Berlin Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Christmas in Berlin is a truly magical experience, with the city’s grand squares, cobbled streets and historic landmarks glowing under thousands of twinkling lights. As one of Europe’s most iconic winter destinations, Germany’s capital transforms into a festive wonderland filled with charm, cheer and old-world ambience. Whether it’s your first time visiting Germany or you’ve explored other Christmas markets in Europe, Berlin offers a unique blend of tradition and creativity that captures the spirit of the season like no other.
The 5 Best Christmas Markets in Berlin
Berlin is home to more than 80 enchanting Christmas markets, spread across historic squares, palace grounds, and cultural courtyards. Each market has its own character and charm, ranging from fairytale settings and grand artisan villages to creative, themed experiences. Listed below are five of the most celebrated Christmas markets in Berlin that beautifully showcase the city’s festive spirit and are particularly worth visiting during your 2025 winter trip.
1. Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market (WeihnachtsZauber at Bebelplatz)
- Entry fee: €2, Free entry for children under 12
- Location: Bebelplatz, 10117 Berlin
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Bus routes 100, 147 and 300 all have stops near Staatsoper and Unter den Linden/Friedrichstraße, which are a short walk from the market.
- By Train: The closest S-Bahn station is Friedrichstraße, served by S1, S2 and S3, along with U-Bahn line U6.
- By Tram: Tram lines M1 and 12 stop at Am Kupfergraben, within walking distance.
- By Car: The market is centrally located just off Unter den Linden boulevard. While street parking is limited, there are a few paid underground car parks nearby, including those at Staatsoper and Humboldt Forum.
- Opening dates: The official dates for the 2025 market have not yet been confirmed. Please stay tuned to this page, as we will update it as soon as they are announced. Last year, the market ran from 15th November to 31st December 2024.
- Opening times: The timings for 2025 are yet to be released. In 2024, it was generally open from 12pm to 10pm daily.
- Decorations: This market is set against the stunning architectural backdrop of Bebelplatz, surrounded by the State Opera, Humboldt University and St. Hedwig’s Cathedral. The atmosphere is refined and romantic, with white tented stalls glowing under warm golden lights and a beautifully illuminated Christmas tree standing at the centre. The entire area is tastefully decorated with festive garlands, classical accents, and intricate lighting, making it one of Berlin’s most picturesque market experiences.
- Best Activities to do: While the full schedule for 2025 has not been announced yet, previous years featured live classical and jazz music, choirs, fire artists, and traditional stage performances throughout the day and evening. The performances add a cultured, festive flair and are included in the entry fee.
- Food to try: You’ll find an array of gourmet treats, including baked Flammkuchen, roasted almonds, hand-carved goose dishes, truffle-infused delicacies, and hearty sausages. Mulled wine is served in elegant souvenir mugs, and some stalls also offer premium wines, cocktails and festive desserts.
- Shopping: This market is particularly well known for high-quality artisan gifts, including handmade jewellery, leather goods, festive candles, fine ceramics, and winter wear. Many stalls feature products from local Berlin-based craftspeople, making it ideal for meaningful souvenirs.
2. Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market
- Entry fee: Free
- Location: Spandauer Damm 10–22, 14059 Berlin
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Bus lines M45, X9 and 109 all serve stops near Charlottenburg Palace, offering easy access from across the city.
- By Train: The nearest U-Bahn station is Richard-Wagner-Platz (U7), and Westend Station (S-Bahn) is also within walking distance.
- By Tram: This area is not directly connected by tram, so we recommend using buses or trains instead.
- By Car: The palace is situated in the Charlottenburg district of west Berlin. There is limited parking available in nearby streets and public car parks, such as the one near Schlossstraße, though these can fill up quickly during busy evenings.
- Opening dates: The official dates for 2025 are still pending and will be updated here. In 2024, the market was open from 25th November to 29th December.
- Opening times: Exact timings for 2025 are to be confirmed. Last year, the market typically opened from 12pm to 10pm.
- Decorations: Charlottenburg Palace offers one of the most visually breathtaking Christmas settings in Berlin, with its baroque architecture fully illuminated in festive lights. More than 250 wooden stalls line the palace forecourt and gardens, decorated with garlands, lanterns and seasonal displays. The visual spectacle is further enhanced by light installations across the palace façade, giving the market a truly regal glow.
- Best Activities to do: The official activity schedule for 2025 is still awaited. In previous years, the market hosted nativity scenes, a traditional children’s carousel, live choirs, and festive performances on weekends.
- Food to try: Visitors can sample German Christmas classics such as goose legs, crispy potato pancakes, spiced biscuits, raclette, and freshly roasted chestnuts. Mulled wine is available in multiple variations, and there are also stands selling festive liqueurs and hot punch.
- Shopping: Shoppers will enjoy the selection of hand-painted Christmas baubles, carved nutcrackers, intricate lacework, and handmade candles. This market is also a good place to find festive home décor and winter accessories made by local artisans.
3. Berlin Christmas Market at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Breitscheidplatz)
- Entry fee: Free
- Location: Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Bus lines 100, 200 and M29 all stop at Breitscheidplatz, just steps away from the market.
- By Train: The nearest U-Bahn station is Zoologischer Garten, served by U1, U2, U3 and U9, as well as several S-Bahn lines.
- By Tram: There are no direct tram lines in this area, so the U-Bahn or bus is the most convenient option.
- By Car: The market is located near Kurfürstendamm in the heart of West Berlin. Several paid parking garages are available nearby, including at the Europa Center and Los-Angeles-Platz.
- Opening dates: The dates for the 2025 edition have not been announced yet. We will update them here as soon as they are confirmed. Last year, the market was open from 24th November 2024 to 5th January 2025.
- Opening times: Opening times for 2025 are still to be confirmed. In 2024, the market operated from 11am to 9pm daily, with extended hours until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Decorations: This market is beautifully set around the historic Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a symbol of peace and resilience in the heart of Berlin. Over 170 festively decorated stalls encircle the church, with thousands of fairy lights illuminating the square and a towering Christmas tree taking centre stage. The mix of modern retail lights from Kurfürstendamm and traditional festive decor creates a lively yet heart-warming setting.
- Best Activities to do: Details for 2025 activities are yet to be shared. In previous years, the market offered live music performances, brass bands, festive parades, and Santa Claus visits - making it especially popular with families.
- Food to try: Classic Berlin specialities such as currywurst and bratwurst are widely available, alongside roasted mushrooms, crêpes with Nutella, marzipan sweets, and Lebkuchen (gingerbread hearts). The Feuerzangenbowle - a flaming mulled wine with rum - is a must-try.
- Shopping: This market features a wide range of handmade crafts, including woollen scarves and gloves, wooden Christmas figures, decorative candles, and festive kitchenware. It’s a great spot for browsing affordable, handmade gifts while enjoying the bustling city vibe.
4. Spandau Christmas Market
- Entry fee: Free
- Location: Altstadt Spandau, 13597 Berlin
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Bus lines M45 and X33 stop in the heart of Spandau’s old town, within a few minutes’ walk of the market.
- By Train: Use the U7 line or S-Bahn lines S3 and S9 to reach Spandau Station, then walk approximately 10 minutes to the market.
- By Tram: There is no direct tram service to this area, but it is well-connected by bus and train.
- By Car: The market is set in the pedestrianised streets of Altstadt Spandau (Old Town Spandau), which lies in the western part of Berlin. Parking is available at nearby car parks including Spandau Arcaden and Rathaus Spandau.
- Opening dates: Dates for 2025 have not been released yet, so we recommend checking back here for updates. In 2024, the market took place from 25th November to 22nd December.
- Opening times: Timings for the 2025 season are still to be confirmed. Last year, it was typically open from 11am to 8pm on weekdays and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Decorations: Spandau’s historic town centre is transformed into a festive fairytale scene with medieval-style wooden huts, twinkling lanterns, and streets lined with garlands and fairy lights. A large Christmas tree stands proudly in the central square, and themed areas bring in rustic touches that transport visitors to an earlier era of festive celebration.
- Best Activities to do: The official schedule for 2025 has not yet been published. However, previous editions featured live nativity scenes with animals, open-air concerts, medieval entertainers, and family-friendly events including Santa Claus parades and children’s theatre.
- Food to try: Highlights include Berlin potato pancakes served with apple sauce, crispy pork knuckles, sweet roasted almonds, and chocolate-dipped fruit. A medieval section of the market also serves hot mead and other traditional drinks.
- Shopping: The market is known for its variety of handmade items, such as natural soaps, wooden crafts, hand-sewn clothing, and decorative candles. Local vendors also sell seasonal preserves, artisanal liqueurs and festive home décor.
5. Lucia Christmas Market at Kulturbrauerei
- Entry fee: Free
- Location: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Bus routes 247 and M1 stop near the U-Bahn station Eberswalder Straße, which is located just outside the venue.
- By Train: Take the U2 line to Eberswalder Straße, which is directly adjacent to the Kulturbrauerei complex.
- By Tram: Tram lines M1 and M10 also serve the Eberswalder Straße stop, making this market especially accessible by public transport.
- By Car: Located in the trendy Prenzlauer Berg district just north of central Berlin, Kulturbrauerei is easy to reach via Schönhauser Allee. Parking is limited in the area, though paid public parking is available nearby along Knaackstraße and Danziger Straße.
- Opening dates: The 2025 market dates have not yet been confirmed. Last year, it was open from 25th November to 22nd December. We will post updates on this page as soon as they are available.
- Opening times: 2025 timings are still pending. In 2024, the market opened from 3pm to 10pm on weekdays and from 1pm on weekends.
- Decorations: The Lucia market is one of Berlin’s most distinctive, themed around Scandinavian Christmas traditions and set within a historic 19th-century brewery courtyard. Red-and-white stalls, twinkling lights, and rustic Nordic touches such as a large Yule goat and vintage sleighs create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The entire area is lit with soft lantern light, giving it an intimate and cosy charm that’s quite unlike the larger, busier city centre markets.
- Best Activities to do: A full programme for 2025 has not been shared yet. In previous years, visitors could enjoy Nordic games, storytime sessions, the “coat heater” (a warming booth for your outerwear), and festive appearances from Santa Claus.
- Food to try: The food offering here has a strong Scandinavian flair, with dishes such as Finnish smoked salmon, Swedish meatballs, elk sausages, cinnamon buns, and Glögg (Scandinavian mulled wine). The atmosphere makes it perfect for trying something a little different.
- Shopping: This market excels at offering unique, handcrafted gifts with a Nordic twist, including woollen mittens and hats, wooden decorations, artisan candles, and imported goods from across Sweden, Finland and Denmark. You’ll also find Berlin-based designers selling bespoke seasonal gifts.
Tips
When is the best time to visit Berlin’s Christmas markets to avoid crowds?
Weekday afternoons, especially between 1pm and 4pm, tend to be the quietest times to visit Berlin’s Christmas markets. Evenings and weekends are usually the busiest, particularly in popular spots like Gendarmenmarkt and Breitscheidplatz. If you're hoping for a more peaceful experience with better photo opportunities and shorter queues, plan your visit early in the week and avoid peak dinner hours.
Do Berlin Christmas markets accept card payments or is it mostly cash-based?
While more vendors now accept card payments, many stalls - especially smaller, independent ones - still operate on a cash-only basis. It’s a good idea to carry some euros in small denominations to avoid issues, particularly if you plan to shop at artisan stalls or purchase street food.
What should I wear when visiting Berlin’s Christmas markets?
Berlin can be very cold in December, with average temperatures ranging from -1°C to 4°C, so dressing warmly is essential. Opt for layered clothing, a thick coat, gloves, a hat and thermal socks, especially if you plan to stay out in the evening. Comfortable, waterproof boots are also recommended, as you’ll likely be walking across cobbled streets or standing on wet ground for extended periods.
Are the markets suitable for families and children?
Yes, many of Berlin’s Christmas markets are family-friendly and include attractions specifically designed for children, such as carousels, mini train rides, and Santa Claus meet-and-greets. Markets like Charlottenburg Palace and Spandau also host nativity scenes and children’s performances. However, do check ahead as not every market has child-specific entertainment, and timings may vary.
Will I need to speak German to enjoy the Christmas markets in Berlin?
Not at all - while German is the official language, most vendors at Berlin’s Christmas markets, especially in tourist-frequented areas, speak at least basic English. Menus and signage are often bilingual, and staff are generally friendly and used to assisting international visitors. Learning a few simple phrases like “Danke” (thank you) or “Glühwein, bitte” (mulled wine, please) can go a long way in enhancing the experience, but English will serve you just fine.
Where to stay in Berlin?
For easy access to the city’s most beautiful Christmas markets, it’s best to stay in central Berlin - particularly areas like Mitte, Charlottenburg, or Prenzlauer Berg. These districts are well-connected by public transport and place you within walking distance of many festive attractions, restaurants and historic landmarks. Don’t forget to check out exclusive discounts on hotel stays available on this page to make your Berlin Christmas getaway even better value.
Other things to do while in Berlin
This vibrant city offers a wide range of activities beyond the enchanting Christmas markets, with something to suit every interest.
- Experience Winter World on Potsdamer Platz: This seasonal attraction features Berlin’s largest toboggan run, ice skating rink, curling lanes, and alpine-style food stalls, making it perfect for a festive afternoon of fun.
- Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial: Learn about the city's divided past at this historic site, which includes preserved sections of the wall and an open-air exhibition.
- Explore Museum Island: Located in the heart of the city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features five world-class museums covering art, archaeology, and ancient history.
- Take in views from the TV Tower: Head up the Berliner Fernsehturm for panoramic views across the city skyline - especially magical in winter as Berlin glows below.
- Stroll through Tiergarten Park: Even in December, this vast green space offers a peaceful walking route with snow-dusted trees, frozen ponds, and scenic views near Brandenburg Gate.
Christmas Traditions in Germany
Germany is considered the birthplace of many beloved Christmas traditions, from advent calendars and Christmas pyramids to the classic Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) themselves. One of the most cherished customs is the celebration of St. Nicholas Day on 6th December, when children leave their boots out overnight to be filled with treats. Many German households also set up detailed nativity scenes and decorate with handcrafted wooden ornaments from regions like the Erzgebirge. On Christmas Eve, families come together for a festive meal, and gifts are exchanged - often beneath a beautifully lit tree adorned with real candles or twinkling fairy lights.
Where else to go in Germany for Christmas Markets?
If you're planning to explore beyond Berlin, Germany offers plenty of charming destinations with spectacular Christmas markets that are well worth a visit. Here are four popular destinations to consider:
- Dresden: Known for hosting Germany’s oldest Christmas market - the Striezelmarkt - Dresden transforms into a fairytale setting filled with twinkling lights and traditional stollen cake.
- Nuremberg: The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous in the world, celebrated for its charming wooden stalls, roasted Nuremberg sausages, and the Christkind angel opening ceremony.
- Cologne: With seven markets spread across the city - including one beside the majestic Cologne Cathedral - this city offers a vibrant and magical Christmas experience along the Rhine.
- Heidelberg: Set against the backdrop of a romantic hilltop castle, Heidelberg’s Christmas market winds through the old town with an ice rink, cosy chalets, and local craft stalls.
Christmas Essentials: Christmas Shop | Christmas Gifts | Christmas Pyjamas | Christmas Decorations | Christmas Market Breaks | Christmas Jumpers | Christmas Trees