Copenhagen Christmas mulled wine and apple fritters at Tivoli Gardens
In December, Denmark transforms into a palate of twinkling lights and evergreen boughs that festoon Christmas markets and store windows. Browsing vendors’ wares while enjoying a cup of warm gløgg and apple fritters dusted with powdered sugar are a December must.
In Copenhagen, good tidings of Glade Jul are also part of a hotel scene where holiday cheer can extended for several days. Here are three hotel options within walking distance of Copenhagen’s glittering center when twilight begins turning surroundings into places of childhood magic and celebration. Holiday cheer and affordability extends into the New Year, and each are family-friendly. If your family member happens to be your dog, bring Fido along.
Copenhagen Admiral Hotel at Toldbodgade 24-28 was a warehouse in the 18th century. These days, this 366 hotel rooms and suites establishment is fabulous and dog-friendly. Each of the rooms ranging from a single room to senior suite are unique to each other, but all have a TV, radio system, video and film on demand, a mini-bar, a hairdryer and Wi-Fi.
The teak furniture and a color palate that incorporates the blues of the water of the nearby harbor create a restful place for people and dogs. If you bring your dog, there’s a 100 DKK per dog per stay fee. Let the hotel know before making a reservation that you are bringing a dog.
Also, if you go, stop in the Copenhagen Admiral Hotel’s SALT bar for a specialty cocktail. There are 35 on the menu. A favorite is the Toldbodgade 24-28, a gin based drink with cardamon, lime, sugar, and a sprinkling of pepper.
Copenhagen Marriott on Kalvebod Brygge 5, located on the waterfront is within walking distance of the iconic historic amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s premiere destination for holiday lights.
This modern hotel of 406 guest rooms and suites gives visitors a spacious room stay with amenities to make a Christmas in Copenhagen experience top notch. Views of the harbor canal or old Copenhagen are part of each room’s bonus. Rates start at 1,421 DKK for a standard room with a king bed. Book the Discover Tivoli Package for admission to Tivoli Garden and an American style breakfast included in the price.
The Copenhagen Marriott has a fitness center and an on-site restaurant, the Midtown Grill. After site-seeing, enjoy a cocktail at the bar PIER 5. The hotel also includes a beauty shop, gift shop and foreign exchange. Wi-fi is free.
Tivoli Hotel at Arni Magnussons Gade 2, also close to Tivoli Gardens, gears up for Christmas with children and kids at heart in mind. The hotel’s “Children’s Christmas” includes weekend visits with Santa Claus and Pierrot the clown. Although Santa’s visits only are on Fridays and Saturdays through the 19th, and Pierrot’s visits are until the 20th, there are other children’s activities through January 6. Take in Harlekin’s Fairytale Land with its children’s activities.
Regardless if you’re here at Christmas or some other time, this 679 room hotel offers comfort and class for a fun and restful vacation year round. The hotel includes three restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and a fitness center. Children also have things to do thanks to the outdoor and indoor playgrounds and playroom.
Tivoli Garden’s entrance at night
Guest rooms range from standards to family rooms to suites. Check out the specials page to see what deal you can swing. Some are geared for couples on a romantic getaway. It’s possible to tack on extras like the entrance into Tivoli Gardens. Check out the Tivoli Hotel website for other package deals. You can also book online through Booking.com.
If you do head to Copenhagen at Christmas, keep in mind that it gets dark early but Danes know how to make after dark seem warm and cozy. Accommodations this time of year are the least expensive. I’ve been to Copenhagen twice in December and can vouch for its loveliness this time of year.
Post and photos of Tivoli Gardens courtesy of Jamie Rhein. Photos of hotels, courtesy of each hotel.
