Aalborg Christmas Market in Northern Denmark

The Christmas Market in Aalborg, Denmark is a great place to get in the holiday mood for those wanting to get the most out of their Danish Christmas this year!

Christmas markets might not be a big part of Danish Christmas traditions, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find any in Denmark each December. In fact, a great place to visit is the Christmas Market in Aalborg, Denmark during December. This old town has lots of charms on its own, but add some fun, activities for families, Aalborg, Denmark really can be a great place for a visit.

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What to expect at the Aalborg Christmas Market (julemarket)

Surrounded by old buildings with fascinating architecture and the beautiful, Aalborg Cathedral, the Gammeltorv is where you will find one of the oldest parts of Aalborg and the annual “julemarket” or Christmas market! To help you plan your trip, I have created a full itinerary of what you can expect to find during your visit to the Aalborg Christmas Market in northern Denmark this year.

1) A delicious, warm meal at the Aalborg Christmas Market

We always make sure that we are hungry when we go to a Christmas market. This is because eating a meal at the “julemarket” is one of the best things you can do! We love all of the freshly made food that you can find.

During our trip to the Aalborg Julemarket, my younger son and I got the fish and chips. It was by far one of the best baskets of fish and chips we have had in while.

After one look at the amazing variety of sausages from the sausage cabin, my husband and older son decided to get a different type of sausage each. It is great that the food at the Aalborg Christmas Market could satisfy all the people in our family!

2) Tasty desserts made just the way you like them

Of course, no Christmas market is complete without having stands with yummy pancakes/crepes. I love watching them being made right when we order them. Add some fruit to give you the feeling that it is a healthy treat or go crazy with Nutella and extra whipped cream! No matter what you get on your pancake or crepe at the julemarket, you won’t be disappointed.

Danish Christmases are the best!! See how the Danes Countdown to Christmas HERE!

3) Shopping for Souvenirs / Christmas Gifts at the Aalborg Christmas Market

Maybe you are looking for a unique Christmas gift? Perhaps, you have a special someone in your family who loves specialty whiskeys, fun hats or natural Christmas décor. Though there aren’t many shopping booths at the Aalborg market, you can be sure that what you will find is very unique compared to anywhere else. I mean, seriously…take a look at these cheeses!!

4) Children Enjoying the Merry-Go-Round

If you aren’t interested in eating or shopping at northern Jutland’s famous Christmas market, perhaps you are looking for something fun to do with the kids! The Merry-Go-Round or carousel in the middle of the market is a great option. For a small price, your can make fun, family memories while taking a ride on the carousel.

5) A Great View from the Ferris Wheel

If you want to have a great view of the Christmas market and of the center of Aalborg, take a ride on the Ferris wheel at the Christmas market. This is a fun activity to do for a small price when you visit the Christmas market in Aalborg. Being right next to the beautiful Aalborg Domkirke (cathedral), you can also get a view of the church that those passing by will not see.

6) Winter fun on the Ice Skating Rink

A major highlight of our time at the Aalborg Christmas Market was spending some time on the ice skating rink. Our boys have tried ice skating with their cousins in the USA, but this was the first time we tried it as a family in Denmark!

There was a stand where you could rent skates, so it was perfectly fine that we didn’t bring any. I was also very happy that we wore our snow pants that day, which helped when we had the occasional wipe out!

Though it wasn’t the easiest thing for some of us, we really enjoyed the time together trying something new. I am not sure that my husband and youngest son will suggest to go ice skating anytime soon, but my older son and I might consider it!

One thing is for sure; we will have some fun memories to take with us of that experience.

7) Santa giving rides on the Christmas Train

The first thing that we noticed even before arriving to the Christmas market was the Christmas train that managed to follow on our walk to the market. Decorated with Christmas ribbons and driven by Santa, this fun train will give you and your family a tour of the center of Aalborg for a small price. What a wonderful experience for small children to get to ride along with Santa! 😊

8) Danish Christmas Treat (Aebleskiver) and Hot Chocolate in the town hall

A must-do on any bucket list in Denmark at Christmastime is to eat some delicious Æbleskiver. Commonly described by foreigners as “pancake balls”, Æbleskiver are usually eaten only during the days leading up to Christmas. You will find them served on a plate with some marmalade and powdered sugar.

Learn how to make traditional Danish Christmas cookies called Pebernødder this year!

On a cold day, these warm treats can really warm the body and get the spirit in the Christmas mood! You can enjoy these inside the town hall building along with a warm cup of hot chocolate. They also have other warm treats and drinks to help you heat up before going back out in the cold. You may even get to see a fun, street performance outside!

Other Ways of Experiencing Christmas in Aalborg, Denmark

1) See the Bright Christmas Lights in Aalborg

Since the sun sets quite early in December in Denmark, you might be able to see the beautiful, Christmas lights that decorate the walking streets of Aalborg’s city center. With lovely, red hearts connecting strings of white lights, you won’t feel the darkness at all during your visit.

2) Visit Santa and the Christmas Display at Salling

Another activity that can help you get out of the cold and still cross something off of your Christmas bucket list is paying a visit to Santa at Salling (mall) in Aalborg’s center. Directly across the street from the entrance to the Christmas Market in Aalborg is the Salling center building.

Near the area where they sell children’ clothes, shoes and toys, you will find Santa sitting in a chair ready to hear what your little one would like for Christmas. They will love getting to talk with him during your trip to Aalborg.

Learn all about how they celebrate Christmas in Denmark throughout history at Den Gamle By!

3) Take a view of the city below from the Salling Rooftop in Aalborg

While you are at the top floor visiting Santa, head over to the rooftop stairs (or elevator) to get to the Salling Rooftop. This is a great place in the summertime for a meal, drink or chat with friends. The Salling Rooftop in Aalborg has some of the best views of the town, but I would recommend getting there while it is still light out to see more.


 

They have a café on one of the two levels of the rooftop, so if you would like to extend your stay in Aalborg or even visit when the weather in Aalborg is better, you won’t have to leave to get a good meal.

4) Experience the Jul ved Aalborg Zoologiske Have (Christmas at the Aalborg Zoo)

If you are interested in a short drive from the center of Aalborg, you might like a visit to the Aalborg Zoo. Though it might seem like a rather cold time of year to visit the zoo, you might find that there are more than animals that is worth seeing on your trip. Starting in the middle of November, Christmas at the Zoo is a great place to get you in the holiday mood. Walk through a tunnel of lights and see the many light display of animals, trees, and more. Read more HERE.

5) Attend an Advent Service at the Aalborg Domkirke

One way we really get a sense for the Danish culture at Christmas is to attend a church service on an advent Sunday. Even those who aren’t religious can appreciate the beauty of one of Denmark’s most beloved cathedrals with angelic songs of the season.

Also known as the Budolfi Kirke or Budolfi Church, this amazing cathedral has been around since the end of the 14^th century in a Gothic style. From the 1600s, the ornate pulpit and alter were both carved by Lauridtz Jensen from the nearby Randers area and really give the church that “wow” factor!

Tips for Enjoying the Christmas Market

1) Dress for the weather.

When we went to the Christmas market in Aalborg, it was uncommonly cold. We had temperatures well below zero, so we decided to make sure that we dressed in layers and put on our snow pants. Thick socks and hiking books also came in handy since we managed to stay outside for a few hours that day.

We saw plenty of people who weren’t as prepared for the weather, but I have always been the type of person to choose comfort over fashion. I didn’t feel cold at all during the day, which makes it easier to have a good time…in my opinion! 😉

2) Go Hungry!

The Christmas Market isn’t that large, so you in order for you to really make the most out of your time, go to the market hungry. This will allow you to be able to try more of what the Aalborg Christmas Market has to offer!

3) Venture out into the Town.

Aalborg is a great place for shopping and has many walking streets that make it easy to find what you need for the holidays. Many of the shops were even open on Sundays in the town center, so we were able to enjoy a bit of Christmas shopping on the day we went to the Christmas market.

Where to Stay in Aalborg, Denmark

Since where we live is not too far from Aalborg, we were able to drive home after our time at the Christmas market. However, if you are looking for a place to stay in Aalborg, there are many great options. The very popular Milling Hotel Gestus to the centrally located KOMPAS Hotel to the hostel-like ZLEEP Hotel all have many positive qualities. With these and many other choices, you will surely find the best place to stay in Aalborg, Denmark on your trip!

How to Get to Aalborg, Denmark

Aalborg is located in northern Denmark or “nordjylland” in the center of where the Limfjord cuts across Denmark. If you are traveling by car, you can reach Aalborg on roads E39 or E45. Aalborg airport flies to a number of domestic and international locations. It also offers free parking for those using it as a home airport. Some of the larger towns in Denmark that are near Aalborg also has its own train station, so traveling to Aalborg by train is quite easy!

You can also have a great experience on the Limfjord during an Oyster Safari! Read about our experience HERE!

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