The best Christmas Markets in Berlin are the ones that have a particular atmosphere. You see, the weather is always gloomy this time of the year, and the first snowfall is usually around the corner. Candles, lights, tiny houses serving delicious food and, of course, the famous Glühwein: mulled wine with cinnamon, a bit of sugar, orange, and -sometimes- shots of alcohol.
You can see -or shall I better say smell?- the Christmas Markets everywhere in Berlin. The city has dozens of them literally, and I think it’s impossible to visit them all in one single year. I have been living for almost a decade now in Berlin, and I still haven’t been to every single Christmas Market. But I have visited most of them, and I wanted to share them with you here.
Not to miss: the sausages, the souvenirs, the smoked salmon, and the Glühwein.
So, here is my list, from number 5 to number 1 🙂
The Best Christmas Markets in Berlin
5. The Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt
The first one of my top-5 Christmas Markets in Berlin is the Lucia. It is located in the area of Prenzlauer Berg in the former eastern part of the city. The Christmas Market takes place in the Kulturbrauerei complex. This is a space of 25,000 square meters and was initially used as a Brewery. Nowadays, though, this is a multi-venue area, with cinemas, theaters, clubs, shops, and restaurants.
The Christmas Market is set in the cobble-stoned streets inside the complex and is one of the most popular of Berlin. It seems to be always packed, therefore have some patience while walking around. (Tip: If you’re not fond of crowds, try to go there during the week after 9 pm). You might even need 20 minutes to walk through it, although it’s not more than 200 meters long. On the southern exit, there are a couple of kiosques serving Glühwein with alcohol shots (mainly vodka), so make sure to check them out!
The closest metro station is the U2 Eberswalderstrasse, but you can reach it with a number of trams, too. Free entry, open daily until 10 pm.
4. The Weihnachtsmarkt am Gendarmenmarkt
This is also one of the very popular Christmas Markets in Berlin. It takes place in a stunning location in Mitte. The square is surrounded by stunning architecture: the Concert Hall (Konzerthaus), the French and the German churches, as well as the statue of Schiller, the renowned German poet. All these elements make this place really stand out. Most of the buildings were severely damaged in World War II, but today they are totally restored.
Apart from the illuminations and the always impressive Christmas tree, the market in Gendarmenmarkt hosts often shows. There is a central outdoor scene where one can always observe those shows or other happenings. I must say though that everything here is slightly more expensive (from food or drinks to souvenirs) and there is always an entry fee, usually 1 euro per person. A part of the earnings is going to social and cultural projects.
If you are more into elegant Christmas Markets, then you should not miss this one. The closest metro stations are Stadtmitte and Hausvogteiplatz. The market is open daily until 10 pm.
3. The Adventsmarkt auf der Domäne Dahlem
Countless kiosques, gift ideas, handmade music instruments. The Christmas Market in Dahlem offers a variety of unique objects. Located in a beautiful yard, the market is a paradise for those who’d like to explore a less touristy area of Berlin. Although I’m not a big fan of chestnuts, I had the best ones in the market of Dahlem!
A notable place is, of course, the Cafe im Herrenhaus, with its elegant interior. It opened its doors in 1560, and it’s still there after almost five centuries! If possible, combine your visit to the Christmas Market in Dahlem with a stop at the cafe -you will remember it for a long time.
Please note that there is an entry fee of 3 euros per person and that it’s open daily only until 7 pm. You can reach it with the U3 metro line (Station Dahlem Dorf).
2. The Weihnachtsmarkt in der Altstadt Spandau
This used to be one of Berlin’s best-kept secrets but not anymore. The Christmas Market in Spandau attracts more and more tourists every year but still has character and a nice feeling. Spandau is a (not so distant) suburb of Berlin. You can easily reach it by S-Bahn in twenty minutes from the Zoo Station. Berliners always think that this is a bit too far away from the center, but the truth is that Spandau has charm.
In the very heart of Spandau, there is the old town (Altstadt in German), and that’s exactly where the Christmas Market takes place. You will have straight ahead a medieval feeling in the Christmas Market of Spandau! Also, Wednesday is Family Day, which means that there is a show with Santa Clauses, and there are usually reductions in some of the products.
This is definitely one of the most traditional Christmas Markets in Berlin, and you should check it out. Plus, traveling to Spandau will also show you how life in the suburbs unfolds. Free entry, open daily until 10 pm.
1. The Weihnachtsmarkt am Schloss Charlottenburg
This one is my favorite and therefore sits on top of my best Christmas Markets in Berlin list! It is located on the edge of the Charlottenburg district, straight in front of the Palace. An excellent example of both baroque and rococo architecture, the Schloss Charlottenburg, is always illuminated at night. Now just imagine this place with a stunning Christmas village in front of it!
If you have enough time, I would suggest going earlier to the Palace: behind it, there is a big garden, including a mausoleum, a belvedere, a theater, and a pavilion. Plus, very close to it, you can find the Orangerie that has an excellent cafe! You can then continue to the Christmas market, which has a wide variety of shops -some of them you won’t find them in any other Christmas market in Berlin!
It’s pretty easy to reach the Schloss Charlottenburg by taking the 109 bus. What makes the Schloss Charlottenburg the best Christmas market in Berlin is that locals usually frequent it. The entry is free, and it stays open daily until 10 pm.
Have you ever visited Berlin during Christmas? Which markets would you add on the list of the best Christmas markets in Berlin?
A tip: You can also take a guided tour around the Christmas Markets of Berlin. There’s currently a great one that lasts four hours and you can check it out here.
More Xmas: The best gifts for travelers
More about Berlin: Berlin Travel Guide, The women of Bleibtreustrasse & The Ultimate Berlinale Guide
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Last Updated on September 19, 2020 by George Pavlopoulos