The highlight of our city break to Copenhagen was a family day out at Tivoli Gardens.
Tivoli Gardens amusement park comes firmly top of the list for best family attractions in Copenhagen. Located in the centre of the Danish capital and founded in 1843, it has become a national treasure visited by people from around the world.
Family day out at Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
The secret to Tivoli Gardens success is it offers something for everyone, the young and the young at heart…. beautiful scenery, historic buildings and well manicured gardens not to mention the traditional rides such as the classic carousel and roller coasters which promise to thrill the most extreme of dare devils.
We were aware before entering Tivoli that it had recently undergone a Winter Wonderland transformation which took over 10,000 hours to complete. We were however still absolutely blown away at the sheer beauty of the attraction. I know it is a cliché however my words and images do not do Tivoli Gardens at Christmas justice. The fairy tale atmosphere created at the park is something we have never experienced before, a unique experience.
Everywhere we looked there were Christmas trees, lights, snow and festive market stalls. The photo opportunities were endless.
We entered the park as it opened at 11am and after taking in our festive surroundings visited Santa Claus in his living room at the historic Peacock Theatre. I must admit I am rather crazy about Christmas and I love nothing better than a traditional Santa with a luxurious red suit and an authentic looking beard. The Tivoli Santa was just perfect, he had a large belly (sorry Santa) and a fabulous white beard and even matching eyebrows and a moustache! There was no queue and he spent quality time with my boys discussing Christmas and the gifts they would like, it was absolutely magical.
A visit to Santa is included in the entry price which is pleasantly surprising as entry into Tivoli for children under the age of 8 is free. All children receive a small chocolate from Santa as a token gift. Professional photos were also great value for money at 60 DKK for one, 100 DKK for two ( approximately £6 & £10)
Other highlights of Tivoli Gardens
We made good use of our multi-ride bands and experienced the majority of the rides on offer. Charlie my eldest son (4.5 years old) particularly enjoyed Tivoli’s oldest ride (built-in 1914), a wooden roller coaster which is one of only seven roller coasters worldwide which have a brakeman on board every train. He also loved the ‘Little Dragon’, the dragon boats, swing carousel and the hot air balloon ferris wheel which provided excellent views of Tivoli and Copenhagen.
Harry at 18 months old loved the traditional carousel and was captivated by the Tivoli lights. He also enjoyed the evening ‘Illumination Show’ which was worth waiting around until nightfall for. The show was accompanied to music and lit up the entire lake.
The new ‘Christmas Light Show’ which takes place on a flying blanket above China Town was also enjoyable. It was accompanied by Christmas music but was only a short five minute show compared to the more impressive 15 minute ‘Illumination Show’.
Dining in Tivoli Gardens
There are 43 restaurants and food stalls in Tivoli Gardens offering everything from traditional Danish cuisine to French bistro and Asian food. As I mention in our tips for visiting Tivoli Gardens, we dined on fast food for lunch from a food stall and enjoyed a healthy dinner at Wagamamas. We also enjoyed lots of festive goodies in between from the Christmas market stalls.
Family day out at Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen… final thoughts
We visited Tivoli Gardens as a party of six, my immediate family plus my brother and sister-in-law. We all had a fun and memorable family day out. As well as being thoroughly entertaining, the park was immaculate, we did not see any rubbish anywhere. They clearly maintain and paint the park and rides regularly. We also found the staff friendly and helpful.
Our only slight criticism was the lack of information whilst at Tivoli regarding the Illumination Show and Christmas Light Show. It is therefore recommended that you download the Tivoli app prior to visiting so that you do not miss out on any of the events taking place. For more of our recommendations read ‘Tips on Visiting Tivoli Gardens as a Family’
Need to know
Website address – https://www.tivoli.dk/en/ Address – Tivoli Gardens, Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V. Admission – Adult 99 DKK (110 DKK Friday – Sunday), under 8’s free. Multi ride tickets – 209 DKK (220 DKK Friday – Sunday), for all riders age 1+
Disclosure – We were provided with complimentary admission and multi ride tickets for our visit to Tivoli Gardens, our opinions are however, as always, our own.
Copyright – All images are copyright Travel Loving Family
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This looks totally magical and something I would love to do with my children. 10,000 hours is an awful long time but looks so worth it!! #christmasdaysout
Author
Yes they had completely transformed the place Kara! Everywhere you looked there were Christmas trees and lights
I’ve got to admit, it does look amazing. What a festive family treat
It looks so beautiful! One of my big regrets from our trip to Copenhagen (many moons ago now) was we went when it was closed – due to reopen the following week so I never got to see inside! thanks for the insight and information.
Author
A great excuse to return to Copenhagen Keri!
My mouth was dropped open the whole time reading this post!!! It looks so, incredibly beautiful!!! I’d love to go here in Winter. I’ve heard Copenhagen is beautiful anyway, but this is so magical and enchanting and that Father Christmas looks so convincing. What a lovely treat to get to go here! I could spend all day here going on the rides and exploring. Thank you so, so much for linking up to #whatevertheweather and making me insanely jealous! :-D xx
Tivoli gardens look even better than I remember! The winter wonderland is fab and your right about Santa, he looks absolutely perfect for the part. I love all the traditional rides and the lights are fantastic. If we’re ever over there at Christmas time we’ll definitely go.
Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather :) x
What a beautifully decorated theme park and a great way to kick off the festive season. I’m impressed that you didn’t need to pay extra to see Santa. I expect you left feeling very Christmassy #whatevertheweather
Author
Yes Claire, incredibly Christmassy! Although its rubbing off as I am now panicking that everyone I speak to has finished their Christmas shopping and I have not even begun yet! I’ll make a start at the Christmas markets in London next week:)
Hi Lisa, quick question, was there a lot of security around? we are due to go there next month but girlfriend is scared! thanks
Author
Hi Ashley, I cannot remember seeing any security apart from on the entrance at Tivoli Gardens itself. I saw security men in the city and there was certainly plenty of security at the airport. I hope you can convince her that it will be ok and you both have a wonderful time:) I will be posting another article re: weekend in Copenhagen this pm so check back soon!
Wow it just looks stunning, all of those lights, the scenery, the food… I think I need to do some research into visiting x
Surprisingly I have never been to Denmark. Weird considering its not far from my home country which is Germany. I really must add this to the list because I would also like to visit Sweden and Finland one day.
Author
You really should add it to your bucket list Janine, the Danish love kiddies too and the city is very pushchair friendly
Wow, it looks like a stunning place to visit. I do love Christmassy decorations in places, so I’d be in heaeven.
Tivoli Gardens looks incredible, you have got some AMAZING photos. I have seen a lot of people talking about Copenhagen recently. I have never been but my interest has been piqued!
Author
Thanks Sian, I’m glad I have piqued your interest!
Absolutely beautiful and how wonderful was Santa! It looks so magical. I have never been to Denmark but I would love to go. It looks like they really make such an effort for Christmas. Very festive and lovely for the children. x
Author
Yes they truly did go to town with the Christmas decorations!
Oh wow I am so jealous, loving the look of the place. I am yet to visit copenhagen but its on my bucketlist and now will add Tivoli Gardens.
Author
Oh yes please do Miranda! It would be a great pity to visit Copenhagen and not experience Tivoli Gardens:)
This looks amazing! Has made me super excited about our visit to the city this month…I didn’t realise Father Christmas was going to be there – my daughter is going to be over the moon!! Thanks for linking to #citytripping
Author
Oh I am excited for you Elizabeth:) I am quite choosy about where I take my boys to meet with Santa because I only like to visit ones that look authentic. The Tivoli Santa was just perfect!
Tivoli Gardens look wonderful and what a magical place to visit with little ones in the build up to Christmas! #CityTripping
Oh wow, Tivoli Gardens looks amazing with all of the gorgeous Christmas decorations! What a magical way to start the Christmas season! x
Author
Yes we are feeling very festive now Becky!
This looks so Christmassy – I love how much effort they put into transforming it. My daughter was a bit little for any of the rides when we visited but there’s so much to see, we just wandered round soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the views and it was still a great afternoon. Thanks for linking up to #citytripping
Author
Thanks for stopping by Cathy. You should book a return visit and go at Christmas it is a magical experience:)