The short answer
Tivoli is one of the most magical places in Europe at Christmas, and it's a big part of why Copenhagen makes such a good winter city break. The 1843 pleasure garden in the middle of the city is lit up with thousands of lights, filled with Christmas market stalls and Nordic decorations, and most of the rides stay open.
The Christmas season usually runs from mid-November to early January. For 2026 it's widely reported as 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, closed on Christmas Eve. Always check the calendar on tivoli.dk before you book, as hours change from day to day.
What it's like
It feels more like walking into a Christmas card than visiting a theme park. The paths are strung with lights, the lake has a light show, and there are stalls selling gløgg (Danish mulled wine), æbleskiver (little round pancakes with jam and icing sugar), roasted almonds and Christmas decorations. Parts of the garden have their own themes, often with a Nordic or Alpine village, and there are carol singers and shows on many evenings.
The old rides add to it: the wooden roller coaster from 1914, the swing carousel high above the city and the pantomime theatre. It's busy, especially at weekends, but the crowds are part of the atmosphere.
Tickets and ride passes
There are two parts to a visit:
- An entrance ticket gets you into the gardens, the market stalls, the lights and the shows.
- A ride pass (or single ride tickets) is extra if you want to go on the rides.
Prices change by date, and weekends and the run-up to Christmas cost more. Buying online before you go is usually a little cheaper and saves queuing at the gate. If you're only there for the lights, the market and a drink, the entrance ticket on its own is plenty. Some city passes include entry, so check before you buy both.
The best time to go
- Arrive in the late afternoon. In December it's dark by about 4pm, so you can see the garden in the last of the daylight and then watch the lights come on.
- Go on a weekday. Monday to Thursday is noticeably quieter than Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Early in the season is calmer. Mid-November and the first week of December are less busy than the last weeks before Christmas.
- Between Christmas and New Year Tivoli is still open (check the dates), and the city has a relaxed, festive feel.
More Christmas in Copenhagen
Tivoli is the star, but it's worth a whole weekend. Nyhavn, the colourful old harbour, has its own Christmas market along the water, and there are smaller markets at Højbro Plads and around the old town. The main shopping street, Strøget, is lit up from end to end.
For the cold afternoons, the aquarium Den Blå Planet, the harbour boat tours and the city's cafés are all good, and Danes are famously good at cosy (that's *hygge*). Our Copenhagen guide has more ideas, and the best Christmas markets in Europe compares it with Germany, Austria and Alsace.
Getting there and how long to stay
There are direct flights to Copenhagen from London and several other UK airports, taking a little under two hours. The metro runs from the airport into the centre in about 15 minutes, and Tivoli is right next to the main railway station.
Two or three nights is ideal: one evening at Tivoli, one at Nyhavn and a day or two for the rest of the city. Hotels fill up in December, especially at weekends, so book early.
Can't agree where to go for Christmas?
If Copenhagen is one idea among several, see our Christmas holidays page for more, from Lapland to winter sun. Then put your favourites on a list in somewhere🎉, let everyone share out their points in secret, and let the draw decide.
