A trip to a Berlin Christmas market is an absolute MUST. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than at one of Berlin’s beautiful Christmas markets. Soak up the golden light, tasty treats and Christmas atmosphere while you stroll around wooden cabins, buy handmade arts and crafts to put under (or on) the Christmas tree, and catch up with friends over fragrant mulled wine listening to Wham. Tis the season!
Christmas markets are a traditional German institution during the Advent weeks leading up to Christmas and are a must-visit for Berliners and tourists alike. As the days become shorter and the long (LONG!!) Berlin winter sets in, Christmas markets are a perfect opportunity to spend some rare time outdoors in the freezing season. Between tents, outdoor heaters and fires, and hot drinks and food as far as the eye can see, all you need it to wrap up warm to enjoy some quality wintertime outdoors. Basically, you’d have to be an absolute Grinch not to love a good German Christmas market. So we’ve rounded up 5 not to miss in Berlin!
5 of the Coolest Berlin Christmas Markets in 2018
Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
Located on a beautiful square in the centre of Berlin between two Domes, the Christmas Market on the Gendarmenplatz has a wide range of available goods to buy, from carved wooden figures to traditional arts and crafts such as belts and combs, as well as contemporary graphic arts from paintings to printed photographs. Perfect for present shopping and a cosy stroll around to soak up the Christmas vibes!
- Where? Mitte: Gendarmenmarkt 1, 10117 Berlin
- When? 26 November – 31 December
- At what time? Every day from 11:00 to 22:00
- Entry fee: 1 Euro, children until the age of 12 free
- Public transport: U Französische Straße, U6 & Stadtmitte, U2
- Best way to get there: Since this is in the dead center of town you’re best off getting a bike, renting a scooter or taking public transport.
Kulturbrauerei Christmas Market
Dedicated to Lucia, a source of light in dark winter, this Christmas market is a solid favourite amongst Christmas visitors. Set amongst beautiful brewery buildings and with Scandinavian flair and stalls, this market is popular for a reason.
- Where? Prenzlauer Berg: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
- When? 26 November – 23 December
- At what time? Mon-Fri from 15:00 to 22:00 / Sat-Sun from 13:00 to 22:00
- Entry fee: free
- Public transport: U Eberswalder Str, U2
- Best way to get there: Kollwitz area is lovely to stroll around before and after the market, and you should be able to find a parking spot after a bit of looking. Perfect for rides there and back in a heated car!
Schloss Charlottenburg Christmas Market
Set in front of the stunning Charlottenburg Palace this market gives you Downton Abbey feelings in spades. Enjoy festive illuminations of the palace and palace grounds as you stroll around the 250 stalls of the market, selling snacks and craft goods. And special tip for youngsters: this market has vintage fairground rides such as a big wheel and merrygo rounds to enjoy.
- Where? Spandauer Damm 10, 14059 Berlin
- When? 26 November – 23 December
- At what time? Mon-Fri from 15:00 to 22:00 / Sat-Sun from 13:00 to 22:00
- Entry fee: free
- Public transport: U Sophie-Charlotte-Platz, U2, then a short bus ride
- Best way to get there: Treat yourself to a toasty ride with seat heating out to Charlottenburg and if you’re feeling extra chilly book the car for an hourly package so you can drive back home as well. Check out all the carsharing in Berlin to find out how to get there better!
Here’s a nice tip: you can get ALL of the car sharing in one app with Free2Move!
