Christmas in Denmark

Denmark often tops the polls of the world’s happiest countries and its capital tends to put a smile on the faces of all who visit. What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character, its compact centre a maze of cobbled streets easily navigated by foot or on the Danes’ favourite mode of transport, the bicycle. Originally a Viking fishing village, Copenhagen has evolved into one of Europe’s most sophisticated cities. Spread across the two islands of Zealand and Amager and separated from Sweden by the Øresund Bridge, it is a city of contrasts, seamlessly blending classic architecture with cutting edge modern design.

Your guide will take you on a tour of the oldest parts of Copenhagen, dating back to the year 1160. You will walk around the inner parts of the city and slowly work your way up through the centuries. First stop will be the King’s Garden, one of the world's first public parks. Next stop will be the Rosenborg Castle, which was built as a private, romantic getaway for the Danish king, Christian IV. Today it is a museum and home to the Danish crown jewels. Finally you will make your way to the Round Tower, the world's oldest still-functioning observatory. The tower offers a great view of the medieval centre of Copenhagen.

Break away from the old town and the traditional sights of the city, as you head to the quarter of Nørrebro, a diverse and multicultural area with lots of life and green spaces. The tour will begin at Dronning Louises Bro, a bridge that connects the inner city and Nørrebro. Thousands of pedestrians and cyclist cross this bridge daily, making it one of the busiest bike lanes in the world. From here you'll move on to the Assistens Cemetery. Though a cemetery, its aesthetic nature and peaceful atmosphere have made it a popular spot for locals. Here lie many of the most famous Danes in history, like writer Hans Christian Anderson and philosopher Søren Kirkegaard. Afterwards, you will continue to Jægersborggade, a lively street, that's filled with independent design shops, vintage boutiques and small restaurants and cafés. Stop for the traditional Danish hygge beer at Mikkeller & Friends, situated at Stefansgade.

Today you will learn how to create traditional Danish rye bread, perfect sourdough buns and delicious Danish pastries. This is a hands-on class where you will be mixing, kneading, proving and shaping the different types of dough. By the end, you will have the skills to recreate the taste of Denmark at home. Once you are finished baking, you will enjoy a Danish breakfast in the grand dining room with all your freshly baked bread and pastries served alongside fresh pressed juice, tea, coffee and schnapps, just like a true Dane

Tivoli Gardens is a fairytail world in the middle of the city. The carousel, ferris wheel and bumper cars give the park plenty of old-world charm and the pretty landscaped gardens are a lovely place to relax. As night falls, the garden is lit up with hundreds of twinkling light.

Denmark's second city, Aarhus is located on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula. While often overlooked for the capital, the coastal city has gradually been gaining attention with restaurants here being awarded the first Michelin stars in Denmark outside Copenhagen, a regenerated waterfront, and excellent art galleries.

Aarhus' Old Town consist of 75 historical houses from all over Denmark. They shape the contours of a Danish town as it might have looked in Hans Christian Andersen's days, with streets, shops, yards, homes and workshops, and during winter time the town is true Danish hygge. A guide will meet you at the entrance and take you around the town and to the traditional Christmas market. Finish the day with a traditional hot Christmas drink in a historic setting before enjoying some time to experience the city on your own.

Visit ARoS, the museum of modern art. The exhibitions change on a regular basis and the rooftop rainbow circular sky walk - Your Panorama by Olafur Eliasson - is always a highlight.

Marselisborg Castle is one of the Queen’s beloved, private residences. Here you can walk around in the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle and enjoy the view of the ocean.

Ridehuset is Aarhus' centrally located multi-purpose hall. It houses a variety of events from concerts and parties to exhibitions and fairs. Every Christmas, Ridehuset houses a delightful market, where independent designers and small shops sell their homemade Christmas items. You will have time to look around, and if you feel like it, you can try the traditional Danish Christmas snack, æbleskiver.

A stay at Dragsholm Castle is the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge. The surrounding countryside has been designated a Geopark by UNESCO, the only one of its kind in Denmark. Guests can go mountain biking or walking through the surrounds or relax at the castle with a yoga class or a stroll through the herb garden. There are also board games and a billiards table for those with a competative side.

You will be meet by the castle's local nature guide, who will take you on a walk through the beautiful surroundings, and tell you about the wild, edible produce found during the winter season such as herbs, winter plants and mushrooms.