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If you’re heading to Berlin for the Christmas season, you might feel overwhelmed by the city’s many Christmas markets—over 70 in the greater Berlin area!
I lived in Berlin for almost four years, and one of the things to do in Berlin at Christmas was go to a holiday market!
Visiting these markets and finding the best ones is something I am genuinely passionate about.
While some markets are magical and worth every minute, others, honestly, you can skip if you’re on a tight schedule.
This easy 2-day itinerary takes you through SIX of Berlin’s must-see Christmas markets! I’ve included some classic German Christmas Markets and some eclectic lesser-known markets!
And don’t miss my downloadable Google Maps below for an effortless visit.
Pro Tips: Planning Your Visit to Berlin’s Christmas Markets
Where to Stay: To visit most markets, consider staying in Mitte. For a charming neighborhood, check out Kollwitzkiez. A couple of good hotel options are: Myer’s Hotel Berlin and Hotel Oderberger.
Bring Cash: Cash is still king in Berlin, especially at the markets, where many vendors prefer it. For markets with entrance fees (usually around 2€), you’ll need cash, and public restrooms often require coins. I’d suggest budgeting around 30€ for food and drinks per market.
Reusable Mugs: Glühwein is served in decorative mugs that require a deposit. You can return them to get your deposit back or keep one as a souvenir—I like to collect a new one each year!
Safety First: Berlin is generally safe, but like any big city, pickpocketing happens, especially in crowded places. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially at the main markets, and get traveler’s insurance to be safe.
Dress Warm: It will be cold, and with a bit of luck, you might even see a dusting of snow. Bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf to stay cozy!
Pace Yourself: The mead and Glühwien might be stronger than you expect. They go down smoothly, but too many can lead to a gnarly hangover!
Healthy Options: You won’t find plentiful, healthy options, though you will find options for vegetarians, less for vegans. For strict diets, you should plan to eat elsewhere.
Get a Transit Pass: If you plan to hit multiple markets, a transit pass or the Berlin Card will be super convenient, covering all your transport needs around the city. *The Berlin Welcome Card also gives discounts up to 50% for many main attractions.
🎄Berlin Christmas Market Itinerary Map! All the locations of the markets and points of interest are pre-saved and ready to use!
For Transit: Download the BVG Fahrinfo app so you will have updated schedules and alerts for the transit system in Berlin.
Day 1
9:00 AM Explore Museum Island
Start your day with some classic Berlin sightseeing before the Christmas markets open by wandering around Museum Island.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is packed with iconic museums—perfect for a dose of history and culture.
Choose one or two museums to explore, like the Pergamon Museum for its ancient artifacts or the Neues Museum to view the famous bust of Nefertiti.
Pro Tip: Be sure to purchase your museum tickets in advance to save time.
Coffee Stop: If you’re looking for a nearby spot to grab a coffee and pastry before diving into the museums, stop by Fauve Coffee Berlin for a freshly brewed coffee and a tasty breakfast bite.
Noon Head to Charlottenburg Palace
After exploring Museum Island, go to Charlottenburg Palace to kick off your Christmas market adventure.
You will want to walk back to Hackescher Markt and take the Sbahn, either the S3, S5, S7, or S9, to Westkreuz and then switch to the S41 to Westend. From there, it’s a quick 10-ish minute walk to the palace.
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1:00 PM Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market
This is one of the more elegant markets, opens at noon, and is set against the backdrop of Charlottenburg Palace.
The entire palace is lit up, creating a magical setting with artisan stalls and gourmet stands everywhere.
This market gets very crowded, so visiting when it opens on a weekday would be ideal.
- Don’t Miss: Try festive treats like gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine while browsing through high-quality crafts and unique holiday gifts.
- Bonus: There’s often live music in the afternoons, adding to the cozy, festive vibe.
- Dates: 27 November to 31 December 2024 (closed on 24 December)
- Opening Hours: Daily, 12 pm – 10 pm
- Admission: Free of charge
4:00 PM Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
Make your way to one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Berlin, Gendarmenmarkt. * NOTE in 2024, it will be held in Bebelplatz at the State Opera House.
Bebelplatz directions: From Charlottenburg Palace, you will want to walk for 15 minutes to the U-Bahn (Sophie-Charlotte-Platz) and take it to the Hausvogteiplatz station. From there, it is only a 9-minute walk to the market.
The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is known for upscale vendors and traditional German food options; try the Käsespätzle. I also found this market has a good selection of wines at the central market stall.
Live music will likely play throughout the day, so chances are you will catch a show.
- Must-Try: Treat yourself to bratwurst, smoked fish, or potato pancakes, all while exploring the market’s holiday stalls.
- Iconic View: The market is surrounded by Berlin’s famous Konzerthaus, French Cathedral, and German Cathedral, giving it a grand, historical atmosphere.
Take a short stroll from Gendarmenmarkt to landmarks like Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden Boulevard.
Dates: November 25 – December 31, 2024
Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12 pm – 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12 pm – 11 pm
- Christmas Eve: 12 pm – 6 pm
- New Year’s Eve: 12 pm – 1 am
Admission Fee: €2
- Free for children up to 12 years
- Free Monday to Friday from 12 pm – 2 pm (except December 24 to 26 and 31)
6:30 PM Lucia Christmas Market in the Kulturbrauerei
Next, head to the Kulturbrauerei in the Prenzlauer Berg district for the Lucia Christmas Market.
From Bebelplatz, it is an easy ride on the U2 from Hausvogteiplatz to Eberswalder Strasse station. The Kulturbrauerei is only a 6-minute walk from there.
This Scandinavian-themed market is located in a former brewery, adding a unique vibe to the evening.
The Lucia Christmas Market is perfect for kids too! Little ones can bounce on the bungee trampoline, explore a mini knight’s castle, and ride a vintage carousel. Even Santa drops by in the evenings to collect Christmas wishes and hand out treats.
- Cozy Treats: Warm up with some glögg (Swedish mulled wine) and enjoy traditional Nordic snacks. The market offers crafts, handmade gifts, and lots of cozy spots to sit by outdoor fires.
- Unique Setting: The historic brewery grounds give this market a rustic, intimate feel that’s perfect for an evening market visit.
- Dates: November 25 to December 22, 2024
- Admission Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 3 pm – 10 pm Saturday and Sunday: 1 pm – 10 pm
Day 2: Modern Berlin Markets & Classic Sights
10:00 AM Explore the East Side Gallery
You can’t visit Berlin without a visit to the iconic East Side Gallery. This open-air gallery stretches along a preserved section of the Berlin Wall and features over 100 murals painted by artists worldwide.
It is free to explore, and the earlier you get there, the better you avoid crowds!
Take your time walking the gallery length, finding the most famous murals like “The Kiss” and other artworks.
Getting There: S-Bahn to Warschauer Strasse, then a short walk.
12:00 Explore Friedrichshain Neighborhood
After exploring the Berlin Wall, head to the trendy and eclectic neighborhood of Friderichshain. It is just a short walk from the gallery.
It’s full of historic buildings, famous nightclubs, and independent boutiques worth checking out.
A great place for lunch is Café Tasso is a local favorite in Friedrichshain. It has a relaxed vibe and a collection of used books, newspapers, and magazines, with some in English if you’re up for a read.
Located on the historic Karl-Marx Allee, it’s a great spot to people-watch. Heads up: Café Tasso is cash-only, so come prepared!
3:00 PM RAW Cultural Center Christmas Market
You don’t want to miss the RAW Cultural Center Christmas Market for a more alternative and medieval market experience.
Set in a former railway depot, this Christmas market has a trendy, artsy vibe full of creative gifts, street food, and live music.
- Must-See: Browse stalls selling everything from vintage items to handmade crafts, all with a backdrop of street art and murals.
- Try This: Sample some international street food options here before heading to your next stop.
Dates: 14 November to 22 December 2024 (closed on Dead Sunday)
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 3 pm – 10 pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Admission:
- 3 euros (1.50 euros for concessions)
- Free on Mondays
5:00 PM Heissa Holzmarkt (Wednesday to Sunday)
*If you visit on a Monday or Tuesday, replace this suggestion with the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market.
It can be hard to pick a favorite, but I have to admit, Heissa Holzmarkt is high on my list. It is just so much more interesting than the rest of the markets.
Heissa Holzmarkt sits along the Spree River, offering fantastic city views in the distance. This market has a laid-back, bohemian vibe, with rustic wooden structures, cozy bonfires, and a friendly atmosphere.
If you want market food, I suggest pairing the wood-fired pizzas with a wine from the Weinhandlung am Holzmarkt.
Keep an eye out for a Teledisko booth at the Holzmarkt Christmas Market—a mini disco in an old phone booth where you can dance, play with strobe lights, and snap fun photos.
It’s the perfect quirky addition to your market visit and makes for a memorable, Berlin-style souvenir!
Now, if you want more of a sit-down dinner, you can eat at Katerschmaus, but you need to get a reservation beforehand.
FYI: The Holzmarkt Christmas Market has loads for kids—an indoor playground, bouncy castle, circus workshop, biscuit baking, plus storytelling and theater shows!
Dates: November 16 to December 22, 2024
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday: Free entry
- Friday to Sunday: €2 admission
8:00 PM Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market
Wrap up your day at the Berling City Hall Market (Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market), the grand finale of Berlin’s festive spots!
As one of the city’s largest Christmas markets, it offers an ice-skating rink at the Neptune Fountain and a historic carousel. It feels more like a winter carnival than a traditional market.
Rotes Rathaus is huge, and with its central location in Mitte, it’s the perfect place to end your Berlin Christmas Market itinerary!
You can easily get there from Holzmarkt by taking the S-Bahn from Jannowitzbrücke to Alexanderplatz and then enjoying a short walk to the market.
Dates: November 25 to December 30, 2024
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12 pm – 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 11 am – 10 pm
- Closed on Christmas Eve
- December 25 & 26: 12 pm – 9 pm
- December 30: 12 pm – 8 pm
Admission: Free entry to the market; ice skating €5
Have Another Day in Berlin?
If you have more time in the city, I would recommend that you hit the following markets on day 3:
- Spandau Christmas Market
- Christmas Market on Breitscheidplatz
- Medieval Christmas Market at Britz Palace (Only November 29 to December 01, 2024, December 06 to 08, 13 to 15 and 20 to 22, 2024)
Rather Join A Berlin Christmas Market Tour?
If you are traveling solo or just don’t feel like managing your time yourself, you could join one of these organized tours offered in Berlin!
- Classic Berlin Christmas Market Tour – 3 hours long and visits the Gendarmenmarkt, Alexanderplatz, and Roten Rathaus.
- Private Christmas Tour– 3 hours, includes Gendarmenmarkt, Charlottenburg Palace, and Alexanderplatz.
Where to Next?
Many people flock to places like Nuremberg for Christmas, but it is a bit overwhelming and crowded for my taste. While there are a bunch of day trips you can make from Nuremberg to more charming villages, I still prefer the towns near Berlin.
From Berlin, you are just a couple of hours away from some of the most idyllic villages.
Some of my favorite spots to visit are:
- Schwerin (home to the largest castle in Northern Germany)
- Lübeck
- Bremen
- Lüneberg
For more information on what to see and do here, read my full guide to the most charming towns near Berlin.
Planning A Trip to Germany?
Check out these resources:
Berlin
- 2 Day Berlin Christmas Markets Itinerary + Map
- Most Idyllic German Villages Near Berlin
- Best & Worst Berlin Christmas Markets
- Cafes in Berlin That Allow Laptops
- Berlin or Munich: Which is a Better City to Visit
- Is Berlin Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons to Go, 2 to Skip
