Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt is known for its iconic Konzerthaus and the French and German Cathedrals, making it a winter hub of culture and activity.
This article covers key details about the 2024 Gendarmenmarkt Market, including confirmed dates, the temporary location at Bebelplatz, and a list of expected vendors.
Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market dates: 25th November to 31st December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in January. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the organiser, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
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.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: This Cold War history tour is one of the most popular in Berlin.
Public transport:
Underground: Museumsinsel and Unter den Linden.
Tram: Am Kupfergraben and Universitätsstr.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. The closest parking garage is Q-Park Unter den Linden / Staatsoper.
Where to stay: Casa Camper Berlin is a great hotel option in Mitte, near Bebelplatz and Museum Island.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission:
Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2pm: free (except 24th to 26th and 31st December).
Other times: €2.
Children under 12: free.
Payment: Tickets can be purchased online in advance (fee applies). Entrance fee at the event is cash only. Not all vendors accept credit or debit cards.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Reason to visit: Gourmet cuisine in heated tents. Arts and crafts tent. Live shows. New Year’s Eve event.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, some good options.
Food specialities: Bavarian and Austrian cuisine. Wiener schnitzel, oven-fresh Kaiserschmarrn, regional mulled wine, German-Rhenish cuisine, cheese-spätzle, truffles, huge range of soups.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No. Guide assistance dogs only.
Hotels in the Area
I’ve stayed in several Berlin districts, but for a short trip, it’s convenient to stay in Mitte, the historic central district.
The area around Casa Camper Berlin has many excellent cafes, bakeries, bars and boutique stores. You can walk to the markets at Bebelplatz, Alexanderplatz, and Rotes Rathaus, which is why I recommend staying there.
To stay in a different district, choose one of these hotels in Berlin which I’ve selected based on location and budget.
Interesting Tours
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 an interesting tour for both first-time visitors and locals interested in Berlin’s history.
Another option is the 3-Hour Secret Food Tour, which introduces Berlin’s food scene. On this tour, you’ll discover local eateries and restaurants and enjoy a variety of food tastings.
It’s shocking that there are now around 100 Christmas markets in Berlin. I’ve highlighted 7 in my Berlin Christmas Market Guide that I think are worth visiting.
Read our German Christmas Markets List, where I share where else to go this winter.
Event Location Map
From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!
What to Expect
Berlin embraces the winter season with traditions like lighting the ‘Weihnachtsbaum’ (the Christmas tree) and enjoying classic foods like marzipan and stollen.
Due to redevelopment, the Gendarmenmarkt Market has temporarily relocated to Bebelplatz near the Staatsoper Unter den Linden.
Set in a historic area near landmarks like St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, Hotel De Rôme, and the Altes Palais, the new location continues to charm with performances by acrobats, musicians, and choirs.
In heated tents, you can savour snacks and gourmet meals prepared by top chefs.
Regional Specialties
- Wiener Schnitzel: Served by Lutter & Wegner, this authentic dish comes with a perfectly paired wine.
- Homemade Sauerbraten: A German-Austrian specialty, this slow-cooked pot roast is a must-try at Lutter & Wegner’s cottage.
- Crispy Duck: Paired with a broad selection of wines, this dish offers a rich, savoury experience.
- Swiss Cheese Fondue: Enjoy original Swiss cheese fondue at the T-House, accompanied by a selection of wines, beers, and spirits in a well-ventilated setting.
- Hot Limoncello: A unique take on traditional mulled wine served at the T-House.
- Tyrolean Ham and Cheese: Tyrol’s Rustic specialties bring the Austrian Alps’ flavours to Berlin.
- Pizza and Lasagna: Italian dishes like pizza and lasagna are served with vintner wine pairings.
- Cheese-Spätzle: Traditional cheese-spätzle is available with additional flavours like truffle or Austrian bacon, served at the chalet under the tree.
- 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, 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.
- Curly Kale with Sausage: A more rustic Bavarian option is curly kale served with sausage.
- Champagne: Options like Veuve Clicquot, Louis Roederer Champagne, and Schlumberger Sparkling Wine from Austria.
- Hot Vintner Punch: To experience regional flavours in a drink, try the Hot Vintner Punch from Austria, available alongside a range of cakes and platters.
Unique Gifts and Shopping
- Precious Glass Art: Delicate, handcrafted glass pieces ideal for special occasions or as elegant home decor.
- Wooden Carvings and Turnings: Intricately worked wooden products, toys, and gifts.
- Customised Accessories: Quality belts and bags available in functional and interesting styles.
- Ceramics: Functional tableware and imaginative decorative pieces.
- Metalwork: Crafts made from materials like copper, bronze, and iron.
- Unique Jewellery: Distinctive jewellery pieces created by expert goldsmiths and silversmiths.
- Organic Soaps and Oils: Natural gifts made from organically grown ingredients, including fragrant soaps and oils.
- Beekeeping Products: Organic products derived from bees, such as beeswax, food products and cosmetics.
- Children’s Items: Playful gifts for kids or those young at heart, including puzzles, riddles, and special teddy bears.
Sustainability Tips
- Eco-friendly Accommodation: Book a hotel that is committed to green practices, such as using renewable energy, reducing waste, and offering eco-friendly products.
- Conscious Consumption: When enjoying food at local stalls, buy only what you can finish to help reduce food waste.
- Sustainable Shopping: Support local artisans by purchasing locally made products. These products also have a lower environmental impact due to reduced transportation needs.
- Plant-based Options: Look for plant-based food options that are widely available and offer a more sustainable diet choice.
- Public Transport: To minimise your environmental impact, use Berlin’s extensive public transport system to reach Gendarmenmarkt or walk if you’re staying nearby.
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.
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