Strasbourg Christmas Markets Guide for 2025

Strasbourg Christmas Markets Guide 2025

 Your Complete Guide to Teddy Street, Maps, Opening Times, Safety & How to Visit on a Budget 

Strasbourg proudly calls itself the Capital of Christmas - and after visiting on a solo trip this year, I can confirm it absolutely earns the title. With sparkling medieval streets, huge festive markets, and one of the best atmospheres in Europe, it’s a destination that feels magical without being overwhelming. 

In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know for planning a trip to the Strasbourg Christmas Markets 2025, including how to get there, whether the markets are worth it, opening hours, market locations, tram info, and the famous Strasbourg Christmas Teddy Street. 

I also combined my trip with a day in Colmar. You can read my full Colmar Christmas Markets Guide here

Teddy Bear Street in Strasbourg

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting our work and happy planning!  

✈️ How to Get to Strasbourg for Christmas 2025 

You can now fly direct to Strasbourg with EasyJet from: 

London Gatwick 

Manchester 

However, this year I found the flights expensive and with limited availability - so I chose another option that worked out much better - flying to Basel Instead.

I flew into EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, which had: 

  • More flight availability 
  • Far cheaper fares (mine were around half the price) 
  • Easy onward travel to Strasbourg 
  • Accommodation was around the same price per night as Strasbourg 
  • From Basel, I took a direct train to Strasbourg which takes 1 hour 18 minutes. Trains run regularly and are extremely easy to navigate.

If you’re visiting Colmar too, Basel is the perfect choice because it sits between the two cities. Plus, Basel has it's own Christmas Markets - the biggest one's in Switzerland.

Travelling in By Train from other Parts of France

Travel time to Strasbourg by TGV Est high-speed train:  

  • Metz / Nancy : 47 min
  • Reims : 1h20
  • Paris : 1h46
  • Aéroport Charles de Gaulle : 1h51
  • Lille : 2h47
  • Nantes : 4h15
  • Rennes : 4h59

🚋 Strasbourg Metro / Tram System

Strasbourg doesn’t have a “metro” in the traditional sense, but it does have an excellent tram network that makes getting around incredibly easy - especially during the Christmas market period when large areas become pedestrian-only. 

After arriving in Strasbourg from Basel, I took the tram from Strasbourg Central Station (Gare Centrale) to Porte de l’Hôpital, which is only a few minutes’ walk from Notre Dame Cathedral - home to one of the biggest markets. At Gare Centrale, you'll find the tram station underneath - follow the signs and take the escalator down. Single tickets can be purchased on one of the ticket machines using cash or card - you don't need to specify your destination. Remember to validate your ticket before boarding.

  • Journey time: 7 minutes 
  • Cost: Under £2 
  • Frequency: Every few minutes 

This is the fastest way to reach the heart of the Christmas markets. 

Strasbourg tram route map showing Gare Centrale how to get to Strasbourg Christmas markets
Tram Map - Gare Centrale to Porte de l’Hôpital
Once you've purchased your ticket - remember to tap it on this machine before boarding

🧸 Strasbourg Christmas Teddy Street

One of the most photographed places in the city - and for good reason, is Rue des Orfèvres, nicknamed the Strasbourg Teddy Bear Street. 

📍 Location: Rue des Orfèvres, 67000 Strasbourg 

Just steps from the Cathedral market. 

The entire street is decorated with giant plush teddy bears hanging from balconies and windows. I took some gorgeous photos here and it was the number one place I wanted to see in Strasbourg. It’s busy, but early morning and later evenings are perfect for quieter shots. 

Where to find Christmas Teddies on house in Strasbourg

🎄 Strasbourg Christmas Markets Opening Hours 2025

🗓 26 November – 24 December 2025 

Daily opening hours: 

11:00 – 20:00 (most markets) 

11:00 – 21:00 on Fridays & Saturdays 

24 December: usually close early (~18:00) 

Strasbourg Christmas Markets opening times, closing times and dates - photo shows entrance to Strasbourg Christmas Markets
Entrance to the Markets Near Notre Dame Catherdral

🗺️ Strasbourg Christmas Market Map

where are the christmas markets in Strasbourg

The city publishes a detailed map each year showing: 

  • All 10+ Christmas market locations 
  • Road closures 
  • Security checkpoints 
  • Tram stops 
  • Pedestrian access routes 

You can search the official 2025 map from the Strasbourg Tourism website.  

🎄 Strasbourg Christmas Markets 2025 — Full List of Locations

There are usually around 13 markets spread across the city.

Christkindelsmärik – Place Broglie 

The most famous, dating back to 1570. Perfect for traditional wooden stalls, crafts, and vin chaud.  

 

Place de la Cathédrale Market 

Right by the Cathedral. Beautiful atmosphere. Extremely busy in the evenings. 

 

Place Kléber – The Great Christmas Tree 

Home to the city’s enormous Christmas tree. Magical spot for photos. 

 

Place du Château 

Artisan market set against the Cathedral’s side walls. 

 

Place Gutenburg – International Guest Market 

Each year features a different country or region. 

 

Place Saint-Thomas Market 

Quieter, charming, perfect for food and mulled wine. 

 

Place Benjamin Zix – Petite France Market 

Beautiful riverside setting. Great at sunset. 

 

Place des Meuniers – Small Producers Market 

Ideal for buying authentic local products. 

 

Place Grimmeissen – OFF Market (Eco-friendly Market) 

Recycled goods, local makers, sustainable stalls. 

 

Place du Marché Gayot 

Nestled inside a courtyard with a cosy atmosphere. 

 

Place de la Gare – Station Market 

Small but great for last-minute gifts when leaving.

 

Rue des Orfèvres (Teddy Street) 

Street rather than a market but unmissable. 

 

Place de la République 

Sometimes used for festive events depending on the year.

Christmas Markets near Strasbourg Notre Dam Catherdral
Place de la Cathédrale Market 
stall at Strasbourg christmas markets selling nuts

👤 Is Strasbourg Safe for Solo Travel at Christmas?

I visited solo, and I felt completely safe the entire time. All markets have roadblocks - only pedestrians can enter. There is a big police presence, especially in the evenings. Everything is very well-organised, with clear entry points. 

However, the week I visited there were lots of reports on pick-pocketing, mainly on the trains between Colmar and Strasbourg. Make sure you keep money and passport in an across body bag, even better in a money belt under your clothes.  

💬 Are the Strasbourg Christmas Markets Worth It?

Yes - absolutely. 

  • If you love: 
  • Huge festive displays 
  • Traditional wooden stalls 
  • Local food & produce 
  • Beautiful medieval architecture 
  • Safe and walkable areas 
  • Easy links to other destinations like Colmar 

…then Strasbourg should be at the top of your Christmas travel list. 

 It’s busy, but in a magical, lively way - not overwhelming. And with the tram system, pedestrian zones, and great transport links, it’s easy to move around. 

My Suggested Strasbourg Christmas Market Itinerary 

 Day 1 

 Teddy Street (Rue des Orfèvres) 

 Place de la Cathédrale 

 Place du Château 

 Evening at Place Kléber 

 

 Day 2 

Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie 

Petite France Market 

OFF Market (eco-friendly) 

Dinner near Place Saint-Thomas 

 

Day Trip Option 

Colmar Christmas Markets (direct 30-minute train) 

 

To see our guide to Colmar and other market suggestions in the Alscae region of France click here

Strasbourg 2025 Christmas mug from the markets next to the carousel
Strasbourg Xmas Markets Carousel

Colmar Christmas Markets Guide 2025: Everything You Need to Know

🎄 Colmar Christmas Markets 2025: My Honest Experience (Plus a Super-Practical Guide)

Visiting the Colmar Christmas Markets had been on my festive bucket list for years, especially because it’s in Alsace — the French region that inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

The moment you arrive, you understand why: timber-framed houses, colourful shutters, cobbled lanes, and town squares that look like they’ve been lifted directly out of the film.

It’s fairytale-level pretty, even without the Christmas decorations. Add twinkling lights, garlands, music and markets, and it becomes one of the most magical winter destinations you can visit in Europe. 

This blog is half personal diary, half practical guide - everything I experienced, plus everything I wish I’d known before going.

Whether you’re trying to compare Strasbourg vs Colmar Christmas Markets, searching for Colmar Christmas Market dates, or planning shuttle trips to the smaller Alsace villages, this covers it all.

Colmar Christmas Markets Guide

Dcroll to see the full guide

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting our work and happy planning!  

✨ First impressions of Colmar at Christmas

You know those places that are exactly what you imagined and then somehow even cuter? That was Colmar.  And the best part? It’s only a 10-minute walk from the station to the markets - flat pavements, easy to navigate, and everything is signposted. Even if you’re directionally challenged (hi, it’s me), you can’t get lost. 

The first area you reach is Parc du Champ-de-Mars / Place Rapp, which isn’t technically a “market” — no stalls selling crafts — but it’s full of rides, lights, food stands and photo spots. I’m talking: 

  • Giant “COLMAR” letters 
  • A Rudolph & Santa face-cut-out board (you know the ones… I still don’t know what they’re called) 
  • A big festive frame with a Christmas tree backdrop 
  • A slowly-rotating Carrousel Bar that serves drinks (yes, a bar that spins… slowly. And yes, I absolutely loved it) 
Carousel Bar at Colmar Christmas Markets
Colmar Christmas Markets giant letters

This spot became one of my favourite surprises — quieter than the main markets, and the perfect warm-up for the night. 

🥨 The food I had to try (and what I loved most)

Colmar does food extremely well, especially the comforting, warming kind you need after walking around in the cold. 

At Place Rapp I followed my nose to a stand selling Bretzels which are soft, warm pretzels that were so good and very reasonably priced -€4.50

They also had Tarte Flambée, which is like a thin crispy pizza smothered in crème fraîche, onions and bacon. If you’ve never had one, it might become your new favourite winter snack. 

And then there was the Carrousel Bar, where I got a white wine served in a collectible Colmar boot-shaped mug. 

  • Wine + mug: €11.50 
  • Mug on its own: €7 

As far as I know, this is the place to buy the boot mugs, so if you collect market souvenirs, don’t leave without one. 

Foods at Colmar Christmas Markets
red boot souvenir Christmas mugs at Colmar Christmas Markets

🎪 How many Christmas markets are there in Colmar?

Six. All within a short walk of each other. 
Here’s a quick overview of each market, plus my impressions: 

1. Place Jeanne d’Arc

Traditional regional produce, Alsatian gifts, food, and the coziest vibe. Great for browsing local specialties. 

2. Place de l’Ancienne Douane

One of the prettiest squares in town - think river, bridges, lights, and charming stalls wrapped around the fountain. 

3. Koïfhus (Indoor Market)

Inside a historic building, perfect if you’re frozen and need warmth. Mostly handmade crafts and artisanal pieces. 

4. Petite Venise

This is THE Instagram spot. 
It’s the area you’ve probably seen online — storybook houses, canals, glowing decorations. Very busy, very beautiful. 

5. Place des Dominicains

Large square, beautiful church views, plenty of stalls. 

6. Gourmet Market – Rue de la Montagne Verte

Nine cabins serving food and drink, plus the Giant Ferris Wheel and extended evening hours. Lots happening here including more rides for children. 

Everything felt walkable, manageable and beautifully linked, which is a huge part of Colmar’s charm. 

Colmar Christmas House
Colmar Christmas Market Stalls

🎡 2025 Colmar Christmas Market Dates & Opening Times

Here’s the key info for planning: 

 

  • Main Markets: 
    25 November – 29 December 2025 
  • Mon–Thu: 11:00–19:00 
  • Fri–Sun: 10:00–20:00 

 

  • Christmas Hours: 
  • Christmas Eve: 11:00–17:00 
  • Christmas Day: 11:00–19:00 
  • Boxing Day: 10:00–20:00 

 

  • Gourmet Market, Place Rapp & Giant Ferris Wheel: 
    Open daily 11:00–22:00 until 4 January 2026 
  • New Year’s Eve: closes at 17:00 

 

Super useful if you’re trying to squeeze the markets into a multi-city Alsace trip. 

🚆 Getting to Colmar (and why I don’t recommend paying for 1st class)

I travelled in from both Strasbourg, but the same applies from coming from Basel too, and here’s the honest truth: 

👉 Don’t waste your money on first class. 

Neither 1st nor 2nd class guarantees a seat on these regional trains, and both my journeys were standing-room-only.

What I would recommend is that you get there super early if departing from Basel or Strasbourg. The trains arrive around 20 minutes earlier than the scheduled departure time, so to give yourself a fighting chance of a seat, get there around 30 mins before.  On the trains I took, I paid for 1st class from Basel to Strasbourg and did get a seat, although there were people who didn’t. For context there was only one 1st class carriage as opposed to around six 2nd class ones.  

Another tip is to purchase your ticket at least an hour before. Whilst there many people were unable to get a ticket from Basel to Colmar/Strasbourg as the machines had stopped selling them, as well as the online app. The only way they could be purchased was from the SBB ticket office and the queue was huge.

Strasbourg to Colmar

  • Around 31 minutes travel time
  • Trains usually every 30 minutes 
  • Ticket I bought on the day: £14.33 
  • €16.38 
  • CHF 15.34 

Basel to Colmar

  • About 45 minutes 
  • Also roughly every 30 minutes 
  • I paid: £15.97pp 
  • €18.27 
  • CHF 17.10 

If you’re planning multiple trips within Alsace, trains are simple, frequent and reliable (just busy!). Tickets can be bought online via the SBB app/Trainline, at a machine in the station or at the SBB Ticket counter. 

Plan your trip to the Colmar Christmas Markets 2025. Includes travel options from Strasbourg/Basel, market locations, dates, shuttles, maps, food, tips and crowd-avoidance advice.
Discover the Colmar Christmas Markets 2025 with this blog-style guide covering dates, travel tips, shuttles, best times to visit, where to stay and Alsace hidden gems.

🛏️ Should you stay in Colmar?

Short answer: YES - but only if you book early. 

Why stay in Colmar: 

  • You’re in the heart of the markets 
  • You can wander early and late when crowds thin 
  • Walking everywhere feels magical 

Why you might reconsider: 

  • Accommodation sells out quickly 
  • Budget options are limited 
  • Strasbourg and Basel offer far more choice and flexibility 

If you’re deciding between Strasbourg, Basel or Colmar as a base, Strasbourg and Basel win on practicality and hotel options — but Colmar wins on pure charm. Personally, I choose to stay in Basel as the airport was only 10 minutes from the city centre and the flights to Basel were half the price of Strasbourg.

Best Time to Visit the Colmar Christmas Markets (When It’s Quietest + What to Expect)

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit the Colmar Christmas Markets, the honest answer is: as early in the day as possible and ideally mid-week. 

The markets open at 11am Monday–Thursday and 10am Friday–Sunday, and if you can be there right at opening, you’ll experience the most relaxed version of Colmar you’ll get all day. Stalls are fully stocked, you can snap those picture-perfect shots without crowds in the background, and you won’t feel like you’re swimming upriver through people. 

From opening until around 3pm, it’s still pleasant, especially mid-week. You can browse at your own pace, grab a hot drink without queueing, and wander the old town in peace. This window is also when many travellers say they got their best photos, because there’s still daylight but the surrounding streets feel calm. 

Come dusk, the crowds increase rapid as everyone wants those photos with all the beautiful lights. For me by around 5.30pm it became unbearable even though it was only a Monday night. For reference it went dark around 4pm.

If you want to enjoy the evening lights, aim to wander just after sunset, then retreat to a cosy restaurant before the crush builds.

Weekends: The Busiest Time (Avoid If You Can)

Weekends in Colmar are exceptionally busy all day long. Some travellers report they couldn’t even get close enough to the stalls to see what was being sold. If your schedule allows it, avoid Friday to Sundays entirely. 

The Absolute Quietest Times to Visit

For the best experience with minimal crowds: 

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 
  • From opening until 3pm 

This time slot gives you the best balance of festive atmosphere, manageable crowds, and room to actually enjoy the stalls instead of shuffling past them. 

🌟 Alsace Villages That Might Be Even Better Than Colmar

Yes, Colmar is gorgeous - but the surrounding villages are equally magical, less crowded, and often more traditional. 

You can visit them via the Colmar Christmas Shuttle, which runs to: 

  • Eguisheim 
  • Kaysersberg 
  • Riquewihr 
  • Ribeauvillé 
  • Turckheim 
  • Munster 
  • Neuf-Brisach 

Some travellers even claim Kaysersberg and Riquewihr are better than Colmar; they’re just a little harder to reach unless you use the shuttle.  If I’d had more time, this is where I would’ve spent an extra day. 

big wheel in colmar

🛫 Best Airport for Colmar

Basel (BSL) is the closest and usually the easiest airport for reaching Colmar quickly. 
Strasbourg Airport (SXB) is another good option, especially if you're combining the two cities. 

🎁 Are Colmar Christmas Markets Worth Visiting?

100% yes!


It’s busy, it’s popular, and it’s absolutely beautiful. 

It feels like stepping into a Christmas card - especially when the lights reflect off the canals in Petite Venise or when you catch a quiet moment on a small side street. 

If you want charm, cobbles, lights, and more festive decorations per square metre than almost anywhere else in Europe - Colmar is for you. 

Tivoli Christmas Market Complete Guide 2025: Copenhagen Trip Tips 

Christmas in Copenhagen is famous for twinkling lights, cosy hygge vibes, and some of the best Christmas markets in Europe — but nothing compares to the Tivoli Christmas Market.  

Tivoli Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of fairy lights, Nordic decorations, wooden market stalls, festive food, and rides for all ages. 

If you’re planning a festive city break, here’s my complete guide to visiting Tivoli Gardens at Christmas - including costs, stalls, food prices, ride passes, opening times, and tips to make the most of your trip.

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting our work and happy planning!  

✈️ Manchester to Copenhagen – Our Flight Experience

We flew from Manchester to Copenhagen on a Saturday morning flight ( 7:15am departure) 

Time on aircraft: 2 hours 

Time in the air: 1 hour 30 minutes 

Scheduled landing: 10:00am 

Despite Europe-wide delays due to the new biometric immigration system, security was very fast. We were out of arrivals by 10:30am - not bad for a weekend in December and certainly better than we anticipated. 

🚇 Getting from Copenhagen Airport to Tivoli Gardens

Getting into the city is incredibly easy and one of the reasons people love Christmas breaks in Copenhagen. 

 

Metro from Copenhagen Airport 

You can buy metro tickets in the airport for 30 DKK (£3.50) per adult. Just follow the signs after bag collection for trains and the metro. The machines are located within the metro terminal. You can switch the language on the to English to make it easier. Danish people are incredibly friendly and will help you if you are stuck.

To get to Tivoli Gardens using the metro from the airport we took:

M2 (yellow line) from the airport to Kongens Nytorv.

We then switched to the blue line towards København Syd (M4). Riding it 3 stops and getting off at København H (Copenhagen Central Station).

From there, Tivoli Gardens is directly across the road. 

Alternative option - Train

You can also take the train directly from Copenhagen Airport to Central Station, which is faster and avoids changing lines. 

How to get from Copenhagen airport to Tivoli Gardens by metro - metro map of Copengahen underground
Copenhagen Metro Map

🎄 Tivoli Christmas Market Opening Times

Our visit was on a Saturday, when Tivoli was open: 

 11:00am – 12:00 midnight 

 Other December opening hours normally follow: 

 Sunday–Thursday: 11:00–22:00 

Friday–Saturday: 11:00–23:00 or 00:00 

 (Always check the official Tivoli website for the year’s exact dates.) 

When do Tivoli’s Christmas Markets open?

The Tivoli Christmas season usually runs mid-November to early January, reopening on Christmas Day but closed on December 24. 

For 2025, you'll find Tivoli Gardens celebrating Christmas between November 14th 2025 & January 4th 2026.

🎁 What You’ll Find at the Tivoli Christmas Market

Tivoli features around 60+ traditional Christmas stalls set among snowy decorations and sparkling lights. 

Types of stalls

Expect a mix of: 

  • Scandinavian Christmas ornaments 
  • Candles & handcrafted decorations 
  • Knitwear, hats & wool accessories 
  • Leather goods 
  • Handmade ceramics 
  • Wooden toys 
  • Local crafts 
  • Gourmet delicacies 
  • Souvenirs 
  • Winter treats like gløgg & æbleskiver 

If you’re used to standard European markets, Tivoli feels more curated, more premium, and much more atmospheric. 

🍽️ What Food Is Available at Tivoli Christmas Market?

Copenhagen is known for great food and the Tivoli food stalls don’t disappoint. Expect typical Danish Christmas market food like: 

  • Gløgg (mulled wine with almonds & raisins) 
  • Æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls) 
  • Brændte mandler (caramelised almonds) 
  • Flæskesteg sandwiches (crispy Danish pork) 
  • Sausages, bratwurst, currywurst 
  • Churros 
  • Hot chocolate 
  • Gingerbread 
  • Fresh pastries 

What we Paid for Food

  • 144 DKK for 2 loaded hot dogs + 1 bottled water (£17) 
  • 60 DKK for HUGE churros with chocolate sauce & ice cream (£7) 

Being Copenhagen, we expected to spend £££'s, but we didn't find it to be overly expensive. The prices are inline with other Christmas Markets we've visited in Europe.

Other Quick Bite Food Options at Tivoli Gardens

  • Loaded fries 
  • Toasted sandwiches 
  • Crepes 
  • Belgian waffles 
  • Pasta boxes 
  • Bao buns 
  • Warm pretzels 
  • Cinnamon pastries 

Sit-down restaurants at Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli has plenty of indoor dining too, including: 

  • Italian restaurants 
  • Danish cafes 
  • Steakhouse-style restaurants 
  • Chinese & Asian cuisine 
  • American-style diners 
  • Bakeries & coffee houses 

 Prices are higher than the markets, but perfect if visiting Copenhagen in winter and want to warm up indoors. 

Tivoli Gardens Tickets

We chose the unlimited ride and gardens pass after weighing up the two options. We got these via Get Your Guide as they allow you to buy now and pay nearer the time, plus include free cancellation. They're always our go to for excursions as they give great flexibility. You can save 5% with our exclusive code BUILDABREAK5 when you purchase tickets via their app.

After booking we were given a QR code, which was scanned at the gates to allow entry. The queue to get in was huge, but it moved very quickly.

If you have a ride ticket, you'll then need to find one of the wristband machines within the park. Scan your QR code again, and it will dispense a wristband to you - all very easy.

🎢 What’s the Difference Between a Gardens Pass and Ride Pass?

Garden Entrance Ticket

  • Christmas Market 
  •  Decorations & displays 
  •  Light shows 
  • Shops, food stalls & restaurants
  • Ice Rink (although there is a cost for skate hire)

 It does NOT include rides, but if you purchase this ticket you can pay for rides individually (see more info on this below).  

Powered by GetYourGuide

Unlimited Ride Pass & Gardens Ticket

  • Park entrance 
  • Unlimited rides all day 
  • Access to all ride zones 
  • Christmas Market 
  •  Decorations & displays 
  •  Light shows 
  • Shops, food stalls & restaurants
  • Ice Rink (although there is a cost for skate hire)
Powered by GetYourGuide

Which Ticket is Best?

If you want to experience Tivoli properly at Christmas, especially with kids, the ride pass is worth it. You can purchase a gardens only ticket, but rides will cost you up to 90 DKK (£10.50)  per ride, if you choose to pay-as-you-go.

A gardens only ticket costs around £23pp, where as a ticket with rides included is £44-£47pp. So it's definitely worth paying the extra and having the flexibility to do as many rides as you wish. You only have to do two big rides to make it worth your while.

🎠 Tivoli Rides at Christmas

Weather permitting, many of Tivoli’s iconic rides stay open in winter. 

Rides for big kids / thrill seekers

  • Aquila — Min. height 120 cm. Tivoli

  • Fatamorgana – Wild Ride — Min. height 140 cm. Tivoli

  • The Golden Tower — Min. height 132 cm. Tivoli

  • The Demon — Min. height 132 cm. Tivoli

  • The Star Flyer (Himmelskibet / Star Flyer) — Min. height 140 cm (or 120–140 cm if accompanied by a paying 14+ companion).

  • The Monsoon — Min. height 140 cm.

  • Tik Tak — Min. height 140 cm.

Inbetween Ages and Rides for Little One's

  • The Roller Coaster (Rutschebanen / The Roller Coaster) — Min. height 120 cm (no height required if accompanied by a paying 14+).

  • The Star Tower — Min. height 105 cm.

  • The Temple Tower — Min. height 120 cm.

  • The Panda — Min. height 90 cm (no min if accompanied by a paying 14+).

  • The Ferris Wheel / The Ferries Wheel — For everyone

  • The Bumper Cars — For everyone

  • The Elf Train — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Little Dragon — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Camel Trail — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Classic Carousel — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Forest Carousel — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Flying Trunk — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Fun House — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Galley Ships — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Dragon Boats — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Music Carousel — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Mine — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Milky Way Express, Villa Vendetta (scary house — age guidance listed on page

The ice rink at Tivoli Gardens Christmas Markets
Tivoli Gardens at Christmas - Lights in the trees

✨ What Makes Tivoli Gardens at Christmas So Special?

Tivoli is unlike any other Christmas market in Copenhagen. 

 

Here’s why it’s magical: 

  • Thousands of fairy lights 
  • Christmas trees everywhere (around 1000 in the gardens!)
  • A giant decorated lake area 
  • Rides glowing in winter darkness (definitely make sure you stay to see the rides all lit up)
  • Snow-dusted market stalls 
  • Amazing Food  (both market style
  • Santa’s village 
  • Music, performances & parades 
  • A cosy Danish “hygge” atmosphere 
  • It easily competes with the best Christmas markets in Europe, especially for families. 

💷 What Our Tivoli Trip Cost

Total: £176 per person 

Breakdown: 

  • Flights: £70pp 
  • Tivoli Gardens + Unlimited Ride Pass: £47pp 
  • Metro to/from airport: £7pp 
  • Hotel (1 night): £52pp 

We stayed The Annex Copenhagen which was perfect for our one night stay. Very reasonable for such a central hotel in one of the world's most expensive cities. The hotel is located just a few minutes walk from Copenhagen central station and Tivoli Gardens. Note: this is a self-check in hotel, however it is located within the Absalon Hotel, so has a lovely restaurant and bar onsite.

The rooms were very clean, however I must point out they have shared bathrooms. I must admit at first this put me off, but for the price range, this seems quite common in Copenhagen and location was very important to us. However, the bathrooms were beautiful and there were 3 shower rooms and 3 toilets on our small corridor so it wasn't an issue. 

Tivoli gardens hotel at Christmas
Tivoli Gardens rides for little ones - the vintage carousel for little kids

Is 1 Day Enough at Tivoli Gardens?

In my opinion yes. Even on a busy Saturday we didn't find the ride queues too long. For the big thrills, the longest queues seemed to be around 30 minutes maximum.

On Friday and Saturday's,, the park is open for 13 hours. That's definitely enough time to explore the markets and to enjoy all the rides too.

⭐ Is the Tivoli Christmas Market Worth It?

 Yes - massively!

If you’re choosing between Copenhagen’s free markets (Nyhavn, Højbro Plads, HC Andersen) and paying for Tivoli, Tivoli is the one you absolutely shouldn’t miss. 

It’s not just a market! It’s lights, rides, music, food, atmosphere, and pure Christmas magic. 

For an easy, festive winter trip from the UK, Tivoli Gardens at Christmas is one of the best experiences in Scandinavia. 

Luxembourg Chateau Cave Spa Stays from just £190pp

✨ Luxembourg Winter Breaks from £190pp! ✨

Luxembourg is surprisingly tricky (and pricey!) to reach — you can only fly direct from London Stansted or Manchester, and Manchester prices are usually £200+pp. Stansted however, has flights under £50pp, making it the perfect base for a luxury winter escape. Hence, why we have only included London Stansted departures.

We’ve found brilliant-value stays at the stunning Château d’Urspelt, a beautifully restored 18th-century castle complete with a cave spa, steam room and sauna - ideal for a cosy festive break.

❗️ Please remember: We’re a travel platform sharing great finds, not a travel agent. We do not take requests for alternative dates/airports or provide personal travel quotes 😀

⚠️ All prices and availability are correct at the time of posting but may change or be withdrawn at any time. Always check all details carefully with the travel provider before booking, as we are not responsible for any changes, omissions, or errors. Any booking or contract is made directly between you and the travel supplier. This post may contain affiliate links.


 

🎄 3-Night December Escape

📅 Dates: 8–11 December (3 nights)

✈️ Return flights from London Stansted: £46pp click here

🏨 Château d’Urspelt – Double Room: £483 total (£241.50pp) - click here

💰 Total: £287.50pp


 

⭐ 2-Night December Break

📅 Dates: 11–13 December (2 nights)

✈️ Flights: £54pp Click here

🏨 2 nights at Château d’Urspelt: £399 per room click here

💰 Total: £253.50pp

Luxembourg cave spa deals

❄️ Cheaper January Weekend (2026!)

📅 Dates: 16–18 January 2026 (Fri–Sun)

✈️ Flights: £36pp click here

🏨 2-night stay: £308 per room click here

💰 Total: £190pp

Click here to view/book Château d’Urspelt for these dates.

🧖‍♀️ Why Stay at Château d’Urspelt?

  • 5 treatment rooms (including couples treatment rooms)
  • Deep-tissue massages and wellness treatments such as body scrubs
  • Steam room & sauna

🚗 Getting Around

Given its countryside location, car hire is recommended for exploring Luxembourg comfortably.

Montreux Christmas Markets 4* Stays from £287pp

🎄 Montreux Christmas Market Deals

 

Fly into Geneva and take the scenic direct train to Montreux from the airport (about 1 hour).

The journey runs along the edge of Lake Geneva with panoramic mountain views — one of the prettiest rail routes in Europe.

The Montreux Christmas Market is one of the most magical in Switzerland. Wander the lakeside stalls, enjoy festive treats, and don’t miss the moment Santa flies across the night sky above the water — a true highlight each evening!

These deals include stays at Mona Montreux, a stylish 4* lakeside hotel just a short stroll from the markets.

💡 Top tip: To unlock the lowest prices on accommodation, make a free Expedia account - member rates reduce these stays. The prices displayed are Expedia Member prices

Switzerland isn’t known for being cheap, but these last-minute prices are genuinely fantastic.

If a hotel stay is out of budget, don't forget to check out our Extreme Day Trips to Montreux Christmas markets here

 

⚠️ Disclaimer:

Build a Break is a travel platform sharing the best finds we come across. We are not a travel agent and cannot provide quotes, alternative dates, or personal travel advice. Prices and availability are correct at the time of posting but may change.

Always check all details carefully with the travel provider before booking, as we are not responsible for any changes, omissions, or errors. Any booking or contract is made directly between you and the travel supplier. 

This post may contain affiliate links – we may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. 

Montreux Christmas Markets travel deals

📍 Liverpool — £287pp

Dates: 15–17 December 2025

Flights: £87pp — Click here

2 Nights 4* Lake Side Hotel Stay: £395 per couple — Click here

 

📍 Manchester — £304pp

Dates: 10–12 December 2025

Flights: £108pp — Click here

2 Nights 4* Lake Side Hotel Stay: £391 per couple — Click here

 

📍 Bournemouth — £376pp

Dates: 16–19 December 2025

Flights: £81pp — Click here

2 Nights 4* Lake Side Hotel Stay: £589 per couple — Click here

 

📍 London Luton — £341pp

Dates: 9–12 December 2025

Flights: £48pp — Click here

2 Nights 4* Lake Side Hotel Stay: £585 per couple — Click here

 

📍 Bristol — £416pp

Dates: 16–19 December 2025

Flights: £121pp — Click here

2 Nights 4* Lake Side Hotel Stay: £589 per couple — Click here

 

📍 Edinburgh — £370pp

Dates: 9–12 December 2025

Flights: £77pp — Click here

2 Nights 4* Lake Side Hotel Stay: £585 per couple — Click here