Tivoli Christmas Market

Copenhagen transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, and at the heart of this transformation is Tivoli Gardens - one of the world's oldest amusement parks. Tivoli's Christmas market has become synonymous with festive cheer in Copenhagen, attracting visitors from around the globe. 

As a local Copenhagener, I want to share the magic of Tivoli's Christmas market and provide insights into its offerings, costs, and what makes it truly special during the most wonderful time of the year.

To get the most out of Christmas in Copenhagen, don't forget to check out the following:

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

Does Tivoli Gardens Have a Christmas Market in 2025?

Absolutely! Tivoli Gardens hosts Copenhagen's most enchanting Christmas market annually. From November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026 (closed December 24), the historic 182-year-old amusement park undergoes a spectacular festive transformation. 

Over 70,000 Christmas ornaments and more than 1,000 beautifully decorated Christmas trees create a fairy-tale atmosphere. The market features around 60 wooden stalls offering Christmas decorations, snacks, sweets, hot drinks, unique gifts, knitted products, leather goods, crafts, and gourmet delicacies. 

Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate every corner, including the tallest tree wrapped in frost-clear and winter-white lights in Boulevardhaven. CNN has even featured Tivoli on its list of the world's best Christmas markets.

When Is Tivoli Christmas Market Open in 2025?

Tivoli's Christmas season runs from November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with the park closed on December 24 (Christmas Eve). Opening hours are:

• 11 AM-10 PM Sunday through Thursday,
• and 11 AM-11 PM (midnight) on Friday and Saturday. 

The extended season makes Tivoli unique among Copenhagen Christmas markets; while others close December 21st, Tivoli remains open through New Year's, allowing visitors to experience both Christmas and New Year's celebrations. 

The park opens earlier than most major markets, perfect for those eager to start the holiday season. Evening visits after 4 PM showcase the spectacular lighting when thousands of lights create pure magic against the winter darkness.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to Tivoli Christmas Market?

Visiting Tivoli's Christmas market requires purchasing entrance tickets: 

• 190-210 DKK for adults (ages 8+)
• 95-105 DKK for children aged 3-7
• free for children under 3 when accompanied by a paying adult. 

This is the only Copenhagen Christmas market charging admission - all others are free. 

For those wanting rides, combined packages include entrance and unlimited ride pass from 359-409 DKK adults, 179-204 DKK children (3-7 years). 

The entrance fee grants access to the Christmas market, most rides (weather permitting), and spectacular decorations. Tickets for special events like The Snow Queen ballet include Tivoli entrance. 

Despite the cost, most agree it's worthwhile - the experience justifies the investment. For a guided experience in Tivoli, check out the Official Tivoli Tour.

What Makes Tivoli Christmas Market Special?

The scale is extraordinary: 

• 70,000+ ornaments, 1,000+ decorated trees, and thousands of lights create immersive fairy-tale atmosphere. 
• Most rides remain operational during winter - the vintage wooden roller coaster and carousel operate against Christmas backdrops. 
• The 350 m² ice skating rink before the Concert Hall features Northern Lights simulations at night. 
• The illuminated Nimb Hotel provides stunning focal point. 
• Queen Margrethe designed costumes for The Snow Queen ballet at the Concert Hall. 
• Santa and his reindeer welcome visitors throughout Boulevardhaven. 

The combination of 182 years of history, world-class lighting design (99% LED technology), and Danish hygge creates magic unmatched anywhere in Copenhagen.

What Is the Most Famous Christmas Market in Copenhagen?

While Copenhagen boasts several charming Christmas markets, the one at Tivoli Gardens stands out as the most famous and iconic. Its unique blend of amusement park attractions, historic charm, and festive market stalls creates an unparalleled holiday experience.

Personally, I also find Tivoli's Christmas market to be the most magical!

The combination of dazzling lights, themed decorations, and a variety of entertainment options appeals to both locals and tourists, making it a central highlight of Copenhagen's Christmas celebrations.

What Food and Drinks Are Available at Tivoli?

Tivoli excels at culinary offerings with both market stalls and established restaurants. 

• Traditional Danish gløgg (mulled wine) warms you perfectly, served with almonds and dried fruit. 
• Æbleskiver (fluffy Danish pancakes) come in threes with jam and powdered sugar. 
• Roast pork sandwiches feature crispy-skinned flæskesteg - absolutely delicious! 
• Brændte mandler (caramelized almonds) roast in copper pots, creating irresistible aromas. 
• German influences bring bratwurst and currywurst. 
• Hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies, and seasonal pastries provide variety. 

Food ranges from quick market snacks (40-80 DKK) to full restaurant meals (200-400 DKK). The variety ensures something for every taste and budget.

What Is The Snow Queen Ballet at Tivoli?

The Snow Queen is Tivoli's special Christmas ballet performing at the Concert Hall throughout the season. 

This gripping tale of love, friendship, and determination features Queen Margrethe as creative force behind costumes and decorations - a unique royal Danish touch. Music by Danish artist Oh Land and choreography by Yuri Possokhov create mesmerizing performances featuring 30+ dancers, ballet children, and live music. 

Tickets start from 240 DKK with Tivoli entrance included in the price. 

The two-hour performance captivates children, families, and international guests alike. It's an alternative to the traditional Nutcracker performed at the Royal Theatre, offering distinctly Tivoli magic with world-class production values in the beautiful Concert Hall setting.

Can You Enter Tivoli for Free?

Entry to Tivoli Gardens is not free; visitors are required to purchase an admission ticket to access the park and its Christmas market. However, children under 3 years of age can enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Remember to check Tivoli's official website for the most up-to-date pricing and any special offers. For a guided experience in Tivoli, check out the Official Tivoli Tour which shares unique insights about Tivoli, Denmark and Copenhagen.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Tivoli Christmas Market?

• Visit after 4 PM when Christmas lights switch on and create pure magic - the park transforms completely after dark. 
• Weekday afternoons (Tuesday-Thursday 2-6 PM) offer smaller crowds before evening rush. 
• Avoid Fridays and Saturdays after 5 PM when the park is busiest. 
• Early December typically has lighter crowds than late December. 
• Opening day (November 14, 6 PM) features the Christmas tree lighting ceremony - a special tradition. 

For photographers, twilight (3:30-4:30 PM in December) provides beautiful blue-hour lighting. 

If experiencing rides is priority, arrive at 11 AM opening when queues are shortest. For pure atmosphere, evenings when lights illuminate snow-covered decorations create unforgettable scenes. 

How Do I Get to Tivoli Christmas Market?

Tivoli Gardens sits in Copenhagen's absolute centre, directly across from Central Station (København H). 

By train, exit Central Station and you're literally there - less than 1 minute walk. By metro, Københavns Hovedbanegård station connects directly. Multiple bus lines stop at Central Station or Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square) adjacent to Tivoli. 

From Copenhagen Airport, take the metro or train directly to Central Station (15 minutes). 

If staying in central Copenhagen, most hotels are within 10-20 minutes walking distance. Copenhagen's bike-friendly infrastructure makes cycling easy, with bike racks available near all Tivoli entrances.

How Does Tivoli Compare to Other Copenhagen Christmas Markets?

Tivoli is Copenhagen's largest, most expensive, and most comprehensive Christmas experience. Unlike free markets (Højbro Plads, and Nyhavn), Tivoli charges entry but provides amusement park attractions, rides, ice skating, and performances beyond typical market offerings. 

It's the only market open through January 4, while others close December 21st. 

Tivoli offers family entertainment all ages enjoy; other markets focus purely on shopping and food. The production values are unmatched - professional lighting design, royal ballet performances, and 182 years of tradition. 

What Should I Know Before Visiting Tivoli Christmas Market?

• Buy tickets online in advance to skip entrance queues - especially important on busy days. 
• Dress warmly in layers (0-5°C temperatures) though many indoor spaces provide warmth. 
• Arrive after 4 PM for best lighting atmosphere but expect crowds. 
• The park gets extremely busy after 5 PM and weekends; patience required. 
• Most rides operate weather permitting; some close during heavy snow or wind. 
• Tivoli entrance is 190-210 DKK. 
• Restaurant reservations recommended for sit-down dining. 
• The market closes December 24 but reopens December 25-January 4. 
• Photography is encouraged - the lights create spectacular opportunities. 
• The vintage atmosphere and rides make Tivoli family-friendly for all ages. 

For guided experiences sharing unique insights about Tivoli, Denmark, and Copenhagen, check out the Unlock Christmas in Copenhagen audio walk.