Amsterdam vs Copenhagen at Christmas

[kelliebeans104]

My husband and I are going to be in England in early December and are looking into taking a few days at the end of the trip to enjoy a festive European city.  We're thinking either Copenhagen or Amsterdam and I'm wondering if anyone's been to either of those cities around Christmas and would recommend one over the other?  I'm also open to other suggestions as well.  

[neonpink]

No Christmas, but close, I spent NYE in Amsterdam and a few days prior. They still had Christmas markets up and they do special Christmas lights that float on the canals. It was beautiful. NYE was insane and they blew off fireworks that sparkle and ones that sound like large explosions.

That same year I spent Christmas in Prague. I liked it so much I’m going back this year to celebrate.

[litlover]

I love Christmas markets and I've been in Vienna, Prague, and Copenhagen in early December for them. Tivoli Gardens is spectacular at Christmas. However, our favorite has been Vienna, without a doubt. The atmosphere in the city was almost like being in a fairy tale. It also seemed to have more Christmas concerts than the other 2. Whatever you decide, you can't go wrong.  

[lovebeingmama]

If you are looking for Christmas markets, Amsterdam is not the place to go. They don’t really do markets like other cities. It’s still festive with lights and decorations, and I think usually their canal light art exhibit begins early December. They do have ice skating and a smaller market, but not really as festive as other places. I’ve lived in Amsterdam for 3 years and we typically go to Germany for the markets.

We did go to Copenhagen one year in late November/early December. I loved it. It was very cold but we went to Tivoli Gatdens two nights and it was beautiful. It is an amusement park but also has a very Christmas market feel with the decorations, shops, etc.

[ribollita]

I’ve been in Barcelona and in Munich on Christmases and both cities were a lot of fun as was Salzburg.

[frlcb]

I agree that Amsterdam isn't the best place for Christmas markets. Copenhagen would be better but the best ones will be in Germany. We also loved Vienna and Prague.

[dreamcrisp1]

We are in Amsterdam but planning to go to Germany for Christmas to see the Christmas markets.

[devonpow]

I would go to Copenhagen but I’m biased because it’s my favorite city - we just got home from there yesterday and DH end I were toying with going for a long weekend close to Christmas. Tivoli is amazing at Christmas, and the whole danish concept of hygge is in full effect then - drink some glogg, have some smorrebrod and be cozy (I can’t get my keyboard for the Danish vowels to work, so sorry for the spelling approximations )

[jennybee1018]

Aug 17, 2018 6:23:25 GMT -5 litlover said:

I love Christmas markets and I've been in Vienna, Prague, and Copenhagen in early December for them. Tivoli Gardens is spectacular at Christmas. However, our favorite has been Vienna, without a doubt. The atmosphere in the city was almost like being in a fairy tale. It also seemed to have more Christmas concerts than the other 2. Whatever you decide, you can't go wrong.  

Totally agree with this! Vienna as a city is awesome but Vienna at Christmas time is magical! We've been three times at Christmas because we love it so much :-) The markets, the lights, and the shows - it really is like a fairy tale

[rupertpenny]

I haven’t been to either city but I’d go to Amsterdam purely because it is further south which equals more daylight. It will still be dark early but the extra hour or so could make a big difference.

[neonpink]

I do have to say London is a fun city to spend some Christmas time in. I was there last year and the shops look like Christmas exploded. The Hyde Park Winterwonderland is also a lot of fun. So if you have a chance to spend some time there It is worth your time.

[pantsparty]

In 2012 we spent Christmas in London and NYE in Amsterdam, taking the Eurostar between the two countries. It was a ton of fun! Keep in mind some of the main attractions you might be interested in will be closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. That was a very fun trip