Christmas in
Den Gamle By

Christmas traditions through the years

Experiense, sense and smell the Christmas traditions. Visit people's homes and experience Christmas decorations and atmosphere through time.

The Christmas route

Follow the lanterns and explore 400 years of Christmas traditions. Do you know, why there is ladders in front of some the windows in the 1864 quarter?

Christmas on the Square

See the large Christmas tree on the Square and explore the food stalls and handicrafts.

Cone Town

Do you believe in elves or people? Visit Cone Town and have a magic Christmas experience. But the magic only happens if you believe in it yourself.

Meet the citizens

Chat with the citizens, servants and employees in the streets and historical shops. Meet the postman, the kitchen maid and the organ grinder who can tell you about Christmas traditions and life in a Danish market town around Christmas time.

The Christmas shop

Visit the Christmas shop, where you can buy hand-painted glass ornaments

Christmas Carols

Treat your ears to the sounds of Christmas as brass bands from the Royal Academy of Music fill the streets with beautiful melodies. Every Saturday and Sunday, as well as 22–23 December, 12.00 – 16.00.

Christmas Stalls with Handicrafts

See and buy lovely items at the Christmas stalls with handicrafts in Aagade. The stalls are open every day until 21 December.

Christmas Lunch at Gæstgivergården & Wineke’s Cellar

Taste Christmas as you know it – or discover historical festive dishes such as smoked goose breast at Restaurant Gæstgivergården. In Wineke’s Cellar, you can enjoy classic Christmas open sandwiches with schnapps on the side.

Christmas stalls

Treat yourself to Christmas delicacies and sweets from the stalls.

Historic Carriages and Horses

At weekends, the Coach Stables present historic carriages. Hear stories of trade, horses and livestock on a 19th-century farm, watch the harnessing of historic carriages, and have a chat with the coachmen. On weekdays from 11 am – 4 pm until 23 December, you can buy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage (from DKK 40).

The King’s Christmas Heart

As part of the Royal Family’s Advent calendar, King Frederik visited Den Gamle By in 2024. He wove a Christmas heart – the first he has made during his time as monarch – and the perfectly imperfect heart has been preserved as a museum object. See it on display at the Christmas Museum.