Christmas is a great time to visit Germany. With around 80 Christmas Markets in Berlin, it can get overwhelming choosing just a few. So I made a list of the best Christmas markets in Berlin for you to visit.
I love Christmas in Germany. Each city and town is unique in how they celebrate Christmas, but the one thing that is a must is Christmas Markets. Berlin has a massive selection of Christmas Markets, some of the best in Germany. But with such a big selection how do you decide which ones are right for you? So I have made a list of the 10 best Christmas Markets in Berlin, each of them with its own unique twist.
The Best Christmas Markets in Berlin
#1 Gendarmenmarkt
This famous Christmas market (weihnachtsmarkt in German) is located between the Französische dom and Deutsche dom. Moreover, the market is well-known for its craft stalls which include woodcarvers, belt makers, and dressmakers. There is a great selection of both snacks and gourmet foods at the varied stalls. In addition, enjoy a glass of mulled wine while you watch the entertainers. They have everything from fire-eaters to jugglers and great live music on selected nights.
Admission: 1 Euro for adults. Free for kids.
Open: The Market opens from late November to late December
How to get there: It is easily reached the market with public transport. The closest Underground station is U. Hausvigtieplatz, just 0.2km away.
#2 Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market
If your looking for a magical Christmas experience then this is one of the best Christmas markets in berlin to visit. The palace grounds are lit up with Christmas lights and decorations and you will find the Royal Christmas market in front of the old orangery where they also set up a beautiful fairground for the kids. Fully equipped with a merry-go-round and a mini rollercoaster.
As you stroll through the many stalls you will find German sweets like stollen and marzipan loaves to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s a big market with over 250 vendors so make sure you get there early enough not to miss any of it.
Admission: Free
Open: The Market is open from late November to late December
How to get there: The Berlin Klausenplatz Bus stop is just 0.2km away.
Related Reading: Munich City Guide: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
#3 Rotes Rathaus (Alexanderplatz) Christmas Market
The Christmas Market at the Rotes Rathaus is one of the oldest and most famous in Berlin. This is one of the reasons it is on my list of best Christmas markets in Berlin. It is located in the Mitte district of Berlin. Here you will find wonderful traditional food and drinks as well as some great crafts that make excellent Christmas gifts.
Enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations as well as the Ferris Wheel which is lit up each night and adds to the atmosphere. There are even an ice-skating rink and an animal enclosure for the kids to enjoy. Santa Clause makes an appearance daily. The market is well-known for its walk-in Christmas pyramid which is decorated with 5000 lights and even has a viewing platform at the top.
Admission: 1 Euro
Open: the Market opens from late November to late December
How to get there: Take the S-Bahn S+U Alexanderplatz Bhf which is 0.4km away or the Underground U. Klosterstr. which is 0.3m away.
#4 Lucia- Kulturbrauerei
This market is unique as it has a Scandinavian theme and is named after the Nordic goddess of light. all the goods and foods at the market are uniquely Scandinavian. Even entertainment and music have a Scandinavian feel. It is a unique experience and you’ll see small portions of german culture mixed in here.
The market is set in an old 19th-century brewery which is the perfect backdrop. The kids can enjoy bungee trampolines a knights castle and a swing carousel. The best part about this Berlin Christmas market is the open-air coat heater. You can have your coat heated in a traditional Scandinavian wood-fired oven. Perfect to ward off the cold.
Admission: Free
Open: The Market opens in late November and closes the day before Christmas
How to get there: You can use the underground to U Eberswalder str. which is 0.3km away or take the tram to the same station.
#5 Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market
Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market is also called “Winter World”. This is the best modern Christmas market in Berlin. The market has some great activities including tobogganing and ice skating in the 500square meter open-air ice rink. The market is set up in an Austrian style with the stalls displayed as small log cabins. It is a great experience and shouldn’t be missed.
You can enjoy the atmosphere that is enhanced by the smell of freshly roasted almonds, gingerbread and mulled wine. Moreover, there is even live music and other entertainment to keep you occupied. You could easily spend the whole day enjoying this great market.
Admission: There is an admission fee but prices vary
Open: The market is open from late November to early January
How to get there: You can take the S-Bahn or Underground to the S+U Potsdamer Platz station which is just 0.1km away.
Related Reading: Neuschwanstein: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
#6 Spandau Christmas Market
Spandau is technically not in Berlin but about 15-25 minutes away. Located in the Western district of Berlin, the market is held annually in the Spandau old town. It is a very traditional market with its tall, festive Christmas tree and traditional craft and food stalls. It is a lovely market to visit away from the modernity of Berlin and gives you a small-town Christmas feel.
The market is very family-friendly and you can enjoy shopping for gifts, eating and drinking traditional treats and an array of entertainment. There are even some great sing-alongs with Santa for the kids to enjoy.
Admission: Free
Open: The market opens in late November and closes in December
How to get there: You can get to Spandau with the Underground which takes you to the U Altstadt Spandau which is 0.1km away.
#7 Jagdschloss Grunewald (Hunting Residence Grunewald)
This short but amazing Christmas market is one of the best in Berlin. It is held at the old hunting lodge on the Grunewaldsee and happens to be Berlins oldest palace. It was built in 1542. The market has many stalls that offer gifts, handicrafts and some of the best-mulled wine.
What makes this market popular is the many fairytale characters that you will find roaming around. Everyone from Cinderella and her stepsisters to Hansel & Gretel makes an appearance at the market. You will find many storytellers (because what is a fairy take market without fairy tales), musicians and other entertainers at the Christmas market. There is even a photo station where you can make your own Christmas cards and a place where the kids can make handmade gifts.
Admission: Adults pay 3 Euros and kids under 6 are free
Open: It is only open during the 7-8 December (make sure to check dates as they may change yearly)
How to get there: You can take the 115, X10 or X83 bus to the Clayallee/Königin Luise str. stop. From there it is a 15-minute walk.
Related Reading: German Mulled Wine: The Best Part of Germany’s Christmas Markets
#8 The Eco Christmas Market in Sophienstraβe
If you are one for eco-friendly shopping and experiences then this is the best Christmas market to visit in berlin. The market is dedicated to showcasing ecological, organic and fair-trade products and foods. It is also located in one of the oldest streets in Berlin.
You will find everything from environmentally friendly gifts, crafts, and clothing here from the most innovative artists and designers in the trade. This market is hip and trendy and you will find some great vegan and organic foods including waffles and organic Bratwurst. As entertainment, there are brass bands, stilt walkers as well as other entertainers.
Admission: Free
Open: The market is open on advent weekends (The 4 weekends in December)
How to get there: You can take the S-Bahn to S Hackescher Markt which is 0.3km away or catch an underground to U Weinmeisterstr. which is 0.2km away.
#9 Gedächtniskirche in Charlottenburg
This market happens in the center of West Berlin near Kurfürstendamm. The market is excellent with its beautiful tree, decorations, and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in the background. Besides the amazing traditional foods and drink available, the kids can enjoy a petting zoo and perfect gingerbread. There is even a Santa Clause that gives out gifts to the young and old which creates a perfect Christmas feel.
Admission: Free
Open: The market opens at the end of November and closes in early January
How to get there: You can take the S-Bahn to the S+U Zoologischer Garten Bhf which is 0.3km away or you can catch the underground to the U Kurfürstendamm stop which is 0.2km away.
Where To Stay in Berlin
5-Star
The Regent Berlin has a great rating of 9.4/10 and is centrally located. The hotel has traditional decor. There is a first-class spa and the bathrooms are complete marble and just as beautiful as the rooms. Enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant which overlooks the square below.
Sofitel Berlin Kurfürstendamm is a modern and chic hotel on the interior and the exterior. All rooms have Nespresso machines and BOSE sound systems. The restaurant serves great fusion cuisine and the spa facilities are top class with an included ice fountain. It is perfectly located near the Charlottenberg palace and Christmas markets.
4-Star
Ellington Hotel Berlin is a modern stylish hotel that dates back to the 1920s. The rooms and bathrooms are open plans and spacious. There is an onsite gym and the property is located in Charlottenburg conveniently near the popular shopping districts.
Capri by Fraser Berlin is a modern and stylish hotel that is located near the River Spree in the Mitte district. Each room comes equipped with a desk, a media hub, and a washing machine. You can request a kitchenette in your room. The hotel is located within walking distance from the Gendarmenmarkt square.
3-Star
The Motel One Berlin-Upper West is a great hotel that offers spacious and comfortable rooms styled in contemporary decor. It has a great location right opposite the Wilhelm Memorial Church. There are great views from the upper-level rooms. The hotel offers a great buffet breakfast.
Hampton by Hilton Berlin City Centre Alexanderplatz has contemporary decor and top quality beds in their rooms. Enjoy high-speed internet and an on-site gym. Enjoy a great hot breakfast each morning. The hotel has a great location near the Alexanderplatz where one of the best Christmas markets in Berlin takes place.
Berlin has a great amount of some of the best Christmas Markets in Germany.
