You won’t be surprised to learn that Berlin has many Christmas markets. The most popular include those at Gendarmenmarkt, Charlottenburg Palace, and Alexanderplatz, but you’ll find markets in almost every neighbourhood.
Each of Berlin’s Christmas markets has its unique vibe and specialties. It pays to do a little research before you go to see if something is going on at a certain location that interests you.
The big, well-known markets have a great atmosphere, but you might also like to support one of the smaller neighbourhood markets.
Berlin Christmas Market 2022
Some of Berlin’s Christmas markets are more suited to families, others more for the after-work crowd, or you can find themed markets like the eco-friendly Christmas market or the Scandinavian market.
You could also choose to visit a Christmas market based on your location.
If you’re staying somewhere central, Gendarmenmarkt is a great choice. Towards the east, the Alexanderplatz Christmas market is popular. If you’re in the west, there’s a huge Christmas market near Kurfustendamm or head slightly further out to Charlottenburg Palace.
1. Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
Located in one of the most stunning squares in Berlin, Gendarmenmarkt is one of Berlin’s most popular and best Christmas markets.
Situated in front of the historic Konzerthaus, between Französischer Dom and Deutscher Dom, the market stalls are a series of heated white tents.
Update: Due to construction in the square, the Christmas market has temporarily moved to nearby Babelplatz. The market will return to Gendarmenmarkt in 2025.
Berlin Christmas Market dates: 21st November to 31st December 2022.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm. Friday and Saturday closes at 11pm.
Location:Gendarmenmarkt.Temporarily located in Babelplatz.
Admission: Free entry until 2pm. €1 enter after 2pm.
Reason to visit: Gourmet cuisine in heated tents. Arts and crafts tent. New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Recommended tour: Christmas lights by Trabi limousine. Enjoy sparkling wine as you’re driven around to see the Christmas lights in Berlin.
Specialities: Bavarian and Austrian specialties. Neuburger Rahmbrot (toasted cheese open sandwich) and Kaiserschmarren (delicious sweet torn pancakes).
Where to stay: Arcotel John F is a great hotel option in Mitte, near Babelplatz and Museum Island. It’s less than 5 minutes from the Christmas market.
Where to Stay in Berlin for Christmas Markets
Although Berlin has many incredible and diverse neighbourhoods, you might prefer to stay centrally if you’re interested in sightseeing and being close to the Christmas markets.
Belin’s central district is known as Mitte, and this is a great area to stay, with loads of cafes, restaurants and the incredible Museum Island. From here, you can use Berlin’s excellent public transport system to get to the different districts or walk or cycle if the weather is decent.
As there is currently construction taking place at Gendarmenmarkt, I suggest staying near Babelplatz instead. I recommend staying at Arcotel John F. It’s located in Mitte, between Babelplatz and Museum Island. It’s less than 5 minutes from the Christmas market.
Location of Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
2. Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market
With the stunning Charlottenburg Palace as the backdrop, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best Christmas markets in Berlin.
More than 250 stalls offer both local and internationally handcrafted gifts and produce. Candied apples are a tradition at the Charlottenburg market.
A traditional carousel and a petting zoo are available for children.
Sustainable Christmas decorations and waste recycling are in place in this market.
Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market dates: 21st November to 26th December 2022.
Opening times: 12pm to 10pm. Opens at 2pm Monday to Thursday.
Location: Charlottenburg Palace.
Admission: Free entry.
Location of Charlottenburg Christmas Market
3. Kurfurstendamm Christmas Market
The Christmas market on Kurfurstendamm shopping street is known as the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Christmas Market. Here you’ll find 170 Christmas stalls, several tall decorated Christmas trees, a carousel and a children’s Ferris wheel.
This market continues after Christmas Day so keep this one in mind if you’re visiting Berlin in late December or for New Year’s.
Kurfurstendamm Christmas Market dates: 21st November 2022 to 1st January 2023.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm. Closes at 10pm Friday and Saturday.
Location: Breitscheidplatz.
Location of Kurfurstendamm Christmas Market
4. Advent Eco Market
Located in Berlin’s popular Prenzlauer Berg district, the eco-friendly Christmas market at Kollwitzplatz fits in well with the local vibe. Find 60 stalls selling lower-impact sustainable products and organic Christmas food and drinks.
Advent Eco Market dates: Sundays only from 27th November to 18th December 2022.
Opening times: 12pm to 7pm.
Location: Kollwitzplatz.
Location of Advent Eco Market
5. Winter World at Potsdamer Platz
You’ll find several Austrian specialties at the Salzburger wooden huts at Winter World. There’s a toboggan run if you’re feeling adventurous. This market continues into January.
Winter World dates: 29th October 2022 to 2nd January 2023.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Location: Potsdamer Platz.
Admission: Free entry.
Toboggan run: €1.50
Location of Winter World
6. Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
A fun option if you’re staying in one of the many hotels near Alexanderplatz. I’ve visited this market on several occasions, and it’s fun yet relaxing.
Alexanderplatz Christmas Market dates: 21st November to 26th December 2022.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Location: Alexanderplatz.
Admission: Free entry.
Location of Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
7. Christmas at Tierpark
Enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations as you wander through Berlin’s beautiful Tierpark. There is a 2-kilometre light trail and an ice rink.
Christmas at Tierpark dates: 18th November 2022 to 15th January 2023 (closed on 22nd, 28th and 29th November and on 24th and 31st December 2022).
Opening times: 5pm to 10pm.
Location: Tierpark, Bärenschaufenster entrance.
Admission: Fees apply.
Location of Tierpark Christmas Market
Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market
Ride the 50-metre Ferris wheel, go ice skating and enjoy a mulled wine in a heated wine lounge at the Christmas market at Rotes Rathaus near Alexanderplatz.
Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market dates: 21st November 2022 to 1st January 2023.
Opening times: From 11am.
Location: Rotes Rathaus.
Location of Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market
Continue your German holiday by visiting more Christmas markets in Germany. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience German food, history and culture.
Visit Berlin has information regarding events and the best ways to experience Berlin at Christmas.
Sustainable Travel Tips
The choices we make have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. Try to implement these responsible travel measures when visiting the Christmas markets.
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
- If possible, avoid flying to your destination.
FAQ
The Christmas markets in Berlin are held at several locations around the city. The most popular are at Gendarmenmarkt (temporarily relocated to Babelplatz) and Charlottenburg Palace.
As the Christmas markets are spread throughout Berlin, I suggest staying in a central location like Mitte. Anywhere near Gendarmenmarkt, Museum Island, Hackescher Markt, Rosenthaler Platz and Alexanderplatz are all convenient locations.
Most of the Christmas markets in Berlin start on 21st November and end on Christmas Eve. However, a couple of markets continue until early January.
If you would like to leave a review of Berlin Xmas Market, feel free to comment below.
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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.
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