A FABULOUS CHRISTMAS
Some people are simply born to stand out. They are not made to blend into the grey of everyday life, but instead insist on taking centre stage and embracing life in their own colourful, unapologetic way. This year, Royal Copenhagen dedicates its historic and enchanting universe to five remarkable women who have each, in their own way, proven that there is room for the extraordinary, and that Christmas does not have to look a certain way, but can be as individual as the people who celebrate it.
Five flamboyant women
For the 63rd consecutive year, the doors open to the traditional Christmas table exhibition at Royal Copenhagen’s Flagship Store at Amagertorv 6 in the heart of Copenhagen. Since 1963, Royal Copenhagen has invited some of the most inspiring and original voices of the time to interpret Christmas. Over the years, this has resulted in a wealth of Christmas tables, and the exhibition has become a cherished holiday tradition bringing together thousands of visitors across generations.
A wide variety of creative cultural figures have left their mark on the Christmas tables over the years—and Christmas 2026 is no exception. This year's synergy of new creative minds once again offers an opportunity to challenge tradition and showcase the full range of Royal Copenhagen's collections. Thanks to five flamboyant women and their ability to interpret and tell powerful stories, this year's exhibition is truly unique—each table representing an individual experience of the holiday, complete with the joys and challenges it brings.
Ellen Hillingsø (b. 1967) - A CHRISTMAS FAIRYTALE AND THE GIFT OF GRACE
Ellen Hillingsø (b. 1967) graduated as an actress from Aarhus Theatre in 1994. She is known for her numerous roles in theatre, film and television. She is also a public speaker, moderator and sought-after voice artist for animated films, audiobooks and commercials. She rose to national prominence in Ole Bornedal’s television series Charlott & Charlotte in 1996. Ellen has a particular gift for exploring the potential of language. Among other works, she co-authored the autobiographical conversation book Generalens datter (The General’s Daughter) with her father, Lieutenant General Kjeld Hillingsø. Her latest book, Nu vi alligevel er her (Since We’re Here Anyway), written with Annelise Eriksen, explores the importance of making an effort and taking responsibility.
Iben Hjejle (b. 1971) - ROOM FOR ONE MORE
Iben Hjejle (b. 1971) is a Danish actress who graduated from the Danish National School of Performing Arts in 1996. She is known for her role in the Klovn universe and a wide range of Danish and international film and television productions, most recently Nøjsomheden, directed by Hella Joof, and Den Gode Stemning on TV 2. On stage, she has portrayed strong women in major classics, including Endnu en dag i Guds Skaberværk
at the Royal Danish Theatre and Lægen at Folketeatret, a role that earned her a Reumert Award. Iben has recently received the Lauritzen Foundation Award.
Caroline Fleming (b. 1975) - CHRISTMAS MAGIC AND LOVE
Caroline Fleming (b. 1975) is a former baroness who was born and raised at Valdemar Castle on the island of Tåsinge. She spent much of her adult life in London and is an entrepreneur and television personality, known for her ppearances in several TV series. She has authored a number of books on food and health, as well as the portrait book Caroline. She is the founder of the beauty clinic Caolin. Today, she lives in Dubai, where she continues to work as an entrepreneur.
Tessa (b. 1997) - A CHRISTMAS IN TWO WORLDS
Tessa (b. 1997), whose full name is Theresa Ann Fallesen, is one of the most distinctive voices in Danish music and has, in just a few years, established herself as a cultural figure far beyond the rap scene. With roots in the Copenhagen suburbs west of the city and an uncompromising, direct and instantly recognisable style, she has built a strong position in the Danish music scene and an exceptionally devoted fanbase. At the same time, she has moved naturally between music, fashion, television and acting, most recently playing care assistant Sille in the TV 2 series Løgnen. Her story and career have also been portrayed in the documentaries Tessas Hævn (Tessa’s Revenge) and Tessas Succes (Tessa’s Success).
May Lund Lifschitz (b. 1995) - A Celebration of the Imperfect
May Lund Lifschitz (b. 1995) is a Danish-Argentinian model and self-taught actress, known, among other things, for the DR series Orkestret. As an actress, multidisciplinary artist and public advocate for minority rights, May Lifschitz works to promote diversity and representation across a wide range of media and formats. She has appeared in award-winning television productions, films and theatre performances, as well as series for Netflix, Apple TV+, NRK, DR, TV 2 and others. In 2023, she was named LGBT Person of the Year at the Danish Rainbow Awards. In 2024, she appeared on the Danish television show Vild med Dans.