Illustration of a house and yard glowing with string lights beside a snowman at dusk (Switching on the City Christmas Tree)

Switching on the City Christmas Tree

Odense kicks off the holiday season with music, entertainment, and a visit from Santa Claus on Flakhaven. The city's mayor is hoisted up in a crane to light thousands of Christmas tree lights, triggering the illumination of decorations across the city centre. Children can also collect complimentary goodie bags during the gathering.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Free.

Hours

Event time shown: 04:00 PM. Goodie bags are handed out 16:00-16:50; the tree is lit at 17:00.

Going?

Location

Flakhaven · Flakhaven 2, 5000 Odense C, Odense Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and cosy

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive between 16:00 and 16:50 if children want a goodie bag; supplies are limited and distribution is while stocks last.
  • Be at Flakhaven for 17:00 to watch the mayor light the tree and the city-centre decorations switch on together.
  • Wrap up warmly for the outdoor gathering, especially if you plan to wait through the lighting and entertainment.
  • Consider returning to see the illuminated city centre later in the season; the Christmas lights stay on until the end of week 7.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free event.
  • Santa Claus visits on the day.
  • All children can collect a complimentary goodie bag, while stocks last.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at the tree-lighting gathering?

The mayor is raised in a crane to light the tree, with music, entertainment and Santa Claus visiting.

Can children take part or receive anything?

Children can collect complimentary goodie bags while stocks last.

Do you need to book or buy a ticket to attend?

The event is free, and no ticket or admission requirement is given.

How long do the city-centre Christmas lights stay on?

The lights remain on until the end of week 7.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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