Copenhagen is a magical place during Christmas, transforming into a wonderland full of twinkling lights, fragrant markets, and cozy traditions. It’s a city that embraces the season with a unique blend of old-world charm and lively festivities, making it a top destination for holiday lovers. Whether you’re wandering through Tivoli Gardens, enjoying traditional Danish treats, or exploring colorful streets lit up for the season, Copenhagen offers a variety of memorable Christmas experiences. Among the many options, we especially like the Copenhagen: Christmas Walking Tour with Treats and Drinks for its authentic insights and festive activities, and the Experience and Taste the Copenhagen Christmas tour for a deeper dive into local traditions and flavors. These tours capture the true spirit of Danish Christmas and are perfect for those wanting an immersive holiday experience.
If you’re visiting during December, expect to find charming markets, hearty seasonal foods, and plenty of opportunities to feel like a local. The city’s cozy cafes, lively markets, and historical sights all glow with holiday spirit—making it a prime spot to celebrate Christmas in style. Our top picks below include options for walking, biking, private tours, and even family-friendly experiences, so you can choose what suits your holiday style best.
1. Copenhagen: Christmas Walking Tour with Treats and Drinks
Discover the magic of Copenhagen at Christmas on this guided walking tour that lasts around three hours. You’ll learn about Danish holiday traditions, sample some of the best local Christmas treats, and participate in fun activities like dancing around a Christmas tree and playing a traditional Danish game. The guide, often a local with vibrant insight, makes the experience lively and authentic.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on Danish Christmas celebrations—from old customs to modern twists. You’ll get to indulge in treats that include seasonal baked goods and drinks that warm you up on cold winter days. Visitors consistently praise the guide’s energy and depth of knowledge, with reviews highlighting how much they learned about the traditions. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a lively, interactive experience that combines history, culture, and festive cheer.
Bottom line: If you want a warm, engaging introduction to Danish Christmas, this tour is a delightful choice priced at $76 per person. It’s perfect for those who love storytelling, local treats, and festive activities.
2. Experience and Taste the Copenhagen Christmas
For around $75.63, this guided walking tour offers a more in-depth look at Copenhagen’s Christmas traditions beyond the markets. It lasts about three hours and begins near Torvehallerne, Copenhagen’s buzzy food market, where you’ll taste your first Danish Christmas treat. The guide shares the meaning behind old and new holiday customs, making this perfect for food lovers and culture seekers alike.
The itinerary includes a walk by the Copenhagen Cathedral, exploring how religion influences Christmas celebrations, and a visit to Christiansborg Castle, home to one of the city’s most popular Christmas markets. The tour’s intimate size and local storytelling make it stand out. Visitors love how it combines culinary delights with cultural insights, and the small group size makes for a comfortable experience.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you’re eager to understand the meaning behind Danish Christmas customs, combined with tasty treats and festive sights. It’s excellent value for a rich, cultural experience.
3. Christmas Magic in Copenhagen – Walking Tour
At number three, this short but sweet Christmas Magic walking tour focuses on Copenhagen’s most iconic holiday spots. For $303.69, it offers a 2-hour journey through the city’s festive heart, including Tivoli Gardens dressed in thousands of lights and ornaments, Højbro Plads with its bustling Christmas market, and the historic Stork Fountain, where seasonal performances take place.
While this tour doesn’t include entry tickets, it’s perfect for travelers looking to see multiple key holiday sites in a limited time. The guide’s storytelling brings the streets alive, and visitors rave about the lively atmosphere and the chance to see Copenhagen’s Christmas spirit in action. The highlight is Tivoli’s stunning decorations, which are considered a must-see during the season.
Bottom line: If you want a guided highlight tour of Copenhagen’s most festive locations, this quick, energetic walk offers a lot of holiday cheer packed into two hours.
4. Christmas Magic in Copenhagen – Private Walking Tour
For those seeking a personalized experience, this private Christmas walking tour costs $1,404 for up to four people and covers Tivoli Gardens, Højbro Plads, the Stork Fountain, and Nytorv Square. The 2-hour tour allows you to explore Copenhagen’s Christmas scenes with a dedicated guide, who tailors the visit to your interests.
This private option offers flexibility and intimacy, ideal for families or couples wanting a more exclusive experience. The guide shares stories and traditions behind each site, helping you understand local holiday customs beyond the crowds. It’s a good way to avoid busy group tours and get insider tips.
Bottom line: Best suited for small groups or families looking for a tailored, relaxed holiday walk with a knowledgeable guide. Expect a more personalized holiday experience.
$1,404 per group up to 4
5. Copenhagen: Christmas Bike Tour with a Local Guide
At $60 per person, this Christmas bike tour offers a fun, active way to explore Copenhagen’s festive streets. The 3-hour guided ride takes you past Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Magstræde, and the Royal Library, all decorated for the season. Cycling allows you to cover more ground than walking, especially in the crisp winter air.
The tour emphasizes the ** hyggeligt lifestyle**, showcasing Copenhagen’s cozy, friendly vibe during Christmas. Reviewers note that the pace is relaxed enough for everyone, and the cycling through the illuminated city makes for a memorable experience. You’ll also stop for some local insights and festive sights, perfect for those who want a bit of adventure with their holiday.
Bottom line: This active, fun tour is excellent for travelers who enjoy cycling and want to see Copenhagen’s highlights while soaking up the Christmas ambiance.
$60 per person
6. Copenhagen: Christmas Charm Walking Tour with Holiday Beer
This intimate, 1.5-hour tour costs $380 for up to two people and focuses on Copenhagen’s cozy Christmas markets and festive decorations. You’ll walk through the city’s iconic squares, learn about Danish holiday customs, and taste traditional Christmas beers like Gløgg.
Highlights include crafting the Hans Christian Andersen hearts and sampling classic treats such as Æbleskiver. The guide shares stories behind Copenhagen’s Christmas traditions, making this a warm, engaging experience. It’s perfect for couples or small groups who want a relaxed, beer-filled stroll with plenty of holiday cheer.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a brief, festive outing with a focus on local drinks, crafts, and Christmas markets.
$380 per group up to 2
7. Copenhagen Christmas Market Tour
For a comprehensive yet relaxed experience, this 1.5-hour Christmas Market Tour explores Tivoli’s magical setting and historic markets around Copenhagen. Priced according to availability, it emphasizes Danish culinary traditions, festive treats, and the Danish Christmas spirit.
You’ll sample Danish Christmas beers, listen to traditional carols, and stroll through markets inspired by H.C. Andersen. This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a taste of everything—beautiful lights, delicious foods, and lively markets—without a long commitment. Visitors often comment on the warm atmosphere and the chance to experience authentic Danish holiday cheer.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a quick, lively overview of Copenhagen’s Christmas markets and festive traditions.
How to Choose Your Perfect Copenhagen Christmas Experience
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and time constraints. If you’re after a lively, interactive experience with treats and games, Copenhagen: Christmas Walking Tour with Treats and Drinks is an excellent pick. For a more cultural and culinary deep dive, Experience and Taste the Copenhagen Christmas offers rich insights into local traditions.
Want a private, customizable experience? The Christmas Magic in Copenhagen – Private Walking Tour is perfect for small groups. Active travelers should consider the Copenhagen: Christmas Bike Tour, which combines sightseeing with cycling. Budget-conscious visitors may prefer the Copenhagen: Christmas Charm Walking Tour with Holiday Beer, while those looking for a broad overview might enjoy the Copenhagen Christmas Market Tour.
Book early, especially during the busy December period, to ensure your spot. Consider your preferred pace—whether walking, biking, or private—plus whether food, drinks, or cultural insights are your priority.
Final Thoughts
Copenhagen at Christmas offers a broad range of experiences suited to different tastes. For those who want a lively, fun introduction, the walking tours with treats and activities are superb. If you prefer a more intimate, personalized exploration, the private tour provides tailored insights. Active travelers will love cycling through the city’s illuminated streets, while anyone eager to sample local foods and drinks will find plenty of festive options.
No matter what you choose, Copenhagen’s Christmas spirit is contagious. To make the most of your holiday visit, book your preferred tour early—these experiences fill up quickly when the season arrives. With a bit of planning, you’ll leave Copenhagen with warm memories and a heart full of Scandinavian holiday cheer.