Are you looking for the best things to do in Copenhagen in winter? I have you covered! I have taken several trips to Copenhagen during the winter months and want to share a few of the best things to do for first-time visitors in this guide… sprinkled in with some of my personal favorites!
If youʻre booking your trip to Copenhagen last minute, I have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!
🇩🇰 Top experiences, tours, and tickets in Copenhagen:
- Tivoli Gardens combo ticket (entrance + unlimited rides; great for the holiday season!)
- Nyhavn canal cruise (great way to get off your feet for a bit)
- Copenhagen Card (can be used on 80+ attractions and public transport)
🛌 Top places to stay in Copenhagen:
- 25 Hours Hotel Indre By (my absolute favorite hotel there!)
- Hotel Ottilia by Brøchner (2nd favorite – in a historic building)
- Bryggen Guldsmeden (affordable luxury in Amager Vest)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Denmark? Click here to check rental car rates for Denmark!
Aside from finding out what to do there in winter, I have also included a section about the what to expect when it comes to snow, daylight, and temperature. You will also find an interactive map that you can save for your trip toward the bottom of the guide!
Did I miss anything to know before a winter trip to Copenhagen? Let me know your favorite Copenhagen winter activities and things to do in the comments. Thanks!
In this post...
Copenhagen Winter Weather Info
Average Winter Temperatures in Copenhagen
Since the winter (more-or-less) goes from December until March, I will give the average highs and lows for those months below:
- Copenhagen in December: highs of 5°C (40°F), lows of 1°C (33°F)
- Copenhagen in January: highs of 3C (38°F), lows of -1°C (31°F)
- Copenhagen in February: highs of 3°C (38°F), lows of -1°C (31°F)
- Copenhagen in March: highs of 6°C (43°F), lows of 1°C (33°F)
Snowfall in Copenhagen
Copenhagen does see snow in the winter months and the accumulation varies from year to year, which is pretty similar to all the Nordic capitals.
The snowy period tends to last from early December until mid-March. The snowiest month is February and that is when the city will see an average snowfall of 4.6 cm (1.8 inches).
Overall, it is estimated that there are about 21 days of snow annually.
Winter Daylight in Copenhagen
Denmark is not in the south of Europe (of course) and the country does not experience a lot of light during the winter months. And when you do have those few hours of daylight throughout the day, it can often look darker than it truly is because of a lack of sunshine.
The shortest day of the year is December 21 (winter solstice), when the sun rises at 8:37am and sets at 3:38pm. This can fluctuate a little each year.
Best Things to Do in Copenhagen in Winter
1. Feel at Magic at the Tivoli Gardens
The Tivoli Gardens are a must visit at any time of the year, but they are especially festive during the holiday season! In operation since 1843, this is the world’s second-oldest amusement park and a must visit in the winter.
November and December transform the park into a winter wonderland packed with thrilling rides, markets, Christmas decorations, ice skating, fancy restaurants, shops, and a lively atmosphere.
You can satisfy your inner adrenaline-junkie while riding The Demon or The Flying Trunk, go for a spine-chilling walk through the haunted Villa Vendetta, try your luck at the Hyggehjulet or Grand Prix game, or simply relax in the exotic gardens to eat Christmas treats and enjoy a mug of gløgg (mulled wine).
>> Check Tivoli Gardens ticket rates and availability
2. Take a Canal Cruise from Nyhavn
Undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in Copenhagen is to take a canal cruise from Nyhavn. Boats in winter? Yep – bundle up!
Some of the places you will see are Ved Stranden, Christiansborg Palace, The Playhouse, Copenhagen Opera House, Reffen (famous food street), The Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg Palace, Royal Library of Denmark, Slotsholmen, and the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. Do know that the Stock Exchange had a horrible fire in early 2024 and half of it was lost, including the iconic spire.
The boat cruise is only an hour long, making it the ideal way to get off your feet and relax for a bit! During the winter months, the boat runs around 6 times a day (starting at 10am and ending a bit after 4pm). Unfortunately, this trip is not suitable for wheelchair users.
>> Click here to check Nyhavn canal cruise tickets and availability
3. Try Danish Cuisine on a Scandinavian Delights Food Tour
Are you down to explore the best of Danish gastronomy in just a few hours? If so, then this Scandinavian delights food and drink tour is an amazing option for you.
This private 3-hour tour with a local guide will make you feel like a Dane as you visit the most traditional food stalls and restaurants to discover the delights of Nordic cuisine.
Stop at a ‘Kiosk’ to enjoy a ristepølse accompanied by traditional Danish elderflower juice, and then sit in one of the most famous squares to taste the iconic ‘smørrebrod‘ (open-faced sandwich).
You’ll then head to the Torvehallerne Market to indulge your taste buds with fiskefrikadeller or flæskestegssandwich and pair them with one of the most recognized Danish craft beers.
Round off your tour with a cinnamon roll and a coffee in one of Copenhagen’s cozy pastry shops.
>> Check Copenhagen food tour rates and availability here
4. Take in the Views at the Round Tower (Rundetaarn)
Being the center of Danish astronomy for centuries, the Round Tower has been a living landmark of Copenhagen since 1642. This 17th-century tower is Europe’s oldest functioning observatory which was originally built as a platform for the university observatory.
The Spiral Ramp, inspired by German Renaissance castles, is the only way to the top, which also gives access to the Library Hall, the Bell Loft, and the hollow core.
Once home to the entire book collection of the university, the Library Hall now serves as a venue for exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events. Even in the winter months, you can take in the most incredible views over the old part of Copenhagen from the top of the tower!
The tower is open during the winter (October to March) from 10am until 6pm daily except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when it is open from 10am until 9pm. Tickets are 40 DKK ($5.50) for adults and 10 DKK ($1.40) for kids ages 5-15.
5. Go Skiing at CopenHill
Have you ever thought of skiing down an active power plant? I assume not – but it is way cooler than it sounds! CopenHill is 3-level active clean energy power plant in the heart of the city that features a rooftop that has been transformed into a snow-free skiing slope.
A CopenHill Ski Pass will take you to the top of the plant for great views and skiing opportunities (you can also rent gear on-site). Beginners may enjoy the middle and bottom levels, while seasoned skiers should head to the upper level.
Check-in at the ski rental station to get your rental gear and lift pass, and head to skiing on a 25.9-meter-high (about 85-foot-high) environmentally-friendly plastic surface.
>> Check CopenHill skiing rates and availability here
6. Check Out The Little Mermaid Statue
The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue), sitting on the rock at Langelinie Pier, is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic tourist attractions. This over 100-year-old piece of art created in bronze and granite by Edvard Erikson was erected on August 23, 1913.
It was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, who fell in love with The Little Mermaid, the gorgeous mermaid character in a ballet performance of Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairytale (he is from Odense, Denmark!).
The statue is about a 15-minute walk north of Nyhavn, or you can always take a bus to get there if you don’t like walking in chilly weather. While I think it is a must-see in Copenhagen, I do know that it underwhelms a lot of people because it is smaller than they actually thought it would be. Just a head’s up before visiting!
7. Explore the Christiansborg Palace Tower
If you want to see Copenhagen from a different perspective, then pay a visit to the Christiansborg Palace Tower (Christiansborg Slot), built from 1907-1928. Housing the Danish Parliament, this 106-meter (350-foot) tower is the highest in Copenhagen.
It was once the main residence of the Danish Royal Family, who moved to the Amalienborg Palace in the late 1800s after a fire and never returned.
Admire breathtaking views of the city from The View, the Tower’s 44-meter-high (144-foot) viewing platform; explore plaster figures and other objects in The Storage Room; marvel at a beautiful pigeon art installation by artist Eva Koch; and spice things up at the Tower’s restaurant where you can taste traditional Danish dishes with a modern twist.
The opening hours for The View are Tuesday to Saturday from 11am until 9pm, Sunday from 11am until 5:30pm, and closed on Mondays. The Restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:15am until 4:30pm and closed on Sunday and Monday.
You can learn more on their official website.
8. Take a Stroll along Nyhavn
Nyhavn’s colorful buildings are what you need to cheer up a dreary winter day! This postcard-perfect port is the most recognizable site in Copenhagen, and it is especially beautiful after a fresh snowfall (if you’re lucky to get one).
Embrace the Christmas spirit while taking a one-hour canal cruise (the same one I mentioned above!) to admire Amalienborg Palace and the Little Mermaid statue, browsing the Christmas markets lined along one side of the canal, exploring the house where legendary Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen lived, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere while savoring Danish Christmas delicacies at one of the cozy cafes.
While there is plenty to do around Nyhavn, it is very touristy but worth every moment spent there. Be sure to grab a coffee by the harbor (there are often heaters outside).
9. Enjoy the Vinterjazz Festival
Denmark has a pretty good jazz scene and it really comes alive during the Vinterjazz Festival, which takes place every February across the whole of Denmark. This year’s dates are January 31 to February 23, 2025.
Spanning three weeks, this national festival features hundreds of concerts by national and international musicians in 100+ venues from Musikkens Hus in Aalborg and Kulturværftet in Helsingør to DR Koncerthuset in Copenhagen.
It is a national collaboration between musicians and audiences, venues, and organizers, in both the big cities and the outskirts of Denmark.
Enjoy jazz along with blues, bossa nova, funk, and soul in intimate cafes, wine bars, clubs, and famous city concert halls around Copenhagen. Please note that some of the concerts are free while others require you to buy a ticket.
10. Discover Copenhagen’s Oldest Street (Magstræde)
If one thing’s for sure in Copenhagen, then it’s that the cobblestone street of Magstræde will exude that Christmas feel during the winter months, making it one of the city’s coziest corners!
Magstræde is packed with colorful buildings, some dating back to the 18th century. This area is more for wandering through as it doesn’t have many cafes and bars there.
The reason I am listing it on this guide is that if there is snowfall, it is so beautiful and I suggest heading there to take some photos before the snow ends up grey and slushy!
11. Go Skating at Broen’s Ice Rink
Get a taste of the Copenhagen Christmas spirit at the harbor-front Broen’s Ice Rink (Broens Skøjtebane), located in the heart of the city. This spacious ice rink at the end of the Inner Harbour Bridge offers an elevated ice-skating experience with stunning harbor views for the whole family.
If you don’t have your own skates with you, you can rent one for DKK 75 per hour (if you have your own skates you can use the rink for 20 DKK an hour). After hours of fun on the ice, you can enjoy a refreshing drink or grab a bite from the food stalls at Broens Street Kitchen.
Broen’s is open for skating from Sunday until Thursday (10am to 9pm) and Friday and Saturday (10am to 10pm). The food stalls are open daily from 12pm until 8:30pm.
12. Cozy Up at One of Copenhagen’s Best Cafes
I find a way to discover new cafes in Copenhagen every time I go there and while I am going to list three here, I do recommend you just wander about until you find one that fits your liking! And if you see a line out the door at a bakery/cafe, you know it is GOOD.
Here are a few of my favorite cafes, however, just to get you started:
- La Cabra (two locations in CPH and a few in Aarhus – they also have a few locations abroad; I used to buy their beans in Frankfurt and they were always SO nice)
- Studio X Kitchen (beautiful spot for breakfast and coffee)
- Andersen & Maillard (amazing sourbread – has a couple of locations you can choose from)
- Cadence (healthy options and good coffee in Vesterbro)
13. Check Out the Copenhagen Christmas Markets
Visiting Copenhagen’s Christmas markets is the best way to soak in the festive mood in the city. Throughout December, Christmas markets are scattered all over the city.
Must-visit ones are at Tivoli, Freetown Christiania, Nyhavn, the Hans Christian Andersen Christmas market at Axeltorv, Højbro Plads, and even at the Carlsberg Experience, which are all lit up with cheery decorations. Some specialize in food, while others offer adorable Christmas gifts and crafts.
Grab your mug of gløgg (sweet mulled Danish wine with raisins and almonds) and relax while enjoying your winter trip!
14. Take a Trip to the Tropics at the Copenhagen Botanical Garden
For a tropical escape from the cold, visit the Copenhagen Botanical Garden, a Danish landmark dating back to 1874. Located a few steps from Nørreport Station, ten hectares of gardens showcase Denmark’s largest collection of living plants.
Here you can explore more than 13,000 species across various sections, including Danish plants, annual plants, perennial plants, rock gardens with plants from mountainous areas in Central and Southern Europe, and a Conifer Hill packed with coniferous trees. Don’t forget to check out the rhododendron garden, which is one of the newest additions to the garden.
Marvel at the collection of 27 glass houses, take a walk up the 16m (52ft) tall cast-iron spiral staircase inside the Palm House, browse the flower shop, and enjoy delicious treats at the cafe.
Admission is free into the Botanical Graden but if you decide to include the Natural History Museum (which is located there also) in your visit, it is 115 DKK ($16) per adult. This ticket includes the Palm House.
15. See the Illuminations at the Copenhagen Light Festival
One of the most popular things to check out during the long Copenhagen winter is the light festival. The Copenhagen Light Festival is the largest one of its kind if Europe and it runs from January 31 until February 23, 2025.
Layer up against the winter chill and enjoy marveling at more than 50 distinct light installations that light up the city in February’s darkness.
At the light show, you will see dynamic and colorful facade lighting installations celebrating art, architecture, and acts of kindness on dark drifting clouds, beautiful old buildings, architectural squares, the city’s canals, and other city spaces around Nordhavn and Ørestad.
16. Visit Eclectic Freetown Christiania
Freetown Christiania, also known as Christiania, is the autonomous anarchist district in the borough of Christianshavn. Once a military base, which was abandoned for many years, then was taken over by a group of hippies in 1971 who made it their home.
Now, this community has its own flag, rules, and regulations, making it completely independent of the Danish government.
When there, you can the Green Light District, stroll Pusher Street to pick the perfect souvenir, head to Jazzklubben to enjoy jazz, check out the Christmas market, show off some skating skills at ALIS Wonderland, and spice things up at Science & Cocktails.
After exploring the area, fuel up at Nemoland or Morgetstedet for vegan food. If you’re in the mood for pastries, pop over to Sunshine Bakery to sample mouth-watering Danish kage.
17. See a Film at the Palads Theatre
Film lovers can catch new releases in Palads Theatre, a Neo-Classical style palatial cinema complex operated by Nordisk Film in Copenhagen. Here you can enjoy the widest selection of films in the country, perfect for all ages. It is a great thing to do when the weather is uncooperative!
With 17 screens and the ability to seat 689 people, this is the largest movie theater in Denmark and is equipped with the latest technical equipment, even if the building looks like it is a blast from the past! The building is painted with hues of pink and orange and is worth the journey to see!
The theater also has many other cultural events, sports functions, and ballet performances, and shows a lot of children’s films on larger screens throughout the day up until 7pm. Please make sure to reserve seats in advance for these shows.
Another thing to note is that films in Denmark are most often in their native language (with Danish subtitles). The only exception to this is kid’s movies which are often dubbed into Danish.
18. Warm Up with a Ramen and Beer
Ramen To Biiru is a ramen experience run by Mikkeller Beer in Copenhagen. They have a couple of locations now but I have only been to Ramen to Bíiru Nørrebro, where I have eaten on multiple occasions!
This Japanese ramen restaurant offers pairings of delicious soup with Mikkeller craft beer. I don’t drink these days so I grab an alcohol-free beer when there and it tastes just as delicious (I mean, almost).
Click here to learn more about their locations in Frederiksberg, Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Østerbro, Hellerup, and the CPH Airport.
Copenhagen Attractions & Landmarks in This Guide (On a Map!)
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
Looking for the top places to stay in Copenhagen? The options below are top-rated and I even included my favorite two hotels there!
- 25 Hours Hotel Indre By (my absolute favorite hotel there!)
- Hotel Ottilia by Brøchner (2nd favorite – in a historic building)
- Bryggen Guldsmeden (affordable luxury in Amager Vest)
Did I miss any amazing things to do in Copenhagen in winter?
Let me know your top winter in Copenhagen tips in the comments. Thanks!
More Denmark Travel Guides
- Best things to do in Copenhagen
- Copenhagen Airport to the city center
- Best places to visit in Denmark
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Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now lives in Finnish Lapland after previous stints in Norway, Germany, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ (2020) and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.