Berlin Christmas Markets
Berlin loves Christmas markets, and so do we! That’s why we’ve decided to give you a rundown on the Top 5 Berlin Christmas Markets this year and then guide you to more specialised markets so that you can experience Christmas in Berlin any way you want.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the markets opening in December. Google searching will bring up all sorts of interesting websites, mostly in German, so let us present Archer Relocation’s favourite Berlin Christmas Markets:
Image with thanks from Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt – Pressefoto Hof 2. Fotograf: Thomas Ernst
Lucia Christmas Markets
One of the most magical Christmas Markets in Berlin would have to be the Lucia Christmas markets in the Kulturbrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg. Not only is the location an awesome one (old beer brewery converted into art and culture space), but the theme is Scandinavian and the vibe friendly. It can get pretty packed at peak time so be prepared to bottleneck with the crowd a bit, especially if you have a baby pram. However, people will eventually move for you, and then you’re on to the next section of warm drinks, treats, and rides for the kids.
Open 26 November – 23 December
Image with thanks from WINTERWELT Rodelspaß – Harald Pautz
Winter Welt at Potsdamer Platz
If you have older kids, or just want to satisfy the kid inside you, you will love this Winter World. Naturally, there’s the usual market stalls with great food and mulled wine to enjoy, but the activities make Winter Welt a special treat! A 70-meter long toboggan ride will get you warmed up, as well as an ice rink for young and old, and an ice curling game for teams of four.
Winter Welt is open 2 November – 6 January.
The Potsdamer Platz Christmas Markets on Alte Potsdamer Strasse is open 26 November – 26 December.
Image with thanks from Lukas Koster, Flickr.
Charlottenburg Christmas Markets
Charlottenburg Christmas Markets have the most wonderfully idyllic, old-fashioned, and extravagant backdrop: The Charlottenburg Palace! But, out the front is where the action is — aisle-upon-aisle of stalls full of food, handcrafted wares, and handmade finery. These markets are also the best for a young family, as there is a dedicated children’s carnival section where classic (and when we say classic, we mean OLD) carnival rides are there for all to ride. It gives the market a touch of old-fashioned spectacle to the already traditional feel of folks swinging by for a hot mulled wine and bowl of goulash.
Open November 27 – December 26th
Image with thanks from The Handmade-Market – Weihnachtsmarkt Kreuzberg 2018
The Handmade Market
It’s all in the name of these Berlin Christmas Markets. If you want to support local artist and crafters, hit up the Handmade Market in Kreuzberg for some great non-commercial shopping. You’ll find unique pieces for all the family and friends, more than 200 exhibitors over 6 floors, and a great atmosphere with street food and music to go along with all the other Christmassy goodness this market is famous for.
Open 1st, 2nd and 3rd, Advent weekends in December only
Image with thanks from onnola, Flickr.
Alt-Rixdorfer Christmas Market
These traditional Berlin Christmas Markets are simply lovely. Not only do they have an entertaining stage program plus Santa and his angels walking around the markets at specific times, and even a rogue witch and witches house for the kids to explore, but the entire Rixdorf markets are very community-based. You’ll be able to buy your handmade crafts and goodies directly from the maker, and, of course, enjoy all the good food and drink traditional Christmas Markets in Berlin have to offer. This market does not have the bright and heightened hustle and bustle of some of the other city markets, which can be a nice change.
Open 7 – 9 December only
Image with thanks from Ethan Lindsey, Flickr.
An honorable mention goes to Weihnachtszauber Gendarmenmarkt. This is a classy affair. You will have to pay an entry fee of one Euro, but it does feel super special when you’re in! As a bonus, it’s one of the only markets that are open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, AND stays open until NYE at 1 a.m.!
As we know Archer Relocation clients come from all over the world, why not try some of the smaller and more specialised Christmas markets that might just hit a little closer to home this Christmas?:
English Christmas Markets
Danish Christmas Markets
Latin American Christmas Markets
Japanese Christmas Markets
and many more!
If you need a list of what is on and exactly when, check out My Guide Berlin’s English list of all Christmas markets in Berlin, and you’ll be completely set to make your own Berlin Christmas Market memories.
Contributed by Charmaine.
Charmaine Gorman is an Australian actress and writer living in Berlin with her family. As a content writer and editor, she works for many clients around the world, and along with her husband, is the founder and content manager of the online travel guide My Guide Berlin.
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Archer Relocation has been providing relocation services to families, individuals and companies in Berlin since early 2015. Managing Director, Emily Archer, founded the company desiring to use her first-hand experience as an expat to make the relocation process as smooth as possible for others moving to Berlin. Read other useful information about moving to and living in Berlin, such as ‘How to Find a Berlin Apartment’, on our Berlin Blog.
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