Alexanderplatz Christmas Market 2023: The Most Popular in Berlin

Alexanderplatz in Berlin is a bustling urban square that serves as a major hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

During winter, it gains an additional layer of appeal as it hosts one of the city’s most popular Christmas markets, renowned for its diverse range of traditional German crafts, food, and holiday decorations.

In this article, I’ll cover all the essential information for your 2023 visit, such as confirmed dates, opening times, locations, and the market’s unique offerings.

Berlin is known for its unique blend of old and new, which manifests during Christmas through a mix of traditional German festivities and contemporary celebrations.

The city often engages in eco-friendly initiatives like sustainable decorations and community programmes that encourage responsible celebration.

Alexanderplatz Christmas Market 2023

The Christmas market in Alexanderplatz stands out for its blend of traditional elements and modern attractions right in the heart of Berlin.

More than 100 stalls fill the square, selling everything from traditional crafts and Christmas decorations to unique jewellery.

A distinctive feature is Europe’s largest walk-in Ore Mountain Christmas pyramid, adorned with pink lighting and more than 5,000 lights.

On its ground floor, you can enjoy classic German Christmas market food and drink specialties, while tower trumpeters on the second floor set a musical Christmas mood.

For leisure activities, the market provides an ice rink for skating and curling, located conveniently in the centre of the square.

Dates and Location

Alexanderplatz Christmas Market dates: 27th November to 26th December 2023.
Location: Alexanderplatz.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 4pm.
Christmas Day: Open.
Admission: Free.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Public transport: S-Bahn S3, S5, S7, S9: Alexanderplatz. U-Bahn U5, U8. Alexanderplatz. Bus M48, 100: Alexanderplatz/Memhardstraße. Tram M2, M4, M5, M6: Alexanderplatz/Memhardstraße.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Largest Ore Mountain pyramid in Europe ice skating, curling, children’s carousel.
Recommended tour: Walking tour of Berlin’s top 10 attractions.
Specialities: Thuringian bratwurst, Berliner Pfannkuchen; regional glühwein, traditional stollen and Llebkuchen.
Where to stay: Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz is a popular hotel, located 3 minutes from Alexanderplatz.

Hotels near Alexanderplatz Christmas Market

The Mitte district is an excellent location choice for convenient access to the Christmas market on Alexanderplatz.

In this area, Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz stands out as a popular hotel just a short walk from the market.

If you don’t want to stay in this area, I created this guide to hotels near Berlin Christmas Market, which lists several options across the city, covering all budgets.

Location of Alexanderplatz Christmas Market

Recommended Walking and Food Tours

A city tour of Berlin provides an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the city’s diverse history and vibrant culture.

Berlin is rich in attractions, from its iconic Brandenburg Gate to the edgy street art that decorates its urban landscape, making it a compelling destination at any time of the year.

I suggest taking the Walking Tour to the Top 10 Sightseeing Attractions to explore Berlin’s iconic sites, guided by a local expert.

You’ll have the chance to explore key locations such as the government district, Brandenburg Gate, Gendarmenmarkt and the Nikolai Quarter.

Alternatively, the 3-Hour Secret Food Tour lets you explore Berlin through its diverse culinary scene. Guided by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll navigate through local eateries and restaurants, enjoying a variety of food tastings and learning the stories behind each dish.

Berlin is home to a huge range of Christmas markets. These are the 7 best Berlin Christmas Markets that I think are worth visiting this year.

To further help your trip planning for the holiday season, I suggest checking out my German Christmas Market 2023 guide, which provides detailed information on locations, opening times, and unique specialties at various Christmas markets in Germany.

Weihnachtsmarkt Alexanderplatz

The following video provides a look at what you can expect at the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market. It captures the atmosphere, activities, and variety of stalls that make this market a focal point of Berlin’s holiday celebrations.

Christmas Specialties in Alexanderplatz

Currywurst: A Berlin classic, Currywurst is a sliced pork sausage drizzled with a spiced ketchup and a sprinkle of curry powder. It’s often paired with chips and is a must-try when you’re at the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market.

Berliner Pfannkuchen: Despite its name, this isn’t a pancake. It’s a jam-filled doughnut without a hole in the middle. Typically dusted with icing sugar, it’s a sweet treat locals and visitors love. Highly recommended!

Glühwein: To fend off the winter chill, sip on glühwein, a warm mulled wine spiced with cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and citrus.

Stollen: A festive fruit bread is laden with nuts, dried fruit, and often marzipan. It’s dusted with a fine layer of powdered sugar and is a staple during the Christmas season.

Roasted Almonds: These are caramelised and have a delightful crunch. Often packed in small paper cones, they’re a delightful snack to munch on as you stroll through the market.

Lebkuchen: Traditional German gingerbread cookies come in various shapes, sizes, and decorations. They can range from spicy to sweet and are often adorned with almonds, candied peel, or chocolate.

Marzipan sweets: Made from sugar, honey, and ground almonds, marzipan is often shaped into small fruits or figures and is a favourite festive confection in Germany.

Kartoffelpuffer: These are savoury potato pancakes. For a vegetarian snack, you can have them with apple sauce or garlic sauce on the side. But check before you order, as these are sometimes cooked in lard.

Vegan Sausage: Made from tofu or seitan, it’s a plant-based alternative to traditional sausages and is equally delicious. It’s often grilled and served with various condiments. These are very popular at Berlin’s Christmas markets.

Feuerzangenbowle: This drink adds a dramatic flair to the market. It’s made by setting a rum-soaked sugarloaf on fire and letting it drip into mulled wine. The result is a potent and warming beverage.

Pretzels: Soft, chewy, and sprinkled with coarse salt, German pretzels are a bakery delight. For a varied flavour profile, you can also find them with various fillings or toppings, such as cheese or seeds.

Apfelpunsch: A non-alcoholic alternative to glühwein, this warm apple punch is spiced with cinnamon and cloves and is perfect for all ages. It’s a comforting drink, especially when the temperatures drop.

Christmas Gifts and Stocking Fillers

Handcrafted Nutcrackers: Originating from the Erzgebirge region, these wooden figurines are a staple in German Christmas traditions. Each piece is intricately designed and showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of local artisans. They make a timeless gift and can serve as a decorative piece during the festive season.

Berlin Ornaments: Celebrate the essence of the city with ornaments that feature iconic landmarks of Berlin. Whether it’s the Brandenburg Gate, TV Tower, or even Alexanderplatz itself, hanging one of these on your Christmas tree is like adding a piece of Berlin to your celebrations.

Amber Jewellery: The Baltic region, not far from Berlin, is known for its amber. Vendors in the market offer beautifully crafted amber necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. The warm golden hues of the amber make these pieces stand out, and they make for an elegant gift.

Traditional Candles: In many German homes, candles hold a special place during Christmas. At Alexanderplatz, you can find a range of handcrafted candles, some adorned with festive designs or carved into unique shapes, perfect for setting a warm holiday ambience.

Wooden Toys: Another testament to German craftsmanship, wooden toys are both traditional and charming. Ranging from puzzles to figurines, these toys are not just for children but also appeal to collectors and enthusiasts.

Berlin Wall Souvenirs: A significant part of Berlin’s history, various stalls offer fragments of the Berlin Wall, turned into decorative pieces or keychains. They serve as a poignant reminder of the city’s past and its journey to reunification.

Traditional Incense Burners: Known as ‘Räuchermännchen’, these decorative figurines emit fragrant incense when lit. Often depicting everyday professions or festive characters, they add a fragrant touch to your home and are also a visual delight.

Handmade Chocolates and Truffles: Although not a long-lasting gift, chocolates from the region are second to none. Packaged in festive boxes, they make for sweet treats that anyone would appreciate.

Local Liqueurs: Berlin and its surrounding regions produce a variety of spirits. Small bottles of local liqueurs or brandies, often infused with herbs or fruits, make for a warming gift on cold winter nights.

Berlin-themed Apparel: T-shirts, caps, and scarves featuring iconic Berlin symbols or slogans are a hit among visitors. These wearable mementos are both stylish and functional, albeit not traditional.

Things to Do in Winter

I recommend checking out Visit Berlin, the city’s official website for tourism, to stay updated on city events and activities; it’s a reliable resource packed with current happenings and suggestions.

Sustainable Christmas Tips

To enjoy Berlin responsibly this Christmas, here are some tips on travelling sustainably:

Eco-friendly Accommodation: Alexanderplatz is home to several hotels that prioritise green initiatives, many of which harness renewable energy. When booking, I suggest you opt for places that have a clear environmental policy, ensuring your stay has a smaller carbon footprint.

Mindful Eating at the Market: The bustling food stalls in Alexanderplatz’s Christmas market offer a cornucopia of treats. However, it’s crucial to order portions you’re confident you can finish to minimise food wastage. Remember, leftover food isn’t just waste; it’s also a waste of resources, energy, and effort that went into preparing it.

Ethical Consumption: As tempting as it is to splurge on Christmas trinkets and crafts, be intentional with your purchases. Alexanderplatz’s market stalls often feature handmade, local products, so prioritise those over mass-produced items. This supports local artisans and ensures that your souvenirs have a lower environmental impact.

Sustainable Diets: Alexanderplatz’s Christmas market also offers a variety of vegetarian and plant-based options. Opting for these dishes reduces the environmental impact of your meal, as meat production often has a more significant carbon footprint. Making conscious food choices supports sustainable farming practices in the Berlin region.

Green Transportation: Alexanderplatz, being a central hub, is well-connected by Berlin’s efficient public transport system. I recommend using the city’s trains, trams, and buses to get around, reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, the vicinity is pedestrian-friendly, so consider walking to nearby attractions; it’s an eco-friendly way to explore.

FAQ

If you would like to leave a review of Alexanderplatz Xmas Market, comment below.

—

Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Berlin, Germany. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.