It’s glühwien season, my favorite time of year! In Germany, just a week before December 1st, all the Weihnachtsmarkt open! I go all Christmas Market crazy as soon as I smell those roasted chestnuts and mulled wine! There are a lot of markets in Berlin, and you want to make the right choice. Here is a list of the most magical Berlin Christmas Markets!
What makes a magical Christmas Market? The shops? The food? The amusement park rides? Everyone has a different reason for visiting a Christmas market in Berlin! If you are a dedicated reader of mine, you know what gets me there… it’s the food!
Some of the best markets are only open for a very short time, while others open from late November till a few days in the new year!
Secret Tips for all Berlin Christmas Markets:
- Cash- Most of the markets operate on cash only
- Coins for the toilets- You are in Europe, and you must pay to use the bathroom. Have 50 cent coins ready to go!
- Deposits on glassware. Any beverage that comes in a glass has a deposit on it that you will get back when you return to the vendor. *You can also keep the glass if you like it!
- Come hungry for junk food. Some markets have more selection than others, but in general, this is not the place for healthy food.
- If possible, go early, and during the week. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out these markets are crazy busy on the weekends. Go at 4 pm if possible!
Largest Berlin Christmas Markets
Of all the Christmas markets in Berlin, these are the biggest:
#1. Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
Daily opening times are 10 pm – 10 pm starting on 25th of November 2019 – 26th of December 2019
This market is located in Berlins’ Alexanderplatz and is definitely the busiest one. You can get your fill of gingerbread, glühwein, and bratwurst here. I don’t find this market to be all that aesthetically pleasing, it’s sorta the Las Vegas of Christmas Markets in my opinion.
Even though I don’t find this market to be the most magical Christmas market in Berlin, it’s popularity had to be mentioned.
#2. Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Roten Rathaus
Daily opening times are Monday – Friday 12 pm – 10 pm & Saturday – Sunday 11 am – 10 pm. Starting on 25th of November 2019 – 6th of January 2020
This is the Christmas market with all the action! Within the center of the market, there is an ice skating rink, as well as a large Ferris Wheel. This is also the place you will find Santa and other live performing artists.
Still located within Alexanderplatz, just on the other side of the TV tower. This market has great food such as amazing homemade garlic potato chips, and some tasty jumbo pretzels!
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#3. Schloss Charlottenburg Christmas Market
Daily opening times are Monday – Thursday 2 pm – 10 pm & Friday – Sunday 12 pm – 10 pm. Starting on the 25th of November – 26th of December 2019 **25 & 26 December 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Closed on Christmas Eve
This is by far the largest Christmas market in Berlin. If you are looking for secrets to this magical Berlin Christmas market, come around 4 pm! The crowds are far less at that time, and it starts getting dark then too.
You won’t find any amusement park rides here, but you will find the most beautiful backdrop of all the markets, and that is the Charlottenburg Palace.
Prettiest Christmas Market Berlin
#4. Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt
If you are looking for Berlin’s beautiful Christmas market, it can be found here at Gendarmenmarkt. This market is located in Gendarmenmarkt square in front of Berlin’s Concert Hall.
The market shops are all under white tenants tops with star lights. It is a truly magical market with fairytale-like characters walking around spreading sparkle dust. There is an entrance fee to this market of 1 euro which is well worth the cost.
The secret of this delightful market is the käse spaetzle and homemade soups that can be purchased at a booth located in the center of the market. You can also purchase a lovely glass of wine if you have had your fill of the glühwein.
Most Magical Berlin Christmas Market
#5. Lucia Christmas Market
Daily opening times are Monday – Friday 3 pm – 10 pm & Saturday – Sunday 1 pm – 10 pm. Starting on the 26th of November – 23rd of December 2019
This is Lucia market is my absolute favorite in Berlin! It is also referred to as the Scandinavian Christmas market. It’s so magical for all the character and charm found within!
Located on the grounds of the Kultur Brauerei, an old brewery of Berlin now turned into shopping and entertainment. The dark wooden market booths and the red brick bldg exterior give this market a wonderful ambiance.
My favorite food in this market is the flammkuchen! You can find it at the lively booth located directly under the Lucia sign! Other Scandinavian food fare can be found here, as well as hot mead! A little tip…the mead goes down very easy, so pace yourself, it’s VERY STRONG!
Most Historical Christmas Market Berlin
#6. Historic Christmas Market Friedrichshain
Daily opening times are Monday – Thursday 3 pm – 10 pm | Friday and Saturday – 12 pm – 10 pm| Sunday 12 pm – 7 pm. Starting on the 22nd of November – 22nd of December 2019
This historical Christmas market on the RAW-grounds in Friedrichshain. It is an extra magical market experience in a medieval setting, complete with jugglers and acrobats.
Stroll around the many stalls of crafts such as wood carvings and blacksmithing. This market has an old hand-operated wooden carousel and the wooden Ferris wheel for children.
The food at this market is also medieval-themed offering sweet and hearty food, “Glühbier”, (mulled beer), and mulled wine.
Most Unquie Christmas Market Berlin
#7. Heissa Wood Market Christmas Market
Opening times Fridays 4 pm to 10 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 2 pm to 10 pm
This weekend only market is probably one of my favorites for its unique handmade gifts, delicious food, and funky atmosphere. Located in the Holz (wood) Market, this magical Christmas market should not be missed!
There are indoor and outdoor activities on-site, great music, and a really cool vibe only found in Berlin.
Limited Time Berlin Christmas Markets
These magical Christmas markets are available only at limited times.
Fairy Tale Christmas Market at Jagdschloss Grunewald
Opening times 11 am – 7 pm on December 7th and 8th
Christmas Market at Schlossplatz in Köpenick
Opening times 13 -15 December 2019 Friday 2 pm – 9 pm, Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm
Christmas Market in Alt-Rixdorf in Neukölln
Opening times 6 – 8 December 2019, Friday at 5 pm. – 9 pm, Saturday 2 pm – 9 p.m, Sun 2 pm – 8 pm
Vegan Christmas Market at Fehrbelliner Platz
Opening times weekends only – 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd of December 2019 from 12 pm to 8 pm
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Retha the Roaming Nanny says
I’m 90% sure that’s the same Ferris wheel they usually have at Oktoberfest every year. I want to ride it at Christmas time too!
Erin says
I concur with your point about mead – it does go down easy! I know from experience hehe. Thanks for this in depth post! I love Europe’s Christmas markets.
Kathy says
I’ve never been to a European Christmas market but after reading this post I need to add this to my bucket list. Thanks for all the detailed information. This will be very helpful when planning a trip here.
Sharon says
I had not idea Berlin has so many choices for Christmas Markets. Mulled wine sounds heavenly! I hope to make it to Germany’s Christmas markets one of these years!
pattimorrow says
I haven’t been to a Christmas market in Europe, but these look like so much fun! Magical!
Aswani says
Love these! Would love to visit a few next year!
Patricija says
I always visited Berlin in the summer, but this makes me wanna go there for Xmas really badly! Looks super cozy 🙂