In the heart of Copenhagen, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks is preparing for a milestone celebration. Founded in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is more than just a place for rides — it’s a cultural landmark that has captivated both locals and visitors for generations.
This year, from October 3 to November 2, Tivoli marks 20 years of Halloween festivities with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, haunted houses, and lively market stalls. The 182-year-old park blends spooky thrills with cosy autumn charm, creating an experience that appeals to all ages.
While Halloween is often considered an American import, the celebration at Tivoli draws on older European traditions too, including Nordic harvest festivals and Celtic Samhain roots.
Straw bales, seasonal flowers, and handcrafted decorations pay homage to Danish customs, offering a local spin on the spooky season. What began in 2006 as a 10-day trial run has now blossomed into a major seasonal event attracting nearly half a million guests annually.
Giant Pumpkins, Glowing Displays, and Michelin-Starred Meals
One of the main attractions is the Danish Giant Pumpkin Championship, now in its 18th year. Last year’s winner, Peter Holst Olsen, broke the Nordic record with a pumpkin weighing an astounding 1,115.8 kg.
The competition adds a fun agricultural twist to the festivities, which also include displays of thousands of smaller pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns throughout the park. These lanterns harken back to older European traditions of carving turnips to ward off spirits — a practice that evolved into today’s pumpkin displays.
Tivoli also embraces the international spirit of Halloween through its culinary offerings. From October 10 to November 2, culinary adventurers can experience Día de los Muertos in the Japanese Pagoda.
During this period, COME by Paco Méndez, a Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant from Barcelona, takes over, bringing a menu that reinvents Mexican heritage with Mediterranean flair. Expect tacos al pastor and pipián with a gourmet twist, complemented by tequila, mezcal, signature cocktails, and carefully selected Spanish wines.
Celebrating the Arts and Family Fun with Performances and More
Art lovers have a new reason to visit this year as well. From October 31 to November 2, award-winning dancer and choreographer Selene Muñoz debuts “PULS” in the Glass Hall Theatre.
Featuring Royal Danish Ballet’s MacLean Hopper among other artists, the production explores the universal language of rhythm and movement. Non-verbal and accessible to all, “PULS” invites audiences to connect through music and dance, regardless of language.
Tivoli’s Halloween celebration also coincides with autumn school holidays in both Denmark and Sweden, making it a popular draw for families from across the region.
Nearly 40 themed market stalls will offer everything from handmade crafts to gory sweets and spooky costume inspiration. Witches on stilts and other street performers add to the immersive experience, delighting children and adults alike.
A Year-Round Wonderland in the Heart of the City
Located in central Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens remains Denmark’s most visited tourist attraction. The park blends timeless Danish values — hygge, design, fairytales, and New Nordic cuisine — with international flair, making it a cultural microcosm of the capital.
Reports say Hans Christian Andersen once wandered its grounds, and Walt Disney famously drew inspiration here before creating Disneyland.
Today, Tivoli is home to over 30 rides, including one of the world’s oldest wooden rollercoasters, more than 30 restaurants, and a packed calendar of seasonal events. Whether it’s summer fireworks, Halloween pumpkins, or festive Christmas lights, there’s always something worth checking out.
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