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Christmas is kind of a big deal in Denmark. In Copenhagen giant wreaths adorn formidable wooden doors, twinkly lights border shop and restaurant facades and add sparkle to trees and foliage; wishes of “God jul” (Merry Christmas) in ornamental fonts cover storefront windows, and the requisite Christmas fir trees dot the town. On Strøget, a man with an accordion plays melodies that would make the perfect musical backdrop to a romantic comedy.
Every Christmas season, Tivoli, the second oldest amusement park in the world, transform their grounds into a majestic Christmas wonderland making it a perfect destination for families, friends, dates and tourists alike.
Copenhagen begins to quiet down during the week of Christmas. We took advantage of the calm and boarded a train for a 45-minute ride to the city of Helsingør. The city’s most famous attraction is Kronberg Palace, known also as the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The expansive grounds are magnificent and the atmosphere serene (aside from the occasional piped-in recorded sounds of incoming Calvary). The surrounding town offered its own bright charm.
Had we done a bit more advanced planning we might have joined the ranks of the Danish and tourists filling the city’s restaurants for Christmas Eve dinner. Every restaurant we contacted was booked for the evening.
We stumbled around the nearly soulless streets of Indre By looking for signs of restaurant life. We found our oasis in the form of Sultan Palace and soon other hungry, reservation-less diners joined us for the Turkish buffet.
Christmas morning we awoke to a super gift: snow! A fun treat on our last full day in Copenhagen, especially after endless rain.
This city and its people showed us a great time and we’ll miss the more relaxed pace of life and sense of calm. Now it’s on to the next country’s adventures!
I'm Keisha ("Kee-shuh", not to be confused with 
February 4, 2015
I love those little elves/Santas – they are just the cutest! I’ve heard that Tivoli Gardens is amazing to visit at Christmastime – from your photos, it looks like it’s true!
February 8, 2015
Tivoli Gardens is magical at Christmastime with all the lights and decorations; kids are happy, adults are in good spirits; there’s all kinds of food and drinks. Loved it!
December 28, 2014
Sounds like a wonderful place to be during the holidays. I love the snow angel pic! 🙂
December 29, 2014
It really is! So festive!
December 28, 2014
What fun pictures! What was the one with the big fish about? Looks like you are having a wonderful trip! #SITSSharefest
December 27, 2014
These photos are stunning! My boyfriend went on a six month long tour of Europe with work this year and Copenhagen was his favorite city.
December 28, 2014
Wow, a 6-month long tour of Europe; that’s awesome!
December 27, 2014
I couldn’t wait to get here and say HEY!!!!!!! Is this your first time in Europe? Do you see why I LOVE it? I miss it so much, and this is also why I fell in love with San Francisco. I am researching getting one of those Nissie Elves, they are so stinking cute!!!! I have now added Copenhagen to my and the Hubs Bucket list of places we MUST go, and I want to go at Christmas time… Christmas in Europe is awesome, and New Years in Turkey is amazing!!!! Thank you for sharing..
December 28, 2014
Thanks, Rae! This is my third trip to Europe. I’ve been to different countries each trip. The Nisse elves are the cutest, hence my several pics of them. 🙂 I love how into Christmas they are in Copenhagen! I hope you get to visit one day! What’s your fave city in Europe?