tromso, Stockholm, Helsinki, Abisko, Svalbard, or Rovaniemi, read my guides!

25 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen in Winter

Stroll around a cheery Tivoli Gardens

Come winter, this iconic Copenhagen theme park transforms into something entirely different: a mesmerizing winter wonderland replete with brilliant lights and twinkling ornaments, hundreds of market stalls, and rides that people of all ages can enjoy.

While summer is its primary season, Tivoli also throws open its gates for special occasions like Halloween and Christmas — but keep in mind that surrounding these holidays, Tivoli takes a hiatus to switch gears and get all festive.

For 2024-2025, Tivoli’s Christmas schedule runs from November 15 to January 5. It opens daily at 11 AM, closing at 10 PM on weeknights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, but remains closed on Christmas Eve. Its last day is on January 5th and it won’t reopen with regular hours until April 4, 2025.

Planning a December visit, the peak of Copenhagen’s winter season? I suggest grabbing fast-track tickets ahead of time to ensure you have tickets and make the experience more seamless. Simply purchase them online and present the digital copy on your smartphone upon arrival – bypassing both any need to print or wait in line for tickets.

You can also purchase an unlimited rides plus entrance option, which can save you money if you plan to enjoy a lot of the rides. But if you just want to absorb the ambiance, an entrance ticket will suit just fine.

Pro Tip: Admission to Tivoli Gardens is included if you buy a Copenhagen Card, so be sure to not accidentally buy both – pick one or the other! You can buy them for 1-4 days, and it includes all public transportation, dozens museums and attractions, and a canal cruise. Depending on what you have planned, it can save you a ton of money, so check inclusions and prices here.

Enjoy the other Copenhagen Christmas Markets.

Tivoli Gardens isn’t the only place that gets in the Christmas spirit in Copenhagen — there are lots of Copenhagen Christmas markets where you can take part in the cheer without needing to pay any entry ticket. These markets are hygge embodied: radiating warmth, light, and festivity.

While there are a handful of markets spread across the city, there are a few that stand out. First on the list, the iconic Nyhavn Christmas Market, a picturesque canalside neighborhood lined with rainbow-colored townhouses and historic ships, getting adorned with festive lights and stalls brimming with Christmas treasures.

Stroll along the harbor clutching a warm cup of gløgg (Danish mulled wine) as you browse stalls selling handcrafted gifts, Scandinavian decorations, and mouthwatering Nordic treats like sugar-roasted almonds.

Another favorite is the Højbro Plads Christmas Market, which is a more upscale choice, surrounded by the historic architecture of central Copenhagen. Chic wooden stalls offer everything from gourmet chocolates and artisanal crafts to hand-designed Danish art.

Finally, for a dash of historical enchantment, the Christmas Market at Kronborg Castle in Helsingør is a must-visit. Just a short train ride from Copenhagen, this market lets you step back in time to the regal castle that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet!

Take a day trip to Copenhagen’s charming castles.

For a day trip exploring some of the things Denmark is most famous for — its castles, Viking history, and royal history — you’ll love this day trip focusing on four must-see historical and cultural sites just outside of Copenhagen.

This day trip combines Frederiksborg Castle, Kronborg Castle, and the iconic Roskilde Cathedral, all perfect for a winter day trip. This well-planned eight-hour guided tour includes transportation and visits to these landmarks, along with the Viking Museum.

While you can visit these sites independently with public transit, it’s not easy to do all four sites in a single day, so this day trip offers excellent value.

Book your castles and Viking history day trip here!

Eat your heart out on a delicious food tour

In recent years, Danish cuisine (and Nordic cuisine in general) has garnered more and more acclaim, and there’s no better place to savor it than in Copenhagen, where it’s at its most creative, flavorful… and admittedly, pricey.

My foodie hack for Copenhagen? Opting for a food tour: it makes sampling a wide array of Danish dishes more affordable, but also, it lets you try all the best Danish bites in a short timeframe, making it time-saving as well.

In winter, I don’t like to wander aimlessly as much as I do in the summer. Going on a food tour is the perfect way to walk with purpose from stop to stop, punctuated the cold walks with warm stops for delightful dishes and beer, before you step back into the chill. And speaking of beer, Danish craft brews have lately been the talk of the town, and you’ll definitely be able to try them on a food tour!

I recommend this 4-hour food tour which includes beer tastings, traditional Danish organic hot dogs, smørrebrød, spread salads on rye, organic cheeses, and Danish sweets!

It’s affordably priced for how much you get to try — about the same price as two two-course meals out in Denmark — but you’ll get a cultural context and local tips at the same time as your meal. If you don’t mind spending a bit more money, you can also book a private food tour like this one.

Book your Danish food tour online here!

Learn about the Danish idea of hygge.

For a unique tour, why not take a Hygge Danish Morning Tour, which focuses on showing Denmark’s coolness and coziness in a slow, laid-back fashion that allows you to truly appreciate the Danish way of life?

Experience the essence of hygge (the Danish concept of comfort and contentment, often enjoyed through simple pleasures and savoring the present moment) on a guided walking tour on a winter morning.

Wander through Copenhagen’s cobblestone streets, exploring charming Nyboder houses and cozy neighborhoods. With a small group (maximum 12 participants), enjoy a cozy experience complete with coffee, tea, and a traditional Danish pastry.

Check out this Hygge tour!

Go on a bike tour.

Danes don’t stop riding their beloved bicycles just because of a little snow! So long as the ground isn’t too icy, cycling is one of the prime ways to explore Copenhagen—just remember to bundle up!

As is widely known, Denmark ranks among the top of the list of bike-friendly nations, making cycling tours a splendid way to spend a day in Copenhagen. Either rent bikes from the city’s sharing system (details here) or opt for an organized tour where a seasoned local will share with you the history of the city.

On this fun three-hour bike tour, you’ll witness Copenhagen’s main sights on an easy, slow-paced bike tour. If that’s not the tour you’re interested in, don’t worry — there are 11 more options here in this post all about Copenhagen bike tours!

Eat your way through Torvehallerne

Torvehallerne, nestled at the city’s heart, is a colossal food haven offering a true smorgasbord (pardon the pun!) of choices. Plus, its indoor setting provides refuge from Copenhagen’s sometimes bitingly cold winter, making it the perfect setting to indulge in some of the city’s culinary bests!

In the winter, the food hall brims with life, with an array of stalls dedicated to locally-sourced Danish products and also international foods. It’s an ideal place to have a unique cup of coffee, or to indulge in some delicious pastries.

My top recommendations for unique places in Torvehallerne are the Mikkeller bottle shop for creative Danish beer, Ma Poule‘s duck confit sandwich (drool), Lêlê Street Kitchen for Vietnamese banh mi, or Hallernes Smørrebrød if you prefer to eat the local food!

Snap photos of the colorful Nyhavn neighborhood.

Once home to Copenhagen’s most famous resident, Hans Christian Andersen, Nyhavn now stands as one of Copenhagen’s top picturesque areas, a canal with buildings in a true kaleidoscope of primary colors.

Once a port area, it has evolved into a neighborhood dotted with charming revamped houses and gourmet eateries. Come winter, the spirit of the holidays is palpable, with streets lined with festive stalls in the Christmas season and cozy eateries and bars throughout the rest of the winter. It’s also the main departure point for canal tours, like the one below!

Go on a delightful canal tour.

As long as the canals don’t completely freeze over (which is rare), exploring Copenhagen through its canals is a delightful winter experience.

These boats come equipped with glass-encased, climate-controlled interiors, ensuring warmth as you sail past iconic landmarks like the Opera House, Christiansborg Palace, and the Black Diamond Library.

Tours predominantly embark from Nyhavn or Gammel Strand and typically last an hour. You can pre-book your ticket here and show a mobile ticket so you don’t have to wait in line in the cold! These tours are relatively inexpensive for Denmark so it’s a good option for sightseeing if you’re on a budget.

Take in the view from the Rundetaarn.

Fun fact for astonomy nerds: the Rundetaarn (Round Tower) is actually Europe’s oldest operational observatory! Commissioned by King Christian IV, it once positioned Denmark right at the forefront of astronomy back in the 17th century.

Although it has no proper scientific purpose today, it’s still frequented by amateur astronomers (but let’s be honestly — now, it’s mostly tourists and Instagrammers). To get to the top you’ll need to haul yourself up a series of steep spiral staircases, but you’ll be rewarded by some of the best sweeping views of Copenhagen.

It’s not expensive to get these views, just 40 DKK for adults (about $6 USD), and it’s included on the Copenhagen Card.

For the Rundetaarn, the winter season runs from October to March, with daily opening hours from 10 AM to 6 PM, which is extended to 9 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It’s closed on December 24, 25, and January 1, with the tower closing early (at 3 PM) on New Year’s Eve.

Visit the incredible National Gallery of Denmark.

What says winter more than strolling through museums? One you shouldn’t miss is the National Gallery of Denmark. Home to Denmark’s finest art collections grandmasters of art, both Danish and international, you can find excellent exhibitions, tours, and stunning architecture all in one place.

There’s an incredible amount of diversity in the displayed works; artists like Rubens, Matisse, and Mantegna are some of the many whose work you’ll encounter, as well as a significant number of contemporary artists.

Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours until 8 PM on Wednesdays, and closed on Mondays. Admission is 130 DKK ($19 USD) for adults, 95 ($14 USD) for visitors under 27, and free for children under 18.

Explore Copenhagen’s contemporary art museums.

There are other museums in Denmark which are certainly worth visiting, depending on what you’re a fan of!

• Into modern art? Stop by the Arken Museum.
• Another great choice is the Dan Frie Center of Contemporary Art.
• A little further afield in Roskilde is the charming Museum of Contemporary Art.

Explore Denmark’s design scene.

All about that Scandinavian chic aesthetic? Same — and you can learn even more at the interior decor and Danish decorative arts at the Designmuseum Danmark.

The Designmuseum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM, with Thursdays enjoying extended hours til 8 PM.

Entrance is 130 DKK for adults ($19 USD), 90 DKK ($13 USD) for 18-26, and free for kids under 17.

Note: Visiting in December? Be aware of the changed holiday hours.

Closed December 23–26, 30–31, and January 1. Open December 27–29 (10 AM–6 PM, until 8 PM on the 29th) and January 2 (10 AM–6 PM).

Learn Danish history at the National Museum of Denmark.

You’ve noticed a theme here… Denmark is expensive. Well, how does a free museum sound? Even better, how about the largest museum in the country being free?

The National Museum of Denmark is set in the stunning former Prince’s Mansion, a dazzling piece of Rococo architecture dating back to the 18th century. Step inside, and you’re immediately sent on a journey through time, from Stone Age artifacts from prehistoric Denmark to Medieval weaponry to a large ethnographic collection reflecting the world’s diversity.

From November to March, the Museum has its winter hours, when it is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and closed on Mondays. It’s closed for a few holidays: December 24, 25, and 31.

Enjoy a night out at the Copenhagen Opera House.

Amidst the architectural landscape of the city, the Copenhagen Opera House stands out as a wonderful combination of modernity and old-school elegance, glittering on the city’s waterfront.

The building is unique, designed by the beloved Danish architect, Henning Larsen and finalized in 2005: earning it a place as a contemporary marvel of forward-thinking Danish architecture.

But its modern exterior belies its intriguingly opulent, old-world interior. Think gold leaf and intricate woodwork and traditional plush red seating, exemplary of Italian opera houses like you’d find in Florence and Venice from centuries past.

While it’s called the opera house, you’ll also find ballets and concerts here: you can check the Opera House schedule online here. The timeless classic The Nutcracker is one of the biggest attractions in December. For the 2024-2025 winter season, other familiar shows include Pinocchio and Billy Elliot.

Spend a day at Copenhagen’s aquarium.

Where to go to escape the cold and feel like you’re on another planet? The magical underwater world of National Aquarium Denmark (also known as Den Blå Planet, the Blue Planet).

This wonder of modern architecture is perched gracefully by the shimmering Kastrup harbor, with a whirlpool-like spiral that is as flowy as the watery exhibits inside it. There are all sorts of exhibits here, like the Ocean Tank with majestic rays and the ever-awkward hammerhead sharks gliding past.

There’s also an Amazon exhibit, where you can see some of the famed river’s most feared denizens, like the piranha and the electric eel. For something more tropical, admire the Coral Reefs tanks, a riot of color with clownfish darting in and out of their anemone homes and all sorts of other brilliant reef fish.

But some of its best exhibits are a lot closer to home, like the Nordic Seas exhibit, showcasing otters and other cold water sea life, as well as the bird life of Denmark’s windswept Faroe Islands (one of my favorite places on earth!).

Save about 30 DKK ($4 USD) by booking on the website vs. in person! Online tickets are 199-209 DKK for adults (around $30 USD) and 107-109 DKK for kids 3-11 (around $15 USD) and free for those 2 and under. There is a special “Juleferie” period from December 21 to January 1 where prices are the same as weekend prices.

The aquarium is open daily: Mondays from 10 AM to 9 PM and Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Best of all? It remains open during all major holidays, making it an excellent option when the city’s other museums and restaurants are closed!

Visit the unique Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum.

The excellent Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (often just called the Glyptotek) is a real gem in Copenhagen. This isn’t your ordinary museum; it’s a highly-curated celebration of artistry that traces back over 6,000 years.

The art ranges from artifacts from long-past civilizations to Renaissance gems to modern temporary exhibits. Amongst its ancient relics and timeless masterpieces, the Glyptotek offers a delightful surprise: the Winter Garden, a lovely enclave of warmth and greenery.

Here, under the shade of towering palm trees, you feel like you — momentarily, at least — can escape the grasp of the Nordic cold. It’s the perfect place to go escape when the Copenhagen winter gets to be a bit too much: the Glyptotek is the perfect warm cocoon of art, history, and greenery.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays until 9 PM. It is closed on Mondays, except for the winter holidays period when it has some special openings: February 12 and 19. For winter holidays, it is closed on December 23-26 and New Year’s Day.

Stop for a deliciously brewed coffee.

Winter and coffee make an impeccable pair, especially in the Nordic nations, where they know a thing or two about good coffee! In fact, Denmark ranks fourth globally in coffee consumption, closely trailing its Nordic neighbors countries. I’ll say it from experience: the Nordics’ harsh winter—short, dark days coupled with the cold—almost requires massive caffeine doses to survive.

While slightly pricier than you’re likely accustomed to (unless you’re coming from Iceland or Norway, in which case, Denmark will feel free by comparison), Danish coffee is an experience worth splurging on. Whether you’re stopping at a touristy café or a trendy coffee shop that specializes in single-origin beans, coffee costs usually around $5 USD per cup.

Since you’ll be paying a premium on your coffee anyway, you might as well enjoy one of Denmark’s finest cups of coffee and head to a specialty coffee shop! My personal recommendation for a blend of top-tier coffee and Danish design is Copenhagen Coffee Lab in Amagerbro, but countless cafes across the city promise a delightful brew.

Warm up with some delicious ramen in Nørrebro.

There’s no better winter food than ramen, in my book, and there’s no better ramen joint in Copenhagen than Ramen to Bíiru.

It’s the best-rated ramen restaurant in town, and even better – you can actually try Mikkeller beer (a Danish craft brewery) specially crafted to be paired with your ramen. And the extra fun part: you get to order your ramen with a vending machine just like you do in Japan!

Copenhagen has become an increasingly diverse city over the years and it reflects in the cuisine. While I love a smørrebrød or two, there’s only so much pickled herring a girl can take. So, thank god for immigration!

Nørrebro is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in all of Copenhagen and it’s where you can find delicious international cuisine from all over the globe. If you’re not feeling ramen, there are plenty of other options. Two other fantastically belly-warming options are East African cuisine at Hidmona Eritrean & Ethiopian Restaurant or Michelin-starred Thai at Kiin Kiin (which is Thai for ‘come and eat!’.

As for Ramen to Biiru – we loved it. My friend went for the spicy miso ramen and I went for the classic shoyu ramen as my stomach is no longer to take spicy food the way it used to. Both were phenomenal! Prices are reasonable for Copenhagen, around 150 DKK ($21 USD) for a huge bowl of ramen.

End the night at a craft beer bar.

Denmark is on the cutting edge of craft beer and WarPigs is one of the best-loved bars for beer lovers in town.

Yes, going out for a few beers in Copenhagen will be pricy – expect to pay around 60-90 DKK for a beer, with the most common price being around 80 DKK ($12) for a beer. But you’ll be getting to sample of Denmark’s most creative brewers and support local entrepreneurs. 

One recommendation if they have it is the New England IPA by WarPigs called ‘Opposite Optimist’ – it’s delicious. If none of the 22 taps at WarPigs suit your fancy, you’ll be in the heart of Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) so there’s plenty of other bars to hop around afterward!

Escape the cold with a good book.

Another free thing you can do in Copenhagen in winter is visit the Royal Library, which dates back to the 17th century. Once reserved for Denmark’s ruling class, now the library is a public escape for all, with vaulted ceilings and expansive rooms.

Visiting the library in winter is like a true warm cocoon: the soft lighting, the ornate carvings, cozy nooks, and the seemingly endless rows of books make this the perfect escape!

While the main reading rooms are primarily for research, there are plenty of public spaces where you can bask in the library’s warm vibes with a book to peruse. Best of all, entrance to the main sections of the library is absolutely free.

Enjoy Copenhagen’s unique public spaces.

Copenhagen is a place known for its open spaces, and even in the winter, that’s still the case! One of its more unique public spaces is Superkilen Park, where art, architecture, and activism merge to celebrate Danish multiculturalism.

The Black Square is at the heart of the Superkilen, where Copenhagen’s cosmopolitan energy shines through. Whether its benches from Brazil, a Moroccan fountain, or a larger-than-life Kosovar chessboard, the elements of the park come from all different corners of the world, symbolizing a new idea of Danish identity.

Dress warmly and enjoy a wander through this multicultural urban landscape!

Admire inside and outside of Frederik’s Church.

One of the most iconic landmarks, Frederik’s Church is known by locals as “The Marble Church,” beloved for its neoclassical design and opulence. Inside, the church’s vast interior is replete with marble and gold detailing, everything complemented by mesmerizing frescoes.

During the winter, you’ll find occasional concerts for the Christmas season, where the acoustics interplay beautifully with the church’s architecture, as the choir, organ, and orchestra all come together in harmony.

You can enter the church during visiting hours, which run from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with Friday and Sunday hours from 12 PM to 5 PM.

Admire Copenhagen’s coolest bridge.

One of the coolest winter spectacles in Copenhagen is the marvelous Øresund Bridge, which spans the icy Øresund Strait. This marvel of modern engineering connects Denmark and Sweden, symbolizing the spirit of Nordic collaboration.

Completed in 2000, it spans a staggering 8 kilometers, making it the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe!

To truly appreciate the grandeur of the Øresund Bridge, take in the view from the Dragør Fort. From here, the panoramic view offers a breathtaking sight: the white, modern architecture of the bridge stands stark against the icy waters, an interplay of blue and ice-white.

Take a day trip to Sweden.

If you’re an unrepentant country counter like myself, take advantage of Copenhagen’s position next to Sweden and pop over the border for the day! This day tour brings you to two of Sweden’s most beloved cities on an easy day trip — Lund and Mälmo.

First, you’ll visit the ancient city of Lund with its church dating back to the 12th century and its Old Town houses from the 18th century. Afterwards, you’ll end the afternoon in Malmö – the third-largest city in Sweden – before heading back to Copenhagen!

It’s easy enough to get to either Lund or Malmö via public transit, but if you want to visit both, it’s easier to take a tour than coordinate public transit between all these points.

This day tour does it all for you and has over 250 positive reviews, so I’d suggest streamlining your planning and booking the tour.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Copenhagen hotels are pricy, that’s for sure. I’ve been lucky enough to get to stay with friends the last two times I’ve visited Copenhagen – that’s the perk of having friends all over the world!

While I don’t have any firsthand recommendations, here’s what I’ve curated from my research.

Luxury: Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden

Looking for an unforgettable luxury choice? Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden offers hints of Bali and Morocco with Copenhagen design sensibility. Think opulent loft-style suites with four-poster beds, hammam-inspired bathrooms, and organic luxury amenities.

Its signature tropical atrium features a heated Bali-inspired pool, luxe daybeds, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, blending eco-luxury with a resort-like ambiance in central Copenhagen.

And of course, since you’re visiting Copenhagen in winter, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the Scandinavian necessities, like a sauna (as well as a steam room) to help you warm up after those cold strolls!

Check availability and prices here!

Mid-range: Motel One Copenhagen

Part of the allure of visiting Copenhagen is getting to experience the city’s unique perspective on interior design — and luckily, at Motel One Copenhagen, you can do that without breaking the bank.

This funky hotel is inspired by the 50s and 60s, with mid-century modern furnishings combined with retro aesthetics like geometric ceiling fans, unique color combinations, and brilliantly colorful rugs. Right in the center of all things, you’ll enjoy a great modern hotel and a super convenient location, all for an affordable price tag (… well, for Copenhagen!).

Check availability and prices here!

Budget: Steel House

The best-reviewed value hostel in Copenhagen is Steel House, which is located in central Copenhagen near the trendy Kødbyen neighborhood, one of my favorite places to go walking around in Copenhagen.

With a perfect location, excellent Danish design, and nearly 6,000 positive reviews, it’s an easy choice. It’s also super affordable for Copenhagen, with prices hovering around the $20-30/night mark for a dorm bed.

Check availability and reviews here!

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016, visiting 75+ countries in total. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. As a former educator, she merges her writing and educational experience to encourage ethical, sustainable travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and TBEX. Her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Bangkok, Thailand.