Højbro Plads Christmas Market

Copenhagen's holiday season is a tapestry of festive markets, each offering a unique glimpse into Danish Christmas traditions. Among these, the Højbro Plads Christmas Market stands out, blending historical charm with seasonal cheer. 

It is located in the heart of the city between Strøget and Christiansborg Palace, and this market calls itself "Copenhagen's coziest Christmas market". It provides both locals and visitors with an authentic Danish Christmas atmosphere infused with German-inspired traditions.

Does Højbro Plads Have a Christmas Market in 2025?

Yes, Højbro Plads hosts one of Copenhagen's most beloved Christmas markets annually, returning for 2025. 

Situated right in the city centre, the market is easily accessible and offers a picturesque setting for holiday festivities. The square transforms with beautifully decorated pine trees, sparkling lights, and traditional wooden stalls, which are authentic Tyrolean log cabins imported from Austria. 

The iconic equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon, Copenhagen's founder, towers over the market, creating a stunning backdrop. This market has operated for many years and was among the first Christmas markets in Copenhagen, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the city's holiday traditions.

When Is Højbro Plads Christmas Market Open in 2025?

The Højbro Plads Christmas Market operates from November 4 to December 21, 2025. 

Opening hours are: 

• Monday to Wednesday 11 AM-7 PM
• Thursday 11 AM-8 PM
• Friday and Saturday 11 AM-9 PM
• Sunday 12 PM-7 PM. 

The market opens earlier than most Copenhagen Christmas markets, making it perfect for those eager to start the holiday season. Extended evening hours on weekends allow visitors to experience the magical atmosphere when thousands of lights illuminate the historic square.

What Makes Højbro Plads Christmas Market Special?

Højbro Plads is often called Copenhagen's "international Christmas market" because it follows the traditional German Weihnachtsmarkt concept. The authentic Tyrolean log cabins with half-timbering are imported from Austria, and many stallholders come from Germany, bringing genuine German Christmas traditions to Copenhagen. 

The market's prime location between Strøget (Europe's longest pedestrian street) and Christiansborg Palace makes it incredibly convenient for combining Christmas shopping with sightseeing. The majestic Bishop Absalon statue on horseback creates a dramatic centrepiece. 

The market perfectly captures Danish “hygge” - that special warmth and coziness Denmark is famous for - while offering an international flavour through German sausages, Glühwein, and European delicacies alongside traditional Danish Christmas treats.

Is Højbro Plads Christmas Market Free to Enter?

Entry to the Højbro Plads Christmas Market is completely free.

You can wander through the decorated wooden stalls, admire the Christmas lights, and soak in the festive atmosphere without any cost. However, purchasing items such as food, drinks, crafts, or gifts will incur charges. 

Prices are reasonable for Copenhagen standards, with gløgg typically costing 50-70 DKK, æbleskiver around 40-60 DKK, and German sausages 60-80 DKK. Handcrafted items and gifts vary widely in price. 

While Copenhagen is largely cashless and most vendors accept cards and mobile payments, bringing small amounts of cash is advisable as some traditional stallholders may prefer it.

What Food and Drinks Are Available at the Market?

Højbro Plads excels at culinary offerings, featuring both Danish Christmas classics and German specialties. 

Traditional Danish gløgg (mulled wine) comes infused with cinnamon, cardamom, orange, and lemon peel - warming you perfectly on cold winter days. Æbleskiver (fluffy Danish pancakes) are served in threes with jam and powdered sugar. 

The German influence brings authentic currywurst, bratwurst grilled over charcoal, and homemade Glühwein. You'll also find brændte mandler (caramelized almonds roasted in copper pots), pepperkager (gingerbread cookies), warm waffles, pancakes, and varm chokolade (hot chocolate with whipped cream). 

What Can I Buy at Højbro Plads Christmas Market?

Beyond food, Højbro Plads offers diverse shopping opportunities. You'll find beautiful glass art and intricate paper cuttings showcasing Danish craftsmanship, traditional Christmas decorations including ornaments and lights, hand-knitted wool socks and knitwear perfect for Copenhagen's winter weather, and artisanal crafts from local and German producers. 

The market features Danish Christmas gifts, unique souvenirs you won't find in regular shops, and handmade items from skilled craftspeople. Many stalls sell Christmas decorations you can take home to recreate the Danish Christmas magic. 

How Do I Get to Højbro Plads Christmas Market?

Højbro Plads is exceptionally accessible in Copenhagen's historic centre. 

By metro, exit at Gammel Strand station, the market is directly adjacent, literally steps away. This makes it one of Copenhagen's most convenient Christmas markets to reach. 

Multiple bus lines service the area, including bus 2A with a stop at Gammel Strand St. near Christiansborg. Copenhagen's bike-friendly infrastructure makes cycling an excellent option, with bike racks available around the square.

If staying in central Copenhagen, the market is within easy walking distance from most hotels and major attractions. It's positioned between two major landmarks: Strøget shopping street (1-2 minutes) and Christiansborg Palace (2 minutes). 

Can You Meet Santa at Højbro Plads Christmas Market?

Yes, Santa Claus (Julemanden) appears at Højbro Plads Christmas Market with special attractions. The market features Santa's sleigh and real reindeer - a magical sight for children. 

Santa makes regular appearances, particularly from Thursday to Sunday. Meeting Santa and taking photos is completely free, unlike many commercialized Santa experiences. 

Children can share their Christmas wishes with him in a cozy, authentic Danish setting. The combination of Santa's sleigh, live reindeer, and the historic square backdrop creates perfect photo opportunities. 

Since Santa hours can vary throughout the season, ask at the market information booth for specific daily appearance times during your visit to ensure you don't miss meeting Julemanden.

What Are the Best Times to Visit Højbro Plads?

For fewer crowds and the best shopping experience, visit Tuesday through Thursday mornings or early afternoons (11 AM-3 PM). The market gets significantly busier after 5 PM when Copenhageners finish work, and weekends are the busiest times. 

However, evening visits offer magical atmosphere - visit after dark (from 3:30 PM in December) when thousands of Christmas lights illuminate the square and historic buildings create an enchanting backdrop. The market is particularly atmospheric during twilight when lights first switch on. 

Saturday and Sunday afternoons are liveliest with the most festive energy but expect larger crowds. If you're a photographer, early morning visits (11 AM opening) provide better lighting and fewer people for capturing the decorated stalls and Absalon statue. 

How Does Højbro Plads Compare to Other Copenhagen Christmas Markets?

Højbro Plads is often cited as Copenhagen's best traditional Christmas market, combining accessibility with authentic atmosphere. 

Unlike Tivoli (190-210 DKK entry, amusement park setting), this market is free and focuses purely on Christmas market tradition. Compared to Nyhavn's romantic harbour views, Højbro Plads offers superior food variety and shopping options with its German-Danish fusion. It's larger than the Hans Christian Andersen market but more intimate than Tivoli, making it less overwhelming for families. 

Many consider it the most "genuine" Christmas market in Copenhagen, balancing Danish hygge with European Christmas tradition authentically and accessibly.

What Should I Know Before Visiting?

• Dress warmly in layers; December temperatures hover 0-5°C (32-41°F), and Højbro Plads is an open square exposed to wind. 
• The market sits in Copenhagen's historic centre, making it ideal for combining with visits to Christiansborg Palace (free tower viewing platform), Strøget shopping, the Round Tower, or nearby Christmas markets like the one at Gammeltorv.
• Copenhagen is cashless-friendly, but small cash amounts help at traditional German stalls. 
• Try both Danish (gløgg, æbleskiver) and German (currywurst, Glühwein) specialties to experience the market's international character. 
• The Absalon statue provides an iconic photo backdrop, especially beautiful when lit at night. 
• Free entry makes this budget-friendly compared to Tivoli. 
• The market closes December 21st, earlier than Tivoli, so don't wait until Christmas week. 

For the perfect guide to the holiday in Copenhagen experience, the Unlock Christmas in Copenhagen audio walk is your best friend.