Our second day in Copenhagen was pure magic. We spent it at Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest operating amusement parks, opened in 1843. Walt Disney famously visited Tivoli before creating Disneyland, inspired by its clean design, joyful atmosphere, and charm.

Tivoli was transformed for the holidays — fairy lights twinkling above cobblestone paths, carousels turning slowly under falling snow, and the smell of roasted almonds and hot cocoa in the air. We rode the century-old wooden roller coaster, one of the oldest still in operation, and stayed late to see the evening fountain light show, where jets of water danced to Danish waltzes under the stars.

Copenhagen’s festive spirit made it easy to see why the Danes consistently rank among the happiest people in the world. Tivoli captures that blend of imagination and coziness — or as they call it, hygge — that defines Denmark’s national character.