Copenhagen at Christmas: A Festive Anniversary Escape
To celebrate their 10 year wedding anniversary, Matt and his wife Holly escaped to Copenhagen for a festive winter break. From Tivoli Gardens at Christmas to cosy restaurants and snowy city walks, here Matt shares his experience of Christmas in Copenhagen in his own words.
Back in early 2025, I had the idea that my wife and I should mark our 10-year wedding anniversary on December 13th, in Copenhagen. It felt like the perfect way to celebrate a milestone. What we didn’t anticipate was just how magical the entire experience would turn out to be. It wasn’t just a trip; it was a festive escape that showed us exactly why Copenhagen at Christmas feels so special.
Before anything else, a huge thank you is in order. Alex from MNT played a big role in bringing this trip to life, helping us plan every detail and securing our stay at the beautiful Villa Copenhagen. That choice alone added something special to the whole experience.
Day 1: Touch down in Festive Copenhagen
Getting there couldn’t have been easier. A smooth train journey from the airport into the heart of the city set the tone perfectly. From the moment we stepped into the hotel, we were welcomed by a stunning atrium and a warm, inviting reception area that instantly made us feel at home.
After a quick check-in and dropping our bags in the room, we wasted no time heading up to the outdoor heated rooftop pool. Floating there, surrounded by the crisp December air, was pure bliss—exactly what we needed to shake off the fatigue of travel.
Tivoli Gardens at Christmas
Refreshed and ready to explore, we kicked off the evening with festive cocktails at the Library Bar in the Plaza Hotel before making our way to Tivoli Gardens. Walking through Tivoli at Christmas is nothing short of magical. Lights, music, decorations – it surrounds you completely, wrapping you in that unmistakable holiday spirit.
We spent the evening wandering through it all in quiet awe, taking in every detail, before eventually stopping for a bite at Gasoline Grill. And honestly? It might just be one of the best spots for burgers and fries we’ve ever come across.
A perfect start to what would become an unforgettable anniversary trip.
Day 2: Exploring Copenhagen on Foot
Setting the tone of the day perfectly with an early morning sauna followed by a dip in the pool is deeply satisfying. Add to that a generous spread of Danish breakfast classics, and you’ve got the kind of start that makes you feel like you’ve already won the day.
Copenhagen makes getting around effortless with its excellent public transport, but today wasn’t about convenience—it was about movement. Determined to rack up the steps (and keep those Whoop stats looking sharp), we set out on foot, ready to explore the city properly.
Discovering Nyhagvn and Strøget at Christmas
First stop: Nyhavn. As expected, it didn’t disappoint. The colourful facades lining the canal, the gentle buzz of cafés, and the steady stream of boats drifting by – it’s the kind of place that feels instantly iconic.
From there, we made our way to Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets. It’s a mix of everything—high-end brands, quirky boutiques, and plenty of spots to pause and people-watch. And speaking of pauses, as a middle-aged traveller who appreciates a well-timed refreshment break, I have to say: Copenhagen’s public facilities are on another level. Clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed—it’s a small detail that says a lot about how much the Danes value their city and its heritage.
By evening, with legs pleasantly tired and step count well and truly conquered, it was time to refuel. A short walk from the hotel led us to Mother in the vibrant Meatpacking District. The verdict? Absolutely worth it. Simple, authentic pizza done exceptionally well—the kind of meal that feels both indulgent and perfectly earned after a day like this.
All in all, a day of movement, discovery, and some seriously good food.
Day 3: Our Anniversary
We began our anniversary the best way we knew how, with another blissful sauna session followed by a refreshing dip in the pool. It’s quickly become our favourite ritual here, and honestly, it set the tone perfectly for the day ahead.
After breakfast, we headed back out to explore more of Copenhagen’s charm. One of the standout stops was the city’s University library, whose interior was breathtaking, ornate and steeped in history. From there, we indulged in a bit of foodie exploration, discovering some fantastic spots along the way. A clear highlight? Bertels Salon – their cheesecake is absolutely non-negotiable.
A Copenhagen Christmas Walking Tour and Anniversary Dinner
One of the highlights of our Christmas in Copenhagen trip was joining a pre-booked private walking tour. The Copenhagen Christmas Spirit Tour which lasted around two hours, was such a magical experience. Our guide led us through the historic heart of the city, pointing out beautiful festive displays, including the iconic decorations at Hotel D’Angleterre. The tour wrapped up in the most comforting way possible – with a tasting of traditional æbleskiver. Warm, soft, and dusted with sugar, they felt like a perfect bite of Danish Christmas hygge.
For the evening, we had something truly special planned. I’d reserved a table at Høst, and it turned out to be nothing short of extraordinary. The atmosphere, the design, the food—everything came together in a way that made the night unforgettable. It felt like the perfect place to celebrate such a meaningful milestone, and a beautiful way to close out an already magical day.
Day Four: A Last Look at Copenhagen’s Winter Charm
Our final morning in Copenhagen arrived all too quickly, but we were determined to make the most of every last moment. First stop: The Round Tower. The climb was well worth it. At the top, we were rewarded with sweeping panoramic views across the city’s rooftops, a perfect way to take it all in one last time.
From there, we made our way to Hart Bakery, a spot that had quickly become a favourite. The coffee was exceptional, and the pastries? Even better. No trip to Copenhagen would be complete without one last visit to Nyhavn. The colourful waterfront never gets old, and of course, we couldn’t resist a few final photo opportunities.
In the afternoon, we slowed things down, relaxing in our hotel’s beautiful atrium while they kindly stored our luggage – an effortless and thoughtful touch that made our departure feel all the more seamless. All too soon, it was time for the easy train journey back to the airport.
Copenhagen, you’ve been unforgettable. We’ll definitely be back.
If you fancy your own festive break in Copenhagen, take a look here at Matt’s itinerary or contact our Sales Team today!
