Copenhagen Cosplays the North Pole

 A Winter Weekend Guide

If you’re searching for the perfect winter weekend getaway while studying abroad, Copenhagen deserves a spot at the top of your list. While the city is clean, vibrant, and charming year-round, visiting in December transforms it into a true winter wonderland. Between cozy Christmas markets, festive lights, and Tivoli Gardens in full holiday mode, Copenhagen feels like a real-life North Pole.

Here’s how to spend a winter weekend in Copenhagen and fully lean into the holiday spirit.

Copenhagen’s Bakery Scene

One thing I wasn’t fully prepared for—but was excited to discover—was how incredible Copenhagen’s pastries are.

Our first stop was Buka Bakery, a warm and welcoming space with plenty of seating and a display window filled with decadent pastries. I went twice: once for the chocolate mousse and raspberry croissant and once for the pistachio croissant. Both were great, but the chocolate stood out.

Next, we stopped at Cinnamon & Coffee, the ideal place for a cinnamon roll. The rolls are perfectly sized, and you get to choose from several flavors, making the experience feel personal rather than overwhelming.

Finally, we visited Hart Bageri, a smaller, grab-and-go bakery in a quieter part of the city. This stop paired perfectly with a long walk through Copenhagen. I ordered the cardamom bun on recommendation, and it did not disappoint.

                                                                        Buka's chocolate, raspberry croissant

Exploring Copenhagen’s Christmas Markets

We visited three Christmas markets around the city, not including Tivoli Gardens. These markets transform sidewalks and public squares into festive villages filled with lights, music, and food.

You’ll find ornaments, souvenirs, cheeses, and meats to take home, along with classic market food like hot dogs, potato chips with dips, hot cocoa, candy, fudge, and churros.

The markets we visited were:

• Nytorv Christmas Market
• Højbro Plads Christmas Market
• Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market

                                                                            Højbro Plads Christmas Market

One of the best parts is being able to walk between them, which allows you to see the city while staying immersed in the holiday atmosphere.

Must-See Winter Sights in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of those cities where wandering the streets feels like sightseeing on its own, but there are a few spots worth prioritizing.

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is a must during the holiday season. For about 30 euros, we spent hours exploring the park. In December, Tivoli truly feels like the North Pole, with Christmas shops, seasonal food stands, and beautifully designed winter scenes.

Food options range from pastries and hot dogs to churros, mac and cheese, popcorn, and a food hall offering nearly every cuisine imaginable. Even without going on rides, the lights and decorations alone make the visit worthwhile.

                                                                                      Beautiful Tivoli lights 

Nyhavn

Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s iconic canal lined with colorful buildings and boats. Seeing it decorated for the holidays made the already picturesque area feel even more magical.

Sidewalk Trampolines

Copenhagen has free sidewalk trampolines scattered around the city. It’s a small detail, but a memorable one—and it’s easy to see why Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world.

The Happiness Museum

This cozy museum explores what happiness means and how it’s measured. It’s informative, thoughtfully designed, and a great place to warm up during colder days.

King’s Garden

The King’s Garden is a large park perfect for walking and taking in some greenery. While it’s likely best enjoyed in warmer months, it was still peaceful and scenic in winter.

Torvehallerne Food Market

This indoor food market is ideal for trying a variety of foods in one place. We sampled open-faced sandwiches, açai bowls, and traditional Danish chocolates.

Honorable Mentions

Ice Skating at Nytorv: Ice skating at the Nytorv Christmas Market was one of the most memorable moments of the trip. The rink is surrounded by lights, and free headphones are provided for a silent disco experience.

7/11 in Denmark: 7/11 is surprisingly popular in Copenhagen. It’s a fun place to try local snacks and an affordable option for grabbing coffee on the go.

Steel House Hostel Copenhagen: For about 25 euros a night, this was one of the nicest hostels I’ve stayed in. The female dorm had a private bathroom, towels were included, and the common areas were always lively. The hostel also offers a gym, pool, game room, and cinema.

Fabro: We ate dinner at Fabro on our first night. The focaccia bread was incredible, and the carbonara pasta came highly recommended for a reason. The space is small but stylish, with additional seating next door.

Vintage Photo Booth: At Studio Arhoj, you can use an analog photo booth to get a photo strip for about five euros. It’s a fun souvenir and a perfect addition to a travel journal.

Final Thoughts

Copenhagen in December feels nostalgic, cozy, and festive in a way that’s hard to describe until you experience it. The city brings back the kind of holiday excitement that feels almost childlike, from Christmas markets to glowing streets and warm pastries on cold mornings.

If you’re studying abroad and looking for a winter trip that balances culture, comfort, and seasonal magic, Copenhagen is the perfect choice. As the Danish say, hygge—the art of contentment, togetherness, and life’s simple pleasures—is very real here.