3 Days in Copenhagen in December: A Cozy, Hygge-Filled Winter Adventure

Written By Keri Leigh

Planning to spend 3 days in Copenhagen in December? I got you covered!

Picture this: colorful canal houses dusted in frost, palaces that feel like they belong in a fairy tale, and twinkling

Christmas lights around every corner. While some of the Christmas markets were smaller than expected, the city still oozes cozy winter vibes — plus, it’s super easy to navigate, vegan-friendly, and packed with history. This itinerary will take you through the best things to do in Copenhagen in December, including Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, castle day trips, and the top vegan spots to try along the way.

Ready to cozy up with some Danish pastries, explore royal castles, and sip on gløgg (yes, it’s vegan!)? Copenhagen in December is waiting—and trust me, it’s worth every chilly step. 🎄

✨ Before You Go: What to Know About This Itinerary

  • Copenhagen Card: If you’re planning to tick off all the activities on this list (and then some), this card will save you both money and ticket-line headaches. This is is a game changer for winter sightseeing and transport.

  • From the Airport: Hop on the train! It’s direct, cheap, and ridiculously easy.

  • Christmas Markets: If Christmas markets are your main goal, manage expectations—they’re charming but generally small compared to other European cities.

  • Winter Closures: A few attractions close for the season or for private events, so check before you go.Many attractions close earlier or have limited hours in winter—check ahead!

  • Keep Warm: Dress in layers and waterproof boots—December is chilly and sometimes wet.

Overview of Itinerary:

DAY ONE: Classic Copenhagen & Christmas Markets Vibes

Nyhavn

🕐 Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

Start your day early at Nyhavn, the iconic waterfront with those Insta-famous colorful buildings! This is Copenhagen’s most photographed street — rows of 17th-century townhouses in every color of the rainbow, all lined up along the canal. It’s peaceful before the crowds arrive, so snap your pics and soak in the calm.

Amalienborg Palace

🕐 Estimated Time: 2 hours

The official residence of the Danish royal family. Inside, the Amalienborg Museum shows off royal interiors and treasures. Outside, catch the Changing of the Guard at noon!

💳 Copenhagen Card covered.

Frederik's Church (The Marble Church)

🕐 Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Just a short stroll from Amalienborg, this stunning church boasts a massive dome and gorgeous interiors. Heads up: there might be a line, but it’s worth the wait for that perfect photo op.

Rosenborg Castle

🕐 Estimated Time: 1.5 - 2 hours

Step into fairy-tale territory at Rosenborg Castle, home to Danish crown jewels and royal treasures.

💳 Copenhagen Card covered; you still need to grab a timed entry ticket from the front office — but it’s included in your pass!

Kongens Have (King’s Garden)

🕐 Estimated Time: 30+ min

Denmark’s oldest royal garden. Even in winter, it’s a charming stroll.

Canal Tour

🕐 Estimated Time: 1 hour

Glide through the canals past iconic landmarks and hidden corners of Copenhagen. The city’s canals are magical in December, with festive lights reflecting on the water.

💳 Copenhagen Card covered, but prebook your spot day of! Do this when you are exploring Nyhavn in the morning!

📝Personal Note: We booked this for 3:15 pm - right before the sun set and it was perfect! Be sure to sit outside as well! Yes, it will be cold, but just bundle up because it is well worth it!

Nyhavn Christmas Market

🕐 Estimated Time: 30 minutes

The market here is small but sweet, with stalls selling ornaments, snacks, and warm drinks. Perfect for a quick festive fix.

Højbro Plads Christmas Market

🕐 Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

Another cozy market near the city center—think mulled wine, handmade crafts, and that warm holiday buzz.

Strøget

🕐 Estimated Time: 30 min – 1 hr, or more if you’re a shopper

One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, Strøget runs through the heart of Copenhagen, connecting City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. It’s a mix of international brands, Danish design shops, street performers, and cozy cafés for a warm-up break.

In December: Strøget transforms into a glowing winter runway. Strings of Christmas lights and giant illuminated hearts hang overhead, shop windows are decked out in festive displays, and you’ll catch the scent of roasted almonds drifting through the air. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, it’s worth a stroll just to take in the holiday atmosphere.

🌱 Vegan Options:

  • Bistro Verde (fully vegan)

  • Vital Foods (fully vegan)

  • V’italian Restaurant (fully vegan)

  • Kalaset

  • Landbageriet (bakery)

  • Glean (bakery)

  • ARK (fully vegan)

  • Flavour Bastards

  • Kaf (fully vegan but a bit farther out)

  • Espresso House

  • Eden Jaxx(inside mall)

DAY TWO: Quirky Neighborhoods & Tivoli Magic

Freetown Christiania

🕐 Estimated Time: 1 - 1.5 hours

An alternative, self-governing community founded in the 1970s by artists and free-thinkers, Christiania is famous for its colorful murals, handmade houses, and unique way of life. It’s not just a tourist attraction — people live here — so treat it like someone’s neighborhood.

Respectful Visitor Tips & Rules:

  • No photos in the “Green Light District” (Pusher Street) or other marked areas — there are clear signs where photography is not allowed. Outside of these, always ask before taking pictures of people or property.

  • Stay on paths and public spaces — don’t wander into private homes or gardens.

  • Be quiet & respectful — this is a residential area with families, not a theme park.

  • No hard drugs but… — cannabis is openly sold, even though it is illegal in Denmark.

  • Support local — grab a vegan bite at Morgenstedet, shop handmade goods, or enjoy the art galleries.

It’s a fascinating glimpse into a different way of living, but remember: you’re a guest here.

Church of Our Savior

🕐 Estimated Time: 30 min - 1 hour

Climb the spiral tower for panoramic city views. The church itself is stunning and worth a visit.

📝Personal Note: Closed during our visit for a private service, and honestly… it was so foggy we wouldn’t have seen much anyway.

Christiansborg Palace

🕐 Estimated Time: 45 min - 1 hour

This palace houses the Danish Parliament and royal reception rooms. History buffs, this one’s for you. 

💳 Copenhagen Card covered.

H.C. Andersen’s Christmas Market

🕐 Estimated Time: 45 minutes

Small but charming, this market celebrates Denmark’s beloved fairy tale author with festive stalls and cozy vibes.

The Round Tower

🕐 Estimated Time: 30 min - 1 hour

An old observatory with a spiral ramp and city views from the top. 

📝Personal Note: We skipped it because of fog, but it’s a cool spot if the weather’s clear.

Tivoli Gardens

🕐 Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Expect rides, light displays, and a market that’s more “boutique stores” than handmade crafts — still magical after dark

🌱 Vegan Options:

  • Morgenstedet

  • Vital Foods (fully vegan)

  • V’italian Restaurant (fully vegan)

  • Pods of Beans

  • Ismageriet

DAY THREE: Castle Day Trip – History & Views Outside Copenhagen

Today’s all about fairytale castles outside the city — both included with the Copenhagen Card. Take the train (about 1 hour) and plan to arrive right when the first castle opens. From the station, it’s a short walk.

Frederiksborg Castle (Hillerød)

🕐 Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

This is the castle to see. Think opulent rooms, a jaw-dropping Great Hall, and gorgeous gardens (even pretty in winter).

Stop for lunch in the town before heading to the next castle!

🌱 Vegan Options:

  • Halifax Burgers

  • Rømers Kaffebar

  • Tô Tô Kitchen

Kronborg Castle (Helsingør)

🕐 Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

A UNESCO site famous as Hamlet’s Castle. You can even see Sweden across the water. 

📝Personal Note: I found it less impressive than Rosenborg or Frederiksborg — if I did it again, I’d maybe skip it and spend more time in Hillerød or back in Copenhagen.

🌱 Vegan Options:

  • Cafe Kruse

Saying goodbye to Copenhagen feels bittersweet — this city’s cozy charm, royal history, and twinkling winter lights leave a lasting impression.

From the colorful canals to fairytale castles, it’s a place that wraps you in hygge even when the weather’s chilly.

If you’re heading north on your Scandinavian adventure, we continued on to Stockholm next — so if you’re curious about Sweden’s capital in winter, take a gander at our itinerary here!

Until then, tak for nu, Copenhagen. We’ll be dreaming of those gløgg-filled evenings and snowy strolls until we meet again. 🇩🇰 ✨

Keri Leigh
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2 Days in Stockholm in December: Your Ultimate Winter City Guide