Berlin’s most vibrant and inclusive Christmas market is set—where else—right on Nollendorfplatz. Alongside the classic mulled wine, visitors can find creative hot cocktails, perfect for warming up on chilly winter nights and to enjoy the local drag shows and browse the Christmas-decorated stalls, which have handcrafted goods and delicious foods. Not that this Christmas market is only for ages 16 and up
Many German cities only have one major Christmas Market—Berlin has over 70. So when the temperatures go sub-zero, there’s plenty of opportunity to head out pretty much anywhere in the city to get a cheerful dose of twinkling lights, sweet treats and festive cheer. Below are some of our faves for 2024…
Gendarmenmarkt (currently Babelplatz)
November 25 – December 31, 2024
The sparkliest of them all, this market is usually lit with all the double-Dom grandeur you’d expect from a setting in between the Deutschen and Franzozichen Doms—but due to ongoing refurbishments, it will take place one more time on the equally elegant (and historic) Babelplatz nearby, and is set instead against the backdrop of the State Opera House and St. Hedwig’s Cathedral. As well as a towering Christmas tree right at the heart of the square, there’s a large tent woth live demonstrations of wood carving, comb making and tailors, as well as gifts such as Handmade candles, toys, and decorative items on sale. Expect the usual displays of roasted almonds, chestnuts, and mulled wine too as well as less usual foods and drinks and a covered restaurant area where you can dine properly without the festive hustle and bustle.
Schloss Charlottenburg
November 25 to December 29, 2024
If it’s romance and grandeur you fancy, then head to the picturesque setting of Charlottenburg’s castle (Schloss) for one of the thirty-plus days that it decks the halls for each year. As well as permanent and temporary exhibitions inside the castle itself, entertainment is served in the form of a Ferris wheel and live music from accordionists, carolling choirs and even the traditional Berlin barrel-organ. The journey westwards won’t disappoint in terms of gifts either, with over 250 stalls nestled inside heated tents and elegant glass pagodas. There’s also a separate children’s market near the orangery with its own Ferris wheel, swing carousel and petting zoo. Even better, the entire park surrounding the castle gets its own special illuminations, allowing for an idyllic stroll through the scenery to burn off all those gingerbread and marzipan treats festive treats.
Spandau Christmas Market
November 25 to December 22, 2024
The journey to the end of the U7 line is worth it to experience the biggest Weinachtsmarkt in Berlin, held amidst the cobble-stoned streets and winding alleyways of Spandau Altstadt. Christmas cheer is provided by scores of stalls during the week and even more at weekends, and even a manger with live animals on Reformationsplatz. At one time they also held occasional medieval plague processions but that’s probably been cancelled since COVID made it all too real. The traditional craft market has a range of international gifts as well as food, ranging from Poland to Peru.
Christmas Market in Alt-Rixdorf
December 6-8, 2024
You have to be quick to join in the festive fun at Rixdorf, which takes place only on the second weekend of Advent. But what fun it is, with a nostaglic charm befitting of Richardplatz’s mediaval Bohemian roots, complete with vintage oil lamps, antique carriages and other period details, and over 200 stalls selling a curated selection of festive decorations, artisanal foods, and locally-made handcrafts (toys, tree ornaments, candles). There’s also local honeys and homemade jams, bratwurst and candy floss, and the kids an enjoy pony rides, hang out with the Three Wise Men and enjoy a visit to an historic blacksmith. Best of all, proceeds go to neighborhood initiatives in Neukölln, making it a real community event.
Merry Marktalle at Markthalle Neun
Last three Sundays of Advent
Under the festive motto “Merry Markthalle,” Kreuzberg’s food hall Markthalle IX puts its Santa Claus costume on and invites visitors to explore a colorful selection of a specially-arranged selection of locally-produced delicacies that spans the usual mulled wine, gingerbread and chocolates but expands into local crafts too, such as jewellery, children’s clothing, books, toys, ceramics & porcelain, puzzles and games and more. The big benefit here is that it all takes place inside in case of inclement weather.
Lucia Christmas market at the Kulturbrauerei
November 25 to December 22, 2024
For those who find the traditional Weinachtsmarkts just a little too Teutonic, a visit to the Scandanavian-themed market in Prenzlauer Berg’s Kulturbrauerei—named after the Nordic goddess of light—should hit the spot. The market takes over the vast grounds of the old brewery, and offers the usual array of traditional handicrafts and delicious food and festive drinks, many with a Scandi twist. A standout feature is the array of Swedish fire logs, along with an “open-air coat heater,” where guests can slip into coats that have been heated by a wood-fired oven. Little ones can enjoy a bungee trampoline, shoot arrows at a knight’s castle, or ride on thecarousel. Santa Claus himself also himself makes an appearance, handing out sweet treats.
Advent Market at the Domäne Dahlem
All Advent weekends, 2024
Domäne Dahlem, an open-air museum and organic farm, is a lovely spot to visit at any time of year, feeling as it does so far away from the city’s usual bustle. The market is held at the village’s former manor, which dares back to 1560 and although only open during the first Advent weekend originally, demand has grown so that it now runs on all four Advent weekends. It’s a nice size too, with just 50 exhibitors selling international handicrafts and regional treats (nougat, hot chestnuts, artisanal cheeses and meats) and a festive brass band alongside bonfires, tractor and carriage rides, and hands-on activities such as candle-making, bauble-painting and pony rides. There’s also a cafe, but note that there’s an admission fee of €4.50 for adults, €2 reduced and children under 12 free (museum admission is included in the price).