Copenhagen & Malmo Christmas Markets: A Complete Travel Guide

Intro

My Round The World Trip 2025-2026 had just started. I was on Day 05 of this adventure and we had already been to Paris and Berlin, and explored some of the most relevant Christmas Markets in the capital of Germany. But this is not all we were going to check regarding the festivities. I still wanted to see more of the Christmas Markets in Europe, and since I had a few days before the Christmas Eve, I got on a plane, and went to a whole new country in my list. Country #83 was going to be Denmark, but the good thing about this visit, was to go into another new country: #84 would be Sweden, the one with the always iconic, and that has been in my bucket list for decades: The Turning Torso. As a civil engineer, this has been something I had been wanting to see for a long time, and this time was my opportunity, and also score a couple more countries in my world discovery and adventures.

But for now, I was flying into Copenhagen in Denmark, and was expecting a cozy couple of days full of Christmas Decor, historical architecture and Northern Countries vibes. Let’s do it!

Day 05: Arriving to Copenhagen

I was officially entering a whole new country, and after Norway in 2024, I was finally back in the Nordic countries. Let’s see what offerings were in place for the Christmas season. Also, with a sunset at 3:38 PM I had a really short day to explore around,

Arrived to the airport, and then took the train to the Copenhagen Central Station and headed to my hotel…

I really liked my hotel, Go Hotel Ansgar – Vesterbro, really small and cozy, but perfect location, and the staff was amazing. They also had free cookies and coffee in the lobby.

Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market

But yeah, one of the goals of this escapade from Berlin, was to see other Christmas Markets in Europe. And Copenhagen is famous for them as well, so I headed to Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market, which was not far, although I took the metro to get there. The Public Transportation, just like many places in Europe, was amazing. I could not complain about it. Also, the weather was milder than some days in New York winter, so I was not really complaining.

All the Historical Buildings in the City Center, decorated with Christmas lights, looked like a holiday movie I was a part of.

This Christmas Market offers a sophisticated holiday atmosphere surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Royal Theatre and the Magasin du Nord department store.

Holiday Displays: The market is famous for its proximity to the Hotel d’Angleterre, which is renowned for its elaborate and massive Christmas light facade that overlooks the square.

Scenic Ice Skating: The market is centered around a large outdoor ice skating rink, allowing visitors to skate framed by the square’s elegant 17th-century architecture.

Traditional Delicacies: Stalls offer classic Danish seasonal treats, including æbleskiver (pancake puffs), roasted chestnuts, and hearty sausages.

Cozy Warming Spots: A popular feature is the wooden chalet-style bar where you can escape the cold to enjoy a glass of hot gløgg (mulled wine).

Strøget Street

Strøget isn’t a single market, but rather a festive pedestrian artery that connects Copenhagen’s major holiday squares.

• The Atmosphere: The street is famous for its overhead “curtains” of glowing red hearts and greenery that stretch for over a kilometer.
• Window Shopping: You’ll find world-class holiday displays at the Illum and Magasin department stores, plus the legendary “Christmas Tables” at Royal Copenhagen.
• The Hubs: Walking Strøget leads you directly into several markets, most notably Højbro Plads (traditional German style) and the H.C. Andersen Market at Nytorv.
• Classic Treats: It’s the best place to grab a bag of warm, cinnamon-sugar roasted almonds while you walk between the stalls.

The street was super crowded, but it connected many of the attractions in the city. I was surprised by the amount of tourists and locals on the street on this random day. I would have thought that Denmark would not pulled up so many tourists in the middle of the Winter.

Højbro Pl. Christmas Market

The Højbro Plads Christmas Market is known for its traditional, “Old World” charm and classic German-inspired atmosphere.

• Authentic Stalls: The market features over 40 wooden log cabins imported from Tyrol, selling everything from hand-knitted mittens and glass ornaments to Italian cheeses and wool slippers.
• Family Friendly: It is a particularly popular spot for families because Santa Claus often makes appearances for photos, and there are reindeer decorations and a classic carousel for children.
• Traditional Flavors: Reviewers frequently recommend the “Currywurst” and the exceptionally large bratwursts, which are grilled over an open fire in the center of the square.
• Warm Drinks: You can find several stalls serving hot gløgg (mulled wine) and hot cocoa, providing plenty of standing room around heaters to enjoy your drinks.

I got a hot chocolate for myself since the temperature was dropping.

This one was one of the smallest but cutest Christmas Markets I saw in my whole trip.

And, since they closed my favorite raclette restaurant in New York City, I wanted to try this dish again, and oh surprise, I got it here in Denmark. Amazing.

From here, I walked to the next Christmas Market, not without passing by cocks…

…and TIGHT places lmao. Why is Copenhagen so sneaky with the names?

Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market

Third Christmas Market already, in just one evening: Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market.

Interactive Fun: The square often hosts a “Santa’s House” where children can meet Santa Claus and drop off their Christmas wish lists.

Storybook Setting: The market is decorated with thousands of lights and features a nostalgic atmosphere, complete with a classic carousel for children and appearances by “Hans Christian Andersen” himself for photos.

Artisan Crafts: Visitors can find a variety of high-quality handmade gifts, including traditional Danish Christmas decorations, jewelry, and woodcarvings.

Festive Treats: Stalls offer local seasonal specialties such as æbleskiver (pancake puffs) and hot gløgg, alongside international favorites like bratwurst.

It was cool to see a square dedicated to the writer of the novels that inspired both The Little Mermaid and Frozen.

Tivoli Gardens

I continued walking towards my hotel, which was located close to the Central Station, and found myself in the middle of Rådhuspladsen Square, a nice open area with a lot of commercial buildings around, and a huge Christmas Tree in the middle.

But from here, I was going to see if I should get into Tivoli Gardens. Opened in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is one of the world’s oldest operating amusement parks and a historic centerpiece of Copenhagen. It is famous for its unique blend of thrilling rides, lush gardens, and a magical atmosphere that changes with the seasons.

Seasonal Transformations: Tivoli undergoes major thematic changes for Halloween and Christmas, featuring elaborate decorations and specialized markets.

Historic Rides: The park is home to “Rutschebanen,” a wooden roller coaster from 1914 that still features a ride operator on board to control the braking.

Enchanted Atmosphere: At night, the gardens are illuminated by thousands of colored lights, creating a fairytale setting that inspired Walt Disney‘s own parks.

Cultural Hub: Beyond the rides, the park hosts live music at the Glass Hall Theatre and pantomime performances at the open-air Pantomime Theatre.

It looked amazing from outside, but the mix of crowds trying to get in, and the hours (it was going to close soon), made me avoid it this time around. I have another reason to come back to Copenhagen.

But even though I did not go into the park, I went into the Tivoli Food Hall, accessible for free, and explored the many stores it has, including Zocalo, from where I got a burrito. I had a couple of rude people experiences in Copenhagen, and here I experienced one of them. It is weird. They have a beautiful country, but they treat people with disrespect sometimes. Obviously these were isolated cases that do not show how the population of the country really is, but the fact that it only happened to me here was odd.

København H Train Station

I wanted to digest my food, and do some groceries before going to sleep, so I walked around København H Train Station, the Central Train Terminal. It was pretty interesting, and there was a lot of things to see and do around.

Opened in 1911, København H is Denmark’s busiest rail hub. This grand, wood-beamed station connects Copenhagen to Europe and the airport. Located steps from Tivoli, it’s a bustling mix of historic architecture, modern shops, and eateries—the essential starting point for any traveler in the capital.

The Christmas Tree in the middle was very cute and huge.

Day 06: Exploring Copenhagen

The next day it was time to explore more of the Northern Copenhagen, and of course I had to go see the famous Little Mermaid Statue.

Resting on a granite rock at Langelinie Pier, the Little Mermaid (Den lille havfrue) is Copenhagen’s most iconic landmark. Unveiled in 1913, the bronze sculpture was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen (of Carlsberg) and sculpted by Edvard Eriksen.

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale, the statue depicts the mermaid’s bittersweet transformation into a human. Unlike the cheerful Disney version, her melancholic expression reflects the story’s tragic ending. Though surprisingly small—standing only 1.25 meters tall—she attracts millions of visitors yearly. She remains a symbol of Danish heritage, despite surviving several acts of vandalism over the decades.

It was a very cold morning, but I still was planning to walk all over, including passing by the Kastellet, a 17th-century citadel featuring distinctive red barracks and a scenic windmill. Today, it serves as a public park and active military site. Its elevated ramparts offer panoramic harbor views, making it a peaceful, historic escape near the Little Mermaid.

Not far from there, I arrived to the Amalienborg Palace, where the Royal Guard was changing. It was a picturesque show to see. Amalienborg Palace is the winter residence of the Danish Royal Family, consisting of four identical Rococo mansions surrounding an octagonal square. Built in the 1750s for nobility, the royals moved in after Christiansborg Palace burned in 1794. It is famous for the Changing of the Guard daily at 12:00.

It was not on my list, but I could not help it but be attracted to this huge church: Frederik’s Church, and its amazing dome. Visible from many points in this city.

I continued walking south, and stumbled upon Garnisonkirken Church and the little plaza in front of it. It was a very cold day, but the walk really had helped making me feel warm.

Nyhavn Harbor Christmas Market

Finally made it to Nyhavn Harbor, one of the most famous spots in Copenhagen, and oh boy! It was just like I imagined it and better.

Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s iconic 17th-century waterfront, famous for its vibrant, candy-colored townhouses and historic wooden ships. Originally a busy commercial port, it’s now a bustling lifestyle hub lined with cozy cafes and seafood restaurants.

During winter, it hosts a charming Christmas market, while the festive lights reflecting off the canal create the city’s most photographed holiday scene.

Believe it or not, I was looking for ice cream, and unfortunately I did not get it u_u

But all the colors, even during this semicloudy cold day were amazing.

It was like looking at a postcard, just like back in Italy.

A yellow, blue and red flag distracted me after taking 1000 photos in the harbor, and oh surprise, it was the flag of Colombia, on top of the Embassy of Colombia.

A quick trip to Sweden

And from Nyhavn, I took the train to Malmo in Sweden. In a short trip, I was ticking another country in my list, and visiting one of the cities I have been attracted for so long.

Located just across the Øresund Bridge from Copenhagen, Malmö is Sweden’s third-largest city, blending historic charm with ultra-modern innovation. You’ll find quaint half-timbered houses in the Lilla Torg square, contrasting sharply with the iconic, twisting Turning Torso skyscraper. Known for its bike-friendly streets, vibrant food scene, and beautiful parks, it’s a perfect, compact getaway with a distinct multicultural energy.

Got in the Malmo Castle, although I did not pay to get in. It looked nice.

I was so excited to try fish and chips from the Fiskehoddorna, just across from the Castle, and for my surprise, it was only seasonal. They were opened but not selling food lol.

The Turning Torso

And the beauty I had been craving to see for years was visible from far away. The Turning Torso. It is a bit away from the center of Malmo, so I had to bike there using their version of the citibike.

The Turning Torso is a striking neo-futurist residential skyscraper and the tallest building in Scandinavia. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, its unique 90-degree twist mimics a twisting human torso. Located in the Västra Hamnen district, it is a world-renowned landmark of modern sustainable architecture.

It is sad that you cannot come in, but it looks exactly how I imagined it.

Exploring the center of Malmo

Continuing my biking in Malmo, I had an actually good ride. It was pretty cold but even though they did not have ebikes, the experience was good. People respect bikers here.

I left the bike in one of the main plazas, and walked to the Central Station from there.

The system is pretty good, but citibike is like 10 times better. Although I was very pleased not to have to pay overpriced Ubers to move around this city.

I was going to take one of the last trains back to Copenhagen, so I decided to have dinner in Malmo, and I was so focused on the fish and chips, that I got them in O’Learys Malmö Central, an American restaurant with sports all over the place in the main train station.

Day 07: Leaving Denmark

I took the train back to Copenhagen, and walked to Nyhavn Harbor just to see it at night. Very beautiful.

The next morning it was time to go somewhere else. Trying to buy flights between Copenhagen and this city was a challenge, so much that I had to make a stop in Riga, Latvia. But for now, I was in the airport before sunrise in Copenhagen.

And on the AirBaltic flight I was going to my connection in Riga. I had been in Latvia before. The view from the window was incomparable, with the incredible Øresund Bridge and the sunrise. This trip had been amazing so far, and I was still in Europe, let’s see what else is coming when the RTW continues.