Whether you`re planning a family holiday, a couple`s escape, a festive city break or a pre- or post-cruise stay, this guide gives you everything you need to make your winter trip unforgettable.

Why Copenhagen shines in winter

Copenhagen doesn`t slow down when the temperatures drop. It glows. The city is designed for winter comforn with warm cafés, candlelit restaurants, cobbles streets dressed in light and waterfront walks that feel calm and cinematic.

Insider tip: Pack a warm coat, gloves and good walking shoes. Copenhagen is made for exploring on foot and early evenings are pure magic. 

Adina Apartment Hotel Copenhagen is in Østerbro, just steps from the harbour and a short walk to the city`s Christmas markets, waterfront, cultural highlights and Østerport Station.

The 10 unforgettable places you can`t miss in Copenhagen this winter

Before we dive into Christmas markets and festivals, here are the top 10 places every traveller should experience at least once during a winter stay in Copenhagen. These spots combine history, architecture, culture, food and pure Nordic atmosphere and all easily accessible from Adina Apartment Hotel Copenhagen.

Tivoli Christmas Market

A glowing winter wonderland of rides, snowy cabins, music and lights akes this a festive highlight of the season. The best time to visit is just before sunset, so you can stay on for the light show as the park comes alive after dark. Prebolking tickets and choosing a weekday evening helps avoiding the crowds. From Adina, it`s about 20-25 minutes by metro from Østerport.

Nyhavn

Fairy lights draped over colourful harbour houses, stalls serving gløgg and æbleskiver, and easy waterfront walks make this spot unmissable in winter. Early morning is the ideal time to visit, with soft light and quiet streets creating a magical atmosphere. Pair it with a canal stroll to Kongens Nytorv for shopping and more festive lights. From Adina, it`s a scenic 15-20 minute walk or a short metro ride. 

Kongens Nytorv and Strøget

An elegant square with festive displays and the city`s main pedestrian shopping street dressed in winter lights makes this a magical spot to explore. Late afternoon is the best time to visit, just as the lights switch on. For a cosy break, duck into a classic café for hot chocolate between shops. From Adina, it`s a 15-20 minute walk or two stops by metro.

The Little Mermaid and Langelinie

This iconic statue sits along a crisp waterfront promenade that feels almost cinematic in winter. Sunrise is the perfect moment to visit, with soft pink skies and calm water setting the scene. For even better views, continue on to the citadel walls for a wide harbour panorama. From Adina, it`s about a 10-15 minute walk.

Kastellet

A star shaped 17th-century fortress with quiet paths, historic ramparts and wintery parkland offers a peaceful escape in the colder months. The best time to visit is during golden hour, when laps around the moat feel especially serene. For a perfect half-day loop, combine it with Langelinie and Nyhavn. From Adina, it`s just a 10-minute walk.

Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK)

Big-ticket exhibitions featuring Danish and international masters make this a perfect winter stop, with warm galleries offering a calm escape from the chill. The best time to visit is mid-morning, followed by a leisurely lunch nearby. For something extra, check the events calendar for talks or family activities. From Adina, it`s an easy 15-minute walk or just one stop on the metro.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Classical art and a tropical winter garden come together under soaring glass, creating a calm and elegant retreat. The best moment to visit is right at opening, when the palm-filled atrium is quiet and peaceful. Pair it with a Tivoli evening for a perfect blend of culture and winter lights. From Adina, it`s about 20-25 minutes by metro.

Rosenborg Castle and King`s Garden

A Renaissance castle with crown jewels and manicured grounds dusted with winter frost makes for a striking winter visit. Clear mornings are ideal for capturing the gardens before heading inside to the jewel vault. To make the most of your time, book timed tickets if visiting on a busy weekend. From Adina, it`s about a 20 minutes walk or a short metro ride.

Torvehallerne Food Market

The easiest way to taste Copenhagen in winter is here, with everything from smørrebrød to hot chocolate and seasonal treats. A late lunch after museum visits is the perfect moment to warm up and soak in the atmosphere. For extra flavour, share small plates so you can try more stalls. From Adina, it`s about 15-20 minutes by metro from Østerport.

Christiansborg Palace and Tower

Royal halls, layer of history beneath your feet and a free tower view over winter rooftops make this a standout stop. Clear days are best for panoramic photos from the top, and booking a guided tour gives you access to the grand reception rooms. From Adina, it`s about 15 minutes by metro. 

The Christmas markets: Pure festive magic

Copenhagen`s Christmas markets are some of the most charming in Europe. Each has its own personality, and all are easx to reach from Adina Apartment Hotel..

Tivoli Christmas Market

Dates: November 14, 2025 - January 4, 2026

Just 2,5 km from the hotel, Tivoli transforms into a winter storybook. With about 50 stalls, rides, snow-style rooftops and the scent of cinnamon in the air, it`s a full-on festive experience. If you arrive at dusk, you`ll catch the golden light and then stay for the light show after dark.

Tip:buy your tickets online and skip the queue. 

Højbro Plads Christmas Market

Dates: November 4 - December 21, 2025

Located right next to Strøget, this market sells itself as "Copenhagen`s coziest Christmas market." It features stalls offering mulled wine, crafts, Danish Christmas food and more. Free admission. Ideal for a relaxed stroll, festive shopping and warming up with a gløgg.

Kongens Nytorv Winter Wonderland

Dates: November 14 - January 4, 2026

At the square where Strøget ends and Nyhavn begins, Kongens Nytorv offers something a little different: an ice-skating rink (1.200m²), Christmas stalls run by local restaurants and bakeries. A perfect mix of local life and festive sparkle.

But winter isn`t just about Christmas...

When the markets start to wind down after December, Copenhagen`s winter energy keeps going strong. This is where the city surprises people. It`s full of light festivals, cultural events, food experiences and hidden winter rituals.

Seasonal events and festivals

Copenhagen Light Festival | Festival dates: January 30 - February 22, 2026

The city turns into an open-air art gallery, with over 35 light installations along canals, bridges and buildung. Best explores at night with a warm drink in hand.

Where: All over the city

Tip: Walk from Nyhavn to Langelinie for some of the most beautiful installations.

Copenhagen Winter Pride Week | Dates: February 16-22, 2026

A vibrant celebration of diversity and culture fills the city with concerts, talks and performances across multiple venues. The programme changes each year, so it`s worth checking the event site in advance to plan your visit.

Winter fun outdoorsc

Ice skating

• - Broens Skøjtebane - near Nyhavn with food stalls and harbour views
• - Frederiksberg Runddel - a bigger rink for more space

Tip: Skate hire is on site and night skating under lights is unforgettable

Winter wellness

Copenhagen loves its wellness rituals. Locals go from cold air to warm saunas or hut tubs without hesitation.

• - CopenHot - floating hot tubs and saunas with harbour views
• - AIRE Ancient Baths Copenhagen - luxurious spa in historic vaults

Tip: Book spa slots for weekends in advance. These fill quickly during winter months.

Shopping & Design Experiences

Copemhagen is a design lover`s dream, and winter is ideal for browsing beautiful stores without the crowds.

• - Ilums Bolighus - iconic danish homewares
• - HAY House - modern minimalism done perfectly
• - Strøget - the pedestrian shopping street dressed in fairy light

Tip: January is sale season. This is when savvy travellers pick up Scandi design at great prices

For the Foodies

Winter is flavour season in Copenhagen. It`s all about cinnamon, chocolate, seasonak seafood and warming Nordic comfort food.

• - Toverhallerne - a must for food lovers
• - Andersen Bakery - for cinnamon rolls and cardamom buns
• - Restaurant Radio or Barr - for elegant winter dining
• - Gløgg and æbleskiver at Nyhavn or Højbro Plads markets.

Tip: Book tables in advance for popular restaurants and Christmas market weekends.

For cruise travellers

Many winter cruises begin or end in Copenhagen. Adina Apartment Hotel Copenhagen is a popular pre- and post-cruise base.

• - Walk to Nordhavn and Østerport Station
• - Stroll to Nyhavn or Tivoli the day before departure
• - Airport is just 30 minutes by train

Tip: Arrive a day early to unwind and enjoy the city`s lights before boarding.

Hidden winter gems locals love 

• - Harbour walks at sunrise - Langelinie to Nyhavn with soft winter light and peaceful streets
• - Kastellet - stunning fortress paths just behind Adina
• - Botanical Garden - green calm in the middle of the city
• - Cosy cafés like original coffee in Østerbro

Your winter base in Østerbro

After a day of exploring, nothing beats coming home to somewhere warm, calm and comfortable. Adina Apartment Hotel Copenhagen offers spacious studios and apartments with kitchens, an indoor pool, sauna and 24-hour reception.

You can walk to Nyhavn, Kongens Nyrtorv and most Christmas Markets, or hop on the metro for easy access to the rest of the city. It`s a guest favourite for families, couples, foodies and cruise travellers.

Book your winter stay

Final tips for a magical Copenhagen Winter

• - Dress in layers and embrace the cold, the city rewards explorers
• - Get a Copenhagen Card for unlimited transport and free entry to top attractions
• - Book popular restaurants and Tivoli tickets early
• - Take time to slow down. Copenhagen isn`t meant to be rushed.
• - Keep evenings open for spontaneous walks, street music and hot drinks

Copenhagen in winter isn`t just a trip. It`s where memories are made. It`s light dancing on the water, wool scarves and warm drinks, stories shared in cosy corners and moments you`ll want to bottle up. And the best part? Everything is right on your doorstep when you stay at Adina.