Best Berlin Christmas Markets
Christmas in Germany is simply magical! Why? Because of the Christmas Markets of course! If this is your first winter in Germany, you’re in for a treat. Every city and town in Germany turns the festivity volume up to 11 each November when the Christmas Markets open. Germany’s capital, Berlin is home to a dazzling array of wonderful Christmas markets that will have you coming back night after night for more Glühwein, roasted almonds, cotton candy, and grilled bratwurst.
Some Berlin Christmas Markets, like the ones at Alexanderplatz, Potsdammerplatz, and the Rotes Rathaus feature theme park rides, which are great for families with older children and teenagers. But our favourites offer a more traditional atmosphere enhanced by a touch of princely grandeur, village-like ambiance, and Scandinavian charm. Here are a few of our favourite Berlin Christmas Markets.
Christmas Market at Schloss Charlottenburg, Berlin-Charlottenburg
Celebrate the holiday season like a Prussian royal. This Berlin Christmas Market takes place at Schloss Charlottenburg and is quite the aristocratic affair. Visitors can enjoy an Austrian meal at the open-air restaurant “Der Vierte Mann” or feast on typical Christmas Market treats like roasted almonds and the warm herbed-mushroom dish known as “Pilzpfannen.” On December 6 (Nikolaus Day), St. Nikolaus arrives with a bag full of treats for the little ones.
November 25 – December 26, 2019; Closed December 24
Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin-Mitte
Another Berlin Christmas Market in a grandiose setting is the one at Gendarmenmarkt. Embraced by the neoclassical architecture of the Berlin Concert Hall and the French and German Churches, this Berlin Christmas Market combines European grandeur with the enchanting atmosphere one would expect of Christmas time in Germany. This market offers particularly good opportunities to shop for traditional German Christmas crafts such as advent wreaths, hand-painted candle holders, and little wooden “smoker-men.” A program of music and dance ensures hours of entertainment.
November 25 – December 31, 2019
Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei, Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg (Photo Credit: Thomas Ernst)
Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei, Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
One of Berlin’s most charming Christmas Markets takes place in the courtyards of a historic brewery in Prenzlauer Berg. What makes this market so special is its Nordic theme. The Scandinavian tradition of celebrating St. Lucia’s feast day with a procession led by a girl in a crown of candles is a highlight of the Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei, as is the vast selection of different types of mulled wines. From Swedish Glögg to Finnish Glögi, this is your chance to taste them all!
November 25 – December 22, 2019
Nordic Fairytale Christmas Market at Schloss Britz, Berlin-Neukölln
Especially delightful for children, this Berlin Christmas Market brings a medieval ambiance to the historical Schloss Britz, a stately manor house deep in the district of Neukölln. Open Friday through Sunday each weekend of Advent, this Nordic Christmas market, with a fairytale theme, offers guests the opportunity to meet the Snow Queen, take in a performance of “Hansel and Gretel” and climb aboard a Viking boat.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; all four weekends of Advent; November 29 – December 22, 2019
Lucia Christmas Market at the Kutlurbrauerei (Photo Credit: Jochen Loch)
Advent Market at Domäne Dahlem, Berlin-Dahlem
For a quaint, village-like atmosphere, head to the Christmas Market at Domäne Dahlem, a former country estate turned museum that dates back to the 16th century. Taking place each weekend before Christmas, this enchanting Berlin Christmas market features authentic crafts by local vendors. From glass blowers to goldsmiths, milliners, and weavers, a variety of different artisans offer handmade goods for sale. Culinary specialties like jam, brandy, and Lebkuchen (a traditional German gingerbread) are also available. And if you need a warm-up pop into the manor house cafe for a cup of organic Glühwein or Kinderpunsch.
Saturday and Sunday; all four weekends of Advent; November 30 – December 22, 2019
Christmas Garden Berlin, Berlin-Dahlem
This isn’t a Christmas Market in the traditional sense, but it certainly makes for a wonderful Christmastime tradition. Christmas Garden Berlin turns the Berlin Botanical Garden into a winter wonderland illuminated by millions of colourful lights. Wander past mesmerising light displays as you make your way along the garden’s enchanting trail. Once you’ve completed the 2km circuit, take a spin around the ice ring, or warm up with a dinner of cheese fondue at Restaurant Santa Clause. We recommend purchasing tickets and booking your time slot in advance on the Christmas Garden Berlin website.
Archer Relocation wishes you and your families a wonderful Christmas season in Berlin! Happy Christmas market hopping!
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