Berlin’s Christmas markets offer up a kaleidoscope of experiences, from traditional pop-up villages with twinkling chalets to unconventional events that reimagine the Christmas market concept.
Whether you want to rekindle the memories of a childhood Christmas or try something completely different, it’s a great place to be during the festive season. As vibrant and exciting as ever, the city is alive with sparkling lights and seasonal cheer.
Berlin has so many Christmas markets to choose from that you’ll probably need to think hard about which ones you visit during your stay. Here’s our selection of some of the best festive markets in Berlin, from the most popular to some more eclectic ones for an alternative take on the Christmas market experience.
WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt
25 November to 31 December 2024
With its signature star-topped canopies, the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is one of the biggest and most visited in Berlin. This year, because of construction work on Gendarmenmarkt, the market has been temporarily relocated to nearby Bebelplatz, between the State Opera House, the law faculty of Humboldt University and the Hotel de Rome.
The market is known for its wide range of artisan offerings, from carved wood sculptures to items of clothing and accessories. The many food outlets serve up everything from roasted chestnuts and mulled wine to traditional German dishes. There’s also a large tent where some of the talented craftspeople demonstrate their skills.
Alexanderplatz
25 November to 26 December 2024
The Alexanderplatz Christmas Market is not just a traditional festive market. With a Ferris wheel and fairground, an ice rink and a dance venue, it’s also a place to have fun and party. The centrepiece of the set-up is a huge walk-in pyramid decorated with more than 5,000 lights. Enjoy some mulled wine and a bratwurst on the ground floor, before climbing to the top to enjoy great views of the city.
Charlottenburg Palace
25 November to 29 December 2024
This is one of the best Berlin Christmas markets if you’re looking for a romantic setting. It’s located in the grounds of the ornate rococo palace which was once the home of Sophie Charlotte, the first Queen Consort of Prussia. There are over 250 vendors, including craft stalls and food outlets selling candied apples, bread baked in wood-fired ovens and many more sweet and savoury festive treats. There are classic carousels for the kids to ride on and Santa Claus always makes an appearance, accompanied by real reindeer.
Christmas at the Spree
18 November to 30 December 2024
Set in a perfect location on the bank of the River Spree, this Berlin Christmas market offers an ‘all-inclusive’ experience, with an entrance fee that covers all food and drink in the outdoor area. You’ll be welcomed with a mulled wine or a non-alcoholic hot beverage and there’s a wide range of appetizing foods to choose from, including spaetzle with goulash or cheese, sautéed mushrooms and pulled pork burgers with red cabbage.
Christmas Market at the Red City Hall
25 November to 30 December 2024
The public space in front of Berlin’s famous Rotes Rathaus is home to one of the newest Christmas markets Berlin has to offer. However, it has an established feel and the Old Berlin market lane harks back to an earlier age, with facades depicting houses from around 1900. There’s also a medieval-style market around St Mary’s Church where you can enjoy freshly-baked bread and a glass of mead.
Christmas Avenue
8 November to 23 December 2024
Set in the heart of Berlin’s gay and lesbian community, Christmas Avenue is a colorful festive celebration of diversity and freedom. Protected from the elements by the elevated railway above, it’s packed with stalls selling handicrafts, homewares and fashion items. You can enjoy street food and festive fare, while watching drag artists perform on the Christmas Avenue stage.
Weihnachtsrodeo Designweihnachtsmarkt
14 and 15 December 2024
This alternative Christmas market changes location each year and in 2024 is at the Colosseum in Prenzlauer Berg, a former warehouse turned cinema on the northern side of the city. The market has a really cool, hip vibe and features over 150 designers and makers of unique designer clothes, jeweler and art. DJs provide background beats and there are tree-shaded chill-out areas where you can relax and recharge.
With all kinds of Christmas markets, Berlin caters for everyone, from nostalgia fans to fun-seekers, as well as those looking for cultural diversity. There’s nowhere quite like the German capital to celebrate Christmas in style.
Stay at a Park Plaza hotel and experience the Berlin Christmas Markets. Book now!
