Six Festive Christmas Markets in Berlin
Germany’s annual Christmas markets are unrivalled. Nostalgic, entertaining and colourful in every sense of the word, they are excellent places to indulge in some last minute Christmas shopping, or to fill up on traditional German treats. Open from late November through to late December, Berlin has an excellent array of festive markets to explore. If you’re planning a trip this winter, follow this guide to the best Christmas markets in Berlin.
WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt
21st November – 31st December 2022
The annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt is a highlight of Berlin’s festive season. Each year, the beautiful square is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with a large festive market and a busy programme of musical and theatrical performances. As the German winter is notoriously cold, arts and crafts stalls are enclosed in a heated tent, while outside, shoppers can warm up at stalls serving mulled wine (glühwein) and German delicacies such as bratwurst (German sausage) and wiener apfelstrudel (an apple-based pastry dessert). There’s also a ticketed New Year’s Eve celebration with live music and fireworks.
Winter World at Potsdamer Platz
21st November – 22nd December 2022
Daring fire eaters, gravity-defying jugglers and fantastical winter creatures add to the festivities at Spandau, the largest of Berlin’s Christmas markets. Nestled next to the fortress walls of the citadel, and spread out within its courtyards and parade ground, the market combines Christmas shopping with winter sports. Practice your inside edge while ice skating or try your hand at curling, then wander among the well-stocked stalls, jewels between hundreds of illuminated Christmas trees. In the heart of it all, the 10-metre high Christmas pyramid is the perfect place to be warmed by a steaming hot aromatic mulled wine.
Eco Christmas Market
On all Advent weekends
As its name suggests, the Eco Christmas Market brings together traders specialising in organic and fair-trade products and vegan foods. Taking place on one of the city’s oldest streets, Sophienstrasse, this is one of the most unusual Christmas markets in Berlin. Browse gifts, handicrafts and artworks created by local artists, designers and environmental organisations, or sample festive treats such as vegan pies and organic bratwurst. While it may be eco-focused, the market still maintains a festive ambience with entertainment, live music from brass bands and, of course, a visit from Father Christmas.
Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market
21st November – 26th December 2022 (except 24th December)
Known for its majestic backdrop, the 250 stalls at Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market are set up in front of the historic palace, displaying a wide range of nostalgic festive crafts and decorations, gifts and foods. A highlight of this market is the selection of traditional German sweets, from stolen and spritz biscuits to marzipan loaves and festive gingerbread. There’s also a fairground with family-friendly rides and attractions to keep children entertained while the adults shop and sip on hot mulled wine.
Berliner Weihnachtszeit
21st November 2022 – 1st January 2023
Taking place around the Neptune Fountain near City Hall, Berliner Weihnachtszeit is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Berlin, and also one of the most inviting. As well as stalls displaying festive trinkets and treats, visitors can enjoy an array of entertainments including fairground rides, live music, children’s activities and ice-skating on the popular outdoor ice rink.
Dutch Christmas Market (Sinterklaas)
10th – 11th December 2022
For something a little different, head to the Dutch festive market in Potsdam, on the border of the city. Known as Sinterklaas (the Dutch name for Santa Claus), the market sells Dutch-style gifts and delicacies while musicians play Dutch Christmas music and Dutch fairy tales are performed on stages set up amongst the stalls.
If you’re travelling to Berlin to explore the Christmas markets, make the most of Hotel de Rome’s seasonal escape offers, with special deals available on weekend breaks, suites and family packages throughout the winter.
You may also like
On heroes and haggis: why we pay tribute to Robert Burns each January
Those of Scottish heritage, or who hold an appreciation for its history, will no doubt have 25 January marked out to celebrate the birthday of famed Scotch poet Robert Burns. Read on to learn why Scotland’s Bard is so well-loved.
La Dolce Vita in Munich
With its lively festivals, world-renowned galleries and museums, and thriving food scene, Munich is one of Germany’s most culturally rich cities. Sometimes hailed ‘the most northerly city in Italy’, the Bavarian capital is known for its readiness to embrace a Mediterranean lifestyle the moment the sun appears, its appreciation for Italian art and architecture, and its year-round love of Italian cuisine.
A remedy for winter: Discover Palermo’s hidden warmth
There’s something wholly restorative about a Sicilian winter, two words not often paired together. A slower pace of life takes hold, as cool mornings lead into soft, golden afternoons, summer’s haze giving way to fresh breezes and crystal-clear skies. Once a winter secret, now shared as Villa Igiea remains open throughout the season.