VisitNyhavn
EN
The short version
- Date: Sunday 13 December 2026.
- Nyhavn: singing stop at 17:15, the first after leaving Børskaj.
- Tickets: you watch from public quays and bridges, so you don't need a ticket.
- Arrive early: the organisers expect several thousand spectators along the water, and Nyhavn is the first stop.
The 2026 schedule
| Time | What and where |
|---|---|
| 15:00 | Gløgg and æbleskiver at Kayak Bar (Børskaj 12) while paddlers decorate their kayaks |
| 16:45 | The choir sings from the canal boat at the quay, then departure |
| 17:15 | 1st singing stop: Nyhavn |
| 17:45 | 2nd singing stop: Christianshavn, on both sides of the bridge by the square (by the boat rental opposite Lagkagehuset) |
| 18:10 | 3rd singing stop: BLOX |
| 18:30 | 4th singing stop: Gammel Strand and Højbro Plads |
| 18:45 | 5th singing stop and finale at Kayak Bar and Kayak Republic |
These are the organisers' own times for 2026. In 2025 Nyhavn was also the first stop, at 17:15.
Where to stand
- Inderhavnsbroen, the bridge at the end of Nyhavn: you see the kayaks paddle into Nyhavn, and people sing along from the bridge.
- The Nyhavn quay: closest to the action. It's the 20th anniversary this year, and 2025 set a record with many thousands of spectators, so arrive early. Dress for standing still for an hour in the December cold.
- To see it twice, walk across Inderhavnsbroen to Christianshavns Torv, where the choir sings at 17:45. The walk from the quay is 1.3 km, about 17 minutes, so you'll make it if you leave right after the singing in Nyhavn.
Watch from the water
Stromma runs three Lucia cruises on 13 December 2026 from Ofelia Plads (Kvæsthusbroen 2), right at the mouth of Nyhavn. The shortest departs at 17:00 and costs 299 DKK. The other two cost 349 DKK and 3,999 DKK (a private table for eight).
Paddle along yourself
If you have your own kayak, you can take part for free. Otherwise you can rent a kayak or buy a participant package from Kajakhotellet, which rents out kayaks for the parade (a single sea kayak costs 449 DKK). In 2025 every rental kayak was sold out, so book early.
About the parade
The parade started in 2006 with twelve kayaks. Today there are more than 500, and the choir Tritonus sings from a canal boat at the front. It's organised by Kayak Bar and Kayak Republic by the Børsen canal together with Kajakhotellet.
More Christmas around Nyhavn
The same day you can carry on to the Christmas markets, warm up with gløgg and æbleskiver or skate at Broens Ice Rink across the bridge. There's more about the harbour in the dark months in Nyhavn in winter, and the rest of December is in the calendar.
How we checked
The times, stops and anniversary come from the organisers' page, kayakbar.dk/lucia. Kayak rental and the number of spectators come from Kajakhotellet, the parade's history and the choir from VisitCopenhagen, and the cruises from Stromma. We measured the walking time ourselves along the walking route from the Nyhavn quay to Christianshavns Torv. Everything was checked on 7 November 2026. None of the places mentioned pay to be listed.
When does the Lucia kayak parade reach Nyhavn in 2026?
Sunday 13 December 2026 at 17:15. It's the parade's first singing stop.
Do I need a ticket to watch?
No. It takes place from public quays and bridges, such as the Nyhavn quay and Inderhavnsbroen, so you don't need a ticket.
Where is the best place to stand?
From Inderhavnsbroen you see the kayaks paddle into Nyhavn, and on the Nyhavn quay you're closest. Arrive early, as several thousand spectators come.
Can I rent a kayak and join?
Yes, Kajakhotellet rents out kayaks and sells participant packages for the parade. In 2025 every rental kayak was sold out, so book early. With your own kayak you can take part for free.
How long has the parade been running?
Since 2006, when twelve kayaks took part. 2026 is its 20th anniversary.