Christmas In Copenhagen - Embracing A Genuine Nordic Winter Magic

Holiday enthusiasm is spread via social dining and horse-drawn carts carrying Christmas beer as the city sparkles.

Arriving in Copenhagen during December immerses you in the essence of the season. The air carries the aroma of caramelized almonds, wrapped in red and white paper, and the harbourside stalls at Nyhavn offer glögg, a mulled wine infused with almonds and raisins. Tuborg's Christmas beer, Julebryg, is a seasonal delight, transported to bars via enchanting horse-drawn wagons.

Locals flock to Tivoli, an iconic amusement park dating back to 1834. Within its gardens, adorned with over a million glowing lamps, visitors encounter grand pirate ships and a majestic Chinese pagoda. The ballet performances at Tivoli, this year featuring "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen, boast costumes personally designed by Denmark’s Queen Margrethe.

Amidst Tivoli’s allure of roller-coasters and captivating sights, fine dining awaits at renowned eateries like Brdr Price, offering classic Scandinavian cuisine—think butter and cream-coated cod and duck paired with red cabbage. For those seeking opulence, the Nimb, Copenhagen’s luxurious boutique hotel, resides within Tivoli's fantastical buildings.

At Christmas, Tivoli exudes the scent of fir cones alongside the offerings of glögg and apple pancakes. Illums Bolighus, an exclusive department store, showcases tasteful festive ornaments and Danish design essentials. Danes, known for their love of candlelight, find a vast array of candles—mostly white—as they illuminate more than any other nation.

While Copenhagen may not be the most budget-friendly destination, locals counter rising living costs by embracing fællesspisning, communal dining experiences. Folkehuset Absalon in Vesterbro, a former church turned community hub, hosts set-price meals where everyone congregates at long tables for a shared dining experience. Their simple yet delightful evening meal, often conducted in English, offers a communal spirit at an affordable price.

This community-driven gathering extends to accommodations like Kanalhuset, a recently opened establishment in Christianshavn. This 18th-century building, transformed by Lennart Lajboschitz, offers reasonably priced hotel rooms and apartments with communal evening meals. Their festive habits feature traditions, tea-lights, and a sense of togetherness, encapsulating Scandinavia's unique Christmas celebrations.

Tivoli Gardens, the second-oldest amusement park in the world, has been providing a fantastical realm of wonders to visitors since 1843. So, this Christmas season you can enjoy thrilling rides in beautiful surroundings, a jam-packed entertainment schedule, mouth-watering dining options, and make memories that will last a lifetime together with your family and friends.

And if in the mood to visit some more Scandinavian destinations, you can also have a great time in Oslo or Stockholm.

On November 24th, the Norwegian capital began its holiday season with a musical event, carols, and refreshments to honour the transfer of a tree from a forest near Oslo to Trafalgar Square in London. Much of the revelry is still taking place outside.

There is a free ice rink near Spikersuppa market where you may skate around. Also, if you're looking for some unique, second-hand, or home-made gifts, you may check out Oslos Supermarked in the Salt arts complex near the harbor. Tobogganing is a must-do in the lead-up to Christmas in Oslo, the Scandinavian metropolis most likely to get snow in December. Rent sleds and hit the slopes between the Frognerseteren and Midtstuen metro stations for the finest run.

On the other hand, Skansen in Stockholm has a more traditional approach to Christmas. Djurgarden is home to a living museum that is open from Fridays through Sundays until December 17th. Guests may peruse the wares of exquisite vendors, feed the local reindeer, and, if they're fortunate, ride a historic tram from down-town Stockholm to the park.

The oldest Christmas market in Stockholm is located at Stortorget, a plaza in the charming and cobblestone Gamla Stan. Its inaugural year was 1837. A delightful example of Swedish extravagance, today's market combines artisan booths with those selling enormous bars of chocolate. The fair will end on December 22nd.

 

Source: theguardian.com