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The Unique Christmas Market in the Old City in Aarhus offers a captivating way to experience Danish holiday traditions within a historic setting. Priced at $483 per person, this 1-day tour from Copenhagen combines scenic transportation, cultural exploration, and festive dining, making it a comprehensive holiday outing. With a supplier rating of 4.6, the tour has earned praise for its well-organized schedule and authentic experiences, though it requires some walking and is best suited for those comfortable with a leisurely pace.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on Den Gamle By, the Old Town museum showcasing 400 years of Danish architecture and life. Visitors step into streets decorated for Christmas, with lanterns lighting up historical buildings and shops offering vintage Christmas decorations and gifts. The tour also includes a ferry ride with a Danish-style brunch and a festive Christmas buffet on the return journey, rounding out a full day immersed in Danish holiday culture.
Key Points
- Full-day tour from Copenhagen to Aarhus, lasting around 12 hours.
- Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from most inner-city hotels with bus parking.
- Features a scenic ferry crossing with a Danish-style brunch on the way to Aarhus.
- Visits Den Gamle By, a recreated historic town with 400 years of Danish history, decorated for Christmas.
- Christmas Market in the Old Town offers decorations, gifts, and festive atmosphere.
- On the way back, enjoy a Christmas buffet onboard the ferry.
Easy Transportation from Copenhagen to Aarhus
The tour begins with a bus ride from Copenhagen, lasting about 1.5 hours, to the ferry terminal. Passengers are then transported via catamaran across the Kattegat for another 1.5 hours, offering scenic views of Denmark’s coast. The ferry ride is part of the experience, featuring a hearty morning brunch in traditional Danish style, setting a festive tone for the day.
After arriving in Aarhus, a small coach ride takes visitors directly to Den Gamle By, located in the city’s historic center. The convenient transport arrangements make the journey smooth, allowing more time to enjoy the sights and festivities.
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Exploring Den Gamle By: Danish History Meets Christmas Cheer
Den Gamle By is the highlight of the tour, a museum of Danish life spanning four centuries. The Old Town features reconstructed historic houses and shops, decorated with Christmas ornaments and lights, creating a warm holiday atmosphere. Visitors can wander freely for about four hours, exploring decorated homes, shops, and streets.
The museum staff, dressed in historical costumes, offer insights into Christmas traditions across different eras. Visitors can buy vintage Christmas decorations and gifts or visit themed areas like Cone Town and the Pixie Attic. The streets are lined with Christmas-decorated storefronts, and lanterns cast a gentle glow over the scene.
This experience is particularly engaging for those interested in history, arts, and crafts, as the museum hosts an arts & crafts market and offers hands-on activities. The holiday decorations and historical reenactments make it feel like stepping back in time to celebrate Christmas as it was celebrated in Denmark centuries ago.
Christmas Market in Aarhus Old Town
The Christmas Market at Den Gamle By** is a key feature of the tour. Its festive stalls offer old-fashioned Christmas decorations, gifts, and sweets, making it a delightful shopping experience. The market’s setting within the historic streets enhances the holiday ambiance, with twinkling lights and seasonal music filling the air.
Visitors are encouraged to chat with costumed townspeople, who share stories about Christmas traditions. The market creates a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that captures Denmark’s yuletide spirit. While shopping, you can enjoy the sights of decorated houses and streets, making it a perfect place to soak in the seasonal cheer.
Dining Experiences: Brunch and Christmas Buffet
The ferry ride offers an included Danish-style brunch in the morning, a great way to fuel up before exploring. This scenic meal features traditional Danish fare, giving a taste of local holiday customs.
On the return journey, a festive Christmas buffet is served onboard the ferry, included in the tour price. The buffet provides a variety of seasonal dishes, allowing passengers to indulge in Danish Christmas flavors while enjoying views of the sea. These meals are a highlight, adding a culinary dimension to the overall experience.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details and Accessibility
The tour begins with hotel pick-up from most hotels in Copenhagen’s inner city, provided the hotel has bus parking. It ends with drop-off at the same or nearby hotels, making the experience seamless. The itinerary includes driver-led transportation and scenic ferry crossings.
The tour is child-friendly, accommodating children over 4 years old. However, no special children’s seats are available, and strollers or large bags must be foldable if brought along. The tour is suitable for those who are able to walk at a calm pace and are prepared for some outdoor time in Danish weather.
Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, and a credit card for any additional purchases. The pace is relaxed, with enough time for sightseeing and shopping, but it requires walking over cobblestones.
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Unique Aspects of the Tour Experience
This tour offers a combination of transport modes, including bus, ferry, and coach rides, creating a dynamic travel experience. The scenic ferry crossing with brunch and buffet is part of what we love about this tour from typical bus-only excursions.
The focus on the Old Town’s Christmas celebrations means that visitors see historic buildings decorated specifically for the holiday. The live-costumed guides bring the scene to life, sharing stories and traditions that deepen the experience.
Who Will Appreciate This Tour?
This full-day experience appeals most to those interested in Danish history, Christmas traditions, and cultural heritage. The museum visit and market provide authentic holiday ambiance, making it ideal for families with children over 4 or adults seeking a relaxed, festive outing.
While not suitable for wheelchair users or those with large luggage, the tour’s slower pace and informal style make it accessible to many. The value for money is notable, considering the transport, meals, and museum access included in the price.
Final Thoughts on the Aarhus Christmas Market Tour
The Unique Christmas Market in the Old City in Aarhus offers a rich mix of history, holiday cheer, and scenic travel. Its emphasis on authentic Danish traditions within a beautifully decorated historic setting makes it a memorable way to celebrate Christmas in Denmark.
While it requires some walking and is best suited for those prepared for outdoor weather, it delivers a comprehensive festive experience with delicious meals, cultural insights, and a charming market. The included ferry brunch and Christmas buffet add extra value, making this a well-rounded holiday tour for families, history enthusiasts, and Christmas lovers alike.
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Unique Christmas Market in the Old City in Aarhus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup from most hotels in Copenhagen’s inner city is included, provided there is bus parking.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 12 hours, from pickup in Copenhagen to drop-off.
What are the main highlights of the tour?
The key highlights are Den Gamle By, the Christmas Market, the ferry crossing with brunch, and the Christmas buffet onboard.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is child-friendly for children over 4 years old. No special children’s seats are available, and foldable strollers are required if brought.
What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes, warm and weather-appropriate clothing, a credit card for extra purchases, and any outdoor gear like rain or windbreakers.
Are meals included?
Yes, the morning brunch on the ferry and the Christmas buffet on the way back are included in the price.
Can I buy souvenirs at Den Gamle By?
Yes, visitors can purchase Christmas decorations and gifts in the shops within the museum.
Is there an accessible way to enjoy the tour with mobility aids?
The tour accommodates walkers and walking sticks, but wheelchair access is not specified and the tour involves cobblestone streets.
What makes this tour different from other Christmas activities in Denmark?
Its focus on Den Gamle By’s historic Christmas celebrations combined with scenic ferry rides and authentic Danish meals sets it apart.
What is the rating of the tour provider?
Ophelia Tours holds a 4.6 rating, reflecting well-organized, enjoyable experiences.
