Berlin is a popular destination whatever the season; there is always something to do. And this is particularly true in the run up to Christmas. There are said to be well over 70 Christmas markets, and many more festive events in the German capital. Some of these even continue beyond 25 December. My first Berlin Christmas market experience was in 2001, and I enjoy my first one of the season each year as if it was my first. Having visited Christmas markets all over Germany, Berlin is still my favourite place to visit in Germany during Advent. Having lived there for three years, this is my take on what to see and do all things Christmas in Berlin. For anyone who enjoys the traditions of Christmas in a truly history-rich city – look no further than Berlin.
- Thomas Dowson
- Last Checked and/or Updated 4 January 2024
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- Germany Travel Tips
Berlin Christmas Markets Dates 2024
If you are already planning a trip to Berlin for the end of 2024 to coincide with the Christmas markets, the season’s events usually starts just after the middle of November. Traditionally, one of the first to open is the Historical Christmas Market at RAW. In 2023 it opened on 16 November.
Most of the popular Christmas markets in Berlin start on the Monday before the 1st Sunday of Advent (which is 1 December in 2024), that is 25 November 2024. For as long as I have been visiting Christmas markets in Berlin (since 2001), dates rarely change. So the previous year’s dates are usually a reliable indicator for the current year. We will update the information on this page as soon as the official sources release the dates.
In a 2022 survey, Berlin was ranked as the most ‘christmassy’ city in Europe. The survey looked at such factors as the number of Christmas markets, the number of days of snow in December, and hashtag popularity on social media platforms. Unsurprisingly, Vienna and Prague were ranked second and third, respectively. Vienna is a lovely city to visit at Christmas, and I have spent Christmas in Prague three times.
For me, Berlin will always be the best Christmas city in Europe. And there are a number of reasons why; I mention three.
First, Berlin has some truly eye-catching landmarks and monuments. And if there is one thing Berlin knows how to do, it is lighting these monuments. If Paris is the ‘city of light’ then Berlin is the city of light festivals. The festive season is nothing if not artfully placed lights and decorations. Of course, I have not visited every city at Christmas. But, I have travelled extensively in Europe – at all times of the year. Very few locations, in my opinion, beat Charlottenburg ‘s Old Palace as a venue for a Christmas market. Or the setting of the Brandenburg Gate and Gendarmenmarkt. Even the ever-present and more recently built TV Tower blends well with the skyline of city centre Christmas markets.
Secondly, there is just so much to see and do in Berlin, even in December. While the history of the city certainly influences the character of the available attractions, there is so much more to Berlin than the Berlin Wall and a city divided. Visitors with a keen interest in Cold War history could keep themselves occupied for days, from scouting out the various remnants of the Wall to choosing between the many museums and venues using different techniques to show what life was like in Berlin during the Cold War. If you have absolutely no interest in this period of history whatsoever, it would not be difficult to spend days visiting art galleries and museums – with artefacts and objects from all over the world – literally, and not uncontroversially.
My third reason for favouring Berlin is the Christmas markets themselves. Not only are there just so many of them, they each have their own recognisable character. Of course the physical setting is one aspect – Alexanderplatz and the cour d’honneur of Charlottenburg Palace could not be more different. But there is more to the individual atmosphere of each market than its place in the city. The Christmas market at the Kutlturbrauerei has a Scandinavian theme, while at the City Hall around the St. Marienkirche it is 1900s Berlin the traders recreate. There is a Christmas market for city’s LGBTQIA community and visitors. An Eco market, markets that showcase artisans. Italian street food, Danish, British – you name it, or so it seems.
This is not a definitive guide to Christmas markets in Berlin. Rather, it is a personal take on visiting Berlin during Advent intended for those whose travel choices are inspired by art, history and culture. My suggestions and recommendations here make up a great introduction for any first timers to Berlin, and will keep you pleasantly occupied for anywhere between three and five days. For more suggestions, see my list of things to do in Berlin, or our Berlin Travel Guide.
For a quick glance, these are my recommended Christmas markets:
Tips for Visiting Berlin's Christmas Markets
My first German Christmas market experience was at Gendarmenmarkt in 2001. And I have been visiting Christmas Markets in Berlin and Germany regularly ever since, including during the three years I lived in the city. After all these years I have not grown tired of visiting Christmas markets. If experience has taught me anything it is that if you are not prepared, it can be a very miserable experience.
Visiting Christmas markets always involves a fair amount of walking and standing around. My top tip is to make sure you have comfortable shoes that are well insulated and waterproof. It gets cold in Berlin during December. The streets and pavements are cold. It is also wet. There is nothing worse than cold, aching feet in damp shoes and socks.
Berlin’s average temperatures in December range from a high of 4°C (39°F)to a low of 0°C (32°). Given that Christmas markets are essentially outdoors, dress for being outside in these temperatures for extended periods of time. Don’t forget to bring a scarf, gloves and a warm hat. And as you may very well encounter rain, be sure to have a good waterproof coat or raincoat.
Sensible people have given up trying to count the number of Christmas markets there are in Berlin. Suffice it to say there are many. Not all of these are open throughout the festive season. Some are only on for a day or two over a weekend. To avoid disappointment, plan your dates carefully. The most definitive, and reliable, list of Christmas markets is that of visitBerlin, the city’s official tourism agency.
Berlin is a large, sprawling city. The many Christmas markets are located in the various districts and neighbourhoods. Be prepared, and willing, to travel a bit. I strongly recommend getting out of the city centre. Fortunately, Berlin has a very good public transport system. And places such as Spandau and Köpernick are around 40 minutes from Alexanderplatz. Get yourself a Berlin Welcome Card – not only does this include all public transport but also discounts at many sites and museums. It is available for 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 days. This is without doubt the best City Pass for Berlin.
One last tip, make sure you have something in which to carry your purchases. I prefer a backpack over a carrier bag, as I tend to put things down and forget about them. And anyway, who wants to carry something around for hours!
My Favourite Christmas Markets in Berlin
Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace
The changing colours of the Old Palace’s façade is for me quite enchanting, lending a majestic atmosphere to the Christmas market in front of it. Charlottenburg Palace is the largest and most historically important palace complex in Berlin. Since it was built in 1700, it has been the residence of Brandenburg electors, Prussian kings and German emperors. It was built for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Friedrich III. When she died in 1705, Friedrich named the palace and estate in her honour, Charlottenburg.
Today the cour d’honneur is filled with festively decorated wood cabins selling all sorts of arts and crafts from around the country. Beyond the gates of the courtyard stalls and open-air restaurants offer a range of culinary delights, not just glühwein and bratwurst. As this is a very popular Christmas market, with locals and visitors alike, with a very lively atmosphere in the evenings and on weekends. If you prefer a more quite experience, the afternoons during the week are a better option.
For a better view of the courtyard, there is a viewing platform on top of the stall just outside the gate and on the left-hand side of the entrance. From her you get a great view of the whole market.
The palace is open to visitors while the Christmas market is on. Last entry is at 16h00, and it closes at 16h30. Enjoy the wonderful Baroque interiors, the exquisite art collections and the spectacular architecture before heading out into the festive atmosphere of the market. If you do visit the palace, the Charlottenburg SPSG app (available for free on both the App Store and Google Play) gives a multimedia tour through the Old Palace and the New Wing.
Visiting the Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace
One of Berlin’s most romantic and popular Christmas markets.
Dates & Hours
Dates: 27 November – 31 December 2023
Opening hours:
Daily: 12h00 – 22h00
Admission
Transport
S-Bahn to Westend: S41, S42, S46
U-Bahn to Sophie-Charlotte-Platz: U2
U-Bahn to Richard-Wagner-Platz: U7
Buses: 109, M45 Luisenplatz/Schloss Charlottenburg, 309 Klausenerplatz
WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt / Bebelplatz (2023)
For 2023 and 2024, Berlin’s WeihnachtsZauber has relocated to Bebelpatz due to construction work at Gendarmenmarkt. Bebelplatz is every bit as striking as Gendarmenmarkt. Instead of the two cathedrals on either side of the square, with the Berlin Concert Hall in the middle, on Bebelplatz there is the
Visiting WeihnachtsZauber at Bebelplatz
An international stage in front of the State Opera House.
Dates & Hours
Dates: 27 November – 31 December 2023
Opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 12h00 – 22h00
Friday & Saturday: 12h00 – 23h00
Christmas Eve: 12h00 – 18h00
New Year’s Eve: 12h00 – 1h00 (1 January)
Admission
€2, free for children under 12. From Monday to Friday, between 12h00 and 14h00 there is free entry for all.
Transport
Bebelplatz is quite central, and within walking distance of many stations in central Berlin.
S-Bahn to Friedrichstraße: S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, S9, S25, S26, S75
S-Bahn to Potsdamerplatz: S1, S2, S25, S26 Potsdamer Platz
U-Bahn to Museumsinsel: U5, Hausvogteiplatz or Stadtmitte: U2, Französische Str.: U6
Buses to Staatsoper: 100, 300
Spandau Christmas Market
In the heart of Spandau’s Altstadt stands one of the oldest churches in Berlin: St. Nikolaikirche. It is in the middle of what is now called Reformationsplatz, so named because it was from here that the Reformation spread to Brandenburg and Berlin. Although there was a lot of destruction of the Old Town during WW2, town has managed to retain some of its medieval charm. The narrow streets, lined with decorated wooden cabins, certainly has an times-gone-by feel to it.
Visiting the Spandau Christmas Market
Berlin’s largest single Christmas market.
Dates & Hours
Dates: 27 November – 23 December 2023
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday, Sunday: 11h00 – 20h00
Friday & Saturday 11h00 – 22h00
Admission
Transport
Spandau’s Altstadt is not that far out of the centre of Berlin. And can be reached by both U Bahn and S Bahn. I lived in Spandau for two years, the best service is the S Bahn – S3 or S9. From Alexander Platz the journey is under 40 minutes. These trains arrive at the Spandau train station. Depending on where you are staying in Berlin, the U Bahn line U7 might be better, and it arrives in Altstadt Spandau.
Historical Christmas Market at RAW Cultural Centre
The Historical Christmas market at the RAW cultural centre is unlike any I have experienced. In a wonderful, medieval way. On a large parcel of land a medieval Christmas village is created. There is no tinsel or glitter, and even the lights are understated. Rather it is sawdust on the ground, torches and bonfires, and a wooden Farris wheel and carousel for the children.
The RAW cultural centre is next to a large train station (Waschauer Strasse). In fact it was on this land that trains were once repaired: RAW is an acronym for Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk – state railway repair station. For the rest of the year this area is known for its clubs and nightlife.
Waschauer Strasse Station right next to the East Side Gallery, the most well known surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall.
Visiting the Historical Christmas Market, RAW
Step back in time for a celebration of all things medieval and festive.
Dates & Hours
Dates: 16 November – 22 December 2023
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 15h00 – 22h00
Saturday & Sunday: 12h00 – 22h00
Admission
Monday – Wednesday: free
Thursday – Sunday €2
Reduced 1€: children from 6-16 years & those in historical costumes.
There is no admission fee for children under 6 years of age.
Transport
S-Bahn to Warshauer Strasse: S3, S5, S7, S75, S9
U-Bahn to Warschauer Strasse: U1, U3
Tram to Warschauer Strasse: M10, M13
Bus to Helsingforser Platz: 347
Bus to Warschauer Strase: 248
Berliner Weihnachtszeit at the Rotes Rathaus
Visiting the Christmas Market at the Rotes Rathaus
The Christmas market between the City Hall (Rotes Rathaus) and St Marienkirche is a great one for nostalgia junkies.
Dates & Hours
Dates: 27 November 2023 – 7 January 2024
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 12h00 – 22h00
Saturday & Sunday: 11h00 – 22h00
24, 25, 26, 31 December: 11h00 – 22h00
Admission
Free
Transport
More Popular Berlin Christmas Markets
Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei
Visiting the Lucia Christmas Market, Kulturbrauerei
Dates & Hours
Dates: 27 November – 22 December 2023
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 15h00 – 22h00
Saturday & Sunday: 13h00 – 22h00
Admission
Transport
S-Bahn to Schönhauser Allee: S8, S41, S42, S85
U-Bahn to Eberswalder Strasse or Senefelderplatz: U2
Tram to Eberswalder Strasse: 12, M1, M10
Christmas Market at Friedrichstrasse Station
There may very well be nothing special about Friedrichstrasse train station as a backdrop to a Christmas market. But what this market lacks in visual appeal it makes up for in the history of the setting. The market occupies Dorothea-Schlegel-Platz, a small square that seems to be little more than an extended pavement. Dorothea Schegel was a literary critic and writer of the Romantic era. Her father was Moses Mendelssohn, a Jewish enlightenment philosopher.
Nearer the entrance to the station is a memorial sculpture by Frank Meisler. Trains to Life – Trains to Death 1938 – 1945 reflects on the contrasting fate of Jewish children during the Nazi era in Germany. On the other side of the station is the Tränenpalast – an Cold War border crossing turned history museum about live in divided Berlin.
Fitting then, perhaps, that the Christmas market at Friedrichstrasse station offers a quieter and more intimate experience. I have never found it to be particularly crowded. It seemed to me that this is a place where local come to socialise away from the more popular, crowded markets nearby. The usual decorated cabins and lights make this seem like a festive oasis in the concrete and glass cityscape surrounding it.
Friedrichstrasse Station is a good station for those wanting to visit the museums on Museumsinsel (another is Hackescher Markt). The Pergamon Museum is unfortunately closed until at least 2027. The other museums are open: you can see Nefertiti in the Neues Museum or Julius Caesar and Cleopatra in the Altes Museum.
Visiting the Christmas Market at Friedrichstrasse Station
This market started in 2018, and is one of the smaller, more intimate Christmas markets in the city.
Dates & Hours
Dates: 27 November – 31 December 2023
Opening hours:
Daily: 12h00 – 22h00
Admission
Transport
S-Bahn to Friedrichstrasse: S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, S9, S25, s26, S75
U-Bahn to Friedrichstrasse: U6
Tram to Friedrichstrasse Station: M1, M12
Bus to Friedrichstrasse Station: 147, RB14, RE1, TXL
Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz
Visiting the Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz
A Christmas market with lots of atmosphere in one of Berlin’s most famous squares. And the largest Ore Mountains Christmas pyramid in Europe.
Dates & Hours
Dates: 27 November – 26 December 2023
Opening hours:
Daily: 11h00 – 22h00
Admission
Transport
S-Bahn to Alexanderplatz: S3, S5, S7, S9
U-Bahn to Alexanderplatz: U5, U8
Tram to Alexanderplatz/Memhardstrasse: M2, M4, M5, M6
Bus to Alexanderplatz/Memhardstrasse: 100
Christmas Market at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
My first time at the Christmas market at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was 19 December 2018. I arrived just before 20h00, bough a mug of glühwein and wandered around the many stalls. There was a public announcement. My grasp of the German language was minimal, so it meant nothing to me. And then the lights went out and everyone stood in silence.
Only then did it dawn on me that this was the Christmas market where a hijacked truck was deliberately driven into the crowd killing 11 people and wounding 56 (the original driver of the Polish truck was found slumped in the passenger seat, having been shot by the hijacker). On entering the now heavily cordoned-off market square, I had noted the wreaths and candles on the steps in front of the new church, but had failed to make the connection.
At the centre of Breitscheidplatz is a ruined church. The church was one of a number of churches built for Kaiser Wilhelm II to counter the growing Labour Movement in Germany. An attempt to bring back traditional values. Wilhelm II chose to name the church in honour of his grandfather, Kaiser Wilhelm I. Designed by Franz Schwechten, the same architect who designed the Anhalter Bahnhof, it was a large and magnificent church, the nave seating over 2,000 people. The bells were the second largest in Europe. But these were smelted down and used for ammunition during the Second World War.
On 23 November in 1943 the church was very badly damaged during an Allied air raid on the city. All that survived was the entrance hall, altar, baptistry and a remnant of the spire. These have been stabilised, and left standing as a constant reminder of the horrors of war. Guided tours of the church are offered every day, including Sundays. There is no need to book, just turn up. More details, including times, can be found on the Official Website.
The Memorial Church is also included on a Walking Tour of Kurfürstendamm and Charlottenburg.
Visiting the Christmas Market at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
One of the few Christmas markets that opens for Christmas.
Dates & Hours
Dates: 27 November 2023 – 7 January 2024
Opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11h00 – 22h00
Friday and Saturday 11h00 – 22h00
24 December: 11h00 – 14h00, 25 December 13h00 – 21h00, 31 December 11h00 – 20h00, 1 January 2024 13h00 – 21h00
Admission
Transport
Map of the Best Christmas Markets, Lights & Sights in Berlin
Christmas Markets & Sites in Berlin
Where Are the Best Christmas Lights in Berlin?
Christmas Garden Berlin
Each year the Botanical Garden in Berlin provides a magical, festive setting for Christmas Garden Berlin. From mid November to the first week in January, over 1.5 million light points on 30 installations are set up on a path through 43 hectares of the historic gardens. With a new circular route through the garden and many new installations, 2023 is for new and repeat visitors alike. For more photographs and information, tips and ticket purchase, read my Christmas Garden Berlin article.
Kurfürstendamm, or Ku'damm
Kurfürstendamm and Tauentzienstrasse are two of the main shopping streets in Berlin. During the Christmas season, the islands along these wide boulevards hold a variety of Christmas themed light installations, while the trees are are adorned with twinkling lights. In all 500 tree along 4.5 kilometres of the two streets are decorated, from Rathenauplatz at the one end of Kurfürstendamm to Wittenbergplatz on Tauentzienstrasse.
Brandenburg Gate
Unter den Linden Boulevard
Unter den Linden Boulevard runs between the Berliner Dom and the Brandenburg Gate. Since the city’s beginning this has been one of the most important routes in and out. The name comes from the linden trees (lime in English – but not the citrus lime) that line the central promenade of the dual carriageway. Each year the trees are lit up for Christmas, now as much as tradition as the Christmas markets.
Berlin Christmas Bike Tour
Depending on when you are in Berlin, you may see the Berlin Christmas Bike Tour. Now in its 26th year, each year on the Saturday before the 3rd Advent Sunday, around 200 bikers decorate their vehicles and dress up in Santa outfits to drive through the city for charity. To support those in need over the Christmas season, in particular the homeless people of Berlin.
In 2023, the date is 16 December. You can catch them at the Charlottenburg Christmas market at around 18h45. Or check the website for the planned route to see them along the way.
Create an Itinerary and Travel Lists for Your Berlin Visit
You can create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and an itinerary for your Berlin visit. These can also be shared with your friends and on social media. You can see how this is done by watching our Using the Itinerary video on YouTube, or reading the Using the Itinerary page. To create itineraries and travel lists, you will need to login or register as a new user.
For more sites and museums in Berlin, see our Berlin City Guide or our list Art, Archaeology & History Sites & Museums in Berlin.
Berlin
Berlin is a city of international culture and world-changing history, well known for diverse architecture, contemporary arts and music, festivals and night-life. For historical and cultural travel, lovers of history will find few other cities to beat Berlin. Spectacular Prussian heritage along with the many monuments and memorials associated with the Third Reich and World War II, Berlin also has one world’s finest collection of museums displaying some of the most important artefacts and objects from all corners of the earth.
Archaeology Travel Writer
