Copenhagen is a vibrant and totally captivating city to visit all year around, but if you’re after a really special experience, plan to visit at the end of the year; when the Danish capital is completely immersed in a festive spirit. From traditional Danish stocking fillers, to new and unusual wares, a pre-Christmas shopping trip to Copenhagen promises to be a rewarding and revitalising one indeed.

This year, why not ditch the usual mundane chaos of your capital city, and head somewhere new instead? Book a holiday rental in the centre of Copenhagen and you’ll have the best yuletide markets right at your doorstep.

Following are some of our favourite markets, so pack light and set forth on a Christmas shopping trip with a difference. Dates are provisional and subject to change, so do check closer to the date.

Glædelig Jul!

Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market (09 November- 28 December, 2012)
The century old Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe’s oldest fun parks, is gorgeous at the best of times; yet it is at Christmas that it really comes magically alive. The whole estate is decorated with lights, lanterns and a myriad of stalls selling everything from tree decorations, to porcelain wares, wooden dolls and local arts and crafts. You can ice skate on the lake, go on a thrilling roller coaster ride, take the kids on pony rides and enjoy copious amounts of glögg, an aromatic warm red wine infused with cinnamon. Feast on piping hot apple dumplings in between your shopping expeditions and you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect Christmas market day.

Nyhavn Christmas Market (16 Nov-22 Dec 2012)
Copenhagen’s old harbour simply bursts at the seams with Christmas cheer from the middle of November every year. Not only will you get to splurge more on seasonal epicurean treats, but you’ll also be able to fill up your stockings with a myriad of unique and delightful gifts. Free entertainment is on every day, including evening jazz concerts. Over a dozen of Denmark’s most famous breweries offer beer tasting on the first day of the markets, and it’s a great way to get the season off in grand euphoric style.

Grey Hall Markets, Christiana
Who would’ve thought that even Copenhagen’s hippiest residents put on a Christmas spread of superb proportions? If you’re looking for a more unconventional Christmas shopping experience during your trip, head to Christiana and go crazy over the unique hand-made jewellery, clothing, table decorations and more. Exotic food stalls, along with more traditional ones, are absolute gems. Shopping, and feasting, while being serenaded to Christmas tunes will certainly enhance your holiday cheer.

Our last bit of advice…
As tempting as it might be to ditch the family gatherings completely and spend Christmas in Copenhagen, do keep in mind that the Danes celebrate on the 24, which means that everything will be closed on the 24th and 25th. Moreover, the swift removal of all Christmas paraphernalia can make the city seem empty and dreary from as early as the 26th! So plan to visit between mid-November and the 23rd December and you’ll really see Copenhagen at its best.