Danish Christmas feast guide | Visit Copenhagen (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth visiting Copenhagen during Christmas? ›

If you struggle to grasp what it's all about, then head for Copenhagen during Christmas, and you'll see for yourself. Aside from the overall cheery vibes, the city's cafés usually crank the menu up for Christmas, adding classics such as gløgg, æbleskiver and ris a la mande.

I suggest spending at least 3 days in Copenhagen, which is perfect for a long weekend getaway! 3 days are great for immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Danish capital and discovering its main highlights and attractions – without rushing. On the other hand, spending more time is always a great thing.

Christmas dinner is a serious affair. Traditionally, you will be sat at a table for a good few hours, eating a meal of roast pork and duck plus boiled potatoes, red cabbage and gravy. Risalamande is the big Christmas dessert, a rice pudding topped with cherry sauce where a whole almond will be hiding.

The traditional Danish Christmas dinner usually consists of different kinds of oven-roasted meats, usually pork, duck, or goose with pickled and fermented vegetables on the side. Red cabbage, pickled cucumbers and caramelised potatoes are must-haves to accompany these.

The winter weather in Copenhagen in December will see high temperatures reach 3°C or 4°C, with colder days struggling to get above 0°C.

Throughout the year, Tivoli is one of the biggest attractions in Copenhagen, and November and December are no exception. A visit to Tivoli's Christmas market has for many become part of the regular Christmas ritual.

Average daily spend by real travellers in Copenhagen: Kr 690 (£81) This reflects what everyday travellers tend to spend in Copenhagen. Think mid-range - most of the major attractions, a few cab rides, maybe a big night out, and a bit of shopping on the side.

While the weather isn't as warm as what you'll find in the summer (spring daytime temps hover in the low 40s to high 50s), March, April and May see fewer crowds, which translates to cheaper airfare and lower hotel rates.

Copenhagen, being flat, built around waterways and with a compact downtown area, is a very walkable city – and most points of interest are within easy reach of City Hall Square (1) and Central Station (2), where the tourist office (3) is situated (4 Vesterbrogade; winter opening hours 9am-5pm, 9am-4pm on Saturday, ...

Gløgg – a hot and sweet mulled wine – goes hand in hand with the Danish Christmas season. Many Danes add additional alcohol in the form of schnapps or rum for fuller flavour and kick. You can also add fresh ginger for extra spice or chilli for heat. Enjoy!

What is the special dessert they eat on Christmas day in Denmark? ›

Risalamande - Danish Rice Pudding

Risalamande has been a beloved Christmas dessert in Denmark for decades. It is known from around year 1900, when the upper class began serving Risalamande with cherry sauce for Christmas instead of rice porridge.

Danish holidays and traditions. Most of Denmark's holidays are based around the Christian calendar, with Christmas, Easter and the midsummer festival of Saint Hans among the most important. Each of these holidays comes with its own traditions and family gatherings.

Dec 25 and 26 are both public holidays in Denmark, and though shops will be all closed (except for some grocery shops etc), some museums and other sightseeing might be open. Check out the opening times for sights you are interested in, you might have luck! Dec 25 is a very, very quiet day in Denmark.

A wonderful city, Copenhagen is transformed each December into a festive wonderful, with twinkly lights and traditional markets scattered across the city centre. These are the best Copenhagen Christmas Markets for 2024 - and how to visit them.

Winter sports are plentiful, and you have a chance of seeing the northern lights. Christmas markets open in early December in cities and villages across the country, and the Tiovli Gardens are decked out for the festive season.

Not all and those who are open can have different opening hours than normal days. Else there will be fastfood as Pizza, Pølsevogne or even 7/11 kiosks. For 'real' restaurants on the 24th and likely the 25th, it's recommended to make reservations, since a lot will be closed and it's holiday with special content.

there's nothing quite like it. Feel Denmark at its warmest in December, our peak hygge season. Come and enjoy our naughty elves (we call them nisse), discover an almond hidden in your rice pudding, try dancing around a Christmas tree and take in the sights, sounds and scents of a traditional Danish Christmas.