The 14 most authentic Berlin Christmas markets

At the Christmas market on Alexanderplatz you can really get in the mood for Christmas in Germany’s capital. In addition to all the regular stalls, which are beautifully illuminated and where you can buy handicrafts and treats, there are also some special highlights. 

In the center is the traditional giant pyramid, actually a snack bar and Christmas viewpoint in one. At the weekend, things get even more festive when tower brass bands perform beneath the pyramid’s figurines. 

There are antique carousels for children and not only an ice-skating rink but also a roller skating rink. Perfect if the winter temperatures are not as favorable as they should be. There are beginners’ courses as well as a roller disco for the “big kids”.

Afterward, they can continue the party at the Nikolaus Partyhaus – the bar/ restaurant is open late into the night and various DJs keep the party going.

Where is the most beautiful Christmas market in Berlin? Many visitors and Berliners agree: it’s the Berlin Christmas Time or ‘Berliner Weihnachtszeit‘ at the Red Town Hall.

Here, you’ll truly get into the Christmas spirit against a beautifully old-fashioned backdrop, making it one of the best Berlin Christmas markets for the whole family. There’s a huge pyramid from the Ore Mountains, numerous historic rides, and the famous Ferris wheel that usually graces Oktoberfest.

Additionally, you can glide on ice skates in the Ice World at the Neptunbrunnen and warm up with delicious mulled wine in between. Another highlight: Santa Claus himself visits three times a day!

Few markets have a more romantic setting than the Charlottenburg Christmas Market. Charlottenburg Palace is adorned with lights and festive decorations. A special touch is the use of natural materials for the market’s setup, creating a particularly nostalgic atmosphere.

With around 250 international exhibitors, you can purchase last-minute (or early) Christmas gifts and indulge in some refreshments. There are heated tents where you can enjoy more than just roasted almonds; entire Christmas meals are also available. Two free carousels are ready for children to ride.

The Christmas Magic market is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Berlin, attracting numerous visitors to Gendarmenmarkt or Bebelplatz each year. It’s known for its beautiful location and the large Christmas tree at the center of the market.

Visitors also love the traditional craftsmanship on display. Not only can you buy candles, toys, and carvings, but you can also watch artisans create their crafts.

Additionally, this Berlin Christmas market boasts several heated tents where you can warm up and indulge. In addition to chestnuts and various types of mulled wine, there are full meals served with musical entertainment.

Admission fees are donated to cultural and social institutions in Berlin, as is tradition. That’s even more reason to feel the holiday spirit.

The Spandau Christmas Market in the Old Town stands out with its international vendors. After all, Christmas is celebrated all over the world, and that diversity is reflected in the selection of merchants. Here, you can buy gifts from various countries and sample different Christmas cuisines.

The setting is also charming, with a medieval and arts and crafts market in the narrow streets of the Old Town. An absolute highlight for visitors young and old is the beautiful nativity scene featuring live animals.

Spandau has another wonderful Christmas market, Christmas Lights at Spandau Citadel. Originally a temporary location for the market in the Old Town, it has now become an essential part of Berlin’s Christmas market scene.

The market is traditional and cozy, offering something to admire and experience for everyone. Adults can enjoy Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine with a flaming sugarloaf) and admire the giant Christmas pyramid, while children can enjoy historic rides and a carbon-neutral ice rink.

There’s also a colorful program with jugglers and fire eaters, as well as great shopping.

Your visit to the Christmas market also grants you free admission to the museums in the Spandau Citadel.

Unfortunately, the Fair Christmas Market in Lichtenberg will not take place this year. Instead, I recommend the Alt Rixdorfer Christmas Market in Neukölln. Open for just one weekend in December, the focus is not on consumption, but on being together with others.

I especially like the Christmas stories told by Santa Claus and a real fairy tale witch. In addition, the Three Saints come riding on camels, while small guests can enjoy pony rides!

In addition, there’s a wonderful atmosphere thanks to live music and gospel songs, torchlight, and international delicacies. Of course, you can also buy Christmas gifts and decorations here, with most vendors donating or representing a portion of their proceeds to charities.

Even though the winter sky over Berlin may be gray, the Christmas market at the Gedächtniskirche shines especially beautifully. A 400-meter-long carpet of light, reminiscent of a starry sky, hangs above the colorful hustle and bustle, and there are 50 islands of light with Christmas balls.

In addition, you will find numerous international stalls where you can buy gifts or beautiful Christmas decorations. Children can do their rounds on the carousels, while parents warm up with a Feuerzangenbowle.

Want to do some extra good while indulging? Order a mulled wine instead. In keeping with tradition, part of the proceeds from the mulled wine sale will be donated to the “Wärmebus” of the Berlin Red Cross.

If you’re looking for a Christmas market open after Christmas, then the Winter World and Christmas Market at Potsdamer Platz is for you.

Of course, you will find everything that belongs to a really good Berlin Christmas market: mulled wine, magic lights, and a fantastic view of the Brandenburg Gate.

In addition, there’s also the popular Winter World, with its 12-meter high toboggan run. This is festively illuminated with disco lights and on weekends DJs provide atmosphere.

There’s also curling and ice skating – so you can work up an appetite before you fortify yourself again in the Austrian Schmankerl Hütte.

Even though the winter sky over Berlin may be gray, the Christmas market at the Gedächtniskirche shines especially beautifully. A 400-meter-long carpet of light, reminiscent of a starry sky, hangs above the colorful hustle and bustle, and there are 50 islands of light with Christmas balls.

In addition, you will find numerous international stalls where you can buy gifts or beautiful Christmas decorations. Children can do their rounds on the carousels, while parents warm up with a Feuerzangenbowle.

Want to do some extra good while indulging? Order a mulled wine instead. In keeping with tradition, part of the proceeds from the mulled wine sale will be donated to the “Wärmebus” of the Berlin Red Cross.

The Historic Christmas Market on the RAW grounds in Friedrichshain is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Berlin and offers a great program, especially for children.

There’s a Ferris wheel and a wooden carousel, an exciting troll forest and plenty of medieval flair. So it’s especially fitting that younger guests can practice archery and crossbow shooting.

Stroll through the historic location, which is illuminated with torches, and be enthralled by jugglers and acrobats along the way.

Of course, there are also great handcrafts to buy and you can watch the craftsmen at work in the forges and potteries. Medieval delicacies, such as hot mead, will provide refreshments.

Christmas Avenue includes the LGBTQIA Winterdays and the Christmas Market at Nollendorfplatz.

Christmas Avenue is already considered the biggest Christmas market of the LGBTQIA+ scene. Conveniently, it takes place under the roof of the Berlin elevated railroad, so the Christmas atmosphere continues even in snow and rain.

Christmas Avenue wants to provide, especially in the Advent season, for tolerance and diversity, which is why in the first 10 days the focus is on political issues during the winter days.

This includes a colorful stage program and lots of music. You’ find fun diverse shows such as drag bingo, delicious food, and drinks in the party hut.

Family Wonderland is more of an amusement park than a classic Christmas market in Berlin, but that doesn’t detract from the fun. On the contrary, you’ll find pre-Christmas entertainment here, especially if you’re not a fan of the regular Christmas market hustle and bustle.

Across from the Spandauer Arcaden, there’s something for the whole family to see and do at Family Wonderland. Very young visitors can enjoy ‘fishing for ducks’ games. While older children can enjoy a spooky Christmas in the “Haunted Castle” or thrilling fun on the world’s largest transportable dark roller coaster, the “Hell’s Lightning”.

Afterward, the whole family can fortify themselves with Christmas treats and enjoy the view over the city from the Ferris wheel.

Where are the Christmas markets in Berlin? All over the city and also on the shore of Strandbad Wendenschloss. In a unique atmosphere, a great Christmas market awaits you here, with lots of entertainment.

Of course, there are also warm treats to drink and eat at the Winter Magic – various types of mulled wine and roasted almonds are an integral part of the program. In addition, you can make stick bread at the campfire while listening to Christmas stories.

There will also be Christmas karaoke and a live choir on some weekends. For even more fun, there’s curling, winter games and rafting. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can enjoy the view of the water from the fire.