Christmas Markets in Copenhagen

Founded as a Viking fishing village in the 10th century, Copenhagen grew into a major Baltic trading port and became Denmark's capital in 1443. The city's name, meaning 'merchant's harbor,' reflects its maritime heritage and strategic position controlling Baltic access. Danish monarchs shaped the cityscape with Renaissance castles, baroque palaces, and the distinctive copper-green spires that define the skyline. The 19th century brought Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales, which captured the city's blend of royal grandeur and everyday charm.

Christmas traditions in Copenhagen center on Tivoli Gardens, which began hosting seasonal celebrations in the mid-20th century, building on the park's founding in 1843. The transformation of Tivoli into a winter destination helped establish the Danish concept of 'hygge'—coziness and communal warmth—as central to Christmas festivities. Markets across the city draw on Scandinavian craft traditions and the Danish emphasis on design and comfort during winter months.