Den Gamle By is an open-air museum that spans 400 years of Danish history, and at Christmas it becomes something I haven’t seen anywhere else: a market woven through cobblestone streets, historical homes and working shops rather than set up in a single square. The Aarhus Christmas Market experience extends across the city, with the Ridehuset crafts fair and Tivoli Friheden adding their own takes.
Aarhus Christmas Market 2026
Dates and Information
Status: Partially confirmed
Den Gamle By: 13th November to 29th December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Visit Aarhus
Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Location: Den Gamle By.
Opening times: 10am to 5pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 3pm.
Christmas Day: Open.
Boxing Day: Open.
New Year’s Eve: 10am to 3pm.
Admission: Adult: 205 DKK.
Status: Confirmed
Ridehuset Art & Christmas Market: 27th November to 20th December 2026.
Location: Ridehuset Equestrian Hall.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 12pm to 6pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 5pm.
Admission: Free.
Source: Aarhus Kunst and Julemarked
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Christmas at Friheden: 14th November to 30th December 2026.
Location: Tivoli Friheden.
Tickets: Book online (in Danish).
Christmas Eve: Closed.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: Closed.
Lights switch-on: 14th November at Tivoli Friheden.
Santa: At Tivoli Friheden.
Ice skating: Musikhuspark. Free access. Skate rental: 50 DKK.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Several central locations. Traditional experience at the museum.
Food specialities: Traditional Danish pastries, warm wine, seasonal treats.
Where to stay: Hotel Oasia is a well-rated, centrally located hotel.
Convenient Hotels
Indre By is the inner city district of Aarhus and is generally the best area to stay. It’s very close to Ridehuset and the Musikhuset Aarhus ice skating rink, as well as many other places of interest in Aarhus.
Hotel Oasia is the best choice in this area, and it’s also conveniently located near the train station. There aren’t that many well-rated hotels in Aarhus, so I don’t think you’ll find anything better than this place.
Location
Christmas in Aarhus
The city’s lights and decorations blend seamlessly with its contemporary architecture and historic buildings, creating a festive atmosphere that is both old and new.
One of the central Christmas markets in Aarhus is uniquely situated at Den Gamle By. There are several other markets, including Tivoli Friheden, where you can visit Santa, go ice skating, ride the Ferris wheel, and enjoy a variety of other activities. At Ridehuset, you’ll find 85 stalls showcasing a range of handmade Danish crafts and art, from traditional to modern.
Local Specialties
- Gløgg: Danish mulled wine.
- Æbleskiver: Round pancake puffs usually topped with powdered sugar and served with raspberry jam.
- Frikadeller: Danish meatballs, usually made of pork.
- Sylte: A pork jelly that is often eaten on rye bread.
- Smørrebrød: Open sandwiches with various toppings.
- Pebernødder: Small, spiced biscuits, packaged and ready to take home.
- Koldskål: Chilled buttermilk soup.
- Medisterpølse: A long, spiced pork sausage traditionally served with red cabbage.
- Risalamande: Rice pudding with whipped cream, vanilla, and almonds, usually served cold with a cherry sauce.
- Krabasker: Small almond cakes that are often filled with cream.
- Honninghjerter: Honey hearts are spiced gingerbread biscuits covered in chocolate.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
- Ceramics: Pieces frequently feature minimalist designs and neutral colours.
- Træfigurer (Wooden Figures): Local artisans carve intricate figures from wood.
- Viking Jewellery: Given the rich Viking history of Denmark, it’s no surprise that you’ll come across stalls selling Viking-inspired jewellery.
- Marzipan Treats: Beautifully crafted figures and shapes, often wrapped nicely for immediate gifting.
- Homewares: With Denmark’s focus on sustainability, you’ll find stalls that sell eco-friendly homewares, including items such as reusable wraps and organic cotton towels.
- Hygge Kits: Include various items to create a cosy atmosphere, such as candles, teas, and soft socks, which are standard inclusions.
- Vintage Books: Some stalls focus on vintage and second-hand books.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Eco-Friendly Hotels: Consider staying in hotels that are committed to using renewable energy and implementing sustainable waste management practices.
- Reduce Food Waste: Be mindful of the amount of food you purchase. It’s easy to get carried away with all the delicious options, but overbuying can lead to waste.
- Ethical Consumption: Stick to buying what you’re sure to use or items that have a meaningful connection.
- Sustainable Food: Look for stalls that use locally sourced, low-emission ingredients.
- Transport: The city centre is well-suited for walking. Buses are an excellent way to travel longer distances, as many are electric.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
—
Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
Leave a Reply