Denmark’s Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, has opened for its Christmas season with lights, Santa Claus, and festive cheer.

The Copenhagen attraction turned 182-years-old this year. For many residents of the Danish capital, strolling through its illuminated gardens has become an annual festive tradition.

The Copenhagen tourist attraction has hosted a festive season for 31 years - with almost 25 million people paying a visit during that time for a little bit of winter cheer.

There's over one million twinkling lights, more than one thousand Christmas trees, and about 160,000 sparkling baubles.

Tivoli first opened its doors in 1843. It’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.

It was founded by developer Georg Carstensen, who took inspiration from several parks and gardens he’d visited abroad.

Among the early visitors was Denmark's most famous writer, Hans Christian Andersen.

The amusement park says Walt Disney also paid a visit during the 1950s, hoping to draw inspiration for Disneyland.

On opening day, despite grey skies, crowds surged into the over 82,700-square-meter amusement park.

Around a million visitors are expected this Christmas season - that’s about a quarter of their annual guests, according to park director Kasper Schumacher.

"This is a Christmas tradition for many Danes, and of course, for many from Copenhagen and from all over Denmark,” he said.

When day turns to night, countless lights fill the amusement park with a festive glow.

“It’s a lot bigger than I expected. It’s like Narnia,” said British tourist Katie Smith, who wa visiting from London.

“And it is just kind of magic really, I think it defines Christmas,” added fellow British tourist Lewis Hooper.

Later, crowds gathered to watch the main Christmas tree lights being switched on, marking the start of the festive season.

After a few awkward seconds, the lights finally illuminated.

Christmas in Tivoli opened on November 14, and runs until January 4, 2026.

AP video shot by: James Brooks