Berlin Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Christmas in Berlin transforms the city into a magical wonderland, where cobbled streets glow with festive lights, and iconic squares fill with cosy wooden stalls, mulled wine, and joyful winter activities.
The Best 5 Christmas Markets in Berlin
Berlin is home to more than 80 enchanting Christmas markets, featuring several that are particularly sought after. Here are five of the finest:
- Winter World on Potsdamer Platz: The Winter World at Potsdamer Platz offers a unique blend of winter sports and festive cheer, featuring a thrilling 12-metre high and 70-metre long toboggan slide that provides stunning views of the Brandenburg Gate. Here, you can savour delicious treats from various huts, including bratwurst and mulled wine, while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Christmas market.
- Christmas Market on Gendarmenmarkt (Bebelplatz): The Weihnachtszauber Christmas market on Gendarmenmarkt delights visitors with a rich array of artistic offerings, featuring live demonstrations from craftspeople like wood carvers and tailors, alongside unique handmade gifts. In addition to traditional festive treats like roasted almonds and mulled wine, you can savour an eclectic mix of sweet and savoury snacks, enjoying their meals in a cosy, heated restaurant area.
- Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace: Set against the enchanting backdrop of Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin's most romantic Christmas market invites visitors to step into a royal Christmas world filled with festively decorated wooden huts and colourful lights. The market delights the senses with the aroma of traditional treats like candied apples and mulled wine, while charming attractions such as merry-go-rounds and brass bands create a joyful atmosphere for all ages.
- Berliner Weihnachtszeit at the Rotes Rathaus: The Berliner Weihnachtszeit, located between the Rotes Rathaus and St. Marienkirche, offers one of the most diverse Christmas market experiences in Berlin, featuring a unique circular ice rink and a stunning 50-metre-high panoramic Ferris wheel. You can immerse yourself in nostalgia with the Old Berlin market lane and enjoy entertainment in heated mulled wine tents, all while eagerly waiting for Santa, who flies through the skies on his sleigh three times a day.
- Christmas Market on Alexanderplatz: The wintery Christmas market on Alexanderplatz transforms this iconic square into a charming winter village, filled with the delightful aromas of chestnuts and punch, as wooden stalls twinkle with lights. You can enjoy a spin on the roller skating rink, take a ride on the children's carousel, and marvel at Europe's largest Erzgebirge pyramid, all while soaking up the festive atmosphere and warmth of St Nicholas' covered party house.
When are the Christmas markets in Berlin?
Most Christmas markets in Berlin run from the last week of November until Christmas, although some start earlier or continue after the holiday. Below are the confirmed dates for some popular Berlin Christmas markets:
- Christmas Market on Breitscheidplatz: November 24, 2024 - January 5, 2025
- Christmas Market in Spandau: November 25 - December 22, 2024
- Christmas Market on Gendarmenmarkt (Bebelplatz): November 25 - December 31, 2024
- Winter World on Potsdamer Platz: November 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
- Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace: November 25 - December 29, 2024
- Berliner Weihnachtszeit at the Rotes Rathaus: November 25 - December 30, 2024
- Christmas Market on Alexanderplatz: November 25 - December 26, 2024
- Lucia Christmas Market at Kulturbrauerei: November 25 - December 22, 2024
Where to stay when visiting Berlin's Christmas Markets?
With over 80 Christmas markets scattered across Berlin, choosing a central spot can make your visit more convenient. Thankfully, Berlin's excellent transport network provides easy access to each festive location, no matter where you stay. To make the most of this magical season, explore Wowcher's exclusive deals on this page and enjoy an unforgettable Berlin Christmas market experience.
Other things to do in Berlin
Winter in Berlin promises a multitude of enchanting experiences beyond Christmas markets. Here are some popular options:
- Enjoy a solar cruise ride: Savour a delectable three-course meal on a sustainable solar-powered boat while cruising along the picturesque Spree River, enjoying stunning views of Berlin's iconic landmarks.
- Christmas-themed hop-on-hop-off tour: Explore Berlin's most beautiful Christmas markets, including Gendarmenmarkt, Spandau, and Alexanderplatz, on a convenient hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
- Botanical Garden winter transformation: Witness the Botanical Garden's transformation into a winter wonderland, featuring twinkling lights, light sculptures, and enchanted woodlands from November to January.
- Festive adventure at Tierpark: Experience Europe's largest zoo, Tierpark Berlin, illuminated with thousands of Christmas lights throughout December, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Where else to go in Germany for Christmas Markets?
Germany's festive charm extends far beyond Berlin, with countless magical Christmas markets spread across the country. Here are four popular destinations to consider:
- Munich: Visit the famous Marienplatz Christmas market, where you can find traditional Bavarian crafts, hearty festive foods, and a towering Christmas tree that lights up the city centre, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
- Cologne: Explore Cologne's Christmas market, set against the stunning backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral. The market features themed areas, unique gifts, a lively atmosphere, and an enchanting ice rink perfect for a winter adventure.
- Nuremberg: Experience the world-renowned Christkindlesmarkt, famous for its authentic handcrafted gifts, delicious festive foods like bratwurst and gingerbread, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of Christmas tradition.
- Dresden: Visit Germany's oldest Christmas market, the Striezelmarkt, where you'll find beautiful wooden decorations, traditional treats like Stollen (German Christmas cake), and a festive ambience that takes you back in time.
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