Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen's main Christmas markets — stalls along the quay, gløgg, æbleskiver, and lights in the trees. Plus: the julefrokost tradition from late November at the classic Danish restaurants.
During the holiday season, Nyhavn is decorated with festive lights and wooden stalls for the traditional Christmas market. Local restaurants welcome guests inside for a classic Danish 'julefrokost' (Christmas lunch) featuring seasonal specialties and holiday brews.
The Christmas market in Nyhavn typically runs from the last weekend in November to 22 December. Stalls line the sunny side (odd numbers) selling gløgg, æbleskiver, Christmas wine, crafts and pine wreaths. It's free to walk around — you only pay for what you buy.
Julefrokost is a different tradition entirely: large, long-running lunches with classic Danish Christmas food (herring in many variations, roast duck, pork belly, ris à l'amande), eaten with colleagues or family. The places below serve julefrokost typically from the first weekend in December — book well ahead, this is the most popular slot of the year.
Price ranges are main courses, prices as of May 2026.
Classic Danish ferry inn dating back to March 1983, expanded in 1996 to include Nyhavn 3. Famous for Denmark's largest lunch herring buffet (up to 10 types) and 20+ varieties of homemade spiced aquavit.
American diner situated in Nyhavn's oldest building from 1681. Serves milkshakes, burgers, and breakfast platters.
Cozy restaurant and bistro serving classic Danish lunch dishes, fresh oysters, caviar, and herring platters.
Charming, historic restaurant serving traditional Danish cuisine with a modern twist. Highly rated on Google (4.4) and TripAdvisor (4.5).
Traditional canal-side restaurant featuring an open courtyard, classic Danish lunch specialties (smørrebrød), and a seafood-focused international evening menu.
Known as 'Kroen ved broen' (The Inn by the Bridge). Traditional, atmospheric Danish inn serving classic lunch specialties with views over the canal. Open until late on weekends.
Nyhavn is a single 400 m canal with houses on both sides. The sunny side (odd numbers) is the colourful row with most of the activity; the shade side (even numbers) is quieter. Numbers match the round-up above.
Nyhavn 1 → 71 · approx. 6 minutes end to end on foot.
Typically from the last weekend in November to 22 December. Stalls open around 11:00 and close 21:00 — gløgg tents and lights run later. Official opening date is announced in October at visitcopenhagen.dk.
350–550 DKK per person for a classic 3-course menu plus beer and akvavit. Buffet versions (Færgekro) run 450–650 DKK including drinks. Book well ahead — weekend slots in December fill up 4–6 weeks in advance.
Julefrokost is a long, communal tradition — typically 3–5 hours, often with the same menu around the table, eaten with colleagues or family. A normal lunch: 60–90 minutes, individual orders.
Yes — especially at dusk, when the lights are on and the stalls are open. It's one of Copenhagen's most photographic Christmas settings. Aim for 16:00–17:00 for the best light.
At the Christmas market stalls along the sunny side — most sell steaming gløgg (mulled wine) with almonds and raisins, often with an æbleskive on the side. Several of the quay's cafés and restaurants also serve gløgg through December, some with an alcohol-free version.
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