Our first stop was Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish royal family. We watched the Changing of the Guard, a precise and time-honored ceremony led by the Royal Life Guards who have protected Denmark’s monarchy since 1658. At the time, Queen Margrethe II—Europe’s longest-serving monarch—had just announced her upcoming retirement, making the moment feel particularly historic.

The final day of 2022 continued with a walk around Kastellet, a beautifully preserved 17th-century star fortress still used by the Danish military. The grounds overlook the harbor, where Danish and American naval vessels occasionally anchor during NATO operations — a living reminder of Denmark’s military ties with the U.S.

Nearby, we visited the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale. Andersen lived much of his life in Copenhagen, and his stories—like The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor’s New Clothes—continue to shape storytelling around the world, including in American film and animation.

Next, we wandered through Freetown Christiania, a unique, self-governing community that began in 1971 when activists broke into an abandoned military barracks and created a collective village. Around 1,000 people live there today, embracing art, freedom, and sustainability. With its colorful murals and handmade houses, Christiania felt like stepping into another world.

Before the night ended, we made the obligatory stop at the LEGO Store. Founded in Billund in 1932, LEGO—short for “leg godt” (“play well”)—has become one of Denmark’s most beloved exports, inspiring builders worldwide and even used in U.S. classrooms for STEM education.

As the clock struck midnight, the city exploded in color. From our high-rise hotel room, we watched the skyline glow with fireworks for nearly an hour — Copenhagen ringing in the New Year with joy and light.