Sankthans is one of the most enjoyable events in the Danish calendar, with happy crowds welcoming in the summer next to roaring bonfires. Here’s our list of the best places to take part in the traditional midsummer celebration.
A popular national tradition which can be traced back to paganism and has a bloodier history than many realize, today’s Sankthans Aften (St. John’s Eve) takes its name from John the Baptist, who according to Christian tradition was born six months before Jesus.
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In Denmark, the celebration usually includes a speech by a prominent local figure, the lighting of the bonfire and an atmospheric rendition in chorus of the song The midsummer song.
Saint Hans bonfires are usually quite easy to find on June 23rdregardless of whether you may find yourself in a small town or a city.
Here is a – by no means exhaustive – list of Sankt Hans events in Denmark’s two largest cities.
Copenhagen
Tivoli – The capital’s amusement park and gardens always has a bonfire by the lake, which is popular with people in Copenhagen and will also be held this year a series of Sankthan’s concerts on the main lawn.
Frederiksberg Gardens – Take in the Sankthan bonfire on the lawns of the palace. There is a Sankthan event for children at the playground between 4pm and 6pm and entertainment on the lawn in front of the castle between 6pm and 11pm. The fire is lit at 9.30pm.
Iceland Brygge – This is a somewhat hipper Sankthans next to Copenhagen Harbour. This year’s celebrations feature concerts from Downtown July and Sonic Saliva, modern circus performances, a sing-a-long with drag queen Adriana LaCreme, and speeches by Copenhagen’s mayor in charge of culture, Christopher Røhl, and a fire lit off the shore.
The reef – The Sankthans celebrations at the Copenhagen street food market on the Refshaleøen peninsular are perhaps the trendiest option of all, with participants entertained by music from DJ Hej Leif from 2pm to 11pm, and a concert by the UngKlang choir from 8.45pm to 9.45pm. The bonfire is lit at 9.45pm.
The hill – The fairground north of Copenhagen kicks things off with a kids’ event at 4.30pm which features a performance by TEMPO, which won Denmark’s Melodi Grand Prix singing contest in 2025 at 6pm, and the child’s bonfire lit by Pierrot the clown at 7pm.-
The adults event starts at 9.15pm with a parade of the Zirkus Orchestra through the resort. After a series of speeches, Pierrot lights the adults bonfire at 10.35pm, with a laser show rounding off the evening from 11pm.
Køge – The Sankthan’s bonfire at Køge Marina is popular with its views across the Køge bay towards Copenhagen.
Aarhus
Tivoli Freedom – Aarhus’ fairground near the Marselis forest is one of the most popular places to celebrate with a speech by the city’s mayor Anders Winnerskjold and live music from Aarhus’ funkiest and funnest big band, Luftens Helte.
University Park – The rolling slopes and serene lakes of the Aarhus University campus make a great backdrop for the bonfire and chorus.
Valhalla Scouts in Brabrand — The Valhalla Scouts in Brabrand hold a great Sankthan event for children, where you can bake stick bread on the fire, or try to win prizes in a fairground games like a ‘fishing pond’ or tombola. Read more here.
Langenæs Church – A longstanding and family-friendly event at the Langenæs church south of the city centre.
