The best Christmas markets in Berlin

Christmas Magic at Gendarmenmarkt

Most years, this market sets up on beautiful Gendarmenmarkt. However, due to construction this year, Christmas Magic takes place on Bebelplatz, just 5 minutes from Gendarmenmarkt. This square features the State Opera House and St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, which will create a beautiful backdrop to the market.

The Weihnachtszauber is known and beloved for the variety of artistic offerings to be found at the stalls, such as handmade candles, toys and decorative pieces. There is a large tent where crafters give demonstrations, including wood carvers, comb makers and tailors. And along with the traditional food and drink options, there are also more unusual options to choose from.

The heated and covered restaurant area of the market is a cosy place where you can enjoy excellent gourmet cooking. The Weihnachtszauber starts on 25 November and ends on 31 December with a big New Year’s Eve party and incredible fireworks display. If you visit this Christmas market on a weekday between noon and 2 in the afternoon, you can enter for free.

Royal Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace

Against the magical backdrop of Charlottenburg Palace arises a Christmas market from 25 November until 29 December. The items for sale from the more than 250 vendors are often nostalgic and traditional. You’ll find crafts such as nativity figurines and tree decorations, as well as sweets such as stollen, spritz biscuits and marzipan loaves.

As the day ends, the palace, parts of the gardens and the Christmas market itself are illuminated by festive lights. The market includes special activities for the smallest visitors in front of the old orangery. Children will find themselves delighted at the historic and nostalgic fairground attractions, including a big wheel, several merry-go-rounds and tiny rollercoasters.

Berliner Weihnachtszeit at City Hall

Christmas time around Berlin’s city hall starts on November 25^th and lasts into the new year on December 30^th. What makes this Christmas market famous is its 50-metre high Ferris wheel, which during Oktoberfest stands in Munich. But there is more to Berliner Weihnachtszeit, such as historic carousels and a miniature train ride through a snowy fairy tale forest.

The actual market part of this event sets up around St. Mary’s Church and will take you back to the Middle Ages. The medieval bakery serves fresh bread and in the tavern, the landlord offers hot mead served in clay jugs. Another not-to-miss attraction at the Berliner Weihnachtszeit is the 600 square metre ice rink at Neptunbrunnen, where you can rent skates for a small fee.

Internationally themed Christmas markets

Among the many Christmas markets in Berlin, there are several that have an international theme. For instance, there is a British market at St George’s Church on 7 December, where you can enjoy mince pies, hot toddies and classic Christmas puddings. These speciality markets are often only up for a day or two, so make sure to keep that in mind when planning your trip.

On the 23^rd and 24^th of November, you can visit a Finnish Advent Bazaar in the Passionkirche and the courtyard of the the Finland Centre in Kreuzberg. Here you can try all sorts of delicious treats such as Glöggi, smoked salmon, reindeer sausage and home-baked cookies. A week later, the Swedish Christmas Bazaar sets up on Landhausstraße, in Wilmersdorf, offering Swedish treats, handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, blankets and knitwear.