Whew, made it through Christmas! This first weekend of January (Jan 3-4) feels a bit quiet, but we've spotted a few gems before the city gets back into full swing. Don't miss the last chance to catch the winter magic at the ice rinks, and Tivoli is still lit up with its festive spirit—perfect for a late holiday treat. Let's ease into 2026!
Quick Picks
Christmas Illuminations
Tivoli Gardens
Enjoy the stunning light show in Tivoli Gardens for free with park entry (if you're already in!).
Fish feeding
Tivoli Aquarium
A cozy, educational, and quick indoor activity at Tivoli Aquarium.
Fireflies & Luminous planets
Tivoli Gardens
Magical, gentle light installations perfect for little eyes on a late afternoon/evening.
Fish feeding
A short, sweet, and educational stop inside Tivoli. See the fish get fed up close—it's quick enough not to drain the little ones’ energy for the rest of the day.
Why we picked it: A scheduled, short activity perfect for the early afternoon slump inside the park.
Fireflies / Luminous planets / Tivoli's Magical Christmas Animation
Tivoli is wrapping up its Christmas season, so this is a great time to see the beautiful evening light shows before they pack it away. It's especially magical as it gets dark early!
Why we picked it: These signature light events are ending this weekend, making it a final, special viewing opportunity.
BLUE CHRISTMAS – immersive mirror installation
It’s a bit of a trip north, but this Royal Copenhagen 250th anniversary installation featuring a mirror maze with their plates sounds wonderfully quirky. Good for older kids who appreciate art and history.
Why we picked it: A very specific, limited-run anniversary art installation inside a historic castle.
GoBoat Harbor Tours
Tour the canals in your own electric boat! They offer complimentary coffee/tea during the winter, making it a cozy way to see the city sights from the water.
Why we picked it: It’s a fun, self-skippered experience that feels very 'local' compared to the big tour boats.
CIFF Kids - 2026 (Trade Fair)
While this is technically a trade show for kids' fashion, if you have a fashion-obsessed teen, sometimes the associated public-facing parts or simply seeing the buzz can be a unique experience. Check if they have any open hours.
Why we picked it: A rare peek behind the scenes of the Nordic fashion industry, potentially cool for older, style-conscious teens.
Copenhagen Light Festival
The CPH Light Festival is kicking off this weekend! It turns the dark winter evenings into a magical wonderland with installations all over the city—a perfect, free, late afternoon adventure for everyone.
Why we picked it: It starts this weekend (Jan 30 - Feb 22), offering brand new, free, spectacular outdoor fun to combat the January gloom.
Playground exploration: Skydebanen or Bermuda Triangle
Don't underestimate a good local playground—Skydebanen in Vesterbro is an adventure hub, and the 'Bermuda Triangle' in Nørrebro Parken is another local favourite. Bundle up and get some fresh air!
Why we picked it: Always a great, zero-cost way to entertain younger kids, especially with the fresh winter air.
Copenhagen Winter Wonderland ~Winter Market at Kongens Nytorv
This is your absolute last chance for the Winter Wonderland market and the iconic ice rink! Grab a gløgg or some homemade delicacies while watching the skaters under the sparkling lights of D'Angleterre.
Why we picked it: It’s the final day for this beautiful winter market and ice rink setup!
Christmas Illuminations
The grand finale for Tivoli's Christmas lights this year—a stunning spectacle over the rides and ponds. Perfect for a late family walk after an early dinner.
Why we picked it: The very last chance to see the Christmas illuminations this season.
Enghaveparken Ice Skating Rink
Another local outdoor rink saying goodbye to the season this Sunday! If you still have some holiday energy to burn off, head down for a skate session before they pack up the ice.
Why we picked it: Final day for the Enghaveparken rink—a very local, low-key outdoor option.
The ice rink at Frederiksberg Runddel
The Frederiksberg rink is also ending its season on Sunday! It’s a very charming spot near the city center and a lovely way to get some fresh air before the deep winter routine sets in.
Why we picked it: The last chance to skate at this specific, popular rink outside the main city centre.
ABSALON - Day-time activities
This old church turned community space is always buzzing with local life. Check their Sunday schedule—they often have informal playgroups or low-key events that are perfect for a relaxed family hang-out.
Why we picked it: A true local gem that’s inherently kid-friendly and community-focused, perfect for a non-touristy Sunday.
Explore the City on a 'Copenhagen Local Walk'
If the little ones are older, skip the big bus and book a short, focused walk with a local to get some unique street-level context on the city's history and architecture.
Why we picked it: A way to engage older kids/teens with local history without being stuck inside a formal museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Copenhagen this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 3-4), the best genuinely free options include walking around to see the newly opened Copenhagen Light Festival installations (Event ID: copenhagen-11) and visiting one of the city's fantastic playgrounds like Skydebanen (Event ID: copenhagen-12). If you are visiting Tivoli, the Christmas Illuminations are free with your park ticket (Event ID: copenhagen-3).
Which weekend activities are leaving soon for families?
You need to be quick! Sunday, January 4th, is the last day for the Copenhagen Winter Wonderland ice rink and market at Kongens Nytorv (Event ID: copenhagen-1) and the Enghaveparken Ice Skating Rink (Event ID: copenhagen-5). Also, the Tivoli Christmas Illuminations wrap up that night (Event ID: copenhagen-4).
Where can we go on a chilly, rainy day with toddlers?
For a cozy, short indoor break, head to Tivoli for the Fish feeding at The Tivoli Aquarium on Saturday afternoon (Event ID: copenhagen-2). Alternatively, for an easy, community vibe, check the schedule at Absalon in Vesterbro for any informal indoor play/activities on Sunday (Event ID: copenhagen-9).