Stream any modern travel show and you're bound to see a host fawning over Copenhagen while stuffing their face full of local pastries and New Nordic cuisine. But nobody ever seems to mention how magical it is around Christmas.

That ends now because I'm here to tell you that if you go there during the holidays, you're going to be swept away by seasonal cheer and the following are 18 big reasons why.

The Danish word for Christmas is 'jul', and you will be swaddled in the spirit the second you arrive. Like many European cities, evergreens and twinkling lights adorn the streets and squares in Copenhagen, but there's also some hardcore holidaying that will quickly rub off on you. Both real Christmas trees inside offices and little men sporting long pointy red hats are not uncommon sights here.

That pointy red hat that you might spot some locals sporting? It is the preferred headwear of the nisse, a character found in Nordic folklore, who has long been associated with the Christmas season in Denmark. According to tradition, this small elderly man (and his pointed red hat) leaves gifts at houses around the country-similar to our Santa Claus. Be prepared, you're going to see him everywhere and you're probably going to develop a soft spot for him.

Denmark takes mulled wine up a notch with this wintry concoction. Glogg is warm, winter-spiced-usually red-vino, but with a few unique Danish twists added, like a handful of raisins and almonds sprinkled into the glass. You'll find it all over town during the holidays, but some places are renowned for their renditions.

The poshest glogg in town is poured at the glittering Hotel d'Angleterre. In their lavish hotel lobby bar, they serve up both red and white versions in crystalline glasses with a side of snowball-inspired sweets. Look out for the holiday light display projected onto the front of the hotel, too, as it has become a Copenhagen Christmas tradition.

Denmark's most beloved tourist attraction turns up the charm during the Christmas season. Expect sparkling trees, Christmas market stalls, the wafting smell of gingerbread and a dusting of 'snow'.

Tivoli is strewn with Christmas lights and representations of the aforementioned nisse, as well as housing a temporary Santa's workshop. All of this adds to the magical festive atmosphere.

Many Danish breweries will bring out a special Christmas beer around the holidays, also known as 'julebryg,' and you're going to want to do as much sampling as you can. The most ubiquitous is the one made by Tuborg, which comes in an eye-catching, snowy can and features flavors of caramel, licorice and blackcurrant.

While we're on the subject of suds, one of the world's best craft breweries just so happens to call Copenhagen home: Mikeller. There are several Mikeller bars scattered around the city, but the original in the Vesterbro is the one you just can't leave town without visiting. Minimalist decor, candlelight and a set of oft steamed-up windows help create the right atmosphere for drinking exquisite beer. During the holiday season, look for their Santa's Little Helper, a warm and toasty delight that usually comes in around 10% ABV.

The Danes are revered for their pastries and none will get your mouth watering like the oversized freshly-baked cinnamon rolls doled out at local bakeries. Called 'kanelsnegle' (cinnamon snails), you can usually choose to have yours topped with either creamy icing or a sprinkling of sugar.

The name Carlsberg is as synonymous with Copenhagen as Tivoli Gardens and the Little Mermaid. During most weekends in December, Carlsberg pulls out all the seasonal stops, placing a Christmas market inside the cozy inner courtyard of their brewery, which spreads cheer throughout the entire grounds of the historic beer-making facility.

Tour the brewery to learn all about the fascinating history and philanthropy of the family behind one of the world's most popular beers and then spend the evening necking glogg and working your way through their range of brews with fellow visitors. While some brewery tours devolve into a simple session of pointing at silver tanks, the Carlsberg Exbeerience stands above the rest.

Traditional Christmas markets are a quintessential part of the holiday experience in Europe, and Copenhagen comes through here, too. In addition to the aforementioned markets at Tivoli Gardens and Carlsberg Brewery, you will find on the historic Nyhavn Harbor, one at nearby Castle Kronborg and a fairytale Hans Christian Andersen themed market in the center of town.

There's no better way to warm up from the cold than with a coffee-and Copenhagen is ahead of the game when it comes to quality shops. On nearly every street corner you will find a third wave establishment doing heavenly things with beans. Whether you just want a fresh filter coffee or a silky flat white, establishments like Coffee Collective and Democratic will do you right. No whip cream or Christmas spice necessary.

Everyone has that relative who goes over the top with tacky-yet-endearing Christmas decorations. Well, imagine that relative is running a bar behind the Copenhagen central train station and you've got the Jernbane Cafe. Grab a glass of their own specially brewed beer or a shot of local spirit aquavit while the keyboardist croons in this quirky, Christmassy bar.

For some reason, the smell of sausages on the grill gets exponentially more tantalizing when it's cold outside. Couple that fact with Copenhagen's storied love of hot dog stands and you have the perfect winter street food. Go old school at Harry's Place or new school at DOP, which serves organic hot dogs with a variety of succulent toppings.

You can shop until you drop in any city in the world and since identikit retail and jewelry chains now possess prime real estate everywhere, it's getting tougher to find something unique. Copenhagen has these types of stores too, but, mixed in with the big boys, they've got plenty of local shops and boutiques offering up crafty Christmas items. One example is Notre Dame, where you can pick up Scandi-cool Christmas decorations or kitchenware to bring back home.

Freetown Christiana is a self-governing community within the city which began life as a squat. It is a refuge for those who want to live a communal lifestyle and despite the alternative viewpoint, they still get into Christmas. Stop by on weekends in December to peruse the quirky and crafty Christmas market and chit-chat with the locals.

These little open-faced delights are to Copenhagen what the Reuben is to NYC and eating them becomes more fun at Christmastime. During December, smorrebrod restaurants will often pile festive flavors on to the petite sandwiches or pair them up with a side of Christmassy spirits.

If you don't manage to make it to the Hotel d'Angleterre for their glogg, make sure you stop by Hviids Winstue (you really should hit both, though). This basement bar is one of the oldest watering holes in the city and each year they produce and bottle their own glogg. It's served in a cozy atmosphere by candlelight and is enjoyed by adoring crowds.

If you aren't a devotee of Mid-Century Danish design, you will be after a stay at the Hotel Alexandra. For over 20 years, this hotel has been spreading the good word by sourcing vintage Danish design pieces and then decorating their rooms and spaces with them. This creates an ambiance that takes you back in time and provides a fine place to unwind.

Simply sitting down on the chairs in the Finn Juhl-inspired room is enough to put a smile on your face. Little touches are hidden everywhere in the rooms and discovering the next retro find becomes part of the fun of staying here.

The Hotel Alexandra gets into the holiday spirit too, as Christmas songs echo throughout the lobby and a dish of sweet Danish Christmas cookies was constantly being refilled during my stay.