Danish Christmas hearts are one of the most loved Christmas traditions in Denmark. They appear in windows, cafés, Christmas markets and homes all over the country. Each heart is handmade and reflects a long history of craftsmanship, hygge and storytelling.
Here at Ugly Duckli, we create modern versions of the traditional woven hearts, together with brass ornaments and small Christmas gifts made with Danish design roots.
The story behind the Danish Christmas heart
The Danish woven heart dates back more than 200 years. It is said that Hans Christian Andersen made some of the first paper hearts, and today they are still an essential part of Christmas in Denmark.
The heart symbolises togetherness, kindness and the joy of giving. Many families gather in December to weave hearts together, often as a cosy afternoon activity with children and grandparents.
Why Danish Christmas Hearts Are Loved Around the World
Danish Christmas hearts have a quiet charm that resonates far beyond Scandinavia.
Even for visitors who have never seen them before, the woven heart feels familiar – simple, warm and timeless. It carries the same feelings many people associate with Christmas: kindness, tradition and time spent together.
For travellers, the Danish heart is often the perfect souvenir. It is handmade, lightweight and connected to real cultural heritage. Many international guests describe it as “the small thing that captures the whole feeling of Copenhagen in December.”
At Ugly Duckli, we share this tradition in a contemporary way through brass ornaments, glossy paper, Nordic colours and workshops where guests can learn the original weaving technique. Whether it hangs on a tree in Tokyo, Berlin or New York, the woven heart continues to represent Danish hygge in its purest form.
Watch: The Story Behind Ugly Duckli’s Handmade Danish Christmas Hearts
A short introduction to our handmade Danish Christmas ornaments – filmed in Copenhagen and created with love, tradition and timeless design.
Our handmade Christmas designs
All our products are created with care on Frederiksberg in Copenhagen.
We work with brass, glanspapir (traditional glossy paper) and modern Scandinavian colours to honour the tradition – while adding a touch of contemporary design.
Our collection includes:
– DIY Woven Christmas hearts in Danish/English gift boxes
– Brass ornaments inspired by classic Nordic shapes
– Christmas stars and handmade décor
– Gift sets for hosts, travellers and design lovers
Each piece is made to last and intended as a meaningful, Nordic keepsake.
A handmade souvenir from Copenhagen
Travellers often look for gifts that carry real local meaning. Danish Christmas hearts are a unique way to bring home a small piece of Copenhagen.
They are light to pack, easy to transport and deeply connected to Danish culture.
We ship worldwide, and all products come with both Danish and English descriptions.
Learn to weave your own hearts
If you are visiting Copenhagen, you can also join our cosy paper-heart workshop.
You will learn the original weaving technique, hear the story behind the tradition and create your own handmade souvenirs to take home.
Read more here:
https://uglyduckli.com/en/danish-paper-hearts-workshop/
Christmas in Copenhagen
December in Copenhagen is filled with lights, markets and small traditions that make the city feel magical.
You can read more about the season and our favourite local recommendations here:
https://uglyduckli.com/en/christmas-in-copenhagen/
https://uglyduckli.com/en/copenhagen-christmas-markets/
Where to buy Danish Christmas hearts
You can explore the full collection in our online shop.
All international orders use a fixed worldwide shipping price of 289 DKK.
Whether you are looking for a meaningful gift, a piece of Danish culture or a handmade Christmas ornament for your own home, the woven heart remains one of the most iconic symbols of Danish Christmas.
Thank you for supporting small-batch Nordic design.
Frequently asked questions about Danish Christmas hearts
Visitors often have questions about the tradition behind Danish Christmas hearts – how they are made, why they are woven, and why they appear everywhere in Copenhagen during December. Below you will find clear, simple answers based on the original Scandinavian tradition and on our own work here at Ugly Duckli, where all hearts and ornaments are handmade in Copenhagen.
What are Danish Christmas hearts?
Danish Christmas hearts are small woven heart ornaments made from coloured paper. They are traditionally used to decorate the Christmas tree and are an iconic part of Danish Christmas culture.
Are your Christmas hearts handmade?
Yes. All Ugly Duckli hearts and ornaments are handmade in Copenhagen, inspired by classic Scandinavian craftsmanship and design.
Do you ship Danish Christmas hearts worldwide?
Yes, we ship worldwide at a fixed rate. All ornaments are lightweight and easy to send as gifts or souvenirs.
Can I learn how to weave Danish Christmas hearts in Copenhagen?
Yes. We offer small, calm workshops in English where you learn the original weaving technique and create your own handmade souvenirs.
Are Danish Christmas hearts a good souvenir?
Absolutely. They are meaningful, lightweight, connected to real Danish culture and can be used again every Christmas for many years.
Media & creators – free images and quotes
If you are writing about Danish Christmas traditions, handmade gifts or Copenhagen in December, you are welcome to contact Rikke and to ask for written permission to use our images, short background notes and quotes about the Danish woven heart tradition.
We kindly ask for a visible credit and a link back to our site:
Ugly Duckli – Danish Christmas Hearts
Forside
For press use, collaborations or additional material (including high-resolution photos), please contact:
Rikke V. Stoltz
rikke@stoltz.dk