11 Things to Do in Copenhagen in Winter

The capital of Denmark is known for being a charming city at any time of the year. There are always plenty of things to see and do in Copenhagen, but it is during the winter when it transforms into a fascinating place not to be missed.

This Scandinavian city has a lot to offer during the cold season, from ice skating on the frozen lakes to festivals and delicious cafes where you can enjoy a delicious cinnamon cake. In this list, I present to you the 10 activities you can't miss if you visit Copenhagen during the winter.

Visiting the best museums in Copenhagen in winter is an excellent idea for several reasons. First of all, during these months, the city becomes quieter, so the museums are less crowded and you can enjoy the exhibitions without having to deal with crowds. Also, the cold winter weather makes them a warm and cozy haven for exploring and learning about Danish history and culture.

There are several museums in Copenhagen that are particularly interesting to visit in winter. Here are my favorites:

• The National Museum of Denmark, which houses one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Danish art and culture. The museum features exhibits ranging from prehistory to the present day, including a major collection of Viking artifacts. In addition, the museum building is a striking structure in itself.
• The Glyptotek, which is an art and sculpture museum that features a beautiful winter garden with palm trees surrounding a fountain and pond. The museum, which encompasses ancient and modern art, includes collections of Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman art, and 19th- and 20th-century Danish and French paintings and sculpture, among much else.
• The Natural History Museum of Denmark, which has an extensive collection of animal, plant and mineral specimens, and also offers interactive and educational exhibits for both children and adults. The museum's cozy atmosphere and variety of activities make it an ideal place to visit on a cold winter's day.
• The Danish Resistance Museum in Copenhagen, where you will discover the history of the Danish resistance during the German occupation of 1940-1945.
• The Danish War Museum in Copenhagen, which is located in a historic building and includes a very large collection of objects from the war history of Denmark.

An ideal way to comfortably and flexibly get to know the Danish capital in the winter season is to book the Copenhagen sightseeing bus thanks to a pass valid for 48 hours.

To do this, you can design your own itinerary and let yourself be dazzled by the main points of interest such as Amalienborg Palace, Rosenborg Palace, The Little Mermaid or Tivoli Gardens, among others, while escaping the cold that characterizes this season.

In addition, thanks to the audio guide you will learn in detail the history of the city. And all this in a flexible way, since you can get on and off the bus whenever you want.

Copenhagen is known for promoting healthy activities and care for the environment. In this regard, the White January custom promotes healthy lifestyle habits and aims to reduce alcohol consumption after Christmas celebrations.

The campaign was first launched in 2017 and has since gained popularity in Denmark and beyond, establishing itself as one of the best things to do in January in Copenhagen and experience the city like a local.

In Copenhagen, many pubs and restaurants offer alcohol-free drinks and healthy food options to support the campaign, so it's a great time for you to take a pub crawl around Copenhagen to check out some of their best non-alcoholic beers and support the cause. In addition, social and sporting events are organized to promote a healthy lifestyle, which are becoming more and more popular with tourists.

During the winter months, you can't miss the Copenhagen Light Festival. This annual event illuminates the city with light installations, projections and shows at different locations in Copenhagen. In addition, there are also special events such as concerts and art exhibitions.

The festival runs for several weeks between February and March, when the city becomes a real light show. During these days you can enjoy the illumination of historic buildings, squares and parks, while touring the city by yourself, or you can also join one of the tours by segway, boat, kayak or walking. In addition to the light installations, special events such as concerts, art exhibitions and open-air film screenings are held.

Copenhagen is a fascinating city that combines architecture, history and gastronomy with a cosmopolitan and avant-garde atmosphere. And at the Festival of Light, you will be able to admire all this in a special way, immersing yourself in a festive and lively atmosphere. It is a unique opportunity to experience the Nordic culture and enjoy the exquisite Danish cuisine.

If you visit Copenhagen in winter, one of the best things to do in December is to experience first-hand the Danish concept of "hygge", as December is the quintessential hygge month. This word alludes to the feeling of comfort, well-being and happiness that is achieved in a cozy and warm environment.

During this month, the city is filled with lights and decorations that create a cozy and magical atmosphere, making it the perfect time to explore the city on foot. The streets of the historic center, where Copenhagen's best buildings are located, will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.

Copenhagen is famous for its gastronomy and in the hygge month you will find options to try delicious dishes such as smørrebrød (a type of open sandwich with different toppings), hot meat dishes and soups. In addition, coffee and tea are an important part of the social life. That is why it is a perfect season for you to take a gastronomic tour of Copenhagen.

New Year and Christmas in Copenhagen are the perfect time to experience unique traditions. During this time of year, the city is illuminated with sparkling lights, Christmas trees are decorated and many activities can be found to enjoy. One of the most popular Danish traditions is Christmas beer, which usually has a sweet and spicy taste. You can drink this beer in classic cellars as well as in modern craft beer pubs.

Christmas markets are one of the best ways to experience the Christmas atmosphere. The Christmas market at Tivoli Gardens is one of the most popular. An amusement park that transforms into a winter fantasy world with food stalls, crafts and themed attractions. Other markets to visit include Nyhavn and Copenhagen City Hall.

Events also take place at Copenhagen's best castles and palaces in Copenhagen. Christiansborg Palace and Amalienborg Palace usually open their doors during these festivities. There you can see the Christmas decorations, learn more about the history of the Danish monarchy and enjoy live musical performances. I recommend booking tickets for Christiansborg Palace well in advance to enjoy the place.

If you plan to visit Copenhagen in February, don't miss the Fastelavn known as the Danish carnival, a traditional festival celebrated throughout the country on the seventh Sunday before Easter. It is one of the most anticipated festivals of the year, especially for children, but it is also an opportunity to experience Danish culture and traditions.

During Fastelavn, children dress up in carnival costumes and participate in traditional games such as the "Danish piñata," where they have to hit a barrel decorated with images of cats until it breaks and candy and toys fall out. There are also street parades, costume contests and food competitions. All of this creates a festive and fun atmosphere that is perfect for the whole family.

In addition to the fun, Fastelavn is also an opportunity to try some of the delicious traditional Danish sweets. In Copenhagen, you'll find many bakeries and cafes offering their own versions of Fastelavnsboller, sweet buns filled with vanilla cream and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Join the Danes in this celebration!

One of the most fun and exciting attractions to do in Copenhagen in winter is undoubtedly ice skating. Instead of going to a closed rink, why not take the opportunity to skate on the outdoor ice rinks in the city center? It's a unique experience not to be missed, ideal for a fun and memorable afternoon in the city.

One of the recommended locations is the Frederiksberg Runddel ice rink, which is located next to the entrance to Frederiksberg Garden. Access is free, and skates can be rented for a very affordable price. Even after skating you can stay and enjoy the Copenhagen night skating under the lights of the trees surrounding the rink. If you need a coffee or hot chocolate, you can buy it at the store at the side of the garden.

Another option is the Broens ice rink located in front of the harbor. Unlike the Frederiksberg Runddel rink, this one has an entrance fee and skates can also be rented. While skating you can enjoy the view of the harbor and sample a delicious selection of food from the Broens Street Kitchen stalls.

The tradition of swimming in cold water is an experience that provides many health benefits, and if you're brave enough to take a dip, it's not to be missed. Be sure to look for reliable places and follow all the safety instructions to make the most of this exciting tradition.

There are several options that Copenhagen offers to live this experience, the most popular being the ones located in the city's harbor. Among them is the Banchina, a sauna:

• The Banchina, a sauna and cafe that operates all year round, especially in summer in Copenhagen, but in the winter also allows you to take a dip in cold water, go to the wood-fired sauna and enjoy Italian-inspired food, natural wine and coffee.
• The CopenHot. Here you can experience a spa in a completely different way. The interesting thing is that CopenHot uses hot seawater in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way, thus saving energy and minimizing the carbon footprint. After tasting the water at 40° you can move on to the ice-cold barrel shower, or vice versa.

CopenHill is a unique tourist attraction in Copenhagen that combines sport, fun and sustainability, offering a wide variety of experiences for visitors of all ages. It is an artificial ski slope built on top of a waste incineration plant, where there is also a recreational area for hiking.

One of the most exciting experiences at CopenHill, besides the ski slope and wall climbing, is tobogganing. With its own dedicated track, with steep turns and curves, it makes it even more exciting. Sledding at CopenHill offers a unique experience at full speed, for all ages. It is definitely one of the best things to do with children in Copenhagen, because it is also very safe.

For those who prefer a quieter experience, CopenHill offers hiking and breathtaking panoramic views of both the city and the natural landscape, while breathing fresh air. This site also has excellent food and beverage options, and traditional coffee or hot chocolate.

The Copenhagen Winter Jazz Festival is another of the many things to see and do in Copenhagen in the winter season. It is an annual event held in February and is a must-see experience for any jazz lover visiting the city. For several days, Copenhagen is filled with live music from some of the most prominent artists on the international jazz scene.

The concerts take place in different venues, allowing you to explore the different neighborhoods and discover some of the city's most interesting sites. From concert halls and small bars to churches and theaters, you will find a wide variety of venues in Copenhagen where you can enjoy live jazz. And while you're at it, you can learn about the local cuisine, architecture and customs at what could be one of the best times to go to Copenhagen.

In addition to the live music, the festival also offers a number of complementary activities, such as workshops, talks and listening sessions, which are an excellent opportunity to learn more about jazz music and culture. The Copenhagen Winter Jazz Festival is an event not to be missed if you visit the city in February.