Christmas in July! Well, not really. I went in November, merely posting about it in July, so it feels like Christmas came early… or rather late? Either way, Tivoli Gardens– located in the heart of Copenhagen– is fun no matter what season you visit! I am not one for adrenaline-filled rides that put your heart in throat (which it does have!) but I could not pass up the opportunity to visit the 2nd oldest amusement park in the world– which also happens to be the inspiration for Disneyland!

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After exploring most of the day, I headed to Tivoli with the intention of wandering around, checking out a few rides and grabbing some dinner. I did not expect to stay as long as I did but there was just so much to see! The gardens were all decked out in lights and Christmas decorations and was such a festive way to kick off the Holiday Season. There were lots of little shops to wander through, not to mention all the kiosks selling Glogg/Gluhwein— a mulled wine, with spices and almond slices (? surprisingly good) with the option of a splash of aquavit or rum to warm you up– so yummy! I was traveling solo and really appreciated all the cozy seating options– both out in the open and off to the side & secluded– so many spots were nestled around fire pits. Great way to warm up with gluhwein and admire the lights!

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Now the admission to the park merely gets you in, so you will need to either purchase the unlimited rides pass at an extra cost or purchase separate tickets for each ride. If you are not into rides, that is OK! There is soooo much to see and do besides the rides. Trust me it is worth the cost of admission. If you are interested, rides vary in cost so it is up to you which would serve you best. Myself, I needed to ride the Den Flyvende Kuffert (The Flying Suitcase based on a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale and is said to be the inspiration for Disney’s It’s a Small World Ride, about $5 USD), Ballongyngen (Balloon Swing Ferris Wheel with great views of the park, also about $5 USD) and the Rutschebanen (Wooden Roller Coaster. also about $5 USD)– total was about $15 for me, and I was happy! If you love rides, definitely go for the unlimited ride package. Make sure to check out the fun park carnival style games as well– Galloppen was fun to play! Reminds me of the fair from when I was a kid. There is also an added bonus of fireworks if you go on a Saturday night!

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In between rides and gluhwein, not to mention exploring all day, make sure you grab something to eat. Tivoli has plenty of options–You can opt for a casual meal or something a bit on the higher end, I opted for the latter at Fru Nimb. I had a late lunch, so I went with the traditional Danish open face sandwich on rye bread, however I skipped the herring and went for the butter-fried plaice with lemon mayonnaise and shrimp. Yum! After cleaning my plate, I wandered the shops some more, grabbed another mulled wine (or two), watched the nightly light show by the pagodas, and ended the night with a bubble waffle cone of ice cream with all the toppings– a park recommendation! Eventually, I wandered back to my room with a full stomach and a few souvenirs to bring home in my suitcase. A little time travel (2nd oldest amusement park in the world) and some spirits (Mmm glogg/gluhwein). It was the perfect night!

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Have you been Tivoil? What was your favorite ride? And your favorite place to eat/drink? What season did you go? Tell me about it in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!

Time Travel & Spirits: Travel Advice from a History Buff who likes to Imbibe while Discovering the Past…