7 Berlin Christmas Markets Worth Visiting in 2024

With 100 markets to explore, I’ll guide you to the best Berlin Christmas Markets, including iconic spots like Gendarmenmarkt, Kurfürstendamm, and Alexanderplatz. Below, you’ll find the opening dates and key highlights of 7 popular locations across the city.

Berlin Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Confirmed

1. Gendarmenmarkt: 25th November to 31st December 2024 (confirmed).
2. Charlottenburg Palace: 25th November to 29th December 2024 (confirmed).
3. Kurfürstendamm: 24th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed).
4. Alexanderplatz: 25th November to 26th December 2024 (confirmed).
5. Rotes Rathaus: 25th November to 30th December 2024 (confirmed).
6. Prenzlauer Berg: Sundays. 1st December to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
7. Potsdamer Platz: 1st November 2024 to 1st January 2025 (confirmed).

Update: This year’s schedule was finalised in September. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the City of Berlin. The complete list is available here. We continually update our site with the latest information, so be sure to check back often or subscribe to stay informed.

Plan Your Visit

Click on any of the links below to find detailed information for each event:

1. Gendarmenmarkt – High-end crafts and gourmet food stalls in a historic square.
2. Charlottenburg Palace – Romantic setting at the palace.
3. Kurfürstendamm – Upscale shopping area.
4. Alexanderplatz – One of Berlin’s largest central markets.
5. Rotes Rathaus – Ice skating in the city centre.
6. Prenzlauer Berg – Family-friendly with eco crafts and organic food.
7. Potsdamer Platz – Austrian specialties at Winter World.

Before discussing each market in detail, here are some convenient hotel options and recommended tours to help you make the most of your visit to Berlin.

Convenient Hotels

Berlin has many incredible and diverse neighbourhoods, but staying centrally in Mitte is the most convenient area to stay.

Mitte: Cafes, shopping and Museum Island.
Recommended: Casa Camper Berlin.

Gendarmenmarkt: Beautiful square in the city centre.
Recommended: The Mandala Suites.

Read our guide to hotels in Berlin for additional options in key areas.

Recommended Tours

Third Reich and Cold War Tour: Great introduction to Berlin’s historic sights.

Hidden Backyards Walking Tour: Perfect for repeat visitors looking for unique experiences.

Secret Food Tour: Explore the culinary side of the city. 

1. Gendarmenmarkt (Bebelplatz)

Perfectly situated within the iconic Gendarmenmarkt, the heated white tents provide a warm setting where local artisans, including wood carvers, comb makers, and tailors, present unique and personalised gifts. Highlights include Bavarian and Austrian specialties like Neuburger Rahmbrot (toasted cheese open sandwich) and Kaiserschmarren (torn pancakes).

Update 2024: Due to construction in the square, this event has temporarily moved to nearby Bebelplatz. The market will return to Gendarmenmarkt in 2025.

Read the full Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market Guide.

When: 25th November to 31st December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Gendarmenmarkt. Bebelplatz.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 12pm to 10pm.
Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 11pm.
Christmas Eve: 12pm to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Open.
New Year’s Eve: 12pm to 1am.
Admission:
Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2pm: free (except 24th to 26th and 31st December).
Other times: €2.
Children under 12: free.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No. Only guide dogs are allowed.
Public transport:
Underground: Museumsinsel and Unter den Linden.
Tram: Am Kupfergraben and Universitätsstr.

2. Charlottenburg Palace

Set against the stunning backdrop of Charlottenburg Palace, this market features over 250 stalls offering handcrafted gifts and traditional German sweets like stollen, spritz biscuits, and marzipan. With a carousel, petting zoo, and nostalgic rides, it’s a family-friendly event that also champions sustainability through eco-conscious decorations.

When: 25th November to 29th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Charlottenburg Palace.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 1pm to 10pm.
Friday to Sunday: 12pm to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: Closed.
Christmas Day: Open. 12pm to 10pm.
Boxing Day: 12pm to 10pm.
Admission: Free.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.
Public transport:
Underground: Sophie-Charlotte-Platz.
Bus: 309 and M45.

3. Kurfürstendamm

Amid the bustling Kurfürstendamm shopping hub, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is a winter highlight with over 100 stalls and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Offering winter delicacies like Thuringian Rostbratwurst (grilled sausage), sweet waffles, and candied fruit. It’s a top spot for entertainment, including a carousel, children’s Ferris wheel, and daily visits from Santa Claus. The market also supports charity, with the Red Cross selling mulled wine to fund social projects.

When: 24th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed).
Location: Breitscheidplatz in Charlottenburg.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 12pm to 9pm.
Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 10pm.
Admissions: Free.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: No.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes.
Public transport:
Underground: Kurfürstendamm and Zoologischer Garten.

4. Alexanderplatz

In Berlin’s central Mitte district, Alexanderplatz combines the charm of a traditional market with the excitement of a fairground and the energy of a party venue. With over 100 stalls with traditional crafts, decorations, jewellery, and trinkets, it’s one of Berlin’s busiest markets. A standout feature is Europe’s largest walk-in Christmas pyramid, illuminated with over 5,000 lights, where you can enjoy snacks and drinks on the ground floor and city views from the top. The market also has a Ferris wheel for panoramic views and an ice rink.

Read the full Alexanderplatz Christmas Market Guide.

When: 25th November to 26th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Alexanderplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 4pm.
Christmas Day: Open.
Admission: Free.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes.
Public transport:
Underground: Alexanderplatz.
Tram: Alexanderplatz/Memhardstraße.

5. Rotes Rathaus (Town Hall)

Near Alexanderplatz, Rotes Rathaus offers a nostalgic journey into historic Berlin with its quaint alleys, traditional stalls, and street performers. Highlights include a 50-metre Ferris wheel, historic carousels, and a miniature train ride for children through a snowy fairytale forest. The 600-square metre ice rink around Neptune Fountain invites skaters to glide in the heart of Berlin. Santa Claus flies over the market daily in his sleigh, ready for photos.

When: 25th November to 30th December (confirmed).
Location: Rotes Rathaus, Mitte.
Opening times: From 12pm.
Admission: Free.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Yes. Skate rental: €5.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes.
Public transport:
Underground: Rotes Rathaus and Alexanderplatz.
Tram: Spandauer Str./Marienkirche.

6. Prenzlauer Berg

The Advent Eco Market provides a sustainable approach to traditional markets in the cool Prenzlauer Berg district. With 60 stalls showcasing eco-friendly products and organic food and drinks, it’s a hub for environmentally conscious shopping. Enjoy an organic feast with bratwurst, plant-based snacks, whole-grain waffles, and Christmas cookies, all sourced from local farmers. Hot organic mulled wine and mead add a cosy touch.

Advent Eco dates: Sundays. 1st December to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Kollwitzplatz, Prenzlauer Berg.
Opening times: 12pm to 7pm.
Admission: Free.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes.
Public transport:
Underground: Senefelderplatz.
Tram: Marienburger Str.

7. Potsdamer Platz

At Potsdamer Platz, you’ll find several Austrian specialties at the Salzburger wooden huts. If you’re feeling adventurous, the 12-metre high and 70-metre long winter slide and toboggan run is available for a small fee.

Winter World dates: 1st November 2024 to 1st January 2025 (confirmed).
Location: Potsdamer Platz.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Admission: Free.
Toboggan run: €2.50
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.
Public transport:
Underground: Potsdamer Platz.

Christmas in Berlin

Read our German Christmas Markets List to discover more places to visit in Germany.

Alternatively, you might like to add another country to your winter itinerary. Our European Christmas Markets guide lists an interesting range of destinations.

Almost every district in Berlin has its own winter market, each with a unique atmosphere and focus. Some cater to families, while others attract an after-work crowd or have specific themes, like eco-friendly or Scandinavian markets.

If you’re staying central, Gendarmenmarkt and Alexanderplatz are my top picks. In the west of the city, Kurfürstendamm in Charlottenburg is another excellent choice.

It’s worth researching to find the market that best suits your interests. While the larger markets are well-known, consider exploring smaller neighbourhood markets for a more local experience.

At the Food Stalls

• Bratwurst: Traditional German sausages made from pork, beef, or veal, typically grilled and served in a crispy roll with mustard or ketchup. Available year-round, not just during specific events.
• Glühwein: Spiced, heated red wine, a winter staple in Germany.
• Lebkuchen: Classic gingerbread-like biscuits, often decorated with almonds.
• Stollen: A rich, fruit-filled loaf dusted with powdered sugar, originally from Dresden.
• Baumkuchen: Known as “tree cake,” this unique dessert is baked on a spit, creating rings that resemble tree rings when sliced. It is often served glazed or covered in chocolate.
• Candied Nuts: Almonds and other nuts coated in a crispy, sugary shell.
• Feuerzangenbowle: A punch made from red wine, rum, oranges, lemons, cloves, and cinnamon, with a burning sugarloaf caramelising into the drink.
• Handbrot: A warm, filling bread roll typically stuffed with cheese and other fillings like ham or mushrooms, baked until the cheese melts.
• Grilled Fish: Varieties like mackerel or salmon are grilled on skewers over open flames, often served with bread or potatoes.
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Reflecting Berlin’s international food scene, these sandwiches feature smoky, tender pork topped with coleslaw or pickles.
• Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Many vegan and vegetarian options are available, including vegan currywurst and vegetarian potato pancakes.
• International Snacks: Berlin’s markets feature snacks from various countries, such as Hungarian lángos and Dutch poffertjes.

Sustainability Tips

• Green Hotels: Choose hotels in Berlin that use renewable energy for their operations. Avoid staying in short-term rental apartments to help maintain affordable housing for locals.
• Food Waste: Be mindful of your portions when dining out. Share meals to reduce waste and enjoy a variety of dishes without overordering.
• Locally Sourced Food: Choose locally sourced and organic foods. Visit Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg, where regular markets feature meals made from local ingredients. Prioritise plant-based options for a more sustainable diet.
• Ethical Shopping: Purchase products from ethical and sustainable sources. The Eco Market at Kollwitzplatz offers goods made under fair and environmentally friendly conditions, ideal for responsible shopping.
• Explore on Foot or Bike: Berlin’s bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to explore the city sustainably by walking or cycling.
• Public Transport: For longer distances, use Berlin’s extensive public transport network, including buses, trams, the U-Bahn, and the S-Bahn.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.