Berlin’s Christmas markets deserve a special mention due to their great reputation, beauty, and uniqueness.

In short, when Christmas comes, Berlin is at its finest!

Usually, from late November to December 31st, the characteristic Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) open their doors. There are dozens of them, catering to all tastes, from small ones to those attracting masses of visitors, but all with a special atmosphere that enchants and… sweetens.

Visiting Berlin’s Christmas markets is undoubtedly a recommended choice.

THE CHRISTMAS MARKET AT ROTES RATHAUS

One of the best Christmas markets in Berlin is the nostalgic Christmas market located between the Red Town Hall and St. Mary’s Church.

Artisans and traders offer their goods and food in the alleys, puppeteers and storytellers transport visitors into their magical world, while in the background, the large Ferris wheel stands tall in Berlin’s night sky.

One of Berlin’s Christmas landmarks is undoubtedly this Ferris wheel, towering at a remarkable 50 meters, the tallest in Berlin with closed panoramic gondolas.

From such a height, the view extends over Christmas in Berlin to the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz. The Ferris wheel is also used every year at the Munich Oktoberfest, providing a fantastic view of the Christmas-lit Berlin attractions.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS: ALEXANDERPLATZ

The Christmas market at Alexanderplatz in the Mitte district is one of the largest and most visited among Berlin’s Christmas markets, attracting around 2.5 million visitors each year.

In addition to the typical sweet and spicy scents, the market features over 100 exhibitors of traditional products, an ice rink, a Santa Claus house, and the famous Erzgebirgspyramide pyramid (a typical element of the Christmas culture and folklore of the Erzgebirge Ore Mountains, replacing the Christmas tree).

On the ground floor of the Christmas pyramid, you can enjoy mulled wine or an original Thuringian bratwurst.

MARKETS AT BEBELPLATZ

Among the best Christmas markets in Berlin, the one at Gendarmenmarkt stands out. However, this year, it has moved to Bebelplatz, just a few meters away. It is one of the most significant attractions for Berlin visitors in December.

Not only because of the numerous artisans at work but also due to its culinary offerings, but, also, for the magnificent setting given by the concert hall (Konzerthaus) and the two twin cathedrals.

About 600,000 visitors from around the world come to the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market every year and are captivated by the “magic of Christmas.” Here, you will find a Christmas mix of fine arts, culinary delights, and traditional crafts.

SANTA LUCIA CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Scandinavian Christmas market in Kulturbrauerei is named after the Swedish Saint Lucia. In this famous Berlin Christmas market in the Prenzlauer Berg district, there are many stalls with Swedish and Finnish specialties, such as typical mulled wine, reindeer sausage, or elk goulash.

Santa Claus visits the Christmas market every day between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Other attractions of this Christmas market include a nostalgic carousel and crossbow shooting for children.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS AT CHARLOTTENBURG PALACE

The Christmas market in front of Charlottenburg Palace has been officially voted by Berliners as the “Most Popular Christmas Market.“

In its over 300-year history, Charlottenburg Palace has hosted this Christmas market since 2007.

With about 150 international vendors, the park in front, the main courtyard, and the areas of the adjacent palace complex are transformed into a unique setting where you can experience the typical Christmas atmosphere, more than in other Berlin markets.

With a unique lighting concept in Berlin, it was possible to immerse the market and the baroque palace building in a romantic light, transforming the entire area into a beautifully illuminated winter wonderland.

The combination of winter culinary delights, Christmas shopping, and visits to the palace and parks is highly appreciated by visitors.

No other Christmas market in the German capital offers such a unique combination of special visits to Charlottenburg Palace and Christmas delights.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS ON KURFURSTENDAMM

The Christmas market at the foot of the famous Gedächtniskirche or Memorial Church, in the historic centre of West Berlin and at the beginning of Kurfürstendamm, is perhaps one of the most touristy.

It is undoubtedly a good place to take a break, recharge your batteries, and warm up with a Glühwein after visiting the Memorial Church and before strolling along Berlin’s “Champs Elysées” (as Berliners like to call Kurfürstendamm).

If you want to explore Berlin with an expert guide, I recommend our Guided Tours in Berlin, which are undoubtedly the best way to discover the German capital!