The Ultimate Guide to Berlin Christmas Markets: Dates, Attractions, and Travel Tips

Berlin is an international city that embraces modernity and cultures from around the globe, yet still manages to maintain its old-world charm. This means it also offers unique Christmas market experiences worthy of including in a festive Berlin food tour.

There are a staggering number of Christmas markets in Berlin during the holiday season. To help you figure out which ones best suit your tastes, I thought I’d take a closer look at some of my favorite Berlin Christmas markets.

Best Berlin Christmas Markets

A list of the best Christmas markets in Berlin starts with Gendarmenmarkt and Alexanderplatz. Yet with as many as 80 scattered throughout the city, there’s bound to be one within walking distance of your hotel. 

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market

Photo credit: Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is known for its upscale atmosphere, gourmet food, and artisanal crafts. While there are many outdoor booths and attractions, there are also several heated indoor dining options.

At any time, there are live demonstrations by local artists and craftsmen, which I think add to its appeal if you’re souvenir hunting. If you show up early, you might even get the chance to interact with them one-on-one to get the inside scoop on what they do best.  

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market typically runs from late November to New Year’s Eve. They usually have special celebrations on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.​

Lucia Christmas Market at Kulturbrauerei

Berlin’s Lucia Christmas Market is inspired by Nordic traditions that speak to Germany’s connection with Scandinavian countries. This means it’s overrun with vendors selling all kinds of unique Scandinavian delicacies, not the least of which are Swedish elk meatballs and reindeer bratwurst.

Lucia Christmas Market’s vibe and décor feel very Nordic. There are times when you could forget you’re in Berlin, and feel transported to Sweden. While there aren’t a lot of indoor dining options in the Lucia Christmas Market, I think they do a great job of positioning cozy open-air heaters.

The market runs from the last week of November 25 to just a few days before Christmas. It typically closes before Christmas Eve to let vendors and artisans spend time with their families.

Alexanderplatz Christmas Market

Photo credit: Alexanderplatz Christmas Market

The Alexanderplatz Christmas Market is one of Berlin’s most family-friendly holiday events. With over 100 stalls, fairground rides, and Europe’s largest walk-in Christmas pyramid, there’s something for everyone.

Many of the food and drink stalls at the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market offer German-themed foods and beverages. However, there are some international delicacies scattered throughout the market.

I think it’s the best place in Berlin to try out winter activities like curling and ice skating. Then you can refuel and refresh with the Christmas Market’s many sumptuous offerings.

The Alexanderplatz Christmas Market is typically open from the last week of November until the day after Christmas.  

Spandau Christmas Market

Spandau Christmas Market is officially considered to be Berlin’s largest holiday market. You’ll find it in the charming Old Town of Spandau where they host over 250 stalls during the week with at least 400 vendors being open on weekends.

Along with traditional German and international holiday foods you’ll also find tons of vendors offering traditional crafts and holiday-themed souvenirs. There’s even a live nativity scene.

If you’re traveling with your kids, Spandau Christmas Market usually has family days on Wednesday, including classic photo opportunities to take your kid’s picture with Santa.

The Spandau Christmas Market typically starts in the last week of November and closes a few days before Christmas Eve.  

Winter World and Christmas Market at Potsdamer Platz

The Winter World and Christmas Market at Potsdamer Platz combines Alpine-style attractions with traditional stalls. This includes an oversized toboggan run, ice skating, and traditional foods.

There are even a few cozy indoor areas for a sit-down meal. However, they fill up fast, so if you want to enjoy one, it’s best to show up early.

The atmosphere at Berlin’s Winter World Christmas Market has a Bavarian vibe with a lot of Alpine décor. Yet other cultures and cuisines are also represented throughout the market stalls.

The Winter World Christmas Market typically opens in the first week of November and runs to New Year’s Day. So, it’s just as much a celebration of wintertime foods and activities as it is holiday-themed.  

Traditional Food and Drink at Berlin Christmas Markets

Berlin’s Christmas markets are known around the world for their festive atmosphere and a stunning array of traditional German street foods and drinks. While you will find some vendors offering international cuisine, the following are icons of Berlin’s Christmas market experience.

Bratwurst

This is Germany’s most iconic sausage. At Berlin Christmas markets it’s typically grilled or fried and served in a bun with mustard. Many stalls also offer other toppings like sauerkraut and onions. A few will offer ketchup, but you shouldn’t expect it everywhere.

Kartoffelpuffer and Reibekuchen

These are crispy potato pancakes that you often find served at Berlin Christmas Markets with applesauce or sour cream. I like to look for a stall that’s near a bratwurst vendor and I’ll eat the two together.

Stollen

This is a rich, fruity Christmas bread that’s well-represented at Berlin markets. It’s usually filled with dried fruits and nuts, then dusted with powdered sugar​

Lebkuchen

These are gingerbread cookies that are fragrantly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. At Berlin Christmas markets you usually find them festively shaped and decorated with icing​

Gebrannte Mandeln

At Berlin Christmas markets you often find Gebrannte Mandeln as caramelized almonds, in small bags. They have a sweet, nutty crunch​, that is a little bit like Germany’s take on roasted chestnuts.

Schmalzkuchen

These are small, fluffy German doughnuts, dusted with powdered sugar. If I’m at a Berlin Christmas market early in the day I like to have them with a cup of black coffee or perhaps a hot chocolate.

Glühwein

 

Is Berlin’s take on mulled wine. It’s typically spiced with cinnamon, and cloves, garnished with citrus. At Christmas markets, it’s typically served hot to keep you warm on a cold evening. I like to get one if I know I’m about to stand in a long line for an attraction like the Ferris wheel.

Eierpunsch

This is sort of like an elevated German eggnog. It’s basically a creamy, egg-based punch that’s usually served warm with a dollop of light, refreshing whipped cream​ on top.

Hot Chocolate

The hot chocolate available in Berlin Christmas markets is much more robust and thicker than the relatively thin hot cocoa found in the US. It’s a very comforting option if you’re looking for non-alcoholic warmth. I love to dip Schmalzkuchen doughnuts in for a comforting breakfast on a chilly winter morning. 

Special Features and Attractions

Berlin’s Christmas markets are filled with interesting experiences, special features, and unique attractions, and while you won’t usually find these things on the Eating Europe schedule, our East Berlin food tour takes in plenty of Christmas cheer. 

This includes things like the Nordic charm at Lucia Christmas Market. It’s a great place to Enjoy Nordic specialties such as elk sausages, Finnish waffles, and creative takes on traditional Glögg. They even have mobile saunas and pre-heated fur coats, to add a cozy touch to the winter experience.

Family-friendly activities are everywhere at Berlin Christmas markets. Especially as the week of Christmas draws near and children can participate in craft workshops, ride carousels, and meet Santa Claus.

The Kinky Christmas Market in Kreuzberg offers an inclusive 18+ playful twist on Christmas festivities. It features over 30 vendors selling kinky gifts, fashion accessories, and toys. There are even workshops on shibari, polyamory, and LGBTQ+ topics.

Live music and street performers are a common sight at many of Berlin’s Christmas markets. They often showcase live music and performances alongside a variety of food stalls, letting you sample the local cuisine while getting a taste of the local culture.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/berlin/

Berlin.de. (n.d.). Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.berlin.de/en/christmas-markets/3235772-3230598-christmas-market-at-gendarmenmarkt.en.html

Berlin.de. (n.d.). Lucia Christmas market at Kulturbrauerei. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.berlin.de/en/christmas-markets/3240367-3230598-lucia-christmas-market-at-kulturbrauerei.en.html

Berlin.de. (n.d.). Christmas market at Alexanderplatz. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.berlin.de/en/christmas-markets/3240090-3230598-christmas-market-at-alexanderplatz.en.html

Berlin.de. (n.d.). Christmas market in Spandau. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.berlin.de/en/christmas-markets/3249571-3230598-christmas-market-in-spandau.en.html

Berlin.de. (n.d.). Christmas market at Potsdamer Platz. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.berlin.de/en/christmas-markets/3249647-3230598-christmas-market-at-potsdamer-platz.en.html

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Berlin street food. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/berlin-street-food/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). East Berlin food tour. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/berlin/east-berlin-food-tour/