Christmas in Odense

In the city of fairy tales, magical Christmas experiences await you

Back in H.C. Andersen’s time, Christmas was all about the joy of coming together, enjoying peaceful moments, and celebrating togetherness. Odense embraces that spirit and offers a special holiday season filled with cosy traditions, heartfelt connections, and classic Christmas experiences for the whole family.

At the same time, Odense is a modern city with excellent restaurants, exciting cultural events, festivals, concerts, and a vibrant urban vibe.

Christmas Market in Odense

During the first three weekends in December, you can visit the traditional and historic Christmas Market on Sortebrødre Torv in the old town.

Photo: Søren Rosenberg

Switching on the City Christmas Tree

Every year, the city of Odense becomes a little more magical when the annual Christmas tree lighting on Flakhaven takes place.

Photo: Museum Odense

Christmas in the Funen Village

For the first two weekends in December, the Funen Village in Odense invites you to celebrate Christmas in the spirit of the historic museum.

Photo: Anja Panduro

Christmas at the old shop

Experience the atmosphere in the old grocery store and experience it as it would have looked over a 100 years ago, now decorated for Christmas.

Photo: Storms Pakhus

Christmas Market at Storms Pakhus

On Saturday 25th November and Sunday 26th November, Pakhuset opens its doors for the cosiest Christmas market.

Photo: Mijael Peredo

THE CHRISTMAS HEART – What a Heart Can Hold

The Royal Danish Ballet School in Odense once again presents its annual Christmas performance at Odense City Hall. This year’s production is the poetic dance performance The Christmas Heart – What a Heart Can Hold, inviting the whole family to enjoy an hour filled with dance, Christmas spi...

Photo: Colourbox

Christmas Spirit in a Cup – A Gløgg Guide

As winter settles the city sparkles with lights, few things warm you up as a delicious cup of gløgg.

Photo: Odins Odense

Christmas at the Iron Age Village

Here in the dark north, we've been celebrating Christmas for thousands of years - even before the birth of Jesus. The traditions and content of Christ...

Christmas in Odense ZOO

Look forward to experiencing this year's Christmas at the ZOO, where a world of Christmas decorations, magical lights, fun elf games, and a very special surprise – Santa Claus himself – awaits!

Photo: Emilia Therese

Peter’s Christmas – Christmas Theatre

Odense Theatre invites you to enjoy the magic of Christmas with Peter’s Christmas – a classic holiday tale where atmosphere, music, and family moments come together in beautiful surroundings.

Photo: Lionmusicals.dk

Tinka's Christmas adventure - a magical musical

TINKA’S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE – a family musical full of holiday spirit. Step into the enchanting world of TINKA’S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE, a brand-new stage show based on the first season of the beloved Danish Christmas TV series.

Photo: The Unicorn

The Christmas Express

When Odense’s Christmas lights are lit, the Light Rail transforms into the Christmas Express, blendi

Photo: Odense Bys Museer

Find the Funen Christmas Markets

Funen is full of cosy Christmas markets so maybe it would be an idea to go on a Christmas market tour?

HCA Julemarked

Photo: Jacob Lisbygd

HCA Julemarked

Photo: Jacob Lisbygd

Keep track of all Christmas events and concerts

Photo: Lærke Beck Johansen

Jernbanemuseum

Photo: Lisa Møller

Vintapperstræde

Photo: Line Slot

Big city vibes and Christmas nostalgia

Take a stroll down the cobbled streets where history whispers from the colourful facades of quaint old houses, and let your imagination run wild at Denmark’s very own Christmas Calendar Exhibition.

In Odense, the Christmas spirit gently settles over the city, bathed in festive lights, where time seems to stand still – in the most nostalgic way.

Photo: Lærke Beck Johansen

The hometown of H.C. Andersen

Meet Odense’s most famous son, H.C. Andersen – the creator of timeless fairy tales, plays, travelogues and whimsical paper cuttings.

Photo: Bjørn Koch Klausen

Restaurants and eateries

Restaurants, cafés, gourmet experiences, street food markets and local Funen ingredients form the backdrop to a city rich in culinary experiences.

Photo: Johan Joensen

Guide to Christmas sweets and hygge

The smell of mulled wine, apple slices and roasted almonds is hard to beat. It gets you in the Christmas spirit and puts a smile on your face.

Photo: Cæcilie Ning Hage

Christmas shopping in Odense

As the Christmas spirit spreads, so does the panic in many people. Because what are the perfect gifts for your loved ones?

Photo: Line Slot

Warm up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate

Even on a cold day, a visit to Odense is a pleasure - especially for hot chocolate lovers.

When should you visit Odense?

Every season has its charm – if you're not sure when to go, browse our themes and discover what you can experience in Odense all year round.

Winter

Go for walks in the magical morning mists on the harbour, enjoy hot beverages at the local cafés and the particular welcoming vibe that is winter in Odense.

Spring

Finally, it's spring. If you are looking for an extended weekend or maybe more, take a look at what Odense has to offer this spring and Easter.

Summer

Summer in Odense equals lazy days in the city's parks, lots of festivals with music and culture, a good cup of coffee, open air concerts and much more.

Autumn

Golden leaves, chestnuts, long walks along the river, coffee / cocoa galore at the local cafés - that is the Odense recipe for hygge.