Christmas in Copenhagen centres on Tivoli Gardens, which reopens as a glittering Christmas market and fairground from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Pair it with The Nutcracker at Tivoli, a Danish Christmas tradition danced in the Tivoli Concert Hall from 27 November to 20 December, then warm up with a canal tour, a royal castle or a museum afternoon. This guide covers the dates, which tickets to book and how to make the most of a festive trip to the Danish capital.
When is Christmas in Tivoli 2026?
Christmas in Tivoli runs from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The gardens fill with twinkling lights, pine trees and snow-covered stalls selling seasonal treats, and Tivoli says its Christmas market features on CNN's list of the world's best Christmas markets. Children can visit Santa in his home, ride the Elf Train and the Forest Carousel, and all of Tivoli's regular rides stay open for the season. The season also takes in New Year's Eve, which Tivoli marks with a fireworks display at midnight.
Which Tivoli Christmas ticket should you book?
The Tivoli Gardens Christmas ticket comes in two versions. Entry only covers the gardens, the lights and the Christmas market, which is all you need for a festive stroll and a mug of something warm. Entry with the unlimited Ride Pass adds the rides, which is the better choice if you are visiting with children or plan to spend an afternoon and evening there. Food, drinks and separately charged experiences are extra with both, and the main entrance is at Vesterbrogade 3, a short walk from Copenhagen Central Station.
What is The Nutcracker at Tivoli?
The Nutcracker at Tivoli is the Tivoli Concert Hall's Christmas ballet, telling Clara's Christmas Eve story in a production set in 1874. Tchaikovsky's score is played live by the Tivoli Copenhagen Phil, and the staging by Peter Bo Bendixen features designs by Queen Margrethe II, which gives it a special place in Danish Christmas traditions. The performance lasts about two hours with an interval, and your ticket includes entry to Tivoli Gardens on the day, before and after the show. Performances run from 27 November to 20 December 2026, with seating in categories A, B, C and O.
Are there other Christmas markets in Copenhagen?
Yes, Copenhagen's city centre has its own smaller Christmas markets and street lights through December, so a walk between Tivoli and the old town is part of the fun. Tivoli is the biggest and best known, and the only one with rides, which is why most visitors plan their trip around it.
What else is there to do in Copenhagen at Christmas?
Copenhagen's year-round sights are a good fit for short winter days:
- See the city from the water. The Stromma classic canal tour runs through December, gliding past Nyhavn and the harbour.
- Visit a royal castle. The Rosenborg Castle guided visit and canal tour combines Danish royal history with a trip on the water, and the Christiansborg Palace guided tour takes you inside the seat of the Danish parliament.
- Spend an afternoon indoors. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek pairs its sculpture collection with a glass-roofed Winter Garden, and the National Museum of Denmark covers the country's history from the Stone Age on.
- Take in the view. The City Hall tower tour climbs above City Hall Square, a short walk from Tivoli.
- Take a day trip. Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet, is an easy trip north of the city.
How do you book Christmas in Copenhagen?
You can book Tivoli Christmas tickets, The Nutcracker and Copenhagen's canal tours, castles and museums on tickadoo. tickadoo+ members save across bookings, and you can browse more things to do in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen at Christmas: frequently asked questions
When does Tivoli open for Christmas 2026?
Christmas in Tivoli opens on 13 November 2026 and runs until 3 January 2027. Book Tivoli Christmas tickets on tickadoo.
Are the rides open at Tivoli at Christmas?
Yes, all of Tivoli's rides are open during Christmas in Tivoli, along with the Christmas rides for younger children, the Elf Train and the Forest Carousel. Choose the ticket with the unlimited Ride Pass if you plan to ride.
Does The Nutcracker ticket include Tivoli entry?
Yes, a ticket for The Nutcracker at Tivoli includes entry to Tivoli Gardens on the day of your performance, before and after the show. Book on tickadoo.
Is Tivoli open on New Year's Eve?
Yes, New Year's Eve falls within the Christmas in Tivoli season, and Tivoli celebrates with a fireworks display at midnight. See dates on tickadoo.
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