Which Scandinavian Christmas Markets To Visit?
Combine your White Christmas in Lapland trip with a visit to one of these exquisite Christmas Markets. Read our updated guide to the festive season.
Our Guide to the Christmas Markets in the Nordic Capitals
Helsinki Christmas Markets
St Thomas Market
Finland’s largest and best-known Christmas market, filling Senate Square with red wooden stalls selling crafts, baked goods, mulled drinks and seasonal treats. Santa Claus visits on weekends, and the atmosphere is festive right up until the final days before Christmas.
Typical dates: Approx. 1–22 December.
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Christmas Market at the Old Student House
A long-running design and handicrafts market featuring more than 160 vendors. Expect ceramics, textiles, candles, cards and thoughtful handmade gifts — a more modern take on the classic market.
Typical dates: Mid–late December, usually 15–22 December.
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Seurasaari Christmas Path
A beautiful pre-Christmas family event held on the island of Seurasaari. Children can wander through fairytale scenes, take part in traditional games and learn about old Finnish Christmas customs.
Typical dates: Mid December (one Sunday only; varies slightly each year).
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Copenhagen Christmas Market
Tivoli Christmas Market
Although technically more than “just a market,” Tivoli’s Christmas season includes one of Copenhagen’s most iconic festive markets. Tivoli transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland with themed decorations, illuminated gardens and more than 50 stalls selling gifts, chocolates, ornaments, knitwear and Danish seasonal specialities. Visitors can enjoy rides, concerts, light shows and restaurants, making it a full evening experience rather than a quick stop. Particularly enchanting after dark and open until late.
Typical dates: Mid November – 31 December.
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Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market
Held near City Hall Square, this market pays tribute to Denmark’s most famous storyteller. Each stall is named after a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, and vendors sell charming handicrafts, small artworks, seasonal foods and classic Danish Christmas sweets. The atmosphere is family-friendly and whimsical, with a more local feel than some of the city’s larger markets. Street performances and costumed characters appear throughout the season.
Typical dates: Late November – 22 December.
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Christmas Market Højbro Plads
Set right in the historic heart of Copenhagen, between Strøget and Christiansborg, the Højbro Plads Christmas Market is one of the city’s most atmospheric festive gatherings. Wooden chalet-style stalls glow with fairy lights, selling Danish crafts, woollen goods, ornaments, candles and traditional treats. It’s a great place to warm up with æbleskiver (Danish doughnuts) or a steaming cup of gløgg. The market is compact, cosy and extremely central — ideal for an afternoon wander after exploring the boutiques of Strøget.
Typical dates: Late November – 23 December.
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Christmas Market at Nytorv
Located just steps from Strøget, the Nytorv Christmas Market is a traditional and relaxed market featuring Danish handicrafts, jewellery, knitwear and festive decorations. Expect plenty of mulled wine, roasted almonds and hot chocolate. With slightly fewer crowds than Nyhavn, it’s a lovely option for travellers who want to explore a classic Scandinavian market at an easy pace. The wooden stalls and warm lighting make it particularly photogenic in the late afternoon light.
Typical dates: Late November – 23 December.
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Christiania Christmas Market (Christiania Julemarked)
Held indoors in the Grey Hall of Christiania, this long-running alternative market is unlike any other in Copenhagen. Expect unique handcrafted items, glasswork, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, organic products and a distinctly bohemian, creative atmosphere. Live music, cosy cafés and local designers add to the charm. Though not a traditional "village" market, it is one of the city’s most original festive experiences and a favourite among locals seeking non-commercial gifts.
Typical dates: Mid December – just before Christmas.
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Oslo Christmas Markets
Spikersuppa Market
A cosy, centrally located market between Parliament and the National Theatre. Expect food, drinks, crafts, Santa visits and a wintery atmosphere. An ice-skating rink also operates here.
Typical dates: Mid November – 22 December (approx. 11am–7pm).
Oslo Christmas Markets
Folk Museum Christmas Market
One of Oslo’s most charming festive events, set among traditional wooden houses at the Norwegian Folk Museum. Children dress up, sing and dance, and stalls sell classic Christmas foods and handicrafts.
Typical dates: First two weekends of December.
Oslo Folk Museum Christmas Market
### Stockholm Christmas Markets
Christmas Market In The Old Town
Sweden’s oldest traditional Christmas market, featuring sweets, smoked meats, reindeer products, crafts, mulled wine and plenty of festive atmosphere — open daily.
Typical dates: Mid November – 23 December (usually 11am–6pm).
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Skansen Historic Market
A historic Swedish market at the outdoor museum of Skansen, running since 1903. Expect homemade jams, sausages, breads, marzipan, handicrafts and traditional song and dance.
Typical dates: Late November – mid December (usually weekends only).
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Tallinn Christmas Market
Tallinn’s medieval Town Hall Square hosts one of Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas markets, with wooden stalls, local foods, handcrafted gifts and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
Typical dates: Late November – late December.
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**NOTE:** as well as these traditional Christmas markets, most Nordic capitals have **ice-skating rinks** in the centre of town to enjoy and in many city suburbs, people will hold their own markets or traditional events, such as dancing around Christmas trees. **Carol singing** is also common to hear around town.
Our Christmas Lapland tours can all be combined with these Nordic capitals. Be sure to double check the Christmas Market dates as they slightly change each year. Some of these markets close around 6pm so again, check for opening and closing times. One of our best selling tours, Scandinavian Capitals by Rail and Ferry offers a convenient way to visit our beautiful winter markets.
Images: Tuukka Ervasti/imagebank.sweden.se, Morten Brun from the Norsk Folkemuseum, Tivoli Gardens.