Berlin may be famous for its world‑renowned attractions, rich culture, vibrant street art and legendary nightlife, but nothing compares to the way it embraces the Christmas spirit, especially with its world-famous Berlin Christmas markets.
As soon as the first snowflakes dust the rooftops and twinkling lights appear along Unter den Linden, the celebrations begin. You won’t believe how the city transforms into a festive wonderland. The air fills with the sweet scent of roasted almonds, cinnamon, and Glühwein, while choirs sing carols beside glittering Christmas trees.
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Do all Berlin Christmas markets look the same?
Absolutely not. Berlin’s Christmas markets are a true kaleidoscope of festive experiences, each with its own personality and charm. What kind of market are you looking for? Berlin has it all. From grand, fairytale‑like settings to creative urban pop‑ups, whether you love handcrafted gifts, local delicacies, or lively entertainment, there’s a market for every kind of Christmas lover. The variety is endless—and the only way to truly appreciate it is to experience it for yourself.
Planning to soak up the magic this season? The Berlin Christmas markets usually run from 27 November to 7 January, making winter the perfect time to visit.
Before you go, read our complete guide to help you plan a seamless, hassle‑free Berlin itinerary—so you can focus on enjoying the festive magic.
When do the Christmas markets in Berlin start?
Berlin Christmas market dates 2025 generally run from the last weekend in November until shortly after New Year’s Eve. Exact opening schedules will be confirmed in autumn 2025, but most markets are expected to open during the final week of November 2025 and continue until 1 January 2026.
Some markets, such as Spandau and Gendarmenmarkt, may open a few days earlier for preview weekends, while large seasonal attractions like Winter World at Potsdamer Platz often extend beyond New Year’s Day.
The 5 Christmas markets in Berlin you can’t miss
WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt
Often described as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Berlin, Gendarmenmarkt shines against the elegant backdrop of the Konzerthaus and the French and German Cathedrals. Warm golden lights drape across wooden stalls selling fine crafts, festive ornaments, and gourmet treats.
This market is especially known for its high‑quality artisan goods, including hand‑blown glass, leather accessories, and intricate wood carvings. Local chefs serve hearty German dishes, while live performances add warmth to chilly winter evenings. An entrance fee (usually €1–€2 during peak times) applies, but it’s worth every cent for the atmosphere.
- Dates: November 24 – December 31, 2025
- Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 12 noon to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 11 pm, Christmas Eve from 12 noon to 6 pm, New Year’s Eve from 12 noon to midnight.
- Address: Gendarmenmarkt 10117 Berlin
- Price: €2, children 0 – 12 years are free, Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 14:00 free (except for 24, 35, 26 and 31 December)
Christmas Market in the Old Town of Spandau
Spandau’s Old Town Christmas Market is one of the largest in Berlin. Step into its medieval charm as cobbled streets glow with thousands of fairy lights and the aroma of grilled sausages and mulled wine fills the air. Street performers, nativity scenes, and traditional craft stalls create a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere.
This family‑friendly market features children’s choirs, carousel rides, and even a dedicated Christmas forest. Friday evenings are especially magical, when brass music and illuminated streets make the experience truly enchanting.
- Dates: November 24 – December 23, 2025
- Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 to 20:00, Friday and Saturday 11:00 to 22:00
- Address: Marktstraße 10, 13597 Berlin
- Price: free
Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace
Few places feel as romantic as the Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market. Set against one of Berlin’s most beautiful Baroque palaces, this market radiates timeless elegance. Rows of illuminated pavilions showcase fine decorations, handcrafted ornaments, and irresistible sweet treats beneath a canopy of lights.
Couples stroll hand in hand, sipping steaming Glühwein while admiring the palace façade bathed in colour. It’s a perfect blend of history, luxury, and festive tradition.
- Dates:24 November to 28 December 2025 (closed on 24 December)
- Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin
- Opening hours:Monday to Thursday 13:00 – 22:00, Friday to Sunday 12:00 – 22:00 (1st/2nd Christmas Day 12:00 – 22:00)
- Admission: free of charge
Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Rotes Rathaus
Located near Alexanderplatz, Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Rotes Rathaus offers festive fun for all ages. Its nostalgic atmosphere recalls old Berlin, complete with a vintage carousel, a giant Ferris wheel, and an open‑air ice rink surrounded by sparkling Christmas lights.
The skating rink near the Neptune Fountain is a highlight—and visitors are welcome to lace up their skates and join in. After skating, warm up with hot chocolate or Bratwurst, or enjoy panoramic views from the Ferris wheel. Thanks to its central location, it’s easy to combine this visit with a Berlin river cruise for scenic views of the illuminated skyline.
- Dates: November 24 to December 30, 2025
- Address: Right next to the TV Tower: between the Rotes Rathaus and St Mary’s Church in Berlin-Mitt
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 22:00, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 22:00, December 25 and 26 from 12:00 to 21:00, December 30 from 12:00 to 20:00, closed on Christmas Eve (December 24)
- Price: free! Ice skating costs €5, skate hire €3, walking aids (penguin & bear) €5
Lucia Christmas Market (Kulturbrauerei)
Set inside a converted brewery in Prenzlauer Berg, the Lucia Christmas Market celebrates Berlin’s Nordic side. Inspired by Scandinavian traditions, it feels cosy, intimate, and slightly offbeat.
Visitors can enjoy Swedish glögg, handmade wool accessories, and traditional Nordic dishes in a warm, candle‑lit setting. Smaller than most markets, Lucia stands out for its design‑focused stalls and cultural flair, offering an alternative Christmas experience unlike any other in the city.
- Dates: 24 November to 22 December 2025
- Address: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin, Germany
- Opening hours: Monday – Friday 15:00 – 22:00, Saturday & Sunday 13:00 – 22:00
- Price: free
Hidden gems: alternative and themed markets
Winter World (Winterwelt) at Potsdamer Platz
More winter village than traditional market, Winter World at Potsdamer Platz combines alpine charm with urban excitement. Visitors can enjoy toboggan runs, curling tracks, and an impressive ice rink, all surrounded by food stalls serving raclette, crêpes, and mulled wine.
It’s an ideal choice for travellers who prefer a sporty, high‑energy take on the festive season—somewhere between an après‑ski scene and a city festival.
- Dates: October 31 to December 31, 2025 (Christmas Market section open from November 24 to December 26, 2025)
- Address: Potsdamer Platz, 10785 Berlin, Germany
- Opening hours: Generally 11:00 to 10:00
- Price: free, but activities cost extra (for example, the toboggan run is around €2.50)
Adventsmarkt im Museumsdorf Düppel
Just outside the city centre, the Adventsmarkt im Museumsdorf Düppel offers a journey back in time. Set within a historic open‑air museum, it showcases rural German life during Advent, complete with traditional crafts, blacksmithing, and bread‑baking demonstrations.
This market feels peaceful and authentic—perfect for visitors seeking old‑world Christmas charm. For something completely different, thrill‑seekers can also visit the Berlin Ice Bar for an entirely frozen experience in the heart of the city.
- Dates: seasonal
- Address: Museumsdorf Düppel, Clauertstraße 11 , 14163 Berlin
- Opening hours: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10:00 – 18:00
- Price: free
Organic Christmas Market at Kollwitzplatz (Ökomarkt)
In fashionable Prenzlauer Berg, the Organic Christmas Market at Kollwitzplatz attracts eco‑conscious shoppers. Stalls focus on sustainable, locally sourced, and fair‑trade products—from beeswax candles and handmade soaps to organic street food and vegan treats.
It’s a cosy, community‑oriented market that perfectly reflects Berlin’s modern identity: creative, sustainable, and globally aware.
- Dates: the Sundays of Advent (Nov 30, Dec 7, 14, 21 2025
- Address: Kollwitzplatz, 10435 Berlin (in the Prenzlauer Berg district).
- Opening hours: Sundays: 12:00 to 19:00
- Price: free
Flavours of Christmas: essential food and drink at German markets
A visit to the Berlin Christmas markets wouldn’t be complete without sampling festive German food. Look out for these seasonal favourites:
- Glühwein: Germany’s famous mulled wine, simmered with spices, citrus, and sugar—the soul of every Christmas market
- Bratwurst: Juicy grilled sausages served in crusty rolls with mustard—simple, hearty, and delicious
- Reibekuchen: Crispy potato pancakes, often topped with applesauce or sour cream
- Champignons mit Knoblauchsauce: Fresh mushrooms smothered in creamy garlic sauce
- Lebkuchen: Soft gingerbread cookies decorated with icing
- Gebrannte Mandeln: Caramelised almonds that fill the air with the scent of sugar and spice
For the full sensory experience, snack as you stroll—every bite adds to Berlin’s festive warmth.
Tips for a magical Christmas trip to Berlin at Christmas
How to get around Berlin's Christmas markets
Berlin’s Christmas markets are spread across the city, but getting around is easy thanks to the efficient hop‑on hop‑off bus network. Most major markets are within walking distance of bus stops.
Stay warm and travel comfortably between attractions by hopping aboard a Berlin hop‑on hop‑off bus. It’s one of the easiest ways to explore the city’s festive highlights while enjoying panoramic views from a cosy double‑decker bus.
Cash or card?
While digital payments are becoming more common, many market stalls still prefer cash. Carrying some euros is recommended for small purchases like drinks and snacks, although larger vendors increasingly accept cards and mobile payments.
The Glühwein mug deposit (Pfand)
Germany’s Pfand system often surprises first‑time visitors. When you buy a drink such as Glühwein, you’ll pay a small deposit (usually €2–€4) for the mug. Return it to get your deposit back—or keep it as a festive souvenir from your Berlin Christmas adventure.
Why Berlin is the ultimate Christmas destination
Berlin blends old‑world charm with modern flair, making its Christmas season one of the most exciting in Europe. Each market has its own character—romantic, traditional, elegant, or quirky—and together they create an atmosphere that is both festive and unmistakably Berlin.
Whether you’re gliding across the ice at Rotes Rathaus, sipping mulled wine at Charlottenburg Palace, or exploring alternative markets like Kollwitz
Plan your winter getaway
Make your Christmas escape to Berlin unforgettable with City Sightseeing tours, combining flexibility and comfort through the city’s top attractions. Discover all festive experiences, tours, and tickets for your Berlin trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most Berlin Christmas markets in 2025 are expected to open during the last week of November, typically from 27–29 November, and run until 1 January 2026. Some popular markets, such as Gendarmenmarkt and Spandau Old Town, may open earlier for preview weekends, while attractions like Winter World at Potsdamer Platz often stay open beyond New Year’s Day.
The best Christmas market in Berlin depends on your travel style. Gendarmenmarkt is often considered the most beautiful, known for its elegant setting and high-quality crafts. Charlottenburg Palace is ideal for couples seeking a romantic atmosphere, while Rotes Rathaus is perfect for families thanks to its ice rink and Ferris wheel. For something unique, the Lucia Christmas Market offers a Scandinavian-inspired experience.
Yes, it’s recommended to carry cash when visiting Berlin Christmas markets, as many stalls still prefer euros for food, drinks, and small purchases. While card and mobile payments are becoming more common, cash is often required for Glühwein, snacks, and souvenir mugs. Don’t forget that drinks usually include a Pfand (deposit) of €2–€4, which you’ll get back when you return the mug.