When will the Christmas parade in Aarhus take place in 2025?

The Christmas parade in Aarhus will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

Where does the Christmas parade start in Aarhus?

The parade starts at Dokk1, where Santa Claus arrives with the tugboat Jakob directly from Greenland.

When does Santa Claus light up the Starry Sky on Strøget?

The lighting of the Starry Sky will take place around 6:30 p.m., when the parade arrives at Ryesgade and Strøget.

Does it cost anything to participate in the Christmas parade?

No, the Christmas parade in Aarhus is free and open to everyone.

What can you experience during the Christmas parade?

You can experience Santa Claus' arrival by boat, a festive procession with orchestras and elves, and the lighting of Strøget's magical Starry Sky.

Where does the Christmas parade route go?

The route goes from Dokk1 over Dynkarken – Sønder Allé – Fredensgade – Ny Banegårdsgade – Banegårdspladsen – Ryesgade/Strøget – Skt. Clemens Torv – Store Torv – Lille Torv – Immervad – Åboulevarden – Frederiksgade – Rådhuspladsen – Sønder Allé – Toldbodgade – and ends at Dokk1.

Who is behind the Christmas parade?

The Christmas parade is organized by Aarhus City Association in collaboration with the city's business community and volunteers.

Christmas Parade in Aarhus 2025 - Santa Claus turns on the Christmas lights

Christmas parade and lighting of the starry sky

The Christmas spirit in Aarhus really gets going on Friday, November 14, when the big traditional Christmas parade transforms the city center into a sparkling Christmas fairy tale. Together with Santa Claus' arrival at Dokk1 and the lighting of Strøget's iconic starry sky, the parade marks the official start of Christmas in the City of Smiles.

From 4:00 PM onwards, the smell of warm apple slices and the sound of Christmas music spreads around Dokk1.
Senex Brass Band plays classic Christmas songs, and entertainer Jens Østergaard provides a real Christmas atmosphere and singing.

The highlight is Santa Claus' arrival at 6:00 p.m. As always, he is sailed to Aarhus by the tugboat Jakob, directly from Greenland, where both children and adults are waiting anxiously. Shortly afterwards, the Christmas parade starts and moves through the city streets with lights, music and Christmas cheer in the air.

When Santa Claus reaches Strøget around 6:30 p.m., he lifts his big spoon and lights up the famous starry sky – a Christmas decoration without equal in Denmark. At that moment, it feels as if Christmas has truly begun.

Program

4:00 PM: Christmas music with Senex Brass Band at Dokk1
5:00 PM: Christmas music and singing with Jens Østergaard at Dokk1
6:00 PM: Santa Claus arrives with the tugboat Jakob
6:05 p.m.: The Christmas parade starts
6:30 p.m.: Lighting of the Strøgets starry sky in Ryesgade

It is possible to buy hot drinks, apple slices and sweets in the area around Dokk1.

Santa's route

Dokk1 (Hack Kampmanns Plads) → Europa Plads → Dynkarken → Sønder Allé → Fredensgade → Ny Banegårdsgade → Banegårdspladsen → Ryesgade (Strøget) → Rosenkrantzgade → Fredensgade → Sønder Allé → Søndergade (Strøget) → Skt. Clemens Torv → Store Torv → Lille Torv → Immervad → Åboulevarden → Frederiksgade → Østergade → Frederiksgade → Sønder Allé → Toldbodgade → Dokk1.

The biggest Christmas parade gathers thousands of visitors every year, so come early and feel the magic unfold in the heart of Aarhus.