Experiences
Scandinavian Christmas markets: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Gothenburg and Bergen
Mulled wine in Gamla stan, the gingerbread town in Bergen and Tivoli in lights. The best Christmas markets in the Nordics, when they open and the hotels in the middle of the festive buzz.
It is dark by four o’clock, but it does not matter. The stalls glow, mulled wine steams in paper cups, and somewhere a choir is singing. Snow has settled on the roofs of Gamla stan, and you buy a gingerbread biscuit you do not really need. The Christmas markets of the Nordics are smaller than the German ones, but warmer, and only a short flight away.
Here are the best Christmas markets in five Nordic cities, and the hotels where you can stay in the middle of it all.
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The best Christmas markets in the Nordics
Most markets open in mid or late November and stay open until just before Christmas. Tivoli and Liseberg often stay open between Christmas and New Year.
Book the experience: See activities in Stockholm
Copenhagen: Tivoli and Nyhavn
Tivoli becomes a winter wonderland with Christmas trees, lights and stalls, while Nyhavn and Højbro Plads have their own markets. It is Copenhagen at its cosiest, with gløgg and æbleskiver.
Read more about Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.
Stockholm
The Christmas market on Stortorget in Gamla stan.
Stockholm: Gamla stan and Skansen
The Christmas market on Stortorget in Gamla stan is one of Stockholm’s oldest, with red stalls around the square. At Skansen, the open-air museum on Djurgården, the market is steeped in tradition, with crafts and food.
Helsinki: Senate Square
Senate Square in Helsinki hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Nordics, with the white cathedral as a backdrop. Finnish crafts, glögi and food from across the country are on sale.
Gothenburg: Christmas at Liseberg
Liseberg becomes Sweden’s largest Christmas market, with millions of lights, an ice rink and stalls throughout the park. It is one of the most popular Christmas outings in the Nordics for families.
Bergen
The Christmas market in Byparken in Bergen.
Bergen: the gingerbread town and the Christmas market
Bergen holds a Christmas market in Byparken by Lille Lungegårdsvann, with a Ferris wheel and stalls. And the city has Pepperkakebyen, considered one of the world’s largest gingerbread towns, built by children and adults alike.
Where to stay in the middle of the festive buzz
Stay central to walk straight from your hotel to the markets. See also our big guide to Christmas breaks in Europe.
Nimb Hotel
Nimb Hotel in the heart of Tivoli.
Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen
Nimb sits inside Tivoli, so the Christmas market is right outside your window. Rooms overlook the gardens, and the hotel has two restaurants.
Book your stay: See rooms at Nimb Hotel
Grand Hôtel
The lobby of the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm.
Grand Hôtel, Stockholm
The Grand Hôtel sits on the waterfront opposite the Royal Palace, a short walk from Gamla stan. It is famous for its Christmas buffet and has five restaurants and a spa.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Hôtel
Hotel Kämp
Hotel Kämp on the Esplanade in Helsinki.
Hotel Kämp, Helsinki
Hotel Kämp is Helsinki’s classic grand hotel on the Esplanade, a few minutes from Senate Square. It has a restaurant and gym, and the staff are much praised.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Kämp
Clarion Hotel Post, Gothenburg
Clarion Hotel Post sits by Gothenburg Central Station, with a tram straight to Liseberg. It has a rooftop pool and several restaurants.
Book your stay: See rooms at Clarion Hotel Post
Bergen Børs Hotel
Bergen Børs is in the centre, close to both Byparken and the gingerbread town. The Frescohallen is one of the city’s most beautiful places for a Christmas dinner.
Book your stay: See rooms at Bergen Børs Hotel
When do the Nordic Christmas markets open?
Most open from mid to late November, and many close just before Christmas. Weekends are busiest, so come on a weekday if you can. Book your hotel early, especially in Copenhagen and Stockholm in December.
Scandinavian Christmas markets FAQ
Where are the best Christmas markets in Scandinavia?
Tivoli in Copenhagen, Gamla stan and Skansen in Stockholm, Senate Square in Helsinki, Liseberg in Gothenburg and Byparken in Bergen are among the best known.
When do the Christmas markets open?
Most open between mid and late November and run until just before Christmas. Tivoli and Liseberg often stay open between Christmas and New Year.
What is the gingerbread town in Bergen?
A town made of gingerbread, built every year by nurseries, schools and locals. It is considered one of the largest in the world.
Which Christmas market is best for children?
Liseberg in Gothenburg and Tivoli in Copenhagen are family favourites, with rides, lights and activities.
Where should I stay for the Christmas markets?
Nimb is inside Tivoli, the Grand Hôtel near Gamla stan, Hotel Kämp near Senate Square, Clarion Hotel Post near Liseberg and Bergen Børs near Byparken.