We’ve made it to the end of the year, and while we’ll be sad to say goodbye to 2018 (kind of), we’re excited for what 2019 will bring. In the meantime, there’s plenty to do in Copenhagen throughout the year’s final month. Some of it is even unrelated to Christmas! What a thought!
Throw on your winter gear, adjust your eyes to the darkness, and go have some fun.
Here are the best events happening in Copenhagen during December:
Saturday 1st – Sunday 2nd December
Flids Julemarked
Browse over 100 stands of handcrafted goods, from design to illustration to ceramics. The market takes place all weekend from 11 am – 5 pm in Nørrebrohallen. Entrance is 30 DKK. This is the perfect place to buy gifts made by local artists for the holidays!
Carlsberg Julemarked
Enjoy a traditional Danish Christmas market including handcrafted items, glögg, and other yummy refreshments. Entrance to the market is free, and there’s a free shuttle bus running to and from the market. If you can’t make it this weekend, don’t worry; the market is open 8th – 9th as well as 15th – 16th December.
Studio Arhoj Christmas Market
Colorful, quirky ceramics from Studio Arhoj have become a favorite around Denmark. Get up to 75% off their pieces, as well as the chance to buy unique “happy mistakes.” There will be glögg and æbleskiver served as well. Sounds pretty cozy!
Saturday 1st December
MØ at Royal Arena
Danish pop star MØ performs at the Royal Arena with supporting acts Solemia and Alma. It’s a Scandi female musical power team! Go and dance your ass off.
Please Wait to Be Seated Xmas Bazaar
Have some glögg, cookies, and browse the wonderful work of Danish design brand Please Wait to Be Seated. There will be discounts! There will be a second bazaar on the 8th of December.
Sunday 2nd December
Chynna at Ideal Bar
This talented American rapper is up-and-coming so catch her while she’s still playing intimate venues and tickets are available!
Sneaker Banquet
Calling all sneaker heads! This is the biggest sneaker event of the year, with 800 square meters of space, filled with sneakers. Come check out every kind of kick imaginable and buy your next pair. The banquet takes place at Langelinie in Østerbro.
Tuesday 4th December
The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along at Cinematket
Get into the Christmas spirit with a sing-along with one of the most beautiful holiday movies of all time. If you haven’t experienced the The Nightmare Before Christmas this way yet, don’t miss the chance!
Mariah Carey “All I Want for Christmas” Tour at Royal Arena
We’ve hit peak Christmas, folks! Mariah Carey has taken her “All I Want for Christmas” Tour to Europe, and we’ll never be the same. Enjoy the camp, the spectacle, and of course the amazing voice that is so uniquely Mariah Carey.
Wednesday 5th December
Messias Classic i Københavns Domkirke
See Akademisk Orkester perform Händels Messias at Københavns Domkirke. This beautiful performance is sure to inspire classical music lovers of all ages. Prices range from 160 – 200 DKK, with half price tickets for those under 26.
Thursday 6th December
SAVEUS at Store Vega
Martin Hoberg Hedegaard won the first round of Danish X-Factor at the age of 15 in 2008. He began recording under the name SAVEUS in 2015, quickly releasing two singles. His distinctive nasal voice and pop sensibility have made him popular in Denmark and, soon, beyond.
Facon Facon Gold Event
In need of the perfect holiday gift? Shop the 18K gold collection from Facon Facon at 20% off at this exclusive event. There will be bubbles and bar food served all evening.
Friday 7th December
Rufus Gifford – The Next Chapter
Former American Ambassador to Denmark Rufus Gifford shares the experiences of his four years in Copenhagen, as well as what he’ll be doing next. There will be a Q&A session afterwards. Tickets are 249 DKK and the event takes place at the cozy Bremen Theatre.
Saturday 8th December
Brekeriet Tap Takeover at BRAW Bar
Brekeriet Tap takes over BRAW Bar in Nørrebro for one day. Come taste their unique, rustic beers while a DJ spins tunes. This will be a fun night!
Port Wine Tasting at Hotel SP34
Experience the true meaning of hygge at Hotel SP34’s port wine tasting. For 225 DKK, you’ll get five port wines and a range of small snacks, as well as extensive explanations from the resident expert. The tasting takes place on the roof. You’ll also get 15% off the bar in general, so be sure to stick around after your tasting. Hotel SP34 has the largest port collection in Denmark.
Sunday 9th December
Danish on a Sunday: Rubber Tarzan
This classic Danish film from 1981 is based on the beloved book of the same name.
Thursday 13th December
Trainspotting with Live Orchestration at KBH Huset
What’s better than the film Trainspotting? The film Trainspotting with live orchestration! If you’ve never seen a movie performed this way, it’s a total treat and really adds to the theatrical experience.
Lucia i Kajak
This Christmas parade isn’t like others you’ve seen – it’s all kayaks! Bring your own kayak dressed to the nines with wreaths and lights, or rent one, and then make your way around the Copenhagen canals. You’ll end at Kayak Republic, where you’ll drink glögg and eat yummy treats.
Friday 14th – Sunday 16th December
FindersKeepers at Axel Towers
With over 120 stands and two floors of designer booths, FindersKeepers is one of the largest design markets in Copenhagen. Their Christmas edition, held at the beautiful Axel Towers this year, always provides a ton of gifting inspiration. You” be introduced to artists and brands you may not have heard of before, as well as get a chance to buy from those you already love.
Friday 14th December
Interaction Design Programme – Final Exhibition 2018
If you’re a designer, or are interesting in interaction design, you’ll want to check out the final projects from the Copenhagen Institute of Interactive Design (CIID). See the ways in which interaction design can be innovative and disruptive. Hopefully these projects will go on beyond the school semester!
Saturday 15th – Sunday 23rd December
Coffeeship/A Celebration of Coffee
Love coffee? Then this pop-up at Rødder og Vin is for you! Throughout the week, Coffeeship will be hosting workshops, talks, and other coffee-related events so be sure to stop by. They’ll also be selling coffee goods like mugs from MK Ceramics and more. When they open on the 15th, the first 100 cups of coffee are free!
Saturday 15th December
Ceramics Market
Yonobi Studio is partnering with Absalon in Vesterbro to host this high-end ceramics market, where you’ll find pieces from some of the most sought-after ceramicists in the city. Buy a few gifts for the holidays, and pick something up for yourself!
Food Jury: MULGEO Blini Tasting
MULGEO is a new food concept opening in Copenhagen and they want YOU to come tell you what you think! They’re developing a menu based on the classic blini (small pancake), topped with local, seasonal ingredients, and paired with outstanding wines and other drinks. This is like nothing you’ve tasted before in Copenhagen, so grab a ticket before they’re gone! The event takes place at their test kitchen at Store Kongensgade 93 and starts at 6 pm. Tickets are only 1 DKK plus processing fee (5,75 DKK all together) and are in limited quantity, so this is a VERY special offer! Book yours here!
Sunday 16th December
Christmas Queens: Official Tour
Season 8 winner Bob the Drag Queen hosts this night of glamor, humor and beauty. When a drag show and Christmas meet, you know you’re in for a treat!
Big Christmas Tasting at Rødder & Vin
Not sure what to pair with your meal this year at Christmas? Rødder & Vin to the rescue! Pop by their shop for a wine tasting as they explore the best wines for various traditional Danish Christmas dishes. It’s free!
Tuesday 18th December
Händels Messias med Camerata
Hear the beautiful Händels Messias with the Camerata Choir and Orchestra in the gorgeous Holmens Kirke. There will be repeat performances on the 20th and 21st.
Thursday 20th December
Thomas Dybdahl at Store Vega
Norwegian singer-songwriter Thomas Dybdahl has been compared to Jeff Buckley for his soulful sound. Grab tickets for this concert before they sell out.
Wednesday 26th December
Vertigo at Cinemateket
Treat yourself to the visual and psychological feast of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. The 1958 film is considered one of Hitchcock’s best works, and is widely thought to be one of the best films of all time. The film follows former police detective Stewart, forced into early retirement as a result of his vertigo, s he is hired to investigate the wife of an acquaintance. We won’t give more away – go see it if you haven’t already!
Sunday 30th December
Beasts of the Southern Wild at Cinematket
The film that provided Quvenzhané Wallis’s break-out role, Beasts of the Southern Wild is an intense, lyrical film that will leave you devastated. Wallis plays Hushpuppy, a young girl in search of her lost mother. Her sick father is unable to care for her, and climate change has made her world nearly unliveable, unleashing strange beasts. The film provides both harsh reality and surrealism, switching deftly between the two.
Monday 31st December
Party Like Gatsby
Looking for glamorous new year’s plans? This is the party for you! You can either buy a ticket for entrance to the party and show, or buy a full table for all your friends. There will be live performances including music, burlesque, and more – all with a 1920s theme. Make sure to dress in your finest attire (period clothes not required); those not in proper dress won’t be allowed entrance.
New Year’s Eve
Not sure how to do NYE with Danish flair? Check out our guide to a Danish New Year’s Eve (lots of fireworks). Happy 2019, everyone!
Ongoing in December
Christmas at Tivoli
Enjoy the market with handmade gifts, the glögg, the delicious food, and the twinkling lights. Christmas at Tivoli is a Danish tradition; it’s a little bit corny and a lot of fun. This is an especially good outing for kids, or just those looking to get into the holiday vibe! Christmas at Tivoli runs until the 31st of December.
The Great BARR Christmas Feast
BARR’s Christmas feast is back after a rousing success last year. The meal consists of classic Danish Christmas dishes with an unexpected twist. Lunch is available every Friday – Sunday throughout the month, until 16th December. This is a truly elevated julefrokost.
The Blues Woman Pop-Up
Chef Amanda Yee of The Blues Woman opens her pop-up brunch and dinner spot at Slagtehusgade 5C in Kødbyen. Enjoy two courses of American Southern food with items like Cornbread Hash for brunch and braised oxtail for dinner. There are vegetarian and vegan options available too. The pop-up is slated to run until the end of the year, so be sure to book your ticket while you can!
Colour Form Texture at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
This outstanding exhibition explores the use of color as a primary focus in modern art. Artists include Yves Klein, Sigmar Polke and Marilyn Minter.
Take My Breath Away – Danh Vo at Statens Museum for Kunst
Danish-raised, Vietnamese-born artist Danh Vo presents a selection of his works over the years and the resulting exhibition is absolutely electrifying. Vo explores themes of identity and cultural history. His works are thought-provoking and absorbing.
Women of Surrealism at GL Strand
Did you know that there is a rich history of female surrealist artists in Denmark? Neither did we, but thankfully GL Strand is showcasing three of the most important among this cohort. See the works of Franciska Clausen, Rita Kernn-Larsen, and Elsa Thoresen side-by-side for the first time. These pieces are from the 1920s – 40s. The exhibit starts 15th September and runs until mid-January 2019.
If you’re a business or organisation that would like us to add your event to next month’s calendar, please contact us at hello [@] scandinaviastandard [dot] com. Thank you!
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