9 of the best Berlin Christmas markets not to miss!

Who doesn’t love Berlin? The capital of Germany is a must-see travel destination, especially when it comes to enjoying the last months of the year when the city turns into a real-life Christmas-fairy-tale. There are about 80 Christmas markets spread out all over the city to explore whilst eating sweet waffles and enjoying classic mulled wine. From Mitte to the heart of City West, we’ve picked 9 of the best Berlin Christmas markets to immerse yourself in the magic of the festive season.

Winter World on Potsdamer Platz (Tiergarten)

📷@sweetest_clover

Admission: Free | Nearest underground: Potsdamer Platz

It’s not without reason that this market is considered one of the favourites by Berliners. “Winterwelt” is the only market in the city that opens from the beginning of November and it literally transforms the Potsdamer Platz into a gigantic winter wonderland. Prepare yourself to ride down Europe’s largest toboggan with the Potsdamer Platz on the background. Hang around for the live DJ and après-ski party in the evening. It’s open daily from 10am-10pm (10am-2pm on Christmas eve).

Where To Stay

aletto Hotel Kudamm is in the heart of City West and one of the closest hostels to Tiergarten. Nearby is also the Zoologische Garten, Kurfürstendamm, and Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.

Alexanderplatz Christmas Market (Mitte)

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Admission: Free | Nearest underground: Alexanderplatz

Under the iconic TV Tower you will find a massive Christmas market that every year attracts hundreds of people from all corners of the world looking for the special winter atmosphere. Once you stop at the square you’ll notice that the key part of the market is its large pyramid with thousands of lights. Don’t forget to have a glass of traditional Glühwein to warm you up! You can visit everyday from 10am-10pm (10am-2pm on Christmas eve).

Where To Stay

ONE80° Hostel is ON Alexanderplatz right in the vibrant heart of Berlin, perfect to get stuck in to the markets (and you don’t have too far to go when you walk (roll) home after too much food).

Weihnachtszauber at the Gendarmenmarkt (Mitte)

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Admission: €1 | Nearest underground: Hausvogteiplatz

The Weihnachtszauber at the Gendarmenmarkt is one of the more classic Berlin Christmas markets that will appeal to all of your senses right from the start. It’s situated in a privileged location, between impressive buildings The Deutscher Dom, the Konzerthaus and the Franzozische Friedrichstadtkirche. This market is popular for its handmade products as well as its daily live plays that will really get you into the Christmas mood. Daily opening hours are 11am-10pm (until 6pm on Christmas Eve and until 1am on New Years Eve).

Locals say: This really is most beautiful Christmas market in Berlin, due to the choir that sings there every day/night and the decor – you get a real Christmas feeling!

Where To Stay

Cityhostel Berlin has a fabulous location right near the Dom and is just over 5 minutes walk to the beautiful market.

Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Roten Rathaus (Mitte)

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Admission: Free | Nearest underground: Alenxanderplatz & Klosterstraße

This is without doubt one of the most charming markets in Berlin. Just around the famous Neptunbrunnen and behind the Alexanderplatz, Berliner Weihnachtze gains visitors’ attention thanks to its 600m squared ice rink. Take a tour around the Hight Ferris wheel to get amazing views of the Brandenburg Gate and the Potsdamer Platz. Sound festive enough?! Open Monday to Friday from 12pm-10pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11am-10pm.

Where To Stay

Citystay Mitte is a mere 10 minute walk from the market, and you’re surrounded by top sightseeing hotspots and great nightlife.

Lucia Christmas market at Kulturbrauerei

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Admission: Free | Nearest underground: U Eberswalder Street

The Lucia Christmas market is named after the Nordic goddess of light and features Scandinavian handicrafts, food, drinks and entertainment. Located in front of a historic brewery, this picturesque market is the perfect stop to celebrate your festivities. With many Swedish fire logs spread around the market, you’ll barely think it’s winter! The market is open from 3pm-10pm from Monday to Friday, and 1pm-10pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Where To Stay

EastSeven Berlin Hostel is modern, social and just a 15 minute walk from this market.

Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace (Charlottenburg)

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 Admission: Free | Nearest underground: U-Richard-Wagner-Platz

The Charlottenburg Palace is stunning all year round but dotted with hundreds of lights, it’s spectacular – a definite must see. It’s the perfect spot in the city to experience a romantic atmosphere among delightful stalls. Top tip: Don’t miss a visit to the Palace Gardens — you’ll feel as if you’re part of a fairy tale! The market is open Monday to Thursday from 2-10pm and Friday to Sunday 12-10pm (Christmas day 12-8pm, closed Christmas Eve).

Locals say: I love this market, because the castle itself is beautiful already. This adds a special feeling to the market as during Christmas time it is also lit with special lighting. The market is a little more classy than the usual Christmas market, you’ll find food stands that are not available in many other markets in the city. The stands are presented in containers that are made for that specific market, so it’s a unique experience.

Where To Stay

Smart Stay Hotel Berlin City is right in the middle of Charlottenburg with views of the castle and near to the German Opera and the Brandenburger Gate.

Spandau Christmas market (Spandau) 

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Admission: Free | Nearest underground: Altstadt Spandau

It’s the biggest Christmas market in Berlin and it’s based in charming Spandau Old Town (just at the end of the U7 line). If you really want to get the festive feeling, pop in on a Friday for the popular “Christmas Meets Rock and Roll” concerts. If you’re a karaoke queen (or king!) head there for a karaoke session on the two Saturdays before Christmas. Opening hours: 11am-8pm on Sunday to Thursday and 11am-10pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Where To Stay

Berlin Cityroom is a cosy hostel right by the tube station, and an easy half hour journey on the U-Bahn to Spandau.

Berlin Eco Christmas Market at Sophienstraße (Mitte)

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Admission: Free | Nearest underground: U Weinmeisterstr

We’re not surprised that forward-thinking Berlin organises an Eco-Christmas market. Located in one of the oldest streets in the city, it’s your chance to get the latest on creative gift ideas from local cool designers. Don’t hesitate to try regional products and celebrate the festive season by making a toast for sustainability. Open from 12-8pm on Saturdays and 11am-7pm on Sundays.

Where To Stay

Meininger Berlin Alexanderplatz is in the trendy district of Prenzlauer Berg, right by many tube stations, and a 10 minute walk through the city to the Christmas market.

Nikolaiviertel (Mitte)

📷@mariita__mariita

 Admission: Free | Nearest underground: Klosterstraße

This is the perfect Christmas market for those who want to avoid hordes of tourists. The gorgeous square round the romantic Nikolaikirche shows films in the open air, as well as choir performances every Sunday, with delicacies such as Jagertee (rum with wine, orange juice and spices), Kinderpunsch (hot mulled non-alcoholic cider), pretzels and crepes on offer. Open Monday to Friday 12-10:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-10:30pm (closed Christmas Eve).

Locals say: This is my favourite market, because it’s not very well-known – it’s small, cute and intimate, and there is an open air cinema. I also recommend the Christmas market “unter den Linden” for a more romantic experience.

Where To Stay

Ideally located in the centre of Mitte, Friedrichshain, Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg, Singer109 Backpacker Apartment Hostel is a charming 20 minute walk to the market with scope to explore around the area as you head there.

Hostels in Berlin

Keep in mind that accommodation can get expensive around this time of year, so check out the best hostels in Berlin and make sure to plan ahead!

You could spend weeks exploring the Christmas markets in Berlin, but there are plenty of other cool things to do in Berlin during the winter months as well.