Christmas in Copenhagen | Part 1 | Nyhavn

Amongst the many beautiful and famous landmarks in the city of Copenhagen, Nyhavn is perhaps one of the most recognizable. The colourful row of houses and shops that line the canal have been there since the 17th century, and this gateway to the sea has become a charming tourist destination {something of a turnaround from it’s history of prostitution and beer houses}.

Today, the cobblestone walkway is lined with restaurants and pubs on one side. Even in the bitter cold of winter, they have tables set up out front with lanterns, wool blankets and heaters to invite passers by to sit and enjoy the ambience of the area over a drink or a meal.

{This windswept heather tells the story of just how c-c-cold it really was! Beautiful, but cold!}

At Christmas time, the other side of the cobblestone walkway is lined with gingerbread style huts {which I mysteriously failed to photograh – so sorry! They really were almost identical to the ones you saw at the Toronto Christmas Market}. These huts are home to vendors selling Christmas wares from handmade felted wool ornaments {and ornaments of all kinds!} to knitted mittens and sweaters to local Danish cheese and even reindeer skin rugs.

Wandering the nearby streets you’ll find that Christmas is literally everywhere, with everyday streets decorated with live evergreen boughs, lights and the iconic Danish hearts. Beauty and celebration are clearly embraced as a meaningful part of everyday life in Denmark!

Some of my favourite shops were the florists. I loved their neat and tidy wreaths and door knockers. Though not entirely an unfamiliar aesthetic, theirs had something charmingly Danish about them that I found both endearing and refreshing. Even the simple evergreen wreaths were more compact and intentionally crafted to my eye. So lovely!

Nyhavn becomes rather magical at night, with the lights from the boats and buildings reflecting like liquid gold off the water. I highly recommend wandering back here on your way home at dusk.