Parade Departure (Kayak Bar / Kayak Republic)
Visitors gather at the waterfront Kayak Bar for mulled wine and æbleskiver, then watch decorated kayaks launch into the harbor.
~17:00
Santa Lucia Kayak Parade
Lucia i kajak
Copenhagen, Denmark
Dec 13, 2026Confirmed
Each December 13, the harbor of Copenhagen glows with the Santa Lucia Kayak Parade. Paddlers carry the light of St. Lucy across the water on the dark winter night, in a celebration that gives a Nordic tradition of light a graceful new form on the sea.
Key moments
Singing at Nyhavn Canal
Spectators along Nyhavn see the lit kayaks arrive and hear traditional Lucia songs being sung.
~17:15
Singing at Christianshavn and Højbro Plads
Viewers can follow the parade between the city center and Christianshavn, enjoying the festive atmosphere and live caroling at each stop.
~17:45
Where it happens
Kayak Bar (Kayak Republic)
Copenhagen, Denmark
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
Warm winter clothing
Read the local rhythm
Know some Lucia songs (optional)
Photo with care
Family-friendly secular celebration. Dress very warmly for winter and respectfully enjoy th...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL SEASONAL CALENDAR
Santa Lucia Kayak Parade
Lucia i kajak
Copenhagen, Denmark
Each December 13, the harbor of Copenhagen glows with the Santa Lucia Kayak Parade. Paddlers carry the light of St. Lucy across the water on the dark winter night, in a celebration that gives a Nordic tradition of light a graceful new form on the sea.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Dec 13, 2026Confirmed dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
Santa Lucia (St. Lucy) Day on December 13th is a Nordic Christmas tradition symbolizing light during winter. Copenhagen’s kayak parade is a creative local adaptation: rather than a church procession, participants take to the canals. As one description notes, “as the holiday season approaches, Copenhagen transforms into a magical wonderland. The Lucia kayak parade adds an extra touch of whimsy and charm to the festivities”. Th...
Key moments to know
~17:00Expected
Parade Departure (Kayak Bar / Kayak Republic)
Visitors gather at the waterfront Kayak Bar for mulled wine and æbleskiver, then watch decorated kayaks launch into the harbor.
~17:15Expected
Singing at Nyhavn Canal
Spectators along Nyhavn see the lit kayaks arrive and hear traditional Lucia songs being sung.
~17:45Expected
Singing at Christianshavn and Højbro Plads
Viewers can follow the parade between the city center and Christianshavn, enjoying the festive atmosphere and live caroling at each stop.
~18:45Expected
Parade Conclusion (Kayak Bar)
Participants and spectators return to Kayak Bar to warm up. There is mulled wine and æbleskiver served to mark the end of the parade.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Dress for the setting
Warm winter clothing
Read the local rhythm
Know some Lucia songs (optional)
Photo with care
Family-friendly secular celebration. Dress very warmly for winter and respectfully enjoy the carols and lights....
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Dec 13, 2026
Confirmed
City / Area
Copenhagen
Nordic
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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