Tickets & Booking ↓ Schedule & Viewpoints ↓

→ Click here for schedule, times, and route map Stay updated on the Facebook event here!

All kayakers with the necessary technical and safety skills (minimum EPP 2 / IPP 2 skill level or equivalent) are warmly welcome on the water. If you bring your own kayak, participation is free; however, if you launch from Kajakhotellet at Kalvebod Bølge, we need you to register in advance for logistical reasons. Sign up with your own kayak via this link! Even with an IPP 2 certification, we strongly recommend practicing self- and peer-rescue drills prior to Lucia. You should know how it feels to capsize in cold water, ensure your apparel functions properly, and know how to re-enter your kayak in freezing temperatures. Due to the high number of kayaks on the water, the risk of capsizing is higher than usual.

Registration deadline for the Lucia Parade is December 10th!

We meet at Kajakhotellet at Kalvebod Bølge, Kalvebod Brygge 7, 1560 Copenhagen V from 15:00 (3:00 PM). We need to get kayaks launched and ready for departure at 16:30. Please arrive well in advance, as changing, decorating your kayak, and launching takes time! We serve hot coffee, tea, cookies, and Kajakhotellet's delicious warm mulled wine (gløgg) while we prepare. If you are picking up a rental kayak, adjusting gear, or decorating, please arrive as close to 15:00 as possible.

In addition to your good holiday spirit, be sure to wear plenty of warm winter layers. Although the tour is only approx. 6 km, there are multiple singing stops where we remain stationary. Wear an extra thermal layer and dress safely for the possibility of falling into cold water (drysuit strongly recommended). Remember plenty of lights/fairy lights for yourself and your kayak—including at minimum a white light visible 360 degrees. You can never have too many lights for that authentic Lucia sparkle!

DEPARTURE AT 16:30 (4:30 PM) FROM KALVEBOD BØLGE

Photo: Max Mestour • Detailed route timetable and practical information below.

Looking to rent a single or double sea kayak? Book your kayak here! Stay updated on our Facebook event page here!

Co-founders Since the Beginning

Kajakhotellet & KajakPiloterne: A cornerstone since 2006

Starting point at Kalvebod Bølge: Each year, Kajakhotellet launches a large fleet of kayaks from our waterfront location at Kalvebod Bølge (Kalvebod Brygge).

Warm-up & Hygge: Before departure, paddlers gather at Kalvebod Bølge for preparation, mounting string lights on the kayaks, and enjoying hot coffee, tea, and steaming mulled wine. From here, we paddle out together at approx. 16:30 to join the grand collective parade.

Join from Kalvebod Bølge

Drysuits are Mandatory

Water temperatures in December are near freezing. A fully waterproof drysuit layered with warm merino wool (such as Aclima) is an essential requirement for your safety.

Battery Lights & Pine Greenery

Use only battery-powered LED lights approved for outdoor conditions. Secure them firmly with duct tape or zip ties on your deck so they don't get in the way of your paddling.

Stay Together & Respect the Marshals

With up to 500 kayaks in tight canal spaces, it is essential to keep a calm pace, give space to fellow paddlers, and always follow directions from the lead safety boats.

Copenhagen's Most Magical Winter Event

History, Origins, and the Canal Route

1. History and Origins: Started in 2006

The tradition of a floating Saint Lucy's parade through Copenhagen's canals began in 2006. What started as a small, local initiative for a handful of dedicated paddlers who wanted to celebrate Saint Lucy's Day (December 13th) with light upon the dark waters has grown exponentially over the years.

Today, the parade gathers between 300 and 500+ kayaks from clubs, independent paddlers, and participants from all over Denmark and abroad. Thousands of spectators line the docks, bridges, and city squares to watch and sing along, made even easier by newer pedestrian and cycling bridges (such as the Circle Bridge and Inderhavn Bridge) that make it easy to follow along on foot.

2. Kajakhotellet's Role: Part of the Tradition from Day One

Kajakhotellet (and our club KajakPiloterne) has been an integral part of the event since its inception in 2006:

»Gliding past Nyhavn's festive Christmas facades with hundreds of lanterns and hearing spectators on the bridges join in singing Santa Lucia – it's an experience you'll never forget.«

– Kajakhotellet & KajakPiloterne

3. Partnership with Kayak Bar / Kayak Republic and the Route

The main procession is organized as a close collaboration between the harbour's kayak communities – primarily Kajakhotellet and Kayak Bar / Kayak Republic (at Børskanalen):

• Main Gathering: The parade convenes at Børskanalen / Kayak Bar, which serves as the central hub for the joint departure.
• Choir on the Water: A Stromma canal tour boat leads the way carrying a live choir (frequently the Tritonus choir), leading the carols along the water.

Scheduled Song Stops Along the Route:

The parade pauses to sing the Saint Lucy song and classic Christmas carols at key spots throughout the city:

• Nyhavn: The bustling Christmas market with exceptional acoustics along the colourful historic facades.
• Christianshavns Kanal: By Christianshavns Torv / the boat rental under the warm lamplight.
• BLOX / Frederiksholms Kanal: Where modern waterfront architecture meets historical canals.
• Højbro Plads / Gammel Strand: Overlooking Christiansborg Palace and vibrant Christmas lights.
• Kayak Bar: The grand festive finish with hot gløgg and celebration.

At Kajakhotellet and KiteCPH, we look forward to welcoming you onto the water. Whether you need to rent a kayak, need a drysuit, or want to paddle as a team from Kalvebod Bølge, we will make sure you have a safe, warm, and truly unforgettable Lucia night!

Address & Arrival:

Kajakhotellet – Kalvebod Bølge
Kalvebod Brygge 7, 1560 Copenhagen V

Located just a 5-minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station (Hovedbanegården) or City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen).

Parking: Paid parking options are readily available in the surrounding area.

Song Lyrics:

Don't know the lyrics by heart? Don't worry! Kajakhotellet hands out laminated waterproof lyric sheets on the day :)
Click the 4 songs below to view and print the carols. In addition to all the fairy lights you place on your kayak, we recommend wearing a small headlamp so you can read the lyrics in the dark.

Or you can simply download and print the Lucia song here ;)

Weather Conditions:

The forecast typically indicates mild winter weather for December. Winds one week prior are around 6 m/s from NW, with overcast skies and temperatures around 8°C, offering a relatively mild windchill for the season. With higher humidity, expect it to feel cool but not biting cold. No wave risk through the inner main harbour canals.

Cancellation Policy:

There is a risk of cancellation in the event of severe weather conditions that would compromise paddler safety on the water.

On-site Lead Organizer from Kajakhotellet:

On the day of the event, Peter Bondesen will manage on-site logistics and lead our group on the water from Kajakhotellet at Kalvebod Bølge. Feel free to contact him at +45 36 15 16 10 (press 4 for the course/training department).