What's Open in Copenhagen (and Nearby) Over Christmas and New Year

If you're visiting Copenhagen around the holidays, it's worth knowing that most museums, palaces, and castles in the city close for several days around Christmas and New Year, typically December 23–26, December 30–31, and January 1st. Exact dates vary a bit from place to place, so it's always worth double-checking before you go.

The good news is that a handful of places stay open, and a few even put on something special for the season. Maybe the city itself is half-asleep but it's actually a great excuse to get out of Copenhagen for a day and explore a bit further afield. Here's where you can actually go.

1. The Viking Ship Museum (Roskilde)

Open every day, all year round,  including through the holidays. Built around five genuine Viking ships pulled from the bottom of Roskilde Fjord, it's one of the most atmospheric museums in the region, especially in winter when the fjord views turn moody and quiet. A solid half-day trip from Copenhagen by train.

2. Roskilde Museum

Open daily year-round, 10:00–16:00. It tells the story of Roskilde, one of Denmark's oldest cities, through archaeological finds, from prehistoric aurochs skeletons to medieval coins and chess pieces. An interesting stop if you're already in Roskilde for the Viking ships. This is exactly the kind of day we, in Walk & Tour, can put together for you, a private tour to Roskilde covering both the Viking Ship Museum and Roskilde Museum, plus time to roam the city itself and hear the story of how it became one of Denmark's most important historic towns. Click here to learn more.

3. Hillerød Bymuseum

A small, playful city history museum aimed at families, tucked in a corner of Frederiksborg Castle's gardens. It runs a dedicated "Jul på Hillerød Bymuseum" (Christmas at Hillerød Bymuseum) event in late November, so if you're around then, it's worth combining with a visit to the castle next door.

Check our ultimate Copenhagen Christmas Market 2026

4. Frederiksborg Castle (Hillerød)

One of the very few major sights that's open literally every day of the year, Mondays and holidays included. From the 31st of October 2026 to the 3rd of January 2027, it's hosting "Icy Christmas," an immersive installation based on The Snow Queen in the castle's Audience Chamber, ice-blue lighting, reflections, and the original costumes from the Royal Danish Theatre's production, alongside H.C. Andersen artifacts from the museum's own collection.

5. Kronborg Castle (Helsingør)

Famous as the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet, Kronborg runs a Christmas market through most of December and stays open on several of the usual closure dates, including December 28th. It's closed December 24, 25, and 31, so plan around those, but on any other December day it’s perfect for a visit, with the castle's grand halls especially striking against the winter light.

Visit Kronborg & Frederiksborg with one of our experienced guides and learn about the history of the palaces. If you want to know more about them, check out our private tour here.

So while the “big” Copenhagen museums take their holiday break, a day trip to Roskilde or North Zealand can easily fill the gap, and in Frederiksborg's case, give you something more seasonal than the usual exhibit.