Finding ‘hygge’ on a festive winter trip to Denmark with kids. Hearing the fireworks whizz through the air, fire crackers explode all around and strange whirring and poppings as colours flew in every direction. It was clear this was a special night. While we have fireworks for New Year in the UK it is nothing like the extent to which the Danes do. They have three days of firing them and every family seems to have their own (very large) supply.
And they not only rocket into the air, they also have lots of them at ground level too. So as night fell there were explosions going off all over the place.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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New Year on a winter trip to Denmark with kids
We were spending New Year’s Eve in the really sweet little holiday village of Landal Søhøjlandet in central Jutland. And everywhere around us was filled with the light of fireworks.
As a bright ball of fire zoomed past our lodge, screeching and whining, my nine-year-old turned to me and said, “Oh it’s ok, it’s just a witch’s scream”.
We had spent previous days staying with friends who live near Herning. And who had been having trial runs and so filled the children in on the names of the most popular fireworks. As well as giving them a bag full of their own firecrackers for the big night.
This was our first New Year abroad and it felt lovely to be in Denmark for it. Watching all of the families putting on firework displays from the comfort of our warm little lodge.
Denmark in winter
Denmark in the winter isn’t necessarily people’s first choice of destination. And it’s clearly a very different experience from the colour of Spring and Summer.
But paradoxically we loved the warmth of the country in this season. Candles at every turn, hot chocolates, spicy-sweet liquorice and warm inviting spaces and light wherever it can be achieved.
This is Danish ‘hygge’, or cosiness, at its best.
Copenhagen
We started our trip in Copenhagen which was milder than expected. And we loved the hustle and bustle of the city.
We were staying right in the centre, close to Tivoli Gardens and the vibrant Vesterbro district.
This was such a great area to be based in and we took the tram out to stroll down Strøget and buy Danish Christmas elves in the stores. Snacking on the ubiquitous pebernodders as we went.
The Christmas lights were so pretty with glowing hearts in the centre.
We also spent a fun morning at Experimentarium in Copenhagen. The brilliant family science museum near Christiania with activities and games and something for all ages.
It was the perfect retreat from the cold and we ran around, playing games against each other and having really good fun. In fact, it was difficult to leave.
Then we were off to the Tivoli Gardens, open for the winter season for just a short time. And we wanted to get there before the sun went down.
We loved Tivoli, bathed in twinkly lights it felt absolutely magical and wintry all in one.
We enjoyed the rides, ate hot chips, browsed in the little gift shops and soaked up the wonderful atmosphere.
This was just somewhere to remember forever. It felt like the ideal time to be there, perfectly festive and full of charm.
Jutland
Next on our travels we set off for Jutland, over the world’s most expensive bridge to cross by car (it probably isn’t but we called it that as at nearly £25 each way it felt like it).
The wind blew, misty blue seas rocked and we made our way to Herning for a few days with friends. Eating, drinking and feeling merry.
We managed to sneak in a cultural trip to the Moesgård Museum where we pretended to be Vikings, swooned over the ancient jewellery and the children steered a Viking ship across the North Sea.
Relaxing for New Year on a winter trip to Denmark with kids
And then we finished our week at the holiday cottages near Silkeborg in Jutland.
A New Year’s hideaway full of fireworks to easily rival the official London display, indoor pools with adorable Scandinavian little lodges dotted about, waterslides and cosy time feeling warm and welcoming in the New Year.
Denmark is a fantastic country to visit in every season. But in winter you really do get an opportunity to see it in a totally different light.
Its magical frosty setting and the creative and very effective way that the Danes manage to bring warmth into everything they do. We loved it.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our winter trip to Denmark.
Don’t forget to check out our other posts on Denmark for example our itinerary for a week in Jutland with kids here.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Denmark in winter
Is Denmark a good place to visit in winter with kids?
Yes! While it can be cold and dark, Denmark in winter is full of charm. Cities like Copenhagen come alive with twinkling lights, cosy cafés, and family attractions such as Tivoli Gardens and Experimentarium. Lodges and holiday villages in Jutland are also wonderful for new year celebrations with fireworks, swimming pools, and indoor play areas. Reada our full guide for more.
How cold does it get in Denmark in December and January?
Average temperatures range from -1°c to 4°c, but the damp air can make it feel colder. Pack thermals, waterproof boots, gloves, hats, and scarves to stay comfortable.
Is Tivoli Gardens open in winter?
Yes, Tivoli Gardens in Vopenhagen opens for a special winter and Christmas season. The park is lit up with thousands of lights, rides are running, and stalls sell festive treats. It’s one of the most magical times to visit.
What should I pack for a winter trip to Denmark?
Layers are key: merino thermals, fleeces, waterproof outerwear, gloves, hats, and warm boots. Don’t forget swimwear if you’re staying somewhere with indoor pools.
What’s the best way to travel around Denmark in winter?
Trains and buses are reliable and run well even in cold weather. If you’re hiring a car, make sure it’s fitted with winter tyres. Driving gives you flexibility, especially if you want to explore Jutland.
Find more posts here –
A trip through Jutland, Denmark with kids
Top tips for visiting Legoland, Billund, Denmark
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Copenhagen looks beautiful, I would love to visit Denmark and I love the cold so Winter wouldn’t put me off at all.
The little lodges look gorgeous too x
On that sounds like an amazing trip. I would love to visit Copenhagen
Wow, that bridge must have been special! Loving the look of Denmark, maybe we’ll get there one day!
What a wonderful nad enjoyable trip. It sounds like you had lots of fun.
This really does look like a magical trip. I’m yet to visit Denmark, but the Danish people I’ve met on my travels have always been so nice. I’m looking forward to going there one day (soon, I hope!)
I keep coming across this word and I love it and am so going to find my own ‘hygge’ this winter. Denmark is a country on my bucket list to visit.
I do love Denmark, but my visits have normally revolved around work so I’ve not got to explore too much. I loved the feel of Copenhagen and I visited Tivoli Gardens just before Christmas one year, and the memories still make me smile.
I would love to visit Copenhagen, it looks such a magical city, especially all lit up at christmas
What a beautiful city to visit – your photos really bring it to life x
Wow – this looks such a great place to visit – I have never been. The bridge is a bit costly – I moan at paying £6.50 to cross the Severn Bridge to come home to Wales!! Kaz x
I lived in Aarhus Denmark for ten years, and the winters were always beautiful, and it’s true that ” hygge” can’t truly be translated, for me it describes a special atmosphere that makes you smile and feel warm inside. The tradition of using lots of candles is something I still do today to help create my own hygge.
It’s so lovely that you’ve brought all those tips back home. How lovely to have lived in Aarhus, it’s such an interesting part of Denmark. I’m like you and light the candles everywhere at home now, I’ve got lots of little tealight holders and they definitely cheer me up in the dark days! thank you for commenting Debbie 🙂