10 Things to Do in Copenhagen in February

If you are planning to visit Copenhagen in February, you should be aware that you will encounter cold, wind and lots of snow, but the city will not stop or leave you without alternatives to get to know it, but rather the opposite, as during the winter the Danish capital stands out for its festivals, fairgrounds and family events.

Some of the best things to see and do in Copenhagen in February include experiencing the Carnival in the streets of the city, visiting the winter markets, celebrating the traditional Fastelavn, attending the opening of the Opera season and enjoying the Winter Music Festival, which is one of the most interesting in Denmark.

Carnival in the Danish capital is a unique experience that combines merriment, music and colour in a fun and festive atmosphere. The carnival takes place every year in February and is one of the most popular events in the city. It's also one of the most popular because, unlike other places in the world, it takes place in the middle of winter in Copenhagen.

During the carnival, the streets of Copenhagen are filled with people in costume, floats and live music. The event starts with a big parade featuring dance groups and musicians from all over the world, as well as local citizens and tourists.

The carnival is an occasion to enjoy a multicultural experience and get to know the different traditions of other countries, so on the eve of the event tours are often included in the best tours of Copenhagen. Music is a central element of the carnival, with rhythms and melodies from all over the world that thrill the crowds.

In addition to the parade, the carnival features numerous events and activities such as concerts, art exhibitions and food fairs. During the carnival, visitors can also enjoy Copenhagen's lively nightlife, with bars, clubs and discos adding to the celebrations.

Fastelavn is a traditional Danish holiday celebrated in Copenhagen and throughout the country, where children and adults dress up in costumes for family activities. The celebration takes place on the seventh Sunday before Easter Sunday, which is usually at the end of February.

Fastelavn in Copenhagen begins with the traditional breaking of the pot, which consists of a barrel-shaped piñata that is decorated with drawings of black cats. Children and adults, blindfolded, try to break the piñata with a stick, while singing songs related to the holiday.

After breaking the pot, the little ones dress up in costumes and take to the streets to beg for treats, just like on Halloween, which is why it is considered the Scandinavian equivalent of this celebration and one of the best things to do with children in Copenhagen. Adults also join in the festivities and often celebrate Fastelavn with dinners and dances in halls, bars and restaurants.

In Copenhagen, Fastelavn is celebrated in many places, including schools, kindergartens, churches and community centres. In addition, parades and activities take place in different neighbourhoods of the city and the city's bar tours often include the theme in their itineraries.

Attending the season opening at the Copenhagen Opera House is a unique experience that you will enjoy especially if you are a lover of classical music. Moreover, the Royal Opera House is one of the city's most iconic buildings and is located in the capital's harbour.

The event marks the start of the opera season and is held every year in mid-February. During the opening night, attendees can enjoy a magnificent live performance as well as a gala dinner in the building's majestic hall.

The Royal Opera House in Copenhagen is also one of the oldest opera houses in the world and has hosted some of the world's greatest musicians and singers. The acoustics of the main hall are exceptional, allowing you to enjoy a unique experience.

Tickets for the season opening at the Copenhagen Opera House in February usually sell out quite quickly, so I recommend booking in advance.

The Copenhagen Winter Music Festival is one of the most important events in the city's calendar. This classical music festival is held in late February and early March and features some of the world's leading musicians.

During the festival, you can enjoy concerts at some of the city's most iconic venues such as the Royal Danish Opera House, Koncerthuset, Christiansborg Palace and the Louisiana Museum of Art. The festival repertoire includes a wide variety of musical styles, from classical music to contemporary and experimental music.

In addition to the concerts, the Copenhagen Winter Music Festival offers a series of additional events and activities such as lectures, workshops and masterclasses with guest artists. Guided tours of the city are also organised, allowing attendees to discover some of the secrets of the Danish capital, either on walking tours or on the city's hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus.

The Copenhagen Winter Music Festival is a must-attend event for classical music lovers and an excellent opportunity to enjoy some of the world's best performances in a magical and unforgettable atmosphere, but you'll also marvel if you simply want to opt for an artistic alternative during your trip in the Danish winter.

The Winter Pride Festival is an annual event that celebrates diversity and inclusion in Copenhagen for a week in mid-February. During this celebration, you can take part in cultural, sporting and social activities that promote respect and equality for the LGBTQ+ community.

Among the activities you can enjoy are art exhibitions, parties, concerts, debates and lectures. One of the most popular events is the Pride Parade, which takes place in the city centre and is attended by thousands of people, including many tourists and visitors.

The aim of the festival is to promote equality, tolerance and respect for sexual and gender diversity, and to create a space where everyone can feel safe and accepted.

The event attracts a large number of visitors each year and has become one of the most important festivities in the city during the month of February. You can experience the summer celebration if you visit Copenhagen in August.

If you want to experience one of the city's most traditional events, you can attend the Winter Beer Festival, which is an event in Copenhagen's annual calendar organised by the popular craft brewery Mikkeller Baghaven. During the festival, you can sample different winter craft beers from around the world, including some of the brewery's own exclusive creations.

In addition to beer tasting, the festival also features a variety of beer-related activities, such as talks and brewing workshops, live music and delicious food to accompany every glass. The festival's street stalls are usually included in food tours of Copenhagen.

The festival is held at the Mikkeller Baghaven venue, located in a picturesque building in Refshaleøen harbour. It is a popular event among beer lovers, as well as tourists and locals looking for a unique Copenhagen experience.

If you're visiting the city in February, don't miss the opportunity to attend this exciting festival and sample some of the best winter craft beers.

The Frost Festival is an annual event that takes place in Copenhagen throughout the month of February. This multicultural winter festival, which is Denmark's largest of its kind, presents a wide range of music, theatre, art and film events and performances in different corners of the capital.

During the festival, the city becomes a space for creativity, entertainment and cultural exploration. Local and international artists perform in unique venues, from underground cellars and abandoned factories to historic churches, modern theatres and Copenhagen's palaces.

The Frost Festival is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, where you can enjoy cultural activities as well as a selection of delicious food and drink. As it is one of the busiest events of the year, it is advisable to book your place in advance.

Activities during the Frost Festival include concerts, theatre and dance performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, light installations and much more.

One of the best alternatives you can find in Copenhagen during the winter to take shelter from the cold and snowfall is to visit the winter markets, which are located in different parts of the city and which in February stand out for being fully operational and with all their activities available, as it is one of the months of the year with lower temperatures.

In these markets you can buy handicrafts, souvenirs, regional products and also typical food and drinks, as most of these places include food stalls. It is also a cheap alternative for lunch or dinner, making it one of the best things to do in Copenhagen at night and with the whole family.

Markets to visit in the Danish capital include the Tivoli Gardens Market, the Canal Market in Nyhavn, the Winter Market in Kødbyen and the Nørrebro Market, which is one of the city's most picturesque neighbourhoods.

The Copenhagen Fair is an annual celebration held at the Bella Center Exhibition Centre during the month of February. The fair is the largest in Denmark and attracts visitors from all over the country and abroad.

The fair offers a wide range of products and services related to travel, leisure, culture and gastronomy. You can browse and obtain information on national and international travel destinations, as well as book package tours at special prices. There is also a section dedicated to gastronomy, where you can taste and buy local products and Danish culinary specialities.

In addition to the travel and gastronomy section, the fair also has other themed areas, such as the wellness section, where spa treatments are offered and personal care products are sold.

There is also an outdoor activities section, where equipment and services are presented for activities such as hiking, skiing and cycling, all typical activities in Copenhagen and the rest of Denmark.

Celebrating Valentine's Day in Copenhagen can be a romantic and unforgettable experience. The city offers a wide variety of activities and places to enjoy as a couple, as well as some of the best canals in the Scandinavian region, giving the Danish capital a fairytale-like scenery.

A popular option is a stroll along the harbour of Nyhavn, which is located on the banks of the canal and has picturesque colourful houses and numerous restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a romantic dinner.

Another place I recommend is the Tivoli Amusement Park, a playground located among the gardens in the centre of the city. During the month of February, Tivoli dresses up in red and pink to celebrate Valentine's Day and offers themed attractions, shows and special dinners for couples.

In addition, there are several restaurants in Copenhagen offering special Valentine's Day menus with gourmet dishes and selected wines. It is also possible to enjoy a romantic dinner cruise along the city's canals.

February is the coldest month of the winter in Copenhagen, with average daily temperatures ranging from -2 to 2 °C (-2 to 2 °C). Minimum temperatures can drop to -5 °C or even lower, while daytime highs can rise to around 5 °C. The weather in February is quite unpredictable, with sunny days and blue skies interspersed with cloudy, rainy or snowy days.

Note that snow is quite common in the capital in February, which makes the city even more beautiful and picturesque, although you'll need the right equipment and clothing to enjoy it. Temperatures rise substantially in Copenhagen in March.

February is one of the low season months for tourism in Copenhagen, which means that the city is less crowded and there are fewer queues at tourist attractions. However, there are a lot of events and festivals, which can temporarily increase the influx of visitors.

Therefore, although the city tends to be less crowded than during the summer, I advise you to book your accommodation and tours in advance to secure your place and make the most of your experience at one of the best times of the year to visit Copenhagen.

While Copenhagen is not usually a budget city, in February the cost of accommodation and meals can be lower than during the summer, although you should be aware that prices may increase during events and festivals.

In general, you'll find a variety of accommodation and food options to suit different budgets. Prices can vary depending on location, quality and amenities, so do your research and compare different alternatives before booking to secure your place.

February brings some of the coldest days of the year to Copenhagen, so to make the most of your visit I recommend packing the following:

• Woollen jumper
• Warm socks
• Waterproof footwear
• Waterproof coat
• Woollen scarf
• Woollen hat
• Mackintosh
• Thermal T-shirt
• Umbrella
• Tactile gloves
• Warm trousers