24-Hours in Copenhagen: How We Made the Most of our Winter Stopover
During a magical 24-hour stopover in December 2024, we had the opportunity to explore Copenhagen, Denmark, and soak in its festive winter charm. As part of our journey to Milan for New Year’s Eve and a scenic trip through the Dolomites, we made the most of one unforgettable day in Copenhagen. Despite the short stay, the city left a lasting impression with its cozy atmosphere, rich cultural experiences, and holiday magic.
From strolling the iconic Nyhavn harbor lit up with Christmas lights to exploring the enchanting Tivoli Gardens Christmas market and wandering the artistic streets of Freetown Christiania, we discovered some of the best things to do in Copenhagen in winter.
Whether you’re planning a stopover, a layover, or just a quick winter getaway, our 24-hour Copenhagen itinerary offers a perfect blend of iconic sights, festive experiences, and hidden local gems.
Starting our Adventure in Copenhagen
When we landed in Copenhagen, the cool air hit us right away, and we couldn’t wait to start exploring. We grabbed our bags and hopped on the train to the city center, eager to see what the city had in store.
Once we checked into our hotel and quickly changed into warmer layers, we wasted no time—winter days in Scandinavia are short, and the sun sets early.
Stop #1: Nyhavn
Our first stop was the iconic Nyhavn, and it immediately lived up to the hype. Strolling along the cobblestone streets, we couldn’t help but admire the colorful 17th-century buildings reflecting in the canal. The Christmas lights above added a magical glow, making everything feel like a winter postcard. With the chilly air and early dusk, the whole scene felt extra cozy, and we were so glad we arrived before the sun disappeared.
It was the perfect introduction to Copenhagen, the atmosphere was so vibrant yet peaceful, and it left us feeling excited and ready for everything else Copenhagen had in store.
Stop #2: Gasoline Grill
With just over an hour of daylight left, we headed toward Freetown Christiania, hoping to explore before the sun set. Along the way, we stumbled upon a festive Christmas market, its stalls lit up with holiday cheer. We were getting hungry, so we decided to grab a quick bite at Gasoline Grill, a popular burger spot I’d read about while planning our trip. Located right in the heart of the market, it was the perfect place for a delicious and satisfying break.
By the time we finished our juicy burgers, we were recharged and ready to continue our adventure in Copenhagen.
Stop #3: Freetown Christiania
Visiting Freetown Christiania was high on our list for Copenhagen—I had read up on it and watched a few videos before our trip, curious about this self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood known for its alternative culture and street art.
Recently, I’d come across several accounts saying things had mellowed out in the area, especially with police enforcement. But our experience was anything but mellow—we actually witnessed a full-blown police raid while we were there. It was completely unexpected and honestly one of the wildest things we’ve ever seen while traveling. Despite the chaos, we still took time to explore some of the creative spaces and local art boutiques tucked away in the area.
Christiania is unlike anywhere else we’ve been, and while the police raid was intense, it made our visit unforgettable. We’re definitely glad we went—it was raw, real, and a side of Copenhagen we won’t forget anytime soon.
Stop #4: Back to Nyhavn
After wrapping up our visit to Christiania, we made our way back to Nyhavn just in time to catch the sunset. The golden light reflecting off the canal and the colorful buildings was absolutely stunning—easily one of the most beautiful scenes we’ve witnessed on our travels.
We found a cozy spot at one of the bars with outdoor seating right along the water, bundled up and ready to soak it all in. I ordered a local Danish beer, while Mason opted for an expresso martini to combat her jet lag. It was the perfect way to wind down after a full afternoon—relaxed, scenic, and everything we’d hoped Copenhagen would be.
Stop #5: McDonalds in Copenhagen
Once we finished our drinks by the canal, we walked over to the closest McDonald’s—because no trip is complete without checking out the local menu. One of our favorite (and slightly quirky) travel traditions is visiting a McDonald’s in every new country we explore.
I always check for unique local items, but the real mission is trying a McChicken to see how it stacks up against the ones back home in the U.S. It’s a fun way to compare flavors around the world, and this stop added Denmark to the list—bringing my McDonald’s country count to over 14! It might not be glamorous, but it’s a tradition that always makes us smile.
Stop #6: Strøget
After our McDonald’s stop, we decided to walk back to our hotel to rest up and change before heading out to the Christmas markets at Tivoli Gardens later that evening.On our way, we wandered through Strøget, one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe.
The street was beautifully lit for the holidays, and even though we hadn’t planned on shopping, we couldn’t help but duck into a few stores. The mix of big-name brands and cute local shops made it a fun and festive detour. It was a nice way to slow down, take in the city, and recharge before the evening festivities.
Stop #7: Tivoli Gardens
After a quick break at the hotel to warm up and change, we headed out to Tivoli Gardens—and it honestly felt like stepping straight into a fairytale. The whole park was glowing with thousands of twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and festive decorations.
Everywhere we looked, there were cozy market stalls, flickering lanterns, and the scent of winter spices in the air. We tried a few different types of gløgg—each one a little different, some stronger than others—all served warm with raisins and almonds floating inside. It was the perfect way to stay toasty as we wandered through the crowds.
For snacks, we kept it simple but satisfying with classic Danish sausages, freshly grilled and served in soft buns with mustard. Mason also got a warm Nutella Crepe. With the cold air, the gløgg and warm food hit the spot, and we couldn’t stop smiling. Tivoli in winter was pure magic—charming, festive, and the perfect way to wrap up our night in Copenhagen.
Onto the Next Adventure
Our 24 hours in Copenhagen flew by, but it was the perfect way to kick off our winter adventure. From strolling along the canals of Nyhavn and witnessing a wild moment in Freetown Christiania to sipping gløgg under the lights of Tivoli Gardens, the city packed in more magic than we could have imagined in just one day.
Copenhagen left us inspired, a little chilled, and completely in the holiday spirit. As we boarded our flight the next morning, we were already buzzing with excitement for the next leg of our trip—ringing in the New Year in Milan and exploring the stunning Dolomite region of northern Italy. Denmark gave us a cozy, unforgettable start, and we couldn’t wait to see what Italy had in store.
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