Berlin unfolds a special magic at Christmas time, attracting visitors from all over the world. The city presents itself in festive splendor: strings of lights adorn the boulevards, and historic squares and modern shopping streets are transformed into atmospheric backdrops. It is precisely in the darker winter months that Berlin shows a contemplative and at the same time lively side.
A stroll along the Kurfürstendamm, where light installations immerse the facades and trees in a sparkling sea of lights, conveys a feeling of festive anticipation. Especially in the evening, when the city is bathed in warm light, an incomparable Christmas atmosphere is created.
Away from the main shopping streets, there are also numerous places where Berlin unfolds its winter splendor. The Botanical Garden and the Tierpark, for example, are transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland that delights with changing light themes – an experience that combines nature and festive spirit in a special way.
Berlin offers an impressive variety of Christmas markets to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for traditional handicrafts, culinary delights, or more action at a funfair – there is something for everyone. In Berlin, however, you are also spoiled for choice. You can find Christmas markets on almost every corner. Some are open continuously from the end of November until Christmas, while others are only open for a day or two. There are large markets and small, cozy markets, markets with special themes (e.g., Scandinavian Christmas, inclusive Christmas, alternative Christmas), and so on and so on…
We love to discover Berlin during the Christmas season. This includes a visit to a Christmas market, a stroll through the beautifully illuminated city, a glass of mulled wine…
Christmas Markets in Berlin
Just come along and discover Berlin with us at Christmas time!
Directly in front of Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin, a Christmas market has been held in the run-up to Christmas for several years. Against the historic backdrop of the palace, you can stroll through the Christmas stalls here every year from the end of November until the end of December.
The Christmas market at Johannisstift in Spandau traditionally takes place on the 1st Sunday of Advent.
The Christmas market around the Gedächniskirche has existed for 35 years. For us, a visit to precisely this Christmas market has been a traditional part of the Christmas season for years.
There are countless Christmas markets in Berlin, in fact you can immerse yourself in the Christmas feeling on almost every corner in December. During our tour of the city, we also took a look at the Christmas market at the Rotes Rathaus.
For me, the Lucia Christmas Market in Prenzlauer Berg is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Berlin. The size is manageable, there are stalls that offer their wares away from the usual "socks and caps stalls" and delicious mulled wine!
Every year at Christmas time, the Berlin Railway Friends offer a trip from Berlin to Schmachtenhagen with the Glühweinexpress. If you book in time, you can get hold of tickets.