Nyhavn Christmas Market

The Nyhavn Christmas Market offers a unique blend of historical charm and seasonal cheer, making it a must-visit Christmas spot for both locals and tourists. It is set along Copenhagen's iconic waterfront with its colourful 17th-century buildings, and this market provides the perfect postcard backdrop for your holiday experience. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the market's offerings, costs, and what makes it stand out as one of Copenhagen's most photogenic Christmas destinations.

Get the full story of this place with the Christmas with H.C. Andersen tour or the Unlock Christmas in Copenhagen audio walk.

You can also get the most out of Christmas in Copenhagen by checking out the following:

• Overview of all Christmas Markets
• What to do in Copenhagen for Christmas in 2025
• Interactive Guide with all Christmas Spots

Does Nyhavn Have a Christmas Market in 2025?

Yes, Nyhavn hosts a charming Christmas market each year along its historic harbour. 

The waterfront area transforms with festive decorations, and wooden stalls line the cobblestone quayside, offering holiday goods against the backdrop of colourful 17th-century townhouses and historic wooden ships. 

Visitors explore stalls selling handcrafted gifts, traditional Danish Christmas ornaments, and seasonal delicacies. The market's picturesque canal setting creates an enchanting atmosphere; as darkness falls around 3:30 PM, decorations become more visible and twinkling lights reflect beautifully on the water.

When Is Nyhavn Christmas Market Open in 2025?

The Nyhavn Christmas Market typically operates from November through December, and the opening hours are usually from 10 AM to 7 PM, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 8 PM. 

Weekend evenings are particularly magical when lights illuminate the colourful buildings and create reflections on the canal water.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Nyhavn Christmas Market?

Entry to the Nyhavn Christmas Market is completely free - no admission ticket required. 

You can wander through the waterfront stalls, photograph the iconic buildings, and enjoy the festive atmosphere without cost. However, purchasing food, drinks, or crafts will incur charges. 

Be aware that Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen's most expensive areas - prices here often exceed those at other Christmas markets. 

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

What Makes Nyhavn Christmas Market Special?

Nyhavn's Christmas market stands out for its unbeatable location along Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront. The combination of serene canal waters, vibrant 17th-century buildings in red, yellow, and orange, historic ships moored along the quay, and festive market stalls creates magical holiday atmosphere. 

This is where Hans Christian Andersen lived at three different addresses during the 19th century, writing famous Christmas fairytales including "The Little Match Girl" and "The Snow Man." 

The market's intimate setting and scenic beauty make it a favourite for photographers and romantics seeking cozy, authentic Christmas experiences. Many consider the postcard-perfect backdrop better than the market itself, making it ideal for capturing Copenhagen's Christmas magic.

What Can You Buy at Nyhavn Christmas Market?

Nyhavn offers handcrafted items including woollen scarves, hats, and mittens - perfect for Copenhagen's winter weather. Traditional Danish Christmas decorations feature prominently: handmade ornaments, julehjerter (paper hearts), and candles. Scandinavian gifts showcase Nordic design and quality craftsmanship. 

Food stalls serve seasonal treats like brændte mandler (roasted almonds in copper pots), sausages, and pastries. Beverages include gløgg and hot chocolate.

Can You Take a Harbor Tour from Nyhavn During Christmas?

Yes, Nyhavn serves as the departure point for many Copenhagen harbour tours, and several operators run special winter tours during the Christmas season. These boat tours offer unique perspectives of the city from the water, allowing you to see Copenhagen's Christmas lights, historic buildings, and harbour attractions from a different vantage point. 

Winter canal tours typically last 1-2 hours and pass by landmarks like the Little Mermaid, Opera House, and Christianshavn canals. Tours operate despite cold weather, with many boats offering heated cabins.

How to Get to Nyhavn Christmas Market?

Nyhavn is centrally located and extremely accessible. By metro, exit at Kongens Nytorv station - the market is a short 3-minute walk away. Several bus lines service the area, making public transport convenient. 

If staying in central Copenhagen, Nyhavn is within easy walking distance from most hotels and major attractions. It's positioned where Strøget (the shopping street) meets the harbour, approximately 5 minutes from Kongens Nytorv and 10 minutes from Højbro Plads.

What Is the Santa Lucia Kayak Parade in Nyhavn?

On December 13, 2025, experience a unique Danish tradition - the Santa Lucia Kayak Parade sailing through Nyhavn's canals between 5-7 PM. Hundreds of kayaks decorated with Christmas lights, candles, and festive decorations glide through Copenhagen's waterways while participants sing Christmas carols. 

Saint Lucia (meaning "light") was a 3rd-century Italian martyr, and Scandinavians celebrate her feast day as a way to bring light to December's darkness. Unlike traditional processions with white-robed children holding candles, Copenhagen's version features illuminated kayaks creating a magical floating light show. 

It's incredibly photogenic and gets you into the festive spirit.

What Are the Best Times to Visit Nyhavn Christmas Market?

Visit Tuesday through Thursday mornings (10-11 AM) or early afternoons for fewer crowds and better photography opportunities. The market gets significantly busier after 5 PM when locals finish work, and weekends are the busiest times. 

However, evening visits offer the most magical atmosphere - visit after dark (from 3:30 PM sunset in December) when Christmas lights illuminate the colourful buildings and reflect on the canal water, creating spectacular photo opportunities. The "blue hour" just after sunset (3:30-4:30 PM) provides the best lighting for photography; buildings are lit, the sky still has colour, and crowds haven't peaked yet.

Tips for Visiting Nyhavn Christmas Market

• Dress warmly in layers; December temperatures hover 0-5°C (32-41°F), and Nyhavn's waterfront location means wind off the harbour makes it feel colder. 
• Expect premium prices - Nyhavn is Copenhagen's most expensive area, with market prices 20-30% higher than other locations. 
• The market is smaller than others, so combine it with nearby markets for comprehensive shopping. 
• Best visited for atmosphere and photography rather than extensive shopping. 
• Copenhagen is cashless-friendly, though small cash amounts help occasionally. 
• The colourful buildings photograph beautifully, especially during blue hour (3:30-4:30 PM) and when lights reflect on the water. 
• Loads of cafes and restaurants line the canal if you need warming breaks, though they're pricey. 
• Free entry makes it budget-friendly for browsing and photography. 

What Nearby Attractions Can I Combine with Nyhavn Market?

Nyhavn sits in Copenhagen's historic centre, perfect for combining Christmas activities. 

• Walk 3 minutes to Kongens Nytorv for Copenhagen Winter Wonderland's 1,300 m² ice skating rink and additional Christmas stalls. 
• The Royal Danish Theatre is adjacent - check for Christmas performances like The Nutcracker. 
• Hotel d'Angleterre's famous Christmas decorations light up Kongens Nytorv with unique themes annually. 
• Strøget shopping street connects to Nyhavn in 5 minutes, featuring festive shop windows and leading to Højbro Plads (10 minutes) and the market at Gammeltorv. 
• The Round Tower (10 minutes) offers panoramic Copenhagen views. 
• Numerous cozy cafes and restaurants line Nyhavn. Though expensive, they provide warm refuge with canal views.

For complete Copenhagen Christmas experiences, Unlock Christmas in Copenhagen with all festive attractions and markets.