Indulge in gløgg and æbleskiver and other sweet treats at one of the many julemarkeder around

You can’t be anywhere in Europe at Christmastime and not make at least a few trips to the local Christmas markets. Needless to say, Denmark has its fair share of magical julemarkeder, with each boasting its own personality, but sharing that unmistakable hygge vibe characteristic of this Nordic land.

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By Tina Jimmy Dastur

Crammed with warmly-lit rustic log cabins and stalls selling everything from vintage and contemporary Christmas spangles and fandangles, handmade ceramicware, and weather-hardened woolens and knitwear, to a selection of heady beverages, delectable eats, and addictive sweetmeats, these markets are their own special kind of winter wonderland, where jul comes alive.

In the capital, the Christmas markets at Højbro Plads (the most famous of the lot, owing to its striking similarity to the German Weihnachtsmarkt concept), Kongens Nytorv, Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, Gamle Carlsberg Vej 11, and Freetown Christiania are must-visits, but if you’re willing to venture outside Copenhagen, you’ll be in for a treat at julemarkeder in Aarhus’s Old Town, in the town of Nexø on the island of Bornholm, in H. C. Andersen’s hometown of Odense, at Fængslet (or the Prison Museum) in Horsens, and in the quaint town of Ærøskobing on Ærø.

As you meander through, poking your head into the odd cabin for a quick scan of the tchotchkes and taking in the festive sights and sounds, make time and space (in your stomach) for ample refills of Danish gløgg and servings of æbleskiver.

The former is a flavourful mulled wine enhanced with cinnamon, raisins, and blanched almonds, while the latter features fluffy dough balls dusted with icing sugar and served with a dollop of jam.

Also worth sinking your teeth into are a variety of cheese, biscuits, and caramelised nuts on offer.

Enjoy