Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market 2023 at Bebelplatz

Berlin in winter, is a hub of activity and culture, and Gendarmenmarkt sits at its heart as one of the city’s most visited squares.

Famous for its architectural landmarks like the Konzerthaus and the French and German Cathedrals, the square hosts an annual Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market that attracts locals and tourists.

In this article, you’ll discover essential details such as confirmed 2023 dates, opening times, the temporary new location, and what local specialties to look out for.

Berlin embraces the winter period with unique traditions like the lighting of the ‘Weihnachtsbaum,’ the German Christmas tree, and the consumption of traditional foods such as marzipan and stollen.

The city’s abundant history provides a backdrop for festive events, such as open-air concerts and museum exhibitions, enriching the holiday experience.

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market 2023

The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, known as WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt, has temporarily relocated to Bebelplatz near the Staatsoper Unter den Linden due to redevelopment work.

This new location is equally historic, set against iconic landmarks like St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, Hotel De Rôme, and the Altes Palais.

You’ll find the market retains its magical Christmas atmosphere, enriched by performances from acrobats, music and dance groups, as well as choirs.

For foodies, the market features everything from snacks to gourmet menus crafted by top chefs, all of which can be enjoyed in heated gastronomy tents with seating.

Apart from food, the market is a showcase for artisan crafts. Artists demonstrate their skills, allowing you to witness ancient crafts and perhaps even purchase unique, handmade gifts.

Dates and Location

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market dates: 27th November to 31st December 2023.
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: 12pm to 2pm: Free entry. After 2pm: €1 entry fee. Children under 13, free.
Payment: Tickets can be purchased online in advance (fee applies). Entrance fee at the event is cash only. No all vendors accept credit or debit cards.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, some good options.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No. Guide assistance dogs only.
Public transport: U6 Station: Unter den Linden. U5 Station: Museumsinsel.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Gourmet cuisine in heated tents. Arts and crafts tent. Live shows. New Year’s Eve event.
Recommended tour: This Cold War history tour is one of the most popular in Berlin.
Specialities: Bavarian and Austrian cuisine. Wiener schnitzel, oven-fresh Kaiserschmarrn, regional mulled wine, German-Rhenish cuisine, cheese-spätzle, truffles, huge range of soups.
Where to stay: Arcotel John F is a great hotel option in Mitte, near Bebelplatz and Museum Island. It’s less than 5 minutes from the Christmas market.

Hotels near Bebelplatz Christmas Market

If you’re keen on sightseeing and proximity to the Christmas markets, central Berlin is the best choice for accommodation.

The central district is known as Mitte. It’s home to a huge range of cafes, restaurants, and the remarkable Museum Island.

My recommended hotel is Arcotel John F as it’s situated less than a 5-minute walk from Bebelplatz Christmas Market and conveniently located between Babelplatz and Museum Island in Mitte.

If you would prefer to stay in a different district of Berlin, this guide to hotels near Berlin Christmas Market shares the best places to stay across the city, covering all budgets.

Location of Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market

Recommended Walking and Food Tours

Taking a city tour in Berlin is an effective way to acquaint yourself with the city’s significant history and modern dynamism.

Berlin has much to offer, from its iconic landmarks to its contemporary urban spaces, making it worthwhile to explore in any season.

The Third Reich and Cold War Walking Tour is a 2-hour guided experience that begins at Brandenburg Gate and includes a segment of the Berlin Wall that remains standing three decades after its fall.

It’s a compelling choice for both first-time visitors and locals interested in Berlin’s layered history.

Another option is the 3-Hour Secret Food Tour, which provides an introduction to Berlin’s culinary landscape.

You’ll be guided by knowledgeable staff 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.

For more insights on seasonal celebrations in Germany, check out my German Christmas Markets 2023 guide, where I detail the dates, locations and specialities of various markets around the country.

Bebelplatz Christmas Market

To get a sense of what Bebelplatz Christmas Market is like, take a look at the following video. It shows the market’s atmosphere, stalls and the range of goods you can expect to find.

Christmas Specialties in Gendarmenmarkt

Wiener Schnitzel: You’ll find authentic Wiener Schnitzel served by Lutter & Wegner, an establishment with over 200 years of tradition. Paired with exquisite wines, this dish makes for a satisfying, classic meal, especially when enjoyed in a cosy atmosphere with a direct view of the market’s Christmas tree and historic crèche.

Homemade Sauerbraten: Another German-Austrian speciality to savour at Lutter & Wegner’s Christmas cottage is the homemade Sauerbraten. It’s a pot roast, usually of beef, slow-cooked as pot roast should be.

Crispy Duck: For fans of poultry, crispy duck is on the menu, offering traditional Christmas flavours. This dish can be complemented by a broad selection of wines.

Swiss Cheese Fondue: Enjoy the warming embrace of Original Swiss Cheese Fondue at the T-House. Accompany it with its variety of wines, beers, and spirits, all served in a setting that pays attention to safety with air purifiers.

Hot Limoncello: T-House also serves a unique Hot Limoncello, ideal for taking the chill off cold winter nights. A unique take on traditional mulled wine or hot cider.

Tyrolean Ham & Cheese: You’ll encounter rustic ham and cheese specialities from Tyrol. These locally produced items provide a taste of the Austrian Alps right in Berlin.

Pizza and Lasagna: For a dash of Italian spirit, the market features a range of Italian dishes like pizza and lasagna, all set in a typical Italian atmosphere that includes vintner wine pairings.

Cheese-Spätzle: The chalet under the Christmas tree serves up traditional cheese-spätzle. To enhance this classic dish, you can opt for additional flavours like truffle or Austrian bacon.

Homemade Soups: There’s a homemade soup for every palate, from vegan to gluten-free options. These warm, comforting bowls are available at the unique meeting point near the Christmas tree.

Mashed Potatoes: The Christmas Cocktail Club brings a modern twist with its selection of creamy mashed potatoes, complete with extravagant toppings ranging from egg Benedict to truffle and ratatouille.

Potato Soup and Cream of Pumpkin Soup: In the section devoted to Bavarian cuisine, you’ll find hearty soups such as potato and cream of pumpkin. These soups are an excellent starting point for sampling traditional Bavarian dishes.

Kasseler (Smoked Pork Chop): Bavarian cuisine also includes Kasseler, a type of smoked pork chop, typically served with sauerkraut or potatoes, providing a hearty meal.

Curly Kale with Sausage: A more rustic Bavarian option is curly kale served with sausage. It’s a simple, hearty dish that resonates with the winter season.

Champagne: For those interested in elevated beverages, the market provides options like Veuve Clicquot, Louis Roederer Champagne, and Schlumberger Sparkling Wine from Austria.

Hot Vintner Punch: To experience regional flavours in a beverage, try the Hot Vintner Punch from Austria, available alongside an array of cakes and platters.

This list gives you an array of options to explore, from traditional German and Austrian dishes to international favourites, all at the heated Christmas stalls in Bebelplatz.

Christmas Gifts and Stocking Fillers

Precious Glass Art: For those who appreciate delicate craftsmanship, the Gendarmentmarkt Christmas Market features precious glass art perfect for special occasions. Crafted by skilled artisans, each piece is unique and serves as a luxurious gift or elegant home decor.

Wooden Carvings and Turnings: Another hallmark of Gendarmenmarkt is the wooden products, intricately worked by skilled carvers and turners. They bring out the diversity and richness of the material, making each piece not just a utilitarian object but a work of art in its own right.

Customised Belts & Bags: If you’re in need of a quality, long-lasting accessory, look for the stalls that sell customised belts and bags. These are made from fine materials like Koberind, ostrich, and ray and come in functional and exceptional styles.

Ceramics: The market is also great for finding ceramics ranging from functional design to imaginative forms. Whether you’re looking for a functional tableware piece or a decorative object, there’s something for everyone.

Textile Design and Accessories: Nothing is off the peg when it comes to textiles in this market. You’ll find everything from classic to modern designs in hats, playful coats and warm gloves.

Metalwork: For something a bit more elemental, there are stalls featuring metal crafts. These items are worked into luminous and flowing objects, perfect for those who appreciate the raw beauty of materials like copper, bronze, and iron.

Unique Jewellery: Jewellery lovers will find unique pieces featuring unusual decorative elements created by expert goldsmiths and silversmiths. The offerings include a wide range of materials, from pebbles to synthetic resin objects.

Organic Soaps and Oils: One can find soaps and oils that are organically grown and carefully selected for their fragrant ingredients. Ideal for those who appreciate natural, health-conscious gifts.

Beekeeping Products: In line with the theme of natural wellness, a beekeeping stall provides an array of products derived from bees. This includes healthy, organic items like beeswax, ideal for making warming candles.

Children’s Items: There are various playful items for the youngest market-goers or those young at heart. These range from puzzles and riddles to special teddy bears made from Alpaca. Each item is designed to amaze and delight, making them perfect gifts for kids or those who are kids at heart.

Things to Do in Winter

To stay updated on the latest events and explore more things to do in the city this winter, take advantage of the wealth of resources available at Visit Berlin, the capital’s official website.

Sustainable Christmas Tips

Before we delve into the delights of Berlin at Christmas, it’s vital to consider how we can visit responsibly and sustainably. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:

Eco-friendly Accommodation: Gendarmenmarkt is surrounded by numerous hotels, many of which are committed to green initiatives. When choosing where to stay, consider hotels that are powered by renewable energy sources, incorporate waste reduction measures, and use environmentally friendly products. You’re contributing to a more sustainable tourism industry by supporting such places.

Conscious Consumption at Christmas Markets: While indulging at the Christmas market is tempting, remember to only buy food you’re sure to eat. Food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, so ordering mindfully goes a long way.

Sustainable Shopping: The Christmas stalls at Gendarmenmarkt are brimming with all sorts of gifts and trinkets. Consider purchasing items that you truly need or will use to avoid wasteful consumption. Opt for locally made products that support local artisans and have a lower carbon footprint due to reduced transportation.

Plant-based Options: If you’re seeking a more sustainable diet, look out for plant-based offerings at the market. Consuming less meat and dairy is a powerful way to reduce your environmental impact. And don’t worry, the Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt has a variety of tasty plant-based options.

Public Transport: Bebelplatz Christmas Market is conveniently located within easy reach of several public transport options, making it unnecessary to rent a car. Choosing public transport reduces your carbon footprint and allows you to experience the city like a local. And if you’re staying nearby, consider walking to the market to further minimise your emissions.

FAQ

If you would like to leave a review of Gendarmenmarkt Xmas Market or the new Bebelplatz Christmas 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.