Unique Christmas Market in the Old City in Aarhus

Imagine strolling through a 400-year-old Danish town decked out in holiday splendor, with twinkling lanterns, festive decorations, and cozy shops selling handmade gifts. This full-day tour from Copenhagen offers just that—plus a ferry ride with a traditional Danish Christmas buffet—and costs $479 per person. Led by friendly guides, it promises an authentic slice of Danish holiday cheer in the heart of Aarhus’s Old Town (“Den Gamle By”).

What we love about this experience is how it combines transportation, history, and festivities into a seamless journey. The morning ferry brunch is a real highlight—imagine a traditional Danish spread while sailing across the Kattegat—setting a warm tone for the day. And returning with a Christmas buffet onboard the ferry makes it feel like a proper holiday adventure.

The only thing to consider is that this tour involves a fair amount of walking on cobblestones and outdoor weather, so dressing warmly and wearing comfortable shoes is essential. It’s a great fit for those who enjoy festive atmospheres, cultural exploration, and family-friendly activities, especially if you want to experience Danish Christmas traditions firsthand.

Key Points

Authentic Holiday Experience: Christmas markets in the historic “Den Gamle By” offer a unique, festive immersion in Danish traditions.
Comfortable and Inclusive: The tour accommodates walkers, children (over 4), and those using mobility aids, with gentle pacing.
Full-Day Adventure: Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, ferry rides with traditional Danish buffets, and entry to the Old Town.
Breathtaking Setting: The Old Town features buildings spanning 400 years of Danish architecture, decorated for Christmas.
Value for Money: The combination of transport, meals, and entry makes for a compelling holiday experience.
Weather-Ready: Be prepared for outdoor walking in Denmark’s winter weather with appropriate clothing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Christmas Delight in Aarhus

The main highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the visit to “Den Gamle By”, a meticulously recreated Danish town that spans 400 years of history. Here, the streets are decorated with Christmas cheer, and the atmosphere is lively yet cozy. The town’s setting—full of historic houses, shops, and homes—transforms into a winter wonderland, making it a perfect backdrop for holiday photos and festive browsing.

We loved the way the tour captures the essence of Danish Christmas customs. As you wander through the decorated streets, you’ll find Christmas-decorated streets and floating apple slice pancake puffs, as well as traditional shops selling vintage decorations and gifts. The “Pixie Attic” and “Cone Town” offer child-friendly attractions, making it ideal for families. And chatting with costumed townspeople adds a layer of authenticity, as they share stories about Christmas traditions through time.

The ferry trip itself is a unique aspect of this tour. The morning crossing from Copenhagen to Aarhus includes a Danish-style brunch, giving you a taste of local flavors as you sail across the Kattegat. This is not just transportation—it’s part of the experience, setting a relaxed, festive tone before arriving at the Old Town. Similarly, the return trip features a Christmas buffet on board, complete with classic Danish holiday dishes, making the journey part of the celebration.

Once in Aarhus, the city’s walking street just outside “Den Gamle By” offers additional exploration opportunities, whether for a quick coffee or an evening stroll. This flexibility allows you to extend your holiday cheer beyond the main attractions.

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The Historic “Den Gamle By”

This museum is rated a 3-star Michelin Journey, highlighting its quality and depth. It’s an immersive environment where costumed guides lead visitors through different eras of Danish life. You can buy vintage decorations, learn about Christmas customs through the ages, and see how traditions have evolved. For families, children can enjoy the Pixie Attic, while history buffs will appreciate the authentic buildings and period details.

Practicalities and Comfort

The tour’s slow pace and gentle walking make it accessible for most, including those with walking frames, walkers, or sticks—though safety on wet cobblestones is something to keep in mind. The bus ride from Copenhagen is comfortable, with pick-up at most inner-city hotels, and the ferry crossings are well-organized with included meals.

We appreciate that the tour is children-friendly and accommodates various mobility needs, but note that strollers and large bags are not allowed in the vehicle—foldable strollers are your best bet. For weather, Danish winter can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers, rain gear, and warm shoes is wise.

The Value Proposition

For $479, you get a comprehensive day trip—door-to-door transportation, meals, entry to one of Denmark’s most charming open-air museums, and a festive journey across the water. The inclusion of two substantial meals (brunch and buffet) adds considerable value, especially compared to standalone museum visits or city tours.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits families, history enthusiasts, Christmas lovers, and culture seekers who appreciate a relaxed pace and authentic local customs. If you’re looking for a festive, well-organized, and culturally rich holiday outing, this tour offers a meaningful way to celebrate the season in Denmark.

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Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Morning Pickup & Transport
Your day begins with hotel pickup (or a designated meeting point if your hotel isn’t suitable), followed by a comfortable bus ride from Copenhagen. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a light chat with your English-speaking guide and get excited for the day ahead.

Ferry Across the Kattegat
Board the ferry for your morning brunch—a relaxed Danish-style breakfast that features local specialties like smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) and pastries. This is a leisurely way to start your holiday, with panoramic views of the water and a chance to socialize.

Arrival at Aarhus & Visit to “Den Gamle By”
Once in Aarhus, a short drive takes you to the Old Town, where you’ll spend several hours exploring. The town is decorated for Christmas, with lantern-lit streets, festive shops, and period costumes that bring Danish history to life. You can visit historical shops, homes, and special exhibits featuring Christmas decorations over time.

Activities & Guided Tours
Guides in period costumes will share stories of Christmas traditions through the centuries, making history feel alive. Children will enjoy the Pixie Attic and Cone Town, while everyone can browse the crafts and gifts on offer.

Free Time & Optional Strolls
After the guided portion, you may wish to walk around the city’s vibrant shopping street or stop for a coffee in one of the cozy cafes.

Return & Christmas Buffet on Ferry
In the late afternoon, you’ll board the ferry back to Copenhagen, where a festive Christmas buffet awaits—think traditional Danish dishes, seasonal sweets, and warm drinks—completing your holiday journey.

Practical Tips & Recommendations

Dress warmly: Danish weather in winter is often cold, windy, and rainy. Layers, windbreakers, and waterproof shoes are best.
Wear comfortable shoes: Expect cobblestones, uneven surfaces, and a fair amount of walking.
Bring a credit card: for any additional purchases or tips.
Prepare for outdoor weather: umbrellas, rain gear, and hats might come in handy.
Children and mobility: the tour is friendly for those with walking frames or sticks, but be cautious on slippery cobblestones.
Limit belongings: only bring 2 small items to avoid hassle with storage and safety.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, most hotels in Copenhagen’s inner city with parking for a bus are included in the pickup. If not, an alternative location will be advised.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience, including transport, ferry rides, and visits, lasts a full day—roughly 8–10 hours.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children over 4 are welcome. However, no special child seats are available, so parents should plan accordingly.

Can I use a wheelchair or walking frame?
Yes, the tour is suitable for walkers and those with mobility aids, but safety on cobblestones is up to the user. The bus can carry foldable mobility devices.

What meals are included?
Morning brunch on the ferry (Danish breakfast) and a Christmas buffet on the return ferry are included. Other food and drinks are at your expense.

What should I wear?
Warm, layered clothing, waterproof shoes, rain gear, and a hat are recommended for comfort and safety.

Can I bring large bags or strollers?
Large bags and non-folding strollers are not allowed. Foldable strollers are acceptable.

Is this tour suitable for winter weather?
Yes, but be prepared for cold and possibly wet conditions. Good footwear and weatherproof clothing are essential.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour proceeds rain or shine—just dress accordingly. The outdoor components are part of the experience, so flexibility is key.

Final Thoughts

This Unique Christmas Market tour in Aarhus offers a rare glimpse into Danish holiday traditions within an enchanting historic setting. The combination of transportation, festive sights, and cultural experiences makes it a solid value for anyone wanting to celebrate Christmas with authenticity and charm.

If you’re after an immersive, family-friendly, and scenic holiday adventure, this tour delivers a balanced mix of history, festivity, and comfort. It’s especially ideal if you want to avoid the hassle of planning and just focus on soaking up Danish Christmas spirit.

This experience provides a memorable way to celebrate the season, with the added bonus of enjoying Denmark’s beautiful winter landscape and heartfelt traditions. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate authentic cultural experiences and value a relaxed, well-organized day out.

Additional Information

Languages: English-speaking guides.
Reservation & Payment: Book now, pay later, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Not suitable for: Children under 4, wheelchair users, or large bags and strollers (unless foldable).
Responsible for: Safety and proper use of mobility aids; the tour provider is not responsible for damages or safety issues outside their control.

This tour truly combines the best of Danish Christmas customs, historic charm, and scenic travel, making it a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season if you’re in Denmark during winter.

You can check availability for your dates here: