Very aptly known by the Danes as 'The Festival of Hearts', the Christmas period makes for a wonderfully heart-warming time to visit Denmark as the streets come alive with colourful festivities and market stalls from the end of November through to Christmas Eve.

For a festive pre-Christmas break, easily accessible from the UK, escape to one of the regional cities and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Aarhus, East Jutland

Step back in time in Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city and discover how the Danes have celebrated Christmas over the centuries at the magical award-winning open-air museum Den Gamle By – The Old Town.

Comprising more than 75 exquisitely restored vintage Danish buildings, the museum cleverly brings to life different periods with costumed staff re-enacting bygone days. At Christmas, with the streets and houses lavishly adorned in decorations, 30 special festive exhibitions showcase everything from the renaissance parlour of a wealthy merchant grocer in 1625 and living room of a 1929 family with an Advent wreath and the first electric fairy lights, through to a town district in the 70's bedecked with plastic decorations. Wandering around the Christmas market and shops packed with period toys and gifts, no trip is complete without a visit to the local bakery for some freshly baked ginger cake or a Christmas cookie washed down with a traditional Gloegg (mulled wine).

Christmas in Aarhus isn't however confined to Den Gamle By.

Kicking off with the Christmas Parade, lighting of the Christmas tree and shopping until near midnight on 28 November, the city literally shines under a sparkling sky of over half a million pinpoint lights for the festive season.

Complementing superb boutique and hand-made designer shopping in the 'Latin Quarter' or along the Vestergade, atmospheric Christmas markets are dotted throughout the city. Getting into the Christmas spirit, pick up handmade wares by the Cathedral to a background of joyous song; drop into the old 'Ridehuset' equestrian hall with its plethora of colourful stands; munch on burnt sugar almonds on 'Stoget' with more foodie treats on Ingerslev Boulevard; or head to the School of Architecture for live bands, warming Grog and unique gifts.

With Yuletide concerts ringing out through the cathedrals and the aromas of mouth-watering Christmas fayre emanating from the markets, cafes and restaurants, Aarhus touches the senses with the spirit of Christmas in every way.

In addition to all the Christmas festivities, Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city and soon to be European city of Culture in 2017, offers numerous attractions including ARoS Aarhus Art Museum with its iconic eye-catching 'Your rainbow panorama' rooftop walkway, the Aarhus Concert Hall,Occupation Museum, Woman's Museum and new state of the art Moesgaard Museum.

Ryanair offers direct daily flights to Aarhus from 19GBP/one way with accommodation starting at 160 GBP per room per night including breakfast at the new Comwell Hotel Aarhus.

For more information go to: www.visitaarhus.com, www.visitdenmark.co.uk

Aalborg, North Jutland

Well-known for its design, gourmet restaurants, specialty shops and small boutiques, Denmark's regional city of Aalborg makes an easy short break to pre-Christmas celebrations when Santa Claus sails in from Greenland on 30 November and the streets are aglow with 'The Festival of Hearts'.

Head down to the cool Limfjord waterfront area to welcome St Nicholas ashore for the lighting of the Christmas tree before wandering through the traditional Christmas market in the Old Square. Serenaded by the lively 'Elf Orchestra', try out tasty local specialties, such as æbleskiver, pepper cookies and locally produced Denmark's drink with a kick 'Aquavit' whilst picking up some wonderful presents including exquisitely handcrafted ceramics, glassware and jewellery.

Finish off the afternoon with a spot of ice-skating on C.W. Obels Plads washed down with a Christmas ale at Søgaards Bryghus, Aalborg's most well-known microbrewery where you can join the Christmas Beer Walk.

With celebrations going into the night, mix a bit of late night shopping on the colourful cobbled lanes with one of the many Christmas concerts and a spot of gourmet dining. With special Christmas menus at the award-winning Mortens Kro, modern Restaurant Fusion and atmospheric Rold Storkro with its candlelit tables in the depths of the Rold forest to name but a few, there is plenty to satisfy the taste-buds and warm the heart.

As Denmark's 4th largest city, Aalborg also offers numerous attractions, including a glistening redeveloped waterfront sporting a shimmering new House of Music, the architecturally famous Utzon Center and renovated power station and cultural centre Nordkraft and one of the oldest Viking burial grounds in Scandinavia at Lindholm Høje.

Norwegian offers direct flights to Aalborg from 56 GBP/one way with accommodation starting from 53 GBP per night at CABINN Aalborg. Other options include Villa Rosa, Casa Corner, Hotel Krogen in Hasseris, Hotel Hvide Hus which has just re-opened after refurbishment.

For more information go to: www.visitaalborg.com, www.visitdenmark.co.uk

Elsinore, North Zealand

Less than an hour's drive or train ride from Copenhagen on the North Zealand coast and renowned as the dramatic setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet,Elsinore offers a suitably theatrical start to the festive season with Santa Claus arriving on 28 November by ship. Taking a horse-drawn carriage to the town square 'Axeltorv', the drama continues when he bravely scales the city's gigantic Christmas tree to turn on the light. Offering a lively atmosphere with colourful Christmas stalls laden in decorations, delicious culinary delights and a wide variety of gifts, more celebrations can also be enjoyed in other parts of the city.

On the outskirts of Elsinore at Ålsgårde and accessible on a wonderfully wintry vintage train ride from Hellerup, Rosendal Farm has been the perfect setting for a traditional countryside Christmas market since 1826. With a charming farmyard backdrop, complete with animals, it has an authentic feel with beautiful fir Christmas trees, nostalgic decorations and locally produced foods such as smoked venison and lamb sausages.

For more tasty tidbits, Camills Plums Organic Christmas market specialises in local and organic festive fare including home-grown meats, herbs and spices from the hothouse and freshly baked goods.

And if its princely festive pursuits you are after, take a romantic horse and carriage ride to Hamlet's spectacular Kronborg Castle. Decked out in all its finery, the castle comes alive with carol singing in the Castle chapel, Christmas decoration workshops and the opening of artists' workshops and impressive fortification galleries to the public. With numerous activities and events throughout the month, it offers a truly magical experience for all the family.

One of Europe's most well preserved historical towns, Elsinore also has numerous attractions ranging from the impressive state of the art M/S Maritime Museum to the ancient medieval Carmelite monastery and Sanct Mary's Church.

Easyjet offers direct flights to Copenhagen starting from 41 GBP/one way. Train transfer is free with a Copenhagen Card (starting price 38GBP), which also gives free admission to Kronborg Castle. Accommodation at Elsinore starts from 134 GBP per room per night including breakfast at Hotel Marienlyst.

For more information visit: www.visitnorthsealand.com,www.visitdenmark.co.uk

--- ENDS ---- 

For more Christmas images from Aarhus, Aalborg and Elsinore see https://www.dropbox.com/l/jpzdRhqAyXcQEoKNso4qvr 

or visit http://images.visitdenmark.com for high resolution images of Denmark, ready to download, free of charge