Berlin Christmas markets are coming! The annual German Christmas market is unparalleled, attracting countless locals and tourists to visit. These Christmas markets have different themes, selling handicrafts and Christmas food, and offering unique entertainment activities. Among them, the Berlin Christmas market is undoubtedly one of the highlights and hottest spots. Open from late November to late December, there are plenty of Berlin Christmas markets, where you can plan a wonderful trip. Below we list the 10 most representative Christmas markets in Berlin.
Part 1. When Do Christmas Markets in Berlin Start
There are more than 60 Berlin Christmas markets, and the opening dates are not exactly the same. Generally speaking, they will open in November and continue until the end of December or even the beginning of January. Some of them are small markets for the local communities in the city, and some are trendy designer markets and “alternative” markets. You’ll have a great time to enjoy the festival atmosphere, go shopping, and taste specialities of Berlin.
Part 2: 10 Best Berlin Christmas Markets
You can collect information about various Berlin Christmas markets in advance. Formulate your travel plan based on the location of the markets, your favorite style, and things that interest you! Frohe Weihnachten!
1.Berlin Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
Berlin Alexanderplatz Christmas Market is one of the most famous and busiest Christmas markets in Berlin. Wooden stalls draped with lights turn Alexanderplatz into a winter village. In December, the area smells of chestnuts and punch. These days, the hustle and bustle of the square is replaced by the cozy winter atmosphere of Berlin’s Christmas markets.
There are more than 100 stalls here, with vendors selling traditional crafts, Christmas decorations as well as jewelry and various knickknacks. A highlight of the market is the Christmas pyramid. It’s the largest walk-in Christmas pyramid in Europe, decorated with more than 5,000 lights. Snacks and refreshments are available on the bottom floor, and the top terrace offers great views of the city.
- Opening Dates: 25 November – 26 December 2024
- Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 11 am – 10 pm, pyramid “PartyTreff” 11 am – midnight, party house from Father Christmas 11 am – 3 am
- Entry: Free
- Location: Alexanderplatz
2. Charlottenburg Palace Berlin Christmas Market
Charlottenburg Palace Berlin Christmas Market is the epitome of romance. During the Christmas season, Charlottenburg Palace is brightly lit, with all kinds of exquisite handicrafts, mulled wine and freshly baked German delicacies. Sweet bread and almond marzipan add to the Christmas atmosphere.
If you are with children, it is even more suitable. There are two carousels and a small Ferris wheel, which are always full of children’s laughter. During the Christmas market, there are also special guided tours of Charlottenburg Palace and the adjacent palace park.
- Opening Dates: 25 November – 29 December 2024
- Opening Times: Monday to Thursday from 1 pm to 10 pm, Friday to Sunday from 12 am to 10 pm, 25 and 26 December from 12 am to 10 pm, closed on Christmas Eve.
- Entry: Free
- Location: Spandauer Damm 20, 14059 Berlin
3. Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt | Bebelplatz
Due to construction work, the Weihnachtszauber Gendarmenmarkt will take place again at Bebelplatz in 2024, and will return to Gendarmenmarkt in 2025. More than a thousand shining Christmas lights will illuminate the market, creating a beautiful festive atmosphere between the State Opera, the Law School of Humboldt University and the Hotel de Roma.
You can enjoy a wide variety of food under a specially built food tent. In addition to traditional Bavarian and Austrian dishes such as Neuburger Rahmbrot (melted cheese bread) or Kaiserschmarren (sweet pancake strips), there are many other Bohemian and Berlin specialties.
The stage in front of the magnificent State Opera House has performances by internationally renowned artists every day. Musicians, dancers, actors, acrobats and fire-breathing performers regularly surprise the audience. The highlight is on December 31st, when the Christmas market will hold New Year’s Eve celebrations and a large-scale firework display, and DJs will lead the audience to revel together.
- Opening Dates: 25 November – 31 December 2024
- Opening Times: Sunday-Thursday: 12 am to 10 pm (November 24 until 6 pm)
- Entry: Entrance fee for adults after 2 pm for music and performances
- Location: Bebelplatz
4. Spandau Christmas Market in Berlin
Every Christmas, the Spandau Christmas Market brings joy to Berliners and tourists from all over the world. The entire old town of Spandau is filled with the atmosphere of a traditional market and turns into a winter wonderland.
This historic Christmas market is built around St. Nicholas Church and has up to 400 stalls. In addition to traditional Christmas market classics such as mulled wine, roasted almonds, sausages, etc., you can also try Spandau specialties, exotic dishes and hot beer. It is definitely a feast for the senses and you will never want to leave. Great for family get-togethers, you can enjoy a variety of entertainment and sing-alongs with Santa every Wednesday.
- Opening Dates: 25 November – 22 December 2024
- Opening Times:
Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm. - Location: Marktstraße 10, 13597 Berlin
5. Advent Market at Domäne Dahlem
The Christmas Market in Berlin at Domäne Dahlem is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, breathe freely and rejuvenate.
More than 50 exhibitors bring handicrafts from all over the world, handmade nougat and marzipan, hot chestnuts or cheese and meat specialties. Organic food is also a big feature here. From the second weekend of Advent, you can also buy organic Christmas trees here.
Bring your children and let them experience handicrafts up close in the farm workshop! At the same time, they can make their own Christmas gifts in the wonderful DIY activities as well.
- Opening Dates: On all Advent weekends in 2024 (30 November – 1 December, 7 – 8 December, 14 – 15 December and 21 – 22 December)
- Opening Times: Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 8 pm
- Entry: Adults: €3.50, Reduced: €2. Free admission for children up to 12 years. Students also have free admission on Fridays.
- Location: Königin-Luise Straße 49, 14195 Berlin
6. Nordic Fairytale Christmas Market at Schloss Britz
This year, the Nordic fairytale Christmas will once again take place over four Advent weekends at the 300-year-old Brits Castle. Here you can find sweet treats such as roasted almonds, gingerbread, apple fritters and pancakes. Hearty meals are also available, such as a variety of special breads, roasts and soups. Warm up with mulled wine, medieval mulled wine, hot cherry wine, hot papaya mead and Scandinavian hot punch Glögi. There is also hot elderberry juice for children.
Entertainment and stage programmes are diverse. You’ll find the Snow Queen and her trolls, Frau Holle winter spirits, and the Cocolorus Budenzauber travelling theatre with its fairy tales for children. There are also live Christmas songs, light theatre and fire shows. The highlight is the medieval adventure playground with bow and crossbow shooting, axe and knife throwing, and a large Viking ship for the kids to climb on!
- Opening Dates: On all Advent weekends in 2024 (29 November to 1 December 2024, 6 to 8, 13 to 15 and 20 to 22 December 2024)
- Opening Times: Friday 2 pm – 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 9 pm
- Entry: €5, concessions €2, free admission for children under 6 years of age
- Location: Alt-Britz 73, 12359 Berlin
7. Humboldt Forum Christmas Market | Winter market Schloßplatz Berlin Mitte
This Christmas Market was only started in 2023, located around Berlin’s new landmark, the Humboldt Forum.
After visiting the Humboldt Forum Museum, you can feel the strong Christmas festival atmosphere by strolling through Berlin’s historic Castle Square (Schlossplatz). Many works of art and historical crafts are breathtaking. At the glass artisan’s stall, you can see glass puppets made on the spot on the flame, and at the woodcarving stall, you can see the Nativity, each of which is worth your careful exploration. Ancient amusement stalls, traditional amusement facilities and carousels attract young tourists to enjoy Christmas fun. Of course, the special mulled wine and a variety of sweet and delicious Christmas food are also indispensable!
- Opening Dates: 25 November 2024 – 1 January 2025
- Opening Times: 11 am – 10 pm every day
- Entry: Free
- Location: Schloßplatz, 10178 Berlin
9. Kollwitzplatz Christmas Market in Berlin
This is a special eco-market. All the goods on sale are environmentally friendly and produced under fair social conditions, including Christmas trees, various exquisite clothing and toys, etc.
All products come from organic farms, organic butchers, organic bakeries and natural food stores in Berlin and Brandenburg. You can choose organic sausages, organic steaks, sweet Christmas cookies, organic gingerbread, Viennese apple strudel and other delicacies. Of course, the main characters of the Christmas market, mulled wine, punch, and hot mead, are also natural and organic.
In addition, you can also appreciate ancient handicrafts. And children have the opportunity to experience the fun of riding a pony here. After visiting the ecological Christmas market, you can go to the nearby Water Tower (Wasserturm) or Cultural Brewery (Kulturbrauerei) for a stroll, and you will find more interesting things!
- Opening Dates: 01., 08., 15. and 22. of December 2024
- Opening Times: 12 pm – 7 pm
- Entry: Free
- Location: Kollwitzstraße 1, 10405 Berlin
8. Karl-August-Platz Christmas Market: The Paradise for Artisans
With so many handmade products to choose from, Karl-August-Platz Christmas Market in Berlin is a paradise for handmade lovers and artisans!
You can find wooden fairy tale characters such as angels and elves, lovely felt decorations, and sculptures made of clay or bronze. All kinds of exquisite ceramic tableware and mugs make your Christmas decorations unique.
Looking for special Christmas gifts for your family and friends? Then you should definitely visit the Karl-August-Platz Christmas market. Here you can find genuine original high-quality handicrafts, jewellery, ceramics and more. And you can also watch the artists and craftsmen at work up close.
- Opening Dates: – 1 December 2024 at Karls-August-Platz, Wilmersdorf; – 8 December 2024 in Leonhardtstraße, Charlottenburg
- Opening Times: 11 am – 18 pm every day
- Entry: Free
- Location: Karl-August-Platz, 10625 Berlin; Leonhardtstraße, 14057 Berlin
10. Lucia Christmas Market at Kulturbrauerei
Lucia is the Norse goddess of light, seen as a bringer of light. The holiday celebrated in her honour on 13 December plays a big part in Swedish pre-Christmas customs. And the Christmas market named after her certainly has a very traditional Scandinavian feel. Housed in a 19th-century brewery, the market offers traditional Scandinavian food, crafts and entertainment, and is one of the most popular Christmas markets for many Berliners.
Here you can admire traditional handicrafts, taste classic Christmas market snacks and typical Scandinavian cuisine, such as moose goulash or reindeer sausage, salmon potato soup and Finnish waffles, which are very distinctive. You can also taste more than 20 kinds of special mulled wine from Nordic countries, such as Sweden’s Glögg, Finland’s Glögi and Iceland’s Jolaglögg.
The Berlin Christmas market not only has beautiful old-fashioned chain carousels, but also trampolines, a knight’s castle that can be shot with a crossbow, the very popular “Star Ladder”, and exciting children’s musicals. In addition, the Christmas wish mailbox is also a favorite of children. Every day from 5 to 6 pm, Santa Claus will come to the scene to interact with people, pushing the Christmas atmosphere to a climax.
- Opening Dates: 25 November – 22 December 2024
- Opening Times: Monday to Friday from 3 to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 10 pm
- Entry: Free
- Location: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
Part 3. Are There Other Christmas Events in Berlin?
Besides visiting Berlin Christmas markets, there are many other interesting events in Berlin during Christmas. You can add them to your travel plan list.
- Christmas Cruise: Cruise on the River Spree with mulled wine and cake.
- Ice Skating: Skate at ice rinks such as Charlottenburg, Alexanderplatz or Potsdamer Platz
- Sony Center: See the nightly light show, with an extra 100,000 lights during Christmas
- Enjoy a Mug of Glühwein: You can easily find gluhwein (mulled wine) in Christmas markets, and for an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some infused schnapps.
- Go Sledding: Experience the thrill of a 12-meter-high bobsleigh run in the heart of Berlin while enjoying views of the Brandenburg Gate.
- Watch the City from Alexanderplatz: At Alexanderplatz, you can find a carousel, a ghost house and a Ferris wheel. Don’t miss the perspective of the cityscape.
- Other Christmas events in Berlin include:
- Advent Concerts at Charlottenburg Palace
- Gala Performances at Friedrichspalast in Berlin
- The Musical Sister Act at Potsdamer Platz Theater
- American Musical Chicago at Komische Oper Berlin
Part 4. How to Find Accommodation near Berlin Christmas markets?
Berlin Christmas markets attract countless tourists from all over the world, which may lead to a shortage of accommodation during the holidays. Therefore, we recommend that you book accommodation in advance to ensure the convenience of travel.
You can use the rental portal to search and filter your ideal accommodation near Berlin Christmas markets, such as Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb or TripAdvisor. Or you can check out other people’s posts and experiences on social media. People will share recommendations for accommodation near the Berlin Christmas market during the holidays there. Some hotels or accommodations may offer special discounts or promotions during the Christmas period, so keep an eye out for those deals. If you can’t find suitable accommodation near the market, consider somewhere with good public transportation.
If you’re a student that looking for student accommodation in Berlin, uhomes.com offers a selection of options. Whether you prefer downtown or nature, luxury or affordability, privacy or sociality, you’ll meet your dream room here.
Part 5. Conclusion
There are dozens of Christmas markets in Berlin, and the ones mentioned in this article are the more representative and famous. Among them, the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market and Charlottenburg Palace Berlin Christmas Market are the most well-known. But in addition to these, more surprises are waiting for your discovery. Imagine enjoying hot mulled wine, German sausages, roasted almonds, and pancakes with your family, friends, or loved ones in the snowy winter. What a happy and unforgettable time! What is your favorite Berlin Christmas market? And what are your favorite things to do at Christmas? Let us know in the comments!
Part 6. FAQ
What date are the Christmas markets in Berlin?
Most Berlin Christmas markets are open from the end of November to after Christmas. For specific opening dates and hours, please check the specific market information.
Are Berlin Christmas markets worth it?
Definitely YES! Berlin Christmas Market is one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe and is also a world-famous Christmas city. Berlin’s Christmas atmosphere starts in November and lasts until the New Year. Colorful lights and Christmas trees can be seen everywhere in the streets and alleys.
What is the most beautiful Christmas market in Berlin?
Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt and Berlin Alexanderplatz Christmas Market. They’re also the most famous and most popular Berlin Christmas Markets. The markets are lit up with twinkling Christmas lights, creating very beautiful festive squares.
Is Berlin Christmas market free?
Many Christmas markets in Berlin are free to enter, which attracts tourists. This means that tourists can save more money on gifts, snacks and mulled wine. Although a few markets have an entrance fee, it is very cheap.
Do I need cash for Berlin Christmas Market?
Yes, you need cash to go to the German Christmas markets, so please prepare it in advance. Most food stalls and vendors do not accept credit cards. Only a few vendors selling larger items (50 euros or more) accept credit cards, such as handmade Christmas decorations.
Does it snow in Berlin at Christmas?
It’s hard to give an exact answer. On average, it snows in Berlin 11 days in December. But this number varies from year to year depending on the weather conditions.
