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
Carolyn in Utah
I agree– the Gendarmenmarkt was the best market I visited in Berlin, by far. I visited Berlin in 2011 with all my siblings and none of us left the market empty-handed, there were so many interesting an unusual things. Also the fact that it takes place in heated tents helps too!
We also visited the market in Dresden which was fun but our best (accidental) find was following the sound of trumpet music down to the Elbe river and finding a medieval Christmas market there–lots of metal and leather workers demonstrating their craft. We bought the giant roasted turkey legs & had a great time wandering around that night!
Rose
Have checked a lot of them during the last few days. Your post was very helpful! Thanks so much!
Kate Rivington
I hope to make it here one day, looks absolutely magical! Great post!
Allison
Thanks for the suggestions! I’m heading to Berlin this week and I’m definitely going to check out some of those markets. You can never go to too many Christmas markets, especially in Europe!
Marcello
Wow I’ve always wanted to experience Christmas markets in Central Europe. Looks like there are many options and it’s good to see they run for about a month just in case I’m not there too close to the big day.
http://www.travellerstalesblog.com/blog
Lara // the passage
Aww…this makes me wish I was in Berlin right now! I am currently living in a largish town in South Korea and there is absolutely no Chirstmas decorating going on. Definitely missing the twinkling lights, the scent of pine trees and the overall feeling of holiday festivity in the air.
Sarah
It has always been a dream to be in Europe around Christmas. One day someday! Thanks for sharing!
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Best holiday destinations
Looking nice market. nice preparation for X- Mas . Thanks for sharing nice views.
Kate @ Nonstop from JFK
Wow, I had no idea there were so many! I’ve always wanted to go to Germany during Christmas time, I don’t know why but it’s always felt right to me… this post only confirmed that!
Raza
Wow. Berlin looks so magical in the wintertime! I’d love to visit during the colder months – it must be very special. 🙂
Raza from http://www.thetravelixir.com
Elizabeth
Berlin seems like so much fun during the holidays (and every other time of the year)!
Carina
Going to be in Germany next week! so excited for all the christmas markets!
Definitely going to visit as many on this list as i can!
<3
Carina
Running White Horses
Christina
What a useful post! Thanks for sharing!
Christina
http://www.cityloveee.blogspot.com
James
The Berlin Christmas markets look amazing, definitely one for the travel bucket list!
EmilyAnne
How fun! I shared this with a cousin living in Germany. Thanks. http://www.eatallovertheworld.weebly.com
Camille
Oh wow. These are gorgeous! I went to my first “Christmas market” here in Alaska and I have to say, these look infinitely better (& warmer hopefully).
Hope I can make it over to Berlin one day to take part in these.
Olga
I want to visit Berlin simply for the Christmas markets… perhaps next December! Will keep this post in mind 🙂
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Marie @ Marie Away
Christmas markets in Germany are my winter dream. There are plenty of craft fairs here in Edmonton, but they don’t have the same whimsical allure. 🙂
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yvonnelaura
Would love to go to Berlin during Christmas!
Chloe
If you live or are in Berlin for more than a fleeting weekend, the Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt is fabulous, and sprawling. A little off the tourist trail and we’ve found some great artists there over the last couple of years.
Megan
Hey! I love your posts on Berlin! I went to Berlin recently and had a pretty horrific time for various reasons but am hoping this won’t put me of going again! Have you got any suggestions for where the best place to stay in Berlin is? Thanks! x
megansblog.co.uk
Isabella
I have an ever-growing list of cities to visit, and Berlin is firmly climbing towards the top.
I am determined I will get to experience the christmas markets next year.
Enjoy Brooke!
Love Isabella x
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De'Jav
The markets definitely give it the Christmas feel. It’s hard living south of the boarder to even get into the spirit.
Charlotte Smart @ A Love Triangle
Thanks for writing these down! I wanted to go to one this year, but didn’t get round to sorting it out so I think next year I will make sure I do! Just need to pick one – they all sound (and look) amazing so that may be difficult 😉
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Chiara - Machedavvero
I was in Berlin for the Christmas markets something like…mmm…5 years ago, and I haven’t published the pics since I didn’t do many photo posts at that time. You make me want to post them! 😀
Tessa / Bramble & Thorn
Oh my gosh, this is making me so nostalgic for European Christmas markets! They’re all so beautiful, although I must admit those in Germany do have something very special and unique. Wish I was there to celebrate this year!
Tom Gorec
Berlin is a fantastic city! I’ve been thinking about visiting it for quite a while now, but with this city-tour guide, my decision becomes more and more obvious. Thank you! 🙂
Department of Wandering
I adore this time of year in Berlin! My favourites are the ones at Gendarmenmarkt and Schloss Charlottenburg. The sparkling lights and the warming Glühwein — so magical! I plan to check out one of the oldest Christmas markets in Berlin this weekend — the one in Spandau. Have you been? x
http://www.departmentofwandering.com
Kozue
I think that so many travel bloggers are talking about Berlin this week. I understand it! The Christmas Markets are so beautiful. It’s winter now…
Thanks for sharing them with us!
Kozue from Tokyo
LITONKRL
Long list for Christmas market in Berlin. I am afraid to choice 🙂
Michaela
I also love the Christmas markets.I have never been in Berlin market, but Dresden are beautiful as well.
Travel notes
korin
So cozy, wish I had the time to swoop over to Germany for one of these markets.
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Expert carpet cleaners Fulham
I love Christmas markets very much. Unfortunately, I can’t go to Berlin this year. It’s so beautiful and there are amazing Christmas stuff. I hope I could go next year. Thank you for sharing.
shannon
I love Christmas markets and next year hope to visit Berlin for them! I went there this summer and absolutely loved it 🙂 x
http://www.walkingwithwanderlust.blogspot.com