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NEW YEAR'S EVE

What’s open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Denmark?

While some businesses and services in the country have altered hours and restrictions in place, there are still plenty of places open over the holiday season – especially if you're planning ahead.

Published: 29 December 2023 13:56 CET
New Years Eve 1
Some businesses and services in Denmark have altered hours and restrictions in place on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Photo by: Tim Kildeborg Jensen / Ritzau Scanpix

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Denmark are – as is the case elsewhere – usually days of celebration and gathering of loved ones. Still, staying informed about what’s open will help you avoid surprises if you need to do any last-minute shopping.

Remember that legal regulations dictate which businesses must shut down and which are permitted to remain open over the holidays.

In Denmark, stores’ annual revenue determines their operating hours. Generally, all stores in Denmark must close on the big Christmas and New Year’s holidays, although supermarkets with an annual turnover below 41.4 million kroner are granted permission to keep their doors open.

Consequently, many (though not all) of the smaller and mid-sized grocery stores allow for holiday shopping on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

New Year’s Eve (Nytårsaften)

Restaurants and bars

Many restaurants and bars in Denmark remain open on New Year’s Eve. However, to secure your spot – especially for evening programs – it’s a good idea to make reservations well in advance, as most popular spots will likely fill up pretty early on. Check with your chosen venue for their specific opening hours, as a number of restaurants and bars will adjust their hours on December 31st.

Fireworks shops

Fireworks are an integral part of Danish New Year’s Eve celebrations, and you’ll find various fireworks shops open in the days leading up to the holiday.

However, note that the use of fireworks is restricted to specific hours on New Year’s Eve, and safety regulations must be followed.

The Local has a detailed guide on the fireworks-related safety rules in Denmark that you can check out in case of any doubts.

Public transport

Public transportation services in Denmark usually operate on a reduced schedule on New Year’s Eve, so make sure to check out the specific schedules in your area and plan your travel accordingly.

In some cities, free transportation is provided to ensure everyone can safely return home.

If you plan to use the S-Tog (S-Train) for your New Year’s Eve transportation in Copenhagen, note the changes to their usual timetables.

On December 31st, special timetables are in place to accommodate both afternoon and nighttime travel plans. Lines A, B, and C run every 20 minutes, while line F operates every 10 minutes.

Between 12.30pm and 6pm, all lines run more frequently. During the night of New Year’s Eve, you’ll be able to catch the S-Train every 20 minutes. However, line F runs every half hour throughout the night.

Several large Danish cities also offer night buses to ensure people get home safely after the New Year’s festivities.

In Aarhus, night buses run year-round, and in Randers, Christmas night buses begin running from November 17th. You can access all the timetables for night bus services or plan your journey using Rejseplanen.

Supermarkets and stores

Most supermarkets and convenience stores in Denmark will be open on New Year’s Eve, albeit with reduced hours.

Dagli’Brugsen: 7am-9pm or 8am-10pm

SuperBrugsen: 7am-9pm or 8am-10pm

Irma: 8am-3pm

Netto: 8am-3/5pm

Føtex: 8am-3pm

Bilka: 8am-3pm

To ensure a hassle-free experience, it’s a good idea to proactively stock up on supplies and party essentials.

Additionally, if you are curious about specific store hours, you can typically find them on the store websites through their store locators (we’ve included the links in the names of the stores). That’s usually a smart move, as many stores have different opening hours.

New Year’s Day (Nytårsdag)

Restaurants and bars

Many restaurants in Denmark will remain closed on New Year’s Day, especially during the daytime. Some may open for special brunch or lunch services, but they will be the exception to the rule.

Public transport

Public transportation services may operate on a Sunday or holiday schedule on New Year’s Day. To avoid any delays or inconveniences, make sure to check the schedule and plan your travel accordingly.

In Copenhagen, the S-Train schedule returns to normal daytime operations on New Year’s Day.

Lines A, B, and C run every 20 minutes, and Line F maintains a 10-minute frequency. However, it’s important to remember that the S-Trains do not operate at night on New Year’s Day.

Supermarkets and stores

Supermarkets and convenience stores typically have limited hours or may be closed on New Year’s Day.

To ensure you have essential items on hand, consider stocking up before the holiday or verifying the opening times of local stores.

Dagli’Brugsen: 7am-9pm or 8am-10pm

SuperBrugsen: 7am-9pm or 8am-10pm

Irma: 10am-10pm

Netto: 10am-10pm

Føtex: Closed

Bilka: Closed

As is the case on New Year’s Eve, make sure to use store locators (found on the store websites) to check the opening hours of the individual store you want to visit before making the trip, as many stores have different opening hours.

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For members

NEW YEAR'S EVE

The fascinating history of New Year’s fireworks in Denmark

For almost 500 years, Denmark has celebrated the arrival of the New Year with a bang - literally. From royal extravaganzas to neighbourhood celebrations, here's how the tradition evolved over the centuries.

Published: 21 December 2023 10:51 CET
Updated: 31 December 2023 09:45 CET
The fascinating history of New Year's fireworks in Denmark

In Denmark, a cherished tradition holds a special place in the hearts of many – the New Year’s celebration with a fireworks display.

This time-honoured custom feels like an integral part of Danish culture, stretching back through the ages, and despite the safety concerns that accompany it, it still manages to captivate both residents and tourists.

READ ALSO: What are the rules for purchasing and setting off fireworks in Denmark?

Denmark’s deep affection for fireworks is a story that spans centuries, full of fascinating developments, and today, with the New Year drawing closer, we’re shining a spotlight on ten of the lesser known aspects of this enduring tradition.

A royal start to the fireworks celebrations

The first significant fireworks display in Denmark was recorded in 1559 during the coronation of King Frederik II.

His successor, King Christian IV, shared a love for fireworks, which helped turned Denmark into one of Europe’s leading fireworks nations.

Getting rid of evil spirits and ringing in the New Year with a bang

Back in the medieval days of Denmark, people believed that evil spirits were at their mischievous best during the shift from the old year to the new.

To fend off these troublesome spirits, people embraced a variety of customs. One of the most peculiar involved tossing pottery at each other’s doorsteps. This was a way of shooing away any lingering negativity and starting the New Year with a clean slate.

READ MORE: Why does Denmark go so crazy for New Year’s Eve fireworks?

As the 17th century rolled around, the Danes decided to take things up a notch. In addition to the pottery-throwing tradition, they introduced a bit more oomph by firing the cannons along Copenhagen’s fortifications.

The thunderous boom of those cannons added a thrilling touch to the transition, symbolising a farewell to the old year and an embrace of the new one.

The people join in

Ordinary Danes wanted to participate in this tradition as well.

In 1667, Christen Simmensen became the first known Dane outside of the royal court to shoot a gun into the air on New Year’s Eve.

His enthusiasm landed him in trouble, and he faced a painful punishment involving the “wooden horse” torture device.

Tivoli’s role in popularising fireworks, and the start of firework sales

Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park in Copenhagen, played a crucial role in popularising fireworks in Denmark.

Since its opening in 1843, Tivoli has featured fireworks displays as a significant part of its identity.

Then, around 1900, tobacconists began selling fireworks to ordinary citizens (even though this was technically illegal for many year). 

The popularity of fireworks surged after World War II.

Spike in fireworks-related accidents and the first safety campaigns

As fireworks gained popularity, so did accidents involving fingers and eyes. Awareness campaigns, led by media such as DR, were initiated to promote safety.

In 2004, Denmark witnessed its most significant fireworks disaster when a fireworks factory near Kolding exploded.

A lost box of fireworks triggered an uncontrollable chain reaction, resulting in a massive explosion. At the time of the disaster, the company was storing 284 tons of fireworks in its warehouse. This tragedy claimed one life and caused significant damage to nearby properties.

Illegal fireworks and tightened regulations

Illegal fireworks have been a persistent issue in Denmark. In 2015, the police discovered what was then the largest illegal fireworks warehouse in Danish history in Jels, Sønderjylland.

In response to accidents and safety concerns, Denmark has implemented numerous laws and regulations over the years.

Starting in 2024, new rules will further restrict the days when fireworks can be set off, allowing for a more controlled and safe celebration.

If you want to know more about the Danish tradition of playing jokes on each other on New Year’s Eve, you can also check out our article on nytårsløjer.

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