christmas
shopping 3 - 9 December 2010
Markets for everyone!
Something for the girls
Cuddly toys!
www.cphpost.dk
Christmas Shopping - 3 - 9 December 2010
TIS THE SEASON TO GO SHOPPING By Dann Vinther
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here are barely three weeks left to do your Christmas shopping. But don’t panic – help is at hand. Our shopping supplement is full of splendid ideas: from our guide to the multitude of Christmas markets (see page 5) to great tips for toy shopping (see page 14), from quirky presents for the frugal (see page 6 - brilliant for a troublesome niece or nephew who’s never heard of Søstrene Grene) to special gifts for your lover (page 6 as well), the options are limitless. But it’s not all about hard work. Once you’ve finished – and we’re confident you will in record time – you’ll have the chance to take in a show, be it the Christmas ballet (see this week’s In & Out Guide – this year it’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ instead of the traditional offering, ‘The Nutcracker’), the Crazy Christmas Cabaret at Tivoli, which has a gothic theme this year (see page 12), or the special performances of ‘A Christmas Carol’ (see page 10) by the Copenhagen Theatre Circle. The important thing is that you go out. Shopping online is so last year, and sending presents with the same automated message lacks that personal touch. And watching a rerun of that dreadful ‘Scrooge’ with Albert Finney is no contest for enjoying it on stage, this time with better songs! And while the snowy weather is admittedly against us, wouldn’t it be nice to prove the doomsayer analysts wrong as they predict another rotten Christmas on the high street? Anyhow, isn’t it foolhardy to make predictions about the future – a line attributed to Danish cartoonist Robert Storm Petersen. Predictions for this year’s Christmas sales are a case in point. Several forecasts have been made, some gloomy, others more positive, some saying women will spend more than men, others saying we’ll spend more on food and less on presents. The only clear conclusion is that it will be cold. The Copenhagen Post has spoken to three retailers about their hopes and fears for this year’s Christmas sales and their expectations are just as varied. Lotte Eiskjær Andersen, MD at Field’s in Ørestad, the largest shopping centre in Scandinavia, is optimistic. She is confident that the new Christmas features this year will attract customers. One of them is the new High Street: “a ground-level meeting place which inspires shopping,” as Andersen described it. “And we also have several new stores, so we’re excited to see people’s reactions,” she said. She has another reason to believe this year’s sales will be better than last year’s. “Last year, COP 15 was held practically next door, so many of the roads closed down for two weeks up to Christmas,” she said. “So based on that alone, we will definitely see great improvements on last year.” Henrik Ritlov, who owns 18 Vero Moda and Vila stores in the Copenhagen area, is less optimistic. “These are new times. People are more prudent now, and us retailers need to get used to that,” he said. His shops didn’t suffer much when the crisis kicked in, but now that people’s financial worries are becoming more stable, it’s as if they have had time to think properly about their spending habits, according to Ritlov. But he believes that women’s clothing stores have an advantage, since women are the big impulse buyers. “It’s as if women have a special shopping instinct, and often it is the women who make the shopping decisions for their men. Women’s shopping behaviour usually has a great influence on the whole retail market.” Henrik’s wife, Marianne, owns three Madam My ladies’ fashion stores. She was more optimistic about her sales than her husband. “Our sales have improved a lot over the past few months,” she said. “I think that with this kind of specialised women’s clothing store, personal service and a good customer experience means everything. And that’s what I’ve put most of my focus on.” John Hansen, COO of Illums Bolighus, a high-end department store on Strøget, expects Christmas sales to go up this year. “Based on the way business is going, I’d expect a 10 percent increase on last year,” he said. He is not worried that the financial crisis will scare customers away from buying high-end products. “People are willing to spend money again. They may think twice before buying the absolute top luxury products, but our customers are just as quality conscious as they’ve always been,” he said.
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“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” Burton Hillis
POST BOX President and Publisher - Ejvind Sandal Chief Executive - Jesper Nymark Editor - Ben Hamilton Layout & Design - Lyndsay Jensen Sales and Marketing Director - Hans Hermansen Sales and Advertising - Mark Millen, Amanda Knoll If you would like to contact us or leave a comment: info@ cphpost.dk This supplement is published by The Copenhagen Post, please refer to our disclaimer on page 2 of the newspaper.
Christmas Shopping - 3 - 9 December 2010
‘Yule do as the Danes do’ The Danish Christmas is still fiercely traditional and we wouldn’t have it any other way By Ben Hamilton
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ike most countries, Christmas starts early in this country - in July to be exact. And while this is the annual Santa Claus conference at Bakken, it is kind of apt as the Danish name for July, juli is only one letter short of spelling its name for Christmas, jul. (Ditto for Satan and Santa.) That’s right, Jul as in Yule, as in wheel a Pagan celebration marking the changing of the seasons pre-dating Jesus. So quite fittingly, there’s no room for the son of God in the name of this celebration, as while some Danes still dabble in religion - they’re mostly Lutherans - it’s a small minority. They tend to go to church during the afternoon of December 24 (not December 25, as is traditional in many other countries), and it is on the evening of this day when all the festivities take place: the meal, the presents, the dancing around the tree and Disney Show. So while in Denmark Christmas is anticipated for six months, it’s over in six hours. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to.
Across the country Like in most European countries, Christmas in Denmark mainly takes place in the home, with festivities climaxing on the evening of December 24, during which most Danes will sit down to an enormous meal and afterwards exchange presents with one another. Go to the country’s city centres at 19:00 on this evening and they will be deserted – a bit like the day after the Day of the Triffids! There are no street parties or Christmas shows, and the number of cars on the roads are minimal. Over the course of that day, Danes will have spent a long time travelling across the city, and sometimes the whole county, to spend the evening with their loved ones and mother-inlaws, and in some cases, they will return later in the evening. December 25 and 26 are then spent in a state of slumber, punctuated only occasionally by visits to the fridge to pick up another piece of cold duck.
In Copenhagen If you’re looking for a traditional turkey dinner, there are a number of Irish pubs that stay open, including The Irish Rover on the main walking street. If you want to go to church (oh yeah, Jesus Christ, after all, it’s his birthday) you can find a number catering to Christian denominations including Lutheran, Catholic, Anglican, and Russian Orthodox. Or you can always try the Salvation Army in Vesterbro, The Rock nightclub on Skindergade, or Palae Bar on Ny Adelgade, which traditionally plays jazz on December 24 from 12:00 to 14:00.
The mysterious concept of ‘hygge’ By Catherine Gordon
A word without any literal translation, what does ‘hygge’ actually mean? Many have attempted to accurately explain the Danish concept of ’hygge’, and many, if not most, have also failed. Anyone who has lived in Denmark for any length of time will recognise ‘hygge’ as a key part of the Danish mentality. In fact, one cannot fully explain ‘hygge’ to those who have not been to Denmark. It is a concept that has to be experienced to be understood. The usual translation is ‘cosy’, but this does not accurately represent the complex meaning. According to the Visit Denmark website, it is a term generally connected with over-abundance; they point out that you can’t be ‘hygge’ if you’re cold and hungry. You must also forget any worries or bothers, and simply be content. Christmas is particularly ‘hyggelig’ and is the event most people would use when asked for an example of ‘hygge’, but it is not specific to any time of year. There have been suggestions that the use of the word stems from the climate: long dark winters in cosy rooms with family, and balmy summer days spent by the water. The Dutch have an equally untranslatable word in ‘gezellig’ and the Germans have the similar yet unpronounceable ‘gemϋtlichkeit’, but the English language just cannot provide a synonym. Arguably ‘hygge’ is a content feeling within a cosy environment, but if there is one thing I have learnt, it is that ‘hygge’ can mean something different to each individual. 3
Christmas Shopping - 3 - 9 December 2010
In Christiania Denmark’s most unique community, the self-proclaimed freetown in the district of Amager just a couple of kilometres from the city centre, invites the city’s homeless and others every year to partake in a free Christmas feast. Christiania was founded in the early 1970s when squatters took over a former army barracks, and since then its residents have lived as they please, most notably bypassing laws on housing and drugs.
rus, a moment when people traditionally stand. Every December in Copenhagen there are a multitude of performances to pick from in the build-up to Christmas.
The Christmas Dinner
music
The primary components are fat, salt, vinegar, sugar and alcohol, and of these enough to make the average nutritionist’s heart stop. To go with this, the Danes will eat plenty of meat: pork, duck or goose - sometimes all three - with potatoes fried in sugar.
No Danish Christmas is complete without a few renditions of Handel’s Messiah, an oratorio written by the German-born British resident in 1742 that is probably best known for its Hallelujah cho-
Risalamande (rice pudding with almonds) is the preferred choice due to a tradition in which nisser
Dessert
COPENHAGEN THEATRE CIRCLE PRESENTS IN ENGLISH
CHARLES DICKENS’
A Christmas Carol (mischievous elves in red suits with beards) as protective spirits of the farms demanded the treat to ensure the annual harvest went well. Failure to comply could be disastrous - nisser were often blamed for the death of livestock, the spoiling of food stores, and causing still-births and premature death. Today in every family’s favourite game, the finder of the only whole almond wins a prize.
Advent Wreathes
A NEW MUSICAL STARRING
TOM McEWAN & IAN BURNS
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As the Christmas season begins in earnest, traditional Advent ring decorations will go on display on dining tables and on window ledges in homes around the country. Most commonly circular, these ornamental arrangements of fir and other seasonal branches, dried berries, pine cones, and hedgerow fruits come originally from northern Germany, but gained popularity here, particularly under the occupation during the Second World War.
Adapted & directed by Reumert Award winning director Barry McKenna
Glögg and Æbleskiver
19th - 23rd & 27th - 30th December 2010 Klærkesalen, Sankt Josephs, Griffenfeldsgade 44, 2200 København N Children 120kr, Adults 180kr. Tickets available online at www.ctcircle.dk
Glögg is made with red wine and added schnapps or brandy and lots of dried fruit and special ingredients, and it is usually served with æbleskiver - doughy balls that originally contained a piece
of apple inside. Today, they commonly come with jam and icing sugar to dip them in.
Dancing around the tree Danes can spend a whole evening handing out presents. They start proceedings by holding hands and dancing and singing songs around a Christmas tree on which they have placed lighted candles arranged in fancy holders dangerously close to the tinsel. And then they sit down and started exchanging presents, one by one, for what seems like an eternity.
Christmas songs It would be sacrilegious to call them carols as very few of them mention Jesus, but it’s impressive how many of them there are – an indication that when it comes to Christmas, the Danes have really made it their own.
Disney Xmas Show No Danish Christmas is complete without everyone watching the same compilation of Disney clips for the zillioneth time. Bambi ice-skating, the chipmunks hiding in Mickey’s tree – every Dane knows these clips off by heart.
Christmas Shopping - 3 - 9 December 2010
top picks!
christmas markets
in denmark
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By Kirsty Wilson
In the heart of Copenhagen, this market is the first in this area. Providing visitors with entertainment and stalls sprinkled with organic Christmas treats to tickle your taste buds.
OPEN AIR MUSEUM
Ecological Market Ecological Inspiration House, Allegade 7-9, 2000 Frederiksberg; 2-5 Dec, 9-12 Dec, 16-19 Dec, open daily 12:00-18:00 Celebrate Christmas in true Danish fashion, ecologically. Focused on handmade produce and infused with music and games by scenographers, stage designers and costumer makers to make this a Christmas show as well as a market.
CHRISTMAS WITH A CONSCIENCE
Frederiksberg Christmas Market Frederiksberg Town Hall Square, 3-11 Dec; Mon-Fri 12:00-18:00 This is the exception to the normal wet and cold Christmas markets. In a large indoor tent you can enjoy the scene of the festivities without getting frostbite. Some mulled wine underneath the stars and next to the blazing fire while watching the entertainment on stage will begin your Christmas cheer and urge you to do some shopping at the flea market.
Christmas in the Open Air
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he lights and decorations are hanging in the shop windows, and sometimes even off the cars and bicycles; you’ve probably even noticed it’s getting colder. Yes, Christmas is coming, and with it the inevitable and unenviable task of buying everyone a present. And while you can go down the high street and pay rip-off prices for this year’s most popular toy or the latest top ten albums, why not take a chance and go off the beat and track to buy them something a bit more original? The city’s Christmas markets offer some unique Christmas gifts and a great chance to get into the festive spirit - something that is often forgotten amongst the stress and planning for a perfect Christmas. So remember, there’s no need to worry. If you needed to sit down after hearing that Christmas is less than a month away, our guide to the city’s best Christmas markets will help you tick off every relative on your list. Christmas shopping has never been this easy.
Nyhavn Christmas Market Nyhavn, 1051 Cph K; ends 22 Dec, open daily 11:00-18:00 (until 20:00 Fri-Sat) Do some Christmas shopping for others and yourself while enjoying a wander along the canal, a warm glass of glögg and an apple dumpling. Souvenirs and trinkets galore enable you to experience a Copenhagen Christmas.
Tivoli Christmas Gardens Market Tivoli, Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 Cph V; ends 30 Dec, closed 24- 25 Dec
Over 70 stalls offering souvenirs and goodies like æbleskiver, caramelised apples, and French and Italian delicacies. Ice sculptures, lights and decorations will path the way to the 45-metre toboggan run. And round the day off with a viewing of the illuminated Christmas tree that took two people three weeks to prepare!
Jette Frølich’s Christmas decoration exhibition Gammel Holtegaard, Attemosevej 170, 2840 Holte; ends 11 Dec, open Mon-Fri 13:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 11:00-18:00 Christmas doesn’t have to be about tacky ball balls and glittery stars on the Christmas tree. Jette Frølic has been creating her own Scandinavian Christmas and home decorations for the past 30 years and can provide you with some designer ornaments to make this Christmas special. Now is your chance to wow the neighbours and leave them silenced as they admire your house.
Helsingør Christmas Market Axeltorv, Elsinore; ends 22 Dec, open Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 11:00-17:00; ice rink access costs 30kr with your own equipment Roll up, roll up, get your Christmas tree here! And some decorations for it, a bunch of flowers, maybe some pottery, a knitted hat to keep warm and some cookies to nibble on. Complete with an ice rink to make your own movie moment - of course it is C02 neutral - this market makes and sells all things Christmassy.
Christmas market at Gråbrødre Torv Gråbrødre Torv , 1154 Cph K; 28 Nov- 23 Dec
Open Air Museum, Kongevejen 100, 2800 Kongens Lyngby; 6-7 and 13-14 Dec; www.natmus.dk
Jette Frølich CHRISTMAS
To see the traditional side of a Danish Christmas, head to the open air museum where you can see the customs that have been in Denmark for 300 years. Experience the homemade cookies made in the manor house and take part in the children’s activities for a fun day out learning about Danish Christmases.
Christiania’s Christmas Bazaar Den Grå hall, Refshalevej 2, 1432 Christiania; 12-20 Dec; open weekdays 14:00-20:00, Sat-Sun 12:00-20:00. ginger biscuits
Find your inner hippy and go to this alternative bazaar where you could get a real bargain if you put your haggling skills to the test. Be creative and give a heartfelt present that you make yourself, and even consult a fortune teller about who you should give it to.
Danish Design School Christmas Market The Danish Design School, Strandboulevarden 47, Cph Ø, December 3 (Today!) 15:00-20:00, www.dkds.dk The Christmas Market at Danmarks Designskole has something for just about everyone. With an exciting range of goods from screenprinted tees to hand-woven scarves, the higher priced handmade jewelry can top off just about any list for a classy female in your life. It’s hard to make a bad purchase among the rows of blown glass, ornate ceramics, and unusual graphic designs. Best of all are the market’s odds and ends, including sculptures and somewhat non-classifiable art of unusual proportions.
TIVOLI
A nisser welcome
Christmas Shopping - 3 - 9 December 2010
NIFTY TIPS FOR QUIRKY GIFTS By Victoria Steffensen
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re you someone who just follows the crowd? Because if you take the obvious trail to Strøget from Nørreport Station via Købmagergade, you will find yourself - quite literally - in the middle of it. But if you take the parallel street, Fiolstræde, you find yourself in much calmer surroundings among some great and maybe slightly ‘different’ shops with lots of good Christmas present options.
Lofina Nordre Frihavnsgade 6; FIOLSTRÆDE 23, MON-THU 10:00-17:30, FRI 10:00-18:00, SAT 10:00-15:00; WWW.LOFINA.DK This shop has the most beautiful shoes from a great name, Gidigio, and these beautiful shoes
TUTOGBISSEN.DK Gorgeous children’s/baby clothes, show-casing items from one of Denmark’s best and most reasonably priced clothing companies Wheat. They also have a good range of children’s shoes.
Bedtime
also happen to be some of the most comfortable you can find. The shop also sells a great range of stylish bags made from leather that simply cries out ‘Touch me’ (from Melograno and Renato Angi). If you have yet to name a suitable ‘surprise’ Christmas gift, you might want to point your loved one in this shop’s direction.
Tut & Bissen FIOLSTRÆDE 25; OPEN MON-THUR 10:00-17:30, FRI 10:00-18:00, SAT 10:00-14:00, SUN; WWW.
FIOLSTRÆDE 28; OPEN MON-THU 10:30-18:00, FRI 10.30-19:00, SAT 10:00-16:00; WWW.BEDTIME.DK A wonderful lingerie shop that stocks, amongst others, Aubade, Freya, After Eden, and the fabulous and well priced Princesse Tam Tam. And they have the rather enticing feature of a ‘no under14s’ basement, full of naughtier lingerie and related items. Great if you are too shy to enter a sex-shop, but feel brave enough to enter a lingerie shop and then take a quick peek downstairs before you leave (obviously shaking your head and tutting as you do so!)
fair trade fashion (Kyichi, Beyond Skin, Bllack Noir, The Organic Pharmacy, to name but a few). Some of the clothes for newborns feel so soft you wish they came in adult sizes, and make perfect birth presents. And their adult clothes are also of great quality and style, and far removed from those the ‘70s hippies wore, so you need neither plats nor a beard as accessories.
LAST MINUTE SHOPPING By Emily Clark
Sungifu FIOLSTRÆDE 9; OPEN MON-FRI 10:30-18:00, SAT 10:30-15:00; WWW.SUNGIFU.COM If you would like to go shopping with a clear conscience (in the environmental and social sense, not necessarily the fiscal one!), direct yourself to this shop, which houses a range of organic and
O
K, it’s crunch time. Less than a week left before Christmas, and you’re frazzled and still a few gifts short. Or you’ve been invited at the last minute to a dinner party and you don’t know what to bring or what to wear. You are stressed!! Relax, repeat as a mantra, relax, put your feet up and take a few sips of gløgg! Here are a few shops that are easy to pop in and out of for last-minute items.
Notre Dame NORREGADE 7; OPEN FRI, MON-TUE 09:3020:00, SAT-SUN 10:00-20:00, WED 09:30-18:00; WWW.NOTREDAME.DK This venerable shop in the Latin Quarter is just the place for stocking stuffers, selling shiny candies, satin finish Christmas ornaments, beaten tin hearts, cookie cutters and tins of all sizes for baked goodies. And anything you buy will look fantastic in Notre Dame’s many varieties of luxury gift wrap paper, much of which is stamped with gold and glitter.
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Artium VESTERBROGADE 1, CPH V; OPEN FRI, MON & FRI 09:30-18:30, SAT 09:30-17:00, SUN 11:0018:00; WWW.SHOPARTIUM.DK Small, candle-powered Christmas mobiles catch the eye, as do lightweight metal mobiles that come in flat boxes perfect for mailing. Lacquered wood airplanes in bright colours will please children of all ages, and there are gadgets galore from Stelton, as well as more traditional Xmas stuff from Georg Jensen and Royal Copenhagen.
La Glace SKOUBOGADE 3; OPEN FRI 08:30-18:00, SAT 09:00-17:00, SUN 11:00-17:00, MON-WED 08:3017:30, DEC 24 09:00-13:00; WWW.LAGLACE.DK One doesn’t often think of one of the oldest sweets shops in town for Christmas gifts, but La Glace’s window would inspire any would-be buyer. Tins of French makroner, Florentines and the ‘mandelgave’ marzipan pigs in three sizes make lovely presents, as do whole layer cakes in various flavours.
Tone Barker VESTERGADE 11; WWW.TONEBARKER.DK Devore velvet and sumptuous silk charmeuse dresses and blouses, crewel-patterned Indian wool scarves, party dresses and sexy silk underwear, and even silk bedcovers make this place hard to resist. The fabrics are downright luxurious and it’s hard to keep your hands off them. If you ask, staff will give you the address of their outlet in the Greater Copenhagen area.
Gadgets.dk KOMAGERGADE 61; WWW.GADGETS.DK Guys who wouldn’t be caught dead in the aforementioned shops suddenly come to life when they come enter this nerds nirvana. What’s not to like about geekish gifts like the periodic table shower curtain, cool colour-changing speakers and shower heads, and silly gifts like Homer Simpson and Barack Obama talking dashboard figures? Our favourites on a recent visit were denture-shaped ice trays, which were called Frozen Smiles, and smoking mittens for the nicotineaddicted.
Christmas Shopping - 3 - 9 December 2010
Tivoli Vesterbrogade 3, Cph K; open until 30 December, Sun-Thu 11:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-23:00; www.tivoli.dk I feel a little bit like repeating myself in this feature but whatever the season, Tivoli seems to be the place to go and get your kicks. The Christmas market is absolutely no exception. From the middle of November, the park is booming with miniature houses that will provide you with every kind of Danish Christmas delicacy, items for decoration and clothing that will keep you warm in frosty weather.
REGAL OR FRUGAL GIFTS FOR ALL By Victoria Steffensen
T DECORATING By Cathrine Holm-Nielsen
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t’s here once again. Surely you’ve noticed. December is getting closer every day and that means Christmas is just around the corner. Electrical lights play a vital role in the dark Nordic winter months and the Christmas decorations on the street, popping up all over Copenhagen, suddenly make your way home from work in the late afternoon a lot prettier. If you want to bring that spirit into your own apartment while anticipating the holidays, there is every possibility to do so with very little effort, as plenty of shops are booming with decorations of every imaginable size, colour and quality.
Bering House of Flowers Landemærket 12, Cph K; Open Mon-Thu 09:00-17:30, Fri 09:00-19.00, Sat 09:00-14:00, 3315 2611; www.beringflowers.com This amazing shop is an exhibition in itself and luckily – for the lazy decorator – everything is for sale. Beautiful decorations in multiple variations with one or more candles are featured on every shelf, decorated with shiny glass balls, ribbons and fir and all of them tastefully colour-coordinated so they will go with any interior design you might have at home. The shop has an impressive collection of white items such as owls, candle holders, branches and glass balls as well as traditional red ones like napkins, pigs and Danish Royal Life Guard pixies.
Notre Dame Nørregade 7, Cph K; Open Mon-Fri 09:30-
18:00, Fri 09:30-19:00, Sat 10:00-16:00; 3315 1703; www.notredame.dk This shop is an absolute favourite. It offers an impressive collection of small Christmas decoration items and it’s just a question of picking a theme for your decorating activities. This is also the best place to go if you want to give it a go at making your own Advent wreath, refrain from having fumbling shop assistants doing your gift wrapping, or simply just crave a bright green reindeer to beautify your window sill. You’ll find the ribbons, paper, candles, glass balls and weird animal knick-knacks in abundance.
Illums Bolighus Amagertorv 10, Cph K; Open Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-18:00; 3314 1941; www.illumsbolighus.dk Illums Bolighus is the more expensive counterpart to Notre Dame, selling branded Christmas decorations, such as Georg Jensen, Holmegaard and Jette Frölich. Red, silver, white and brown seem to be this year’s fashion colours, preferably in sparkling versions. Except for a predominant item made of wool, featuring only a hat and beard, but whci is presumably some sort of pixie, the most – and maybe only – useful item in the shop are their Christmas tissues for your runny nose.
he city centre is bracing itself for one last surge of frantic Christmas shopping and here’s a selection of some of the best pressie-buying locations in town. From Copenhagen’s premier department store Illums Boglighus which has a slight quality edge over its sister shop Magasin on Kongens Nytorv - to 20 kroner-a-pop outlets, there’s options for every possible kind of budget.
Illums Boglighus AMAGERTORV 10, 1160 CPH K; MON-FRI 10:0019:00, SAT 10:00-18:00, SUN 12:00-17:00; WWW. ILLUMSBOLIGHUS.DK No Christmas shopper wandering down Strøget should miss out on a trip to Illums Bolig Hus. It is a mecca for pressie-buying Danes and foreigners alike. Start looking as soon as you enter, because each level contains markedly less than the previous one in terms of buying likelihoods (unless you are planning on buying a dining table with 12 Wegner chairs for that special someone).
Notre Dame HANDELSKOMPAGNIET VED VOR FRUE KIRKE, NORREGADE 7, 1165 CPH K; WWW.NOTREDAME.DK This is a step up from the fiercely competitive
dollar/pound/10kr stores in Denmark. The wares sold here are arguably more tasteful than the other competitors in that market, and it would be rather more difficult to stay in this shop for more than 10 minutes without finding something to give someone.
Lisbeth Dahl KØBMAGERGADE 62, CPH K; MON-FRI 10:0018:00, SAT-SUN 10:00-16:00; www.lisbethdahl.com A ‘lacy/mother-of-pearl, white/pale pink’ kind of designer, it’s hard to resist the gloves with sequined adorned cuffs, and the cream tea cosy dotted with sequins, and there are more antique silver photo frames than you can wave a stick at.
frydenDAHL STORE REGNEGADE 1, CPH K; MON-THU 11:0017:30, FRI 11:00-18:00, SAT 11:00-16:00; WWW. FRYDENDAHL.DK An interiors shop abundant in Scandinavian design, but with wares fetched from all over the globe. The shop has two floors, packed with intriguing items, many of which are within a typical Christmas present budget.
Monsoon (Accessorize) AMAGERTORV 16, 1160 CPH K; MON-THU 10:0018:00, FRI 10:00-19:00, SAT 10:00-17:00, SUN 11:00-17:00 The adult clothes are very good, but the real highlight has to be their kid’s clothes, which are fabulous. It also stocks a wide range of accessories, including oh-so-pretty children’s bags (100-200kr).
The Royal Café AMAGERTORV 6, 1160 CPH K; MON-FRI 10:0019:00, SAT 10:00-18:00, SUN 11:17:00; BOOKINGS: 3814 9527; WWW.THEROYALCAFE.DK The perfect place to relax your tired Christmasshopping feet. It has oodles of atmosphere - glass chandeliers and candles everywhere you look great coffee and cake, and a good lunch menu. Reserving a table is advised past 12:30pm.
Tiger Numerous locations across Denmark, in the city centre try Frederiksborggade 1, 1360 Cph K; open Mon-Fri 10:0020:00, Sat 10:00-18:00, first Sunday in every month 11:00-18:00 When you need that little pencil tip or that mini deck of cards for the plane trip, but haveno idea where to get it, Tiger has it! This Tiger store is a favourite, because it has everything from candy bars to aprons, and for 10-30kr it is amazing the finds you can dig up in this shop. So if you are looking for a little Christmas-game present or perhaps just a little cheer-me-up fun, Tiger is the way to roar.
Søstrene Grene Amagertorv 29, Cph K; Open Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-17:00; www.grenes. dk There are no words to describe the selection of items in Søstrene Grene. It’s like the shop and the hordes of people in it pacify you the moment you enter and it becomes a question of survival to pass through the designated route (making sure you pass by every little gadget) to the exit. But one thing is certain: if you - according to Danish tradition – decide to make a Christmas calendar with 24 small packages, one for each day until Christmas Eve, this shop will provide you with the most financially viable options. And the selection is overwhelming.
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ADD: Advert
The World’s Largest Hotel Chain Best Western International, the world’s largest hotel chain, was established back in 1946 in the US. Some of the chain’s first overseas hotels, the Best Western Nyborg Strand and Best Western Hotel Eyde, opened in Denmark as early as 1983. This means that that the Best Western has been present in Denmark for over 25 years. The focus of the Best Western brand is to deliver higher sales to independently owned hotels which then allows it to compete on an equal footing with other national and international hotel brands, chains and capital chains. Hotel Manager and Country Manager Peter Laigaard Jensen is head of the hotel chain in Denmark. Mr Jensen has a lot of experience in the hotel industry, both nationally and internationally. He has also held a number of appointments at executive and director level in Best Western hotels both at home and abroad. In addition Mr Laigaard Jensen has supplemented his professional career with a variety of vocational courses; for example, he gained an MBA in international management and vocational training at Cornell University.
Unique business model The Best Western hotel chain is a ‘nonprofit’ membership organisation. There are no debt payments to be made, and no investors who require big returns on their capital investments. The entire profit returns to the individual hotel members, and this explains why Best Western is a particularly attractive option for individually owned and independent hotels. The hotel chain’s primary business focus is on generating turnover by using advanced electronic distribution channels, and by providing strategic advice regarding marketing and branding as well as quality assurance to Danish Best Western hotels. All Danish Best Western hotels comply with the chain’s highest global quality standards, which are used at over 4,000 Best Western hotels in over 80 countries worldwide. Each Best Western hotel, wherever it happens to be in the world, must fulfil certain criteria to maintain the minimum level of quality, ensuring that guests can enjoy a specific range of services and a clean and well-maintained facility. However, the hotel’s design, layout and interior decoration is decided solely by the individual hotel owner and manager. Our belief is that hotels that are clearly distinguished from each other have a clear market advantage and offer a ’unique selling point’ to customers. A further advantage is that guests staying at individual Best Western hotel often have the opportunity to meet and get to know their hosts.
Variation and style Each Best Western hotel offers guests a unique experience and atmosphere. In Denmark guests can enjoy everything from the beautifully located Best Western Hotel Ny Skovlund in the countryside near Holstebro to smart city hotels such as the Best Western Mercur Hotel in downtown Copenhagen. This variation in style is even more obvious when one compares hotels as different as the Best Western Golf Hotel Viborg in Viborg and the Best Western Hotel City in Copenhagen. Whereas the Best Western Golf Hotel Viborg is an efficient and modern conference hotel with all the top facilities that entails, the Best Western Hotel City is a comfortable centrally-located bed & breakfast hotel which offers a wonderful morning meal and cosy atmosphere. One thing these hotels do have in common however is the fact that whether they are in Denmark, Asia, Europe or the US, all these Best Western hotels are individually owned and run
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and often by different generations of the same family. This means that guests can benefit from a higher level of personal service during their stay.
Focus for 2010 During this difficult time for the hotel industry, Best Western International in Denmark is constantly focused on what is important for the Best Western hotels. The focus of the brand in 2010 is to work closely with their hotels on a number of key strategic areas. In keeping with the global strategy of Best Western International, the objective is to maintain the increasing sense of loyalty among guests of the hotel chain who decide to stay at Best Western hotels across the world. The Western brand maximises the potential of Best Western hotels by creating profits and repeat business by returning guests, and by winning a bigger market share from competitors at the same time. One of the best tools on offer to Best Western hotels is the loyalty programme, Best Western Rewards. This programme means that guest can quickly earn points which they can then use to book free overnight stays throughout the world. Or guests can buy a Travel Card, which can also be used all over the globe. In addition, Best Western International has created strategic partnerships with most of the largest international airlines such as SAS, Lufthansa, Delta, Continental, Air Berlin, Asiana, Air France and KLM to name just a few.
“ More than 9 million members have joined the Best Western Reward programme and just as many millions are members of other loyalty partnership clubs – this creates a synergy effect for Best Western hotels. ” More than 9 million members have joined the Best Western Reward programme and just as many millions are members of other loyalty partnership clubs – this creates a synergy effect for Best Western hotels. These travellers look for a Best Western hotel when they are on trips in order to secure as many points as possible which they can then use in hotels, for flights or to take advantage of many other offers. This loyalty programme is being constantly expanded and developed. The Best Western Reward loyalty programme has grown by over 30 per cent over the last two years, and the turnover from these members has increased correspondingly by 30 per cent during the same period.
Feedback from guests Another very important tool which provides a strategic advantage to individual hotel owners and managers is Medallia, an internet-based application utilised by Best Western to stimulate feedback from guests. The Best Western brand is working hard to ensure that all Best Western hotels actively make use of this unique tool so that all feedback from guests both during and after their stay at Best Western hotels is registered and replied to. The goal of the hotel chain is to achieve a constant ongoing dialogue with guests at Best Western hotels, so that the brand can ensure the highest level of hospitality and service. Above all else we aim to fulfil guests’ expectations and
Best Western Nyborg Strand and Best Western Hotel Eyde were first established in Denmark back in 1983.
demands. By using the powerful Medallia guest feedback system and www.bwfeedback.com, Best Western hotels will be motivated to analyse and gain know-how and experience as well as reply to all feedback from guests, whether this is positive or not. We believe that this is something guests deserve. The system is unique and offers hotel owners and managers valuable and extremely practical information about customers’ demands and wishes, allowing them to identify and solve problems.
Best Practice The third important tool encompasses our entire effort to optimise hotel revenue management and turnover. The strategic advice which the brand offers member hotels allows hotels to gain valuable insights into revenue management and this is reflected directly in the hotel’s bottom line. The objective is to make use of the accumulated options in Best Practice and knowledge sharing within this area in order to maximise hotel turnover via the different distribution channels. The results have been particularly encouraging. The traffic generated by Best Western channels is positive and growing compared to last year, and also compared to the market in general which has experienced negative sales and marketing trends. Best Western has experienced a 20 per cent increase in traffic in Denmark in its distribution channels in 2009 compared to figures from the previous year. This is an incredible performance when one considers the slump in air traffic and other sectors of the travel business. Our experience tells us that the strength and presence of the Best Western brand in Denmark creates direct sales for our member hotels and helps them grow and compete under highly challenging market conditions.
Globale partnerships Best Western´s global partnerships are also playing a role in creating growth in Denmark. A good example of this is our partnership with the American Automobile Association which has a massive 55 million members, all of whom
can enjoy using Best Western hotels at special rates. Visits by these members to Denmark have increased noticeably and the number of nights they are spending at Danish Best Western hotels has increased by 15 per cent. Considering the current financial downturn this is an incredible growth rate. The Best Western brand gives individual hotel owners and managers the chance to retain their uniqueness while at the same time offering all the advantages and strengths of belonging to a global brand. Another plus is that Best Western hotels are given access to booking and distribution channels such as the internet website, www.bestwestern.com , GDS and many mainline reservation offices across the globe in the US, Europe and Asia (Tokyo, Beijing and Manila). These services along with a consistent quality assurance programme, additional sales from our Best Western Rewards loyalty programme and our Travel Card programme provide hotels with the tools they need to successfully compete in the market.
Part of a global brand The Best Western chain is a non-profit organisation where membership is inexpensive and entrance barriers low. During the remainder of 2010, the Best Western brand in Denmark will work hard to increase its presence and the quality of its portfolio of hotels. Best Western International is constantly on the lookout for quality hotel businesses which are interested in joining a global brand. The success of the Best Western brand is based on a range of core competencies and strategic intervention areas, and the popularity of the brand can be measured by the high level of satisfaction shown by member hotels, evinced by the fact that this hotel brand encompasses 4,000 hotels across the globe making it the largest hotel chain in the world.
We´ll welcome over 400,000 guests tonight.
Ready for your share?
There is a reason why top independent hoteliers choose to join Best Western more than other leading brands. When you join Best Western you combine your spirit of ownership with the resources of The World’s Largest Hotel Chain. Imagine having the marketing program and name recognition of over 4000 hotels worldwide. With almost 3 million guests welcomed every single week, success is already a part of the equation!
Three descriptors under one brand: BEST WESTERN ®, BEST WESTERN PLUS ® and BEST WESTERN PREMIER ® • Lowest commissions and fees of any major chain • The most affordable contract compared to other major hotel chains • Recognized global brand - over 4000 hotels in 80+ countries • Strong worldwide reservation system that delivers over 70% international business to our hotels • Best Western Rewards ® - frequent guest program, which generates revenue and deliver over 70% inter-Nordic business to our hotels
For more information, please contact: Peter.jensen@bestwestern.com +45 3524 5901 www.bestwestern.dk
Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated. Best Western and Best Western marks are service marks or registered service marks of Best Western International, Inc. ©2010 Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved. 9
Christmas Shopping - 3 - 9 December 2010
A Christmas carol By Ben Hamilton
Klærkesalen, Sankt Josephs, Griffendfeldsgade 44, Cph N; performances at 19:00 on Dec 19-23 & 27-30, 15:30 on Dec 21, 23 & 29. Tickets; over-12s 180kr, under-12s 120kr, book at www. ctcircle.dk, contact 3976 3680 or frank.theakston@get2net.dk for details of group discounts
T
he first rule when writing a script is that you shouldn’t rely on coincidences, but yet the novels of one of the English language’s best ever exponents, Charles Dickens, are full of them: ‘You’ll never guess! That urchin who pick-pocketed you. He’s only your best friend’s son. And that girl who lives at the house he randomly broke into – she’s only his aunt’ (‘Oliver Twist’); or ‘You’ll never guess! The convict you helped when you were five who repaid you by making you a gentleman. He’s only the love of your life’s dad! Oh, and fancy you two meeting in this derelict house after ten long years of not coming here,’ (‘Great Expectations’). The list is a long one! However, there is one book in which Dickens demonstrates creativity without relying on improbable recognitions or family ties. ‘A Christmas
A slice of festive cheer guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit! Carol’ is an absolute classic: it’s intriguing, moving, comical and uplifting; is served by a plot that is simple yet ingenious and unforgettable; and it relates to every element of the human condition: youth and old age, love and loneliness, and icy coldness and festive warmth. It is quite remarkable, therefore, how poorly known it is here. The blank looks on the Danish teachers’ faces at a 2004 Christmas party - where an English teacher (okay, it was me) performed a sketch that adapted the tale - said it all. So it is great news for them, and for the rest of us of course, that the Copenhagen Theatre Circle – with the help of the city’s most esteemed Englishlanguage professional actors, Ian Burns and Tom McEwan – are putting on their own musical adaptation of this classic tale for Christmas. Fortunately their version has little to do with ‘Scrooge’, a musical written for the screen in 1970 that badly wanted to emulate the success of Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver!’. It didn’t, and only the number ‘Thank you very much’ remains in the consciousness for longer that an hour after watching it, although Burns, who will be donning the obligatory nightgown to portray Ebenezer Scrooge, has confessed a weakness for the imaginative ‘I hate people’. Surprising, given his normal good taste and because the song, along with the rest, sounds like the kind parents make up while they’re wearily
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Photograph: Mark Jones singing to toddlers. Given ‘Scrooge’ was witless and laborious, there is no doubt the talented director Barry McKenna, with the help of some of the senior cast members, can surpass them in the lyrics department, while Christian Dahlberg and Iven Gilmore are on board to provide the music, and Sarah Michaelsen is in charge of the choreography. For those of you not familiar with the plot, it revolves around Scrooge, a miser hated by eve-
ryone who knows him, who on Christmas Eve is visited by three ghosts who show him visions of his past (Sue Hansen-Styles), present (McEwan) and future, which result in a miraculous transformation of his character. Before every performance there will be a Christmas market in the courtyard of Sankt Josephs where you’re invited to glug back a glass of glögg in the company of some of the costumed cast and crew (let’s hope it doesn’t resemble the
awful American live TV version in the film ‘Scrooged’!), scoff some mince pies, roasted chestnuts and sausages, and even pick up a last minute Christmas gift at one of the stalls. This is, in short, a slice of festive cheer guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit. And if your kids have never seen it before, this will be one of those childhood moments they’ll treasure forever. Go on, treat them to ‘The Christmas Carol’ – they’ll be singing its praises all holiday.
4-star experience in the heart of copenhagen Make your christMas wishes coMe true
christmas lunch Let saLt restaurant take you on a culinary christmas adventure, where traditional ingredients are transformed into new and exciting dishes. 245 Dkk per person from noon-2:30 pm in the saLt restaurant December 1-23 table reservations +45 3314 1444
private christmas party
warm up to hot holiday prices
have your christmas dinner in your own private room. enjoy fine dining and one of copenhagen’s most beautiful views over the harbour to the opera house. Valid from December 1-26 for groups of 15130 persons. 3-course menu 375 Dkk, 4-course menu 445 Dkk
accommodation in a standard double room, including full breakfast buffet 460 Dkk per person per day. the offer is valid from 18 December 2010 – 2 January 2011 for a limited number of rooms.
christmas party Join our christmas party with buffet dinner, dancing and live music performed by the copy right orchestra. tables for the event can be reserved for november 26, December 3, 4, 10, 11, and 17. 560 Dkk per person.
-an attraction in itself Toldbodgade 24-28 | DK-1253 Copenhagen K | T: +45 33 74 14 14 | admiral@admiralhotel.dk | www.admiralhotel.dk | www.salt.dk 11
Christmas Shopping - 3 - 9 December 2010
Crazy Christmas Cabaret: Oh My Goth!
By Kye Mackey
Glassalen, Tivoli, ends 15 Jan; performances Mon–Fri 19:30, Sat 15:00 and 19:30; tickets 70–325kr; www.billetnet.dk, www.londontoast.dk
M
ore Satan than Santa, this year’s Crazy Christmas Cabaret is sure to make you scream – if not with laughter, then because the cast threatens to use your body parts as props if you don’t. The vivacious Vivienne McKee and the London Toasties are at it again this holiday season with ‘Oh My Goth!’, a show that wishes you a ghoulish Christmas and a terrifying New Year. Between an evil scientist in leather and an obese transsexual Beyoncé, terrifying is an understatement. Given that the word happiness is confused for penis in the first few lines, it’s clear that this is not your average family Christmas event. In fact, the only thing traditional about Tivoli’s infamous CCC is its long history. Vivienne has written, directed and starred in the show since she established London Toast Theatre 28 years ago, and what was once a bit of a laugh is now a famous Christmas tradition in Denmark. Past CCCs have covered hot topics including everything from ‘Bondage is Back’ to ‘Hamlet’s Private Dick!’, but there are a few things that unite them all – they’re ridiculously funny, and every member of the audience must join in the fun. As with past shows, ‘Oh My Goth!’ begins with an audience initiation ceremony. Those who’ve never seen a CCC before, which are few and far between, must perform a song and dance that involves a few cheeky words and a lot of bum wiggling. And don’t think you’ll get away with it if you’re sitting in the cheap seats up the back – you too must play your part and if you’re spotted not performing, you may just be forced to go up on stage. Within minutes the entire audience is screaming on demand and Tivoli’s Glass Hall Theatre begins to sound a lot like a rollercoaster. Then it’s the lively cast’s turn to perform a show which is, well, straightforward-ish. A werewolf orphan lives in a haunted castle
on the hill with his evil maid, a hunchback, a mad scientist and, naturally, his Frankenstein-like monster. The scientist’s bouncy blonde fiancé comes to visit (think Rocky Horror) and is tracked down by an oversized woman who flies to bed with boob propellers and her butler, who is actually a well-endowed rich man who’s wickedly obsessed with the daughter. Then a head turns up for dinner and a German policeman, whose left hand literally has a mind of its own, arrives and starts to you-know-what in his pants every time the sexy vampire next door says his name. There’s full moons, caves on mountains, Twilight-inspired sexual tension, paranormal activity, Halloween balls, a massive dancing pumpkin and somewhere in between toilet jokes and sexual innuendos. There’s also a fabulous Lady Gaga moment and a hysterical rendition of Beyoncé’s Single Ladies. Yes, it’s clearly called the crazy cabaret for a reason. Given the topic matter, it’s pretty obvious that this show isn’t one for the kids. It’s also not for transsexuals, redheads, blondes, gays, religious folk, Swedes, Germans, fat people or skinny people - at least not the sensitive ones. Just about everything is pocked fun at, including Denmark, and PC goes out the window alongside matching bondage-inspired Halloween costumes. The show is all in English, but there are some witty insider jokes that only the Danes will get and a lot of expat banter as well. No matter where you’re from, ‘Oh My Goth!’ will most definitely give you a good belly laugh and fill you with holiday cheer. And, as the programme says, if you die of laughter during the show a 50 percent refund will automatically be given.
All photographs supplied by Søren Kuhn
Just around the corner ...
Despite its bad reputation (most Copenhageners still refer to it as the Crap Island!) it would be pure folly to not dedicate a column to some of the shops in the ‘up-and-coming’ city district of Amager. You never know, a quick five-minute detour on your journey home might potentially uncover the pick of your Christmas presents By Ali Rees AMAGER 2300 CPH S It can be hard getting excited about a region that is nick-named the ´crap island´ (on account of its original role as the city´s sewage and rubbish tip), but you shouldn’t be too dismissive, as there are still plenty of good shops selling great potential Christmas presents.
vintage Danish furniture and knick-knacks - not only do they sell them, but they will also buy your pre-loved goods. You might find the perfect chair or table or go for something a little smaller and buy up a collection of extremely old-school gramophone records. Not only extremely vintage, the wares in here are also extremely cheap, so spend away!
Wulff & Konstalli Food Store ISAFJORDSGADE 10-12; OPEN DAILY 07:00-19:00; WWW.WOGK.DK
local haunt for brunches and baked goods, but it also sells a range of organic goods such as ice cream, muesli, drinks and other nice treats.
Piggelin LEIFSGADE 6; OPENING MON-FRI 11:00-18:00; SAT 10:00-15:00; 3257 1344 Piggelin sells really cool clothes for your little man or lady. The clothing reflects the clientele it is made for - cute and fun with bright colours. If you´re the type of parent that feels it necessary to have your kid stylin´ before they know what style is (let alone know how to dress themselves), then take a trip to Piggelin. They also cater for an older crowd - there is a beautiful and eclectic range of clothing for women so this one is for people who won´t grow out of the outfit in six months time as well.
Blomster Cirklens Jantik.dk THORHAVNSGADE 26; OPEN TUE-FRI 10:0018:00; 4016 0466; WWW.JANTIK.DK This store is just around the corner and up the street from the other featured shops, but worth the extra stroll if you are looking for something one-off, quirky or vintage. Jantik.dk focuses on
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You don´t need directions to get to this one - just follow the snake of people queuing up for some of the most scrumptious scones, cookies and cakes that Amager has to offer. This is a popular
LEIFSGADE 5; OPEN MON-THU 09:00-17:30, FRI 09:00-18:00, SAT 10:00-17:30, SUN 09:00-15:00; 3257 1910; WWW.BLOMSTERCIRKLENS.DK This store stocks a little more than just flowers you can get beautiful ceramic pieces for the garden, and romantically-styled knick-knacks that are the ´finishing touches´ around your house.
Smyks.dk ISAFJORDSGADE 3; OPEN MON-FRI: 11:00-17:30, SAT 10:00-14:00; VIBORGADE 2; OPEN MON-FRI 10:00-18:00, SAT 10:00-14:00; 8838 5908 The perfect spot to find a gift or a little bit of selfindulgence. This store specialises in delicate, high quality pieces of jewellery, with many pieces featuring pretty stones and gems. They also have an extensive range of pearl jewellery, with the same emphasis on delicacy. It´s also a great place if you have trouble finding jewellery that best reflects ´you´: you can make your own jewellery here and also take courses to perfect that skill. The prices are not particularly friendly, but you certainly get what you pay for.
l ntia s e s s e s t m a s! i r h c ve t-ha avia has s u m in cand p
Box S st sho Black d their fir front e r open up - Wate me r e Co ll nter. in He e C g ay! pin Shop see us tod and
Dr. Kim Sperly presents
BlaCK Box SCanDinavia
Dr Kim Sperly, one of Denmark’s leading cosmetic dentists, is the master franchiser of a new concept that will see the opening of a boutique salon in pulsating and high-end Hellerup. This one-stop shop is an Aladdin’s Cave with everything from Zoom Tooth bleaching, dental alignment, eyelash and hair extensions, new nail systems and POSH treatments to Black Box’s own organic and mineral based skin and haircare products, as well as selected luxury perfumes for both men and women. The Black Box also offers exclusive lingerie for women, masculine underwear for men, hosiery in beautiful and sexy designs, and treasure trove of pleasures that are beyond your wildest fantasies.
Fake it till you make it ... Some desires you just can’t deny! Dr. Kim Sperly, Palaegade 7, 1261 Copenhagen ph. 3314 5650 www.kimsperly.com Black Box Scandinavia, Waterfront Shopping Centre, Tuborg Havnevej 4-8, 2900 Hellerup www.blackboxscandinavia.com 13
Christmas Shopping - 3 - 9 December 2010
Dolls, trolls and By Celia Thaysen and Victoria Steffensen
cuddly moles
C
hristmas with children is a necessarily commercial business. It’s really unavoidable unless you insist on making your child a home-made toy from recycled egg boxes and moss. The skill is not only finding an item that will have them beaming from ear-to-ear between now until New Year’s, but to impress their friends too. There should be frenzied, jostling just to get a glimpse of the toy in question. And there’s an adult agenda to consider - inspiring awe among your peer group. There needs to be that crucial element of exclusivity and current trends to incorporate: you may want to go ‘green’ this Christmas (but green needn’t mean boring). Whichever it is, other parents must marvel at your masterful navigation of the retail jungle, wondering, when you are so busy, how you can find the time to pick out the coolest and most original toys. CT
unique to Denmark. CT
Karrusella JORCKS PASSAGE, 1161 CPH K; MON-FRI 10:00– 18:00; SAT 10:00–16:00; 3315 6000; INFO@KARRUSELLA.DK; WWW.KARRUSELLA.DK Right in the heart of the city, Karrusella is a colourful kid’s store selling a great selection of fun and bright toys. The shelves are packed with soft Lilliputien animals, Barbapapas, Smurfs, fuzzy Rubbabu cars, and award-winning Bobles foam playthings. Girls will squeal with delight at the range of Pippi Longstockings, Hello Kittys and My Melodys. There are some super outdoor toys too, with ride unusual kites and swings that are easy to pack. CT
Gyngehesten MARGRETHEVEJ 1, 2900 HELLERUP; 3961 0509; Open Mon-Thurs 10:00-17:30, Fri 10:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-14:00; WWW.GYNGEHESTEN.DK Just off the high street in Hellerup is a toy shop with designer toys galore to spoil your kids with at Christmas. Stocking brands like Jellycat, Haba, Djeco, and Kathe Kruse soft toys as well as fabulous puzzles and art and craft kits, you’ll not go far wrong here. CT
Krea
Banditten ØSTERBROGADE 142, 2100 CPH Ø; MON-THU 11:00–17.30, FRI 11:00–18:00, SAT 10:00–15:00; WWW.BANDITTEN.COM Banditten’s store design makes it look like a fantasyland sweet shop, with rows and rows of adorable toys, puzzles, dolls and soft toys, and lovingly sourced brands that kids will love. You’re guaranteed to find gifts that you just can’t find in the major chain stores. Just beware of walking out with more than you bargained on. CT
Billedleg KOMPAGNISTRÆDE 20, 1208 CPH K; TUE–THU 11:00–17.30; FRI 11:00–18.30; SAT 11:00–15:00; 3311 4552; WWW.BILLEDLEG.DK This boutique sells exclusive handmade wooden toys, designed by Lars Jensen. These originals are beautifully crafted in primary colours that look fantastic. A special gift from here would be the birthday candle train decorations that are so
FIELD’S, ARNE JACOBSENS ALLÉ 12, 2300 CPH S; SEE WWW.KREA.DK FOR OPENING TIMES Krea is packed to the rafters with environmentally conscious, phthalate and PVC-free toys for kids of all ages. Stocking hobby toys, dressing-up clothes, building bricks, Mumis and Papo animal figurines - all interests are catered for. CT
Hamleys Magasin du Nord, Kongens Nytorv 13, Cph K (or Lyngby) One of the best ranges they sell is the ‘Science Museum UK’ line. These toys are produced with ‘learning’ as the key aim, and each of the toys is, in one way or another, applicable to the UK Science curriculum. You would therefore hope that your child would learn something from them, but aside from that, they are also a lot of fun! VS
Den lillebazaar Smallegade 10, 2000 Frederiksberg; Mon-Fri 10:00-17.00, Sat 10:00-14.00; www.denlillebazar.dk Great shop, with all of the well known brands (Disney, Brio, Lego etc.) and some of the less known ones as well, such as the fabulous Swedish brand Ya-ba-da-ba-do. The shop in Frederiksberg is good, but their website is even better. VS
A.B. legetøj Trianglen 4, 2100 Cph Ø; Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 10:00-15:00, www.ableg.dk This is an excellent shop that has sat in this same spot for 25 years. It has a large selec-
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tion of toys, but navigating its excellent inventory is not helped by the fact that it is a tad messy. It is, however, just the place to come if you have an older child or just a ‘big child’ in the family, because this place has loads of collectable film figures. VS
Panduro Hobby Various locations in Copenhagen including Norre Farimagsgade 75, 1364 Cph K; depends on location but in Copenhagen K Mon-Thu 10:00-18.00, Fri 10:00-19.00, Sat 10:00-16.00; www.pandurohobby.dk Don’t worry, we’re not going to suggest you crochet your children’s toys, but we do suggest you pop in to check out some other plaything alternatives. You can find a heap of paints, ink stamps and do-it-yourself decorations that will keep any child happy for hours (and maybe you could use the results as next year’s Christmas presents!) VS
ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, GIVE THE WORLD’S BEST KITCHEN GEAR! Graters From Microplane Gourmet Range Comes with safety cover.
YOUR CHOICE ONLY
Regular price up to 263,- Save up to 138,-
SAVE 20%
ON ALL 3 KNIFE BRANDS
125,-
144726 Chef’s knife Dick, iron 26 cm.
200328 Chef’s knife Victorinox, fibrox 28 cm.
TOJIRO
F879 Chef’s knife Tojiro, 1 layer steel 30 cm.
Salt- and Peppermills Regular price 324,- Save up to 113,2123318 Zassenhaus Hamburg Peppermill 18cm red and steel.
45000 Course. Well suited for cheese, horseradish, chocolate, nutmeg and onions.
45002 Medium. Well suited for cheese, chocolate, onions, apples, carrots and cabbage (2 way action).
45004 Fine. Well suited for chocolate, onions, ginger, cabbage & apples (2 way action).
Revol Cast Iron Look Porcelain SAVE 38,-
R641637 Cocotte with lid ø:10 cm h:7 cm 20 cl. cast iron look. Regular price 124,-
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45009 Star shape.
450011 Extra large blades. 45057 Slide for graters 35000 & 45000. Protects fingers! Regular SAVE 13,price 62,-
45008 Extra course. Well suited to carrots, apples, cabbage, butter and potatoes. (Not shown).
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49,-
Pasta Machine
YOUR CHOICE ONLY
211,-
MILLS EPPEROLOURS. AND P C SALT- LE IN ALL AB AVAIL
Kitchen Aid
80011 Atlas 150 Manual with chrome plating 15 cm incl. spaghetti bike and tagliolini.
MRMKARO Kitchen Aid Mixer red 4.3 ltr. Incl. whisk, dough hook and beater. 300 Kw 230 Volt.
AID OR ITCHEN SE A K VOUCHER F A H C R E! TA PU IF E N G K D TOJIRO INE AN MACH TOWARDS A 750,-
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R642118 Terrin with lid 19,5x9,5x8,5 cm 45 cl. cast iron look. Regular price 337,R642072 Dish with handles, 34x25x6,5 cm 350 cl. cast iron look. Regular price 412,-
45006 Large blades. Well suited for hard cheese and chocolate.
2125718 Zassenhause Hamburg Saltmill 18cm orange and steel.
249,-
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375,-
,-
312,-
Baking Moulds
SAVE 50,YOUR CHOICE ONLY
Regular price 124,-
74,-
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4988,Don’t let a dull knife ruin your Christmas! It takes much more effort to cut with a dull knife – and that can make your good holiday meal go bad, while you risk injuring your wrist, elbow, shoulder and back. There’s a good reason why the Ministry of Health recommends using sharp knives. We don’t cut corners when it comes to the sharpness of our knives, and you shouldn’t either!
AVOID INJURIES – USE SHARP KNIVES. 8SF006 Baking mould 1/3 GN, 24 half-circles Ø30xH15mm 24x10ml total 240 ml.
8SF008 Baking mould 1/3 GN, 15 pyramids 36x36xH22mm 15x20 ml total 300 ml.
8SF016 Baking mould 1/3 GN, 6 tart shells Ø70xH20mm 6x70 ml total 420 ml.
8SF022 Baking mould 1/3 GN, 11 muffins Ø51xH28 mm 11x50 ml total 550 ml.
8SF023 Baking mould 1/3 GN, 6 muffins Ø69xH35 mm 6X100ml total 600 ml.
WWW.HWL.DK • H.W. LARSEN A/S
8SF026 Baking mould 1/3 GN, 12 rectangles Ø79x29xH30 mm 12x70 ml total 840 ml.
Slagterboderne 15-21 • Kødbyen • 1716 København V • Tlf. 3324 1122 • Open weekdays: 6.30 am - 4.00 pm. Order all day at www.hwl.dk • Delivery free of charge for orders over 2.500,- including VAT.
15
Ci ty
Drive-in service to 343 shops 6 min Frederiksberg
Kongens Nytorv
3 min 10 min A CEMAG NT ER RE T
Magasin du Nord 66 shops Field’s 140 shops
Amagerbro
Ørestad
Frederiksberg Centre 65 shops
Amager Centre 72 shops www.m.dk
The Metro departs every 2 minutes, straight through the city, all Christmas long. Avoid queues, avoid crowds, back and forth between 343 shops. The gifts await you.
Let’s go