The time for Christmas markets in Berlin is firmly upon us; you can already taste the
gluhwein. There is nowhere like Berlin at Christmas. The capital has some of the best Christmas markets in Germany and for many people, whether they celebrate Christmas or not, this is a highlight of winter in Berlin.
One thing you probably know about Berlin is that it’s not like any other city, it has it’s own special vibe and the Christmas markets here are no different. For some help navigating the many wonderful and unusual Berlin Christmas markets, look no further! We've put together this helpful list of the best Christmas markets in Berlin 2019.
For whatever market atmosphere your heart desires, be it regal, charming, eco-friendly, wacky, or traditional - we will grant your Christmas wish!
The ideal way to get your grounding is to join our
free walking tours in Berlin, you'll not only learn about the amazing city, the turbulent history, the local Berliner culture and get excellent local insight - you'll get some insider tips & tricks for visiting the Christmas markets, and learn a little about the history of Christmas in Berlin too, from your lovely local guides.
Charlottenburg Palace Christmas market
We start with the Charlottenburg Palace Christmas market. This is a sight to behold. Firstly, it’s a castle, so already it beats any bog-standard Christmas market for decadence to accompany your hot whiskey. If you have been dreaming of a fairy-tale Christmas, complete with a castle and traditional food & drink, then this is a must-visit.
The Charlottenburg Christmas market orchestra adds to the regal and romantic atmosphere. The palace itself is wonderful to visit in its own right, but when it’s glammed up further at Christmas, well, you’ll just have to see for yourself. Also, for children, there is the
Königliche Weihnachtszeit (Royal Christmas market) and in this tent, you can listen to magical stories and even make your own presents!
This market is perfect for all ages and is also wheelchair accessible. There is an importance placed on sustainable decorations and so all the materials are natural. Best of all it’s free in and is open from the 25th of November until the 26th of December (not including Christmas Eve and Day). Opening hours are 14:00-22:00 Monday to Thursday and 12:00-22:00 Friday to Sunday.
Vegan Christmas Markets in Berlin
As veganism has really gone mainstream in recent years, many businesses, including markets, are adapting to the meet the demands of vegan consumers; so most, if not all of Berlin's Christmas markets will have vegan food options - but there's one in particular we recommend, the vegan Christmas village, the first specifically vegan Christmas market in Berlin. It's a real gem, whether you're vegan or not.
The Fehrbelliner Platz becomes the vegan Christmas village on the four weekends of Advent, home to tasty vegan delicacies, traditional Christmas eats re-imagined in vegan form, sustainable gifts, local crafts and fair & organic products including vegan clothing and vegan natural cosmetics.
This Christmas market also has a reduced-plastic focus, with plastic-free Christmas decorations and no disposable cutlery. There's also informative lectures to attend should you wish to. So, for a guilt-free, environmentally-conscious shopping and Berlin Christmas market experience, this is the one!
Lucia Christmas Market Berlin
The
Lucia Christmas market is definitely one you can’t miss. Named after the Nordic goddess of light, this market is modeled on typical traditional Scandinavian Christmas markets and is open from the 25th of November until the 22nd of December and admission is free.
The Nordic countries have their winter treats down to a T, and so you’d be a fool to miss out on getting a taste.
Glöggi and
korvapuusti are festive Finnish treats that will have you warmed up in no time, and if you want you can even try a little bit of reindeer (but don’t blame me if the kids have Rudolph themed nightmares).
If the cold gets a little bit too much, you can warm up in a sauna or use the open-air coat heater - a real wood-burning stove. If you are around on the 13th of December, there is a lantern procession for St. Lucia day which is really a wonderful sight. Opening hours are 15:00-22:00 Monday to Friday and Saturday to Sunday it’s 13:00-22:00. It’s honestly a cracker of a market.
Old Rixdorf Christmas Market
One of our absolute favorite German Christmas markets in Berlin is in the oldest part of Neukolln. The
Old Rixdorf Christmas Market is one of the most traditional Berlin Christmas markets. Set in the old village of Rixdorf, the charming houses make you feel like you’ve gone back in time.
This historic Christmas market grants you a glimpse of what a traditional Berlin festive market would have been like for generations past. This is one of the more special markets, as the three wise men visit on their camels and you can also visit not only Father Christmas, but the Christmas witch too!
It’s open from the 6th-8th of December and admission is free. On Friday it’s open from 17:00-21:00, on Saturday from 14:00-21:00 and on Sunday from 14:00-20:00.
Berlin's Biggest Christmas Market - Spandau Christmas market
The largest Christmas market in Berlin is
Spandau Christmas market and is definitely worth the short trip out of the city centre. You will be amazed by the gorgeous fir tree in the square and possibly overwhelmed by the number of stands there are. At the weekends there are up to 400! Admission is free and it’s open from the 25.11 to 22.12. Opening hours are 11:00-20:00 Sunday to Thursday and 11:00-22:00 Friday and Saturday
When you’ve had enough of browsing stalls, you can enjoy the daily stage program, chill out and just take everything in. After the market, we recommend an exploratory ramble around the delightful old town of Spandau before heading back to cosmopolitan centre of Berlin.
Alternative Christmas markets in Berlin
Weihnachtsrodeo is the market to go to to find really unique Christmas gifts. Open the first three weekends of Advent, this modern market has great gifts and food like any other but it also offers DIY workshops, which is a great option if you’re looking for things to do at Berlin Christmas markets and you can bring home a handmade present for someone special.
Opening hours are 12:00-20:00. Admission is likely free, but this is unconfirmed at time of writing.
If you’re on a winter break in the German capital and looking for something a little more “Berliny”, then
Sameheads 2nd hand Christmas market is a great alternative Christmas market in Berlin for you cool kids out there.
Sameheads in Neukolln is definitely one of the coolest places in Berlin and this festive market is great if you’re on the lookout for pre-loved clothes from designers and stylists. The Samehead’s favourite hot apple whiskey and cinnamon is also the perfect accompaniment to your shopping. If you’re at the Alt-Rixdorf market, check this out on your way back! Open from 14:00-20:00 and free entry; you can even stick around to party afterwards.
Another cool, alternative market is
Holy Shit Shopping. This is a market like no other. A huge space, ARENA Berlin, filled with cool designers and irony; you won’t find your typical festive products here. If you’ve had enough of wooden crafs and ornaments, and you want something more unconventional, then this is where you’ll want to go. You can buy tickets online for €5 and it’s open the 7th and 8th of December, from 12:00-19:00/20:00.
Arguably the best Christmas market in Berlin,
Weihnachtsmarkt is on the first weekend of Advent and is a doggy market! Yep, pick up presents for your best 4-legged pal and see some other cute good boys and girls along the way. There is even special canine mulled wine, so the doggos can get festive too!
For entertainment, there is a stage where there will be dog dancing and much more. It’s open from 10:00 - 18:00 and the entrance fee is €2.50, but 80c goes to a food donation to the Tiertafel Berlin animal food bank. There might even be a visit from Santa paws!
Kollwitz Christmas market is a wonderful eco-market. Sustainability is obviously very important coming into this new decade, and so it’s well worth your time heading to this to try to find some organic nibbles and real craftsmanship. Open every Sunday of Advent from 12:00-19:00, admission is free. Also, for the children, there are pony rides! It will definitely be a market to remember.
For those sweet, sweet Christmas views over the city,
Klunkerkranich turns its amazing rooftop bar into a Christmas market every year! You won’t find a market higher than this one as you stroll around, and there are some really fun and unusual items for sale.
Open every Advent weekend from the 30.11 to the 22.12, this is a fantastic market for buying unique and strange gifts or just browsing with a mulled wine. There are events of all sorts on and music too. You can go for free before 14:00, then after that from 14:00-16:00 entrance is €1, 16:00-18:00 is €3, and 18:00 till close is €5.
Best German Christmas Markets
Germany is, of course, famous for its Christmas markets and so Berlin isn’t the only city you should think about visiting if you're seeking out quality Christmas markets in Germany. Here are a few special markets that you really shouldn’t miss should you find yourself in Germany close to Christmas.
A quaint Christmas market that isn’t too far away from Berlin is the Leipzig Christmas market. There is a mix of German and Nordic treats, so you can have an international festive trip! It runs from 26.11-23.12.
For a market that is completely unconventional, you’ll want some sturdy shoes and a hard hat. This Christmas market in Klienbrenmen is in an abandoned mine. Prices are €8 for adults and €4 for children, but the experience will be priceless.
Cologne is definitely a city to visit at Christmas. The birthplace of mulled wine has a magical Gothic cathedral which hosts over 100 stalls full of food and gifts. It’s open from the 25.11-23.12.
If you have a hungering for Alpine cheese, then get to Lake Constance immediately. Literally a town from a Christmas movie, you won’t find any Christmas kitsch, just community and sustainability. And cheese. Open from 28.11-22.12.
The amount of Christmas markets in Berlin is crazy, we could really keep going for days but this list highlights most of our favorites and the must-visit Berlin Christmas markets.
Also, top tip, make sure you have cash as cards won’t be so popular with the market elves. Just promise me you’ll take part in the Berlin Christmas market traditions and drink as much
gluhwein as possible!
Let us know about your favorite Berlin Christmas markets in the comments. Happy festive-treat-hunting, dear travelers.
