Berlin Christmas Market Guide (Map + Dates 2023)

December is a magical month! And this is especially true for Germany, because of the Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte).

Although today you can find these Weihnachtsmärkte across all of Europe, they are in fact an old German tradition. Their history can be traced back to the 14th-16th century.

In fact, the Christmas markets are street markets, that are dedicated to Christmas. In the past, their main role was to help people to prepare for the coming holidays. You were able to buy meat, vegetables and all kinds of spices. Nowadays, it’s more about fun than practicality.

Berlin, with its 80 Weihnachtsmärkte spread out all over the city, is the capital of the German Christmas markets. And you won’t find two identical ones. Each of them has its own atmosphere and speciality. No matter if you look for a nostalgic, bio or urban Christmas market, you will find it here, in Berlin.

It’s not easy to decide which winter markets to visit, but my blog is here to help you. This list includes the most famous Christmas markets in Berlin.

Read on to find out why you should visit them and what to do in Berlin at Christmas.

There are about 80 Christmas markets in Berlin. Most of them are small and run only during weekends. You can find a map with their exact locations at the end of the article.

Almost all of the main markets are located in the Mitte district (right in the city centre). Yet, to get from one to another you’ll have to use public transport, as distances are big. But don’t worry, Berlin has an excellent public transport network. I’d recommend using the S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains (the German metro system).

The best Christmas markets in Berlin in 2023

• Gendarmenmarkt
• Weihnachtsmarkt at Charlottenburg Palace
• Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
• Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Christmas Market
• Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Roten Rathaus
• Winter World on Potsdamer Platz
• Spandau Christmas market
• Opernpalais Nostalgic Market
• Lucia Christmas Market

When does the Berlin Christmas market start?

The main Weihnachtsmärkte start at the end of November and continue during the four weeks of Advent. There are only a few that you can visit after Christmas or in January.

Berlin Christmas market dates 2023

From 27 November to 26 December 2023
Every day from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Between 26 and 31 December – only the Weihnachtsmärkte at Gendarmenmarkt, City Hall and Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church will be open
Between New Year’s Eve and 2 January – City Hall and Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

For more details check each market’s opening times.

You’ll need probably weeks to visit all the 80 Weihnachtsmärkte. However, there are a few that are not to be missed. So be sure to add them to your itinerary.

Although it’s hard to choose the best Weihnachtsmarkt from more than 80, there is one that really stands out. The WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt is the most popular Christmas market in Berlin. And it’s also the most visited one (it tends to get a bit crowded during peak hours).

The market is located on a charming square framed by the impressive buildings of the Concert Hall, the German and French Churches. It is also the nearest Weihnachtsmarkt to Checkpoint Charlie.

Besides the location, there is a gigantic Christmas tree and a stage with live choir performances. It is really magical at night when everything is festively lit up.

The wooden stalls offer unique handmade-products by artisans. This is the place if you’re looking for gifts and souvenirs. In addition, you’ll also find gourmet treats and hot beverages. Don’t miss to try some fine wines at the WeihnachtsZauberBar.

The market ends at New Year’s Eve with a DJ party and a large fireworks display.

Yet, there is a tiny downside. Although most of the Weihnachtsmärkte are free, this one charges an entrance fee of €1. If you want to save money, visit it between 11:00 AM – 02:00 PM. At this time the admission is free (only weekdays, except 24, 25, 26 and 31 December). On New Year’s Eve, the ticket costs €6.

Please note that no luggage is allowed in the market.

WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmark Opening times
From 27 November to 31 December
Daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
24th December – from 11:00 AM to 06:00 PM
31st December – from 11:00 AM to 01:00 AM
Address: Gendarmenmarkt, 10115 Berlin 
www.weihnachtsmarkt-berlin.de

If you’re into palaces, you’ll love this market. Located in the shadow of a gorgeous 18th-century Baroque palace, it’s a real fairy tale!

The spectacular backdrop of the palace is lit up with changing coloured lights. This creates a truly romantic atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cup of warm Glühwein with your loved one.

In addition, you’ll find a winter open-air restaurant, a petting zoo and free nostalgia carousels.

As far as it concerns food, you won’t be disappointed, too. More than 250 local and international exhibitors offer culinary treats and unique crafts.

Don’t miss to visit Charlottenburg Palace itself. This beautiful palace once served as a private residence of Sophie Charlotte, the first Queen consort in Prussia.

Weihnachtsmarkt vor dem Schloss Charlottenburg Opening hours
From 27 November to 26 December
Monday to Thursday – 02:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Address: Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin
wvdsc.de

To combine the Christmas villages with some shopping, visit Weihnachtsmarkt auf dem Alexanderplatz. The market is set under the iconic TV Tower, right between the Galeria Kaufhof department store and Alexa shopping mall.

There is an open-air ice rink, a fairground ride and a Santa Claus party house. Yet, the heart of the market is a large Christmas pyramid. In fact, this is the largest Ore Mountain pyramid in Europe (with more than 5000 lights).

Weihnachtsmarkt auf dem Alexanderplatz Opening hours
From 27 November to 26 December
Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
24th December – from 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Address: Alexanderplatz 4, 10178 Berlin

You’ll find this medieval Christmas market on the square between the City Hall (Rotes Rathaus) and St. Marienkirche. Travel back to the Middle Ages, while enjoying hot mead in a clay jug and medieval delicacies.

However, the main attraction is the 50m high Ferris wheel. Take a ride for panoramic views of the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz.

You’ll also find a 600 square meter ice rink and a petting zoo with donkeys, sheep and ponies.

The little ones have a chance to see Santa Claus, flying through the skies on his sleigh. He appears daily at 04:30 PM, 06:30 PM and 08:30 PM.

Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Roten Rathaus Opening hours
From 27 November to 2 January
From Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Address: Platz vor dem Roten Rathaus
www.berlinerweihnachtszeit.de

This Weihnachtsmarkt is set at the backdrop of the beautiful Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. It is the closest market to the Berlin Zoo. The 25 feet high Christmas tree and festively decorated stores will put you in the right holiday mood.

More than 170 wooden stalls offer handmade tree ornaments and toys. It’s a great place if you look for gifts and souvenirs. I bought a lovely Christmas ornament in the shape of an angel from here.

At New Year’s Eve there is a fireworks display at 06:00 PM, 08:00 PM, 10:00 PM and midnight.

Weihnachtsmarkt an der Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche Opening hours
From 27 November to 2 January
Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Friday and Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
24th December – 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM
25th and 26th December – 02:00 PM to 09:00 PM
New Year’s Eve – till 01:00 AM
New Year’s Day – 01:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Address: Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin

Every year Potsdamer Platz turns into an Alpine winter world, featuring all kinds of fun activities. The highlight is the giant toboggan run with a view of Brandenburg gate. In addition, there is a 500 square meters open-air ice rink.

And if you’re hungry, try some Austrian delicacies in Schmankerl or Salzburger Stiegl Alm wooden huts.

Winterwelt am Potsdamer Platz Opening hours
From 27 November to 26 December
Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
24th December – till 02:00 PM
Address: Potsdamer Platz, 10785 Berlin

If you plan to spend more time at Christmas in Berlin, don’t miss to check out the Weihnachtsmärkte below.

The largest Christmas market in Berlin takes place in the charming Old Town of Spandau. There are more than 250 stalls during the weekdays and over 400 on the weekends.

Spandau is a suburb on the city’s outskirts. It may look far on the map, but you can easily reach it from Alexanderplatz (or Zoologischer Garten) with the S-Bahn.

Thousands of twinkling lights create a festive and joyful atmosphere. And at the heart of the market, you’ll find a large fir tree and a nativity scene with live animals.

Wednesdays are family days and this is the time to go if you want a photo with Santa Claus. Every Friday there is a rock concert, starting at 06:00 PM.

Spandauer Weihnachtsmarkt Opening hours
From 27 November to 22 December
Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Friday and Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Address: Altstadt Spandau 1, 13597 Berlin

A nostalgic Weihnachtsmarkt takes place every year on Bebelplatz. More than 200 wooden booths are set up in front of the beautiful backdrop of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral. Craftsmen from all over the world sell wooden toys, candles, lanterns and Christmas ornaments.

Stop for a glass of mulled wine after dark. Everything is festively lit up and the aroma of roasted almonds and chestnuts drifts in the air.

Nostalgischer Weihnachtsmarkt am Opernpalais Opening hours
(please note that the official dates for 2023 are not yet announced)

If you look for a different kind of experience, visit the Lucia Weihnachtsmark. It’s a Nordic Christmas market, named after Saint Lucia. Saint Lucia is a goddess of light, worshipped in the Nordic countries.

Besides the classic Christmas treats, here you’ll also find Nordic and Scandinavian culinary delights. This includes Swedish Glögg, Finnish honey, moose goulash, reindeer bratwurst and many more.

Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt Opening hours
From 27 November to 22 December
From Monday to Friday – 03:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday – 01:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Address: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
www.lucia-weihnachtsmarkt.de

Berlin TV Tower – it is the most popular attraction. Buy a fast track entrance ticket to skip the long lines (you’ll have to choose a time slot).

Pergamon Museum – it’s the most visited museum on Museum Island. The lines are huge even in the winter, so book your ticket in advance here. Another option to skip the line is to buy a Museum Pass (valid for 3 days and includes more than 30 museums).

Berlin WelcomeCard – it’s a great deal if you plan to use public transport a lot. The card offers free public transportation (including to Potsdam and Brandenburg Airport) and discounts at 200 attractions. See more details and reviews here.

The best location to stay for Berlin Christmas markets is the southern part of the Mitte district. And to be more precise the areas around Checkpoint Charlie and Alexanderplatz. Both areas are very well-connected to the rest of the city. You’ll get in no time even to the distant Weihnachtsmärkte (using the S-Bahn and U-Bahn).

In addition, most of the main Weihnachtsmärkte are within this area. You’ll be at walking distance to at least a few. Yet, to be close to the best Christmas market in Berlin, stay near Checkpoint Charlie.

Find more information in my complete guide to where to stay in Berlin.

Mercure Hotel Checkpoint Charlie is the perfect accommodation for couples. Quiet location, yet close to everything – attractions, markets and transport links. Spacious and comfy rooms.
Why book – spacious rooms with soundproof windows, next to Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market

NH Collection Checkpoint Charlie is great for a family stay. There are 3 Weihnachtsmärkte less than 1km away. Moreover, the Friedrichstraße shopping street and a metro station are within a short walk. The hotel features a stylish restaurant, spa facilities and free WiFi.
Why book – excellent location near metro, awesome breakfast

If you prefer to stay in an apartment, this is the best option near Checkpoint Charlie. Apartments are elegant, spacious, with a well-equipped kitchen. In addition, as the property is aparthotel, you’ll have a tapas restaurant and a spa area with a swimming pool at your disposal.
Why book – spacious apartments, spa with indoor pool, tapas restaurant

Berlin Icebar offers a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy a nice cocktail in one of the coolest bars in the city. Everything here is made of ice, including the walls, chairs and even the glasses.

Book your Icebar tickets in advance here.

Address: Spandauer Str. 2, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Take a boat cruise on the Spree River and admire the festively decorated city centre. Plus, you’ll learn more about the intriguing history of the city.

Every winter from November to January, the Botanical garden is transformed into a magical fairytale. Immerse yourself in a vast sea of lights while strolling through the garden.

You can book your ticket in advance here.

Opening times
From 27 November to 9 January
Daily from 04:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Address: Königin-Luise-Straße 68, 14195 Berlin

Enjoy fantastic views of the festively decorated city from the Sphere restaurant. The restaurant occupies the iconic TV tower, situated right in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sparkling city lights while you dine.

It’s advisable to book tickets for the Sphere restaurant in advance.

There are almost 70 shopping centres in Berlin. It’s heaven for every shopping lover, especially during the Christmas sales.

The most popular stores are: Alexa Shopping Center, Mall of Berlin, Friedrichsstraße and Kaufhaus des Westens. In fact, Kaufhaus des Westens is one of the biggest department stores in Continental Europe.

All I can say is prepare for a feast! Grilled sausages, gingerbread cookies, mulled wine – there are so many delicious temptations to choose from. And the best part is that the food is not expensive at all.

Glühwein

I know it’s Germany but forget about the beer (at least for an hour or two). It’s freezing cold and you need something to warm you up! So try the Glühwein.

Glühwein is mulled red wine with various spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, citrus and sugar. Usually, the markets offer variations such as cherry or blueberry mulled wine. You can also find Glühwein mit schuss, which means mulled wine with a shot of liquor in it.

Glühwein comes in a decorated mug. You have to pay a few euros deposit additionally for the mug. So don’t wonder why you’re charged more than the price you see.

You can keep the mug as a souvenir or return it to get your deposit back. Every market has a different mug. Thus take a look around and find your favourite one before buying.

Eierpunsch

Eierpunsch is also very popular. It’s a winter egg-based alcoholic drink, similar to egg nog.

Stollen

It’s a sweet bread with dried fruits covered with powdered sugar. Stollen comes in different variations such as Poppyseed stollen, Nut stollen, Marzipan stollen.

Lebkuchen

This is the German version of gingerbread. It is round or in the shape of a heart covered with dark chocolate. Usually, the decoration includes coloured icing inscriptions.

Schmalzkuchen

These are small German doughnuts. They are usually served in a paper cone and covered with powdered sugar.

Bratwurst

There were so many different types of sausages, but if you have to try only one, go with the Bratwurst. It’s a grilled sausage usually served in a bun with optional ketchup and mustard. This is one of the most popular foods at the Christmas markets.

By train
The Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) is in Mitte district, right in the city centre. It’s well-connected by public transport to every part of the city. Check timetables and book tickets online at Deutsche Bahn official site.

By air
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is located 18km south-east of the city. You can easily fly from Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, Newcastle and many other European cities.

The airport is connected to the city centre by the S-Bahn lines S9, S45 and the express trains FEX, RE7 and RB14 (see all connections here). 

Yet, the easiest way to get from the airport to the city centre is by booking a private transfer directly to your hotel. I recommend this airport transfer (more than 4,100 excellent reviews).

To help you navigate, I prepared a detailed map with all the markets. You can use it during your trip, you only need internet access.

The popular markets are marked in dark red, the rest – in light red.

Find more markets on the official website of VisitBerlin.

Potsdam is a great option to escape the hordes of tourists and enjoy more authentic Weihnachtsmärkt. In fact, there is not one, but several Weihnachtsmärkte in Potsdam.

The biggest one is held in the Old Town, stretching all the way down Brandenburger Straße. The market starts on 27 November and continues till 29 December.

The smaller Weihnachtsmärkte take place only during the weekends. So don’t forget to check in advance their opening times (see a full list here).

And while you’re in Potsdam, don’t miss to visit the royal palace Sanssouci and Neues Palais. For more information take a look at my complete guide for one day in Potsdam.

To get to Potsdam just take the S-Bahn and you’ll be there in less than an hour.

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About the author

	Milena Yordanova
	I’m a full-time travel blogger based in Sofia, Bulgaria. I love to travel and to discover new places, cultures and food. I’m an expert in travel planning and I am here to help you plan your dream vacation.

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