Spotlight On: The Berlin Christmas Markets

The renowned German Christmas Markets are becoming increasingly popular year after year and many international visitors are making their way to the capital, Berlin, to match the Christmas experience with a unique chance to sightsee around one of Europe’s most interesting capital cities historically. So if you see yourself munching on gingerbread whilst sipping on your glühwein, here are the best of the Berlin Christmas markets…

The Best Christmas markets in Berlin

Gendarmenmarkt

Arguably the best Christmas market in Berlin, visitors to Gendarmenmarkt can expect plenty of arts & crafts, German eats and sweet treats. There are also onstage performances and this is undoubtedly a local Berliner’s fave out of all the markets in the city.

Getting there: Underground Station “Stadtmitte”

Open dates: November 24 – December 31

Admission: 1 Euro

Potsdamer Platz

Filled with tourists due to the added attraction of “winter world” (curling, ice skating & tubing), the Christmas market at Potsdamer Platz is indisputably built to cater to tourists, but is a lot of fun all the same.

Getting there: Underground station Potsdamer Platz or by bus 200, M41, M48, M85

Open dates: November 24 – December 26

Admission: FREE

Rotes Rathaus

A cosy and fun Christmas market with a petting zoo for the kids. There is also a ferris wheel and ice skating rink available right in front of Berlin’s City Hall. 

Getting there: Underground station Alexanderplatz or Busses TXL, 100, 200

Open dates: November 24 – December 28

Admission: FREE

Opernpalais

Lots of arts and crafts and plenty of roasted nuts covered in sugary goodness. This market is a lot of fun!

Getting there: Under one kilometre from Alexanderplatz station or Hackescher Markt Station

Open dates: November 24 – December 26

Admission: FREE

Alexanderplatz

One word: For-the-tourists (okay, that’s three!). Don’t expect a Berliner to take you here and don’t expect to find a Berliner – even a stray one – in the mix. Alexanderplatz is not reminiscent of a typical German Christmas market as it is far too touristy and with minimal atmosphere on offer. If you’re already in the area, why not. Otherwise steer clear…

Getting there: Alexanderplatz Station

Open dates: November 24 – January 6

Admission: FREE

Alexa

Less a Christmas market and more a fun fair, Alexa offers great fun for kids and plenty of rides for the big kids.

Getting there: Alexanderplatz Station

Open dates: November 24 – December 24

Admission: FREE

Charlottenburg Palace

A typical Christmas market with loads of goodies on offer. This market is particularly special as it is placed in front of Charlottenburg Palace, which will be illuminated in the evenings.

Getting there: Sophie-Charlotte-Platz Station (U2)

Open dates: November 24 – December 28 (closed Dec 24)

Admission: 3 Euros