Christmas Markets in Berlin, Germany, complete guide for 2024 with locations, tickets, opening hours, options and main attractions.
The best time of year to be in Germany is without a doubt Christmas, mainly because of its Christmas markets. Sorry to those who like Oktoberfest (I do too, of course), but German holiday celebrations are special.
The city of Berlin, mainly because it is the country’s main city and capital, has a special program for Christmas markets, with several options for all types of visitors. There are dozens of Christmas markets in Berlin with different start and end dates, as well as rules, ticket prices and opening hours for each of them.
In addition to indicating the best Christmas markets, the list below is updated with information from 2024 , but this may change or not yet be available, so the post will be updated periodically.
Christmas markets in Berlin will be available to visit from the second half of November 2024. The Christmas festivities will last until the beginning of January 2025 .
We’ve also published an updated calendar with the start and end dates of the best Christmas Markets in Germany in 2024, including some gems in cities we’ve already visited , so be sure to check it out!
But most importantly, plan your trip to Berlin’s Christmas markets well in advance! It’s not too much effort to have a Glühwein and eat Würste, Lebkuchen and Spekulatius.
I hope our information is useful.
Promotions for tours, excursions and tickets to tourist attractions in Berlin, Germany
Check prices, details and schedules for all Christmas market tours in Berlin .
Tips for enjoying the Christmas festivities in winter in Germany
Below we list the main Christmas markets, but it is worth listing them a few days in advance (more details in the links to learn more about Germany):
- Wear warm clothes, it’s winter, it’s cold;
- In Germany it is more common to use cash and not debit cards (much less credit);
- Check if the chosen market has a limit on people, tickets and entrance fees;
- Due to health regulations, some Christmas markets are limiting the number of people, including having set entry and exit times;
- Some German Christmas markets are open all day
- It is worth mentioning that during the day they are emptier (some are really crowded at night _ however, once again, we do not know what it will be like during this period with different rules);
- Try all the food and drinks!
- We love Glühwein (German mulled wine), Würste (white or red and even spicy sausage), Langos (a fried dough with sweet and savory toppings), Brezel (Germany’s famous knotted bread) and other delicacies;
- You need to know the Pfand process at the beverage stands
- How does Pfand work in Germany? You pay an additional amount for the mug, in addition to what you are drinking (which can be anywhere from €1 to €3), and then return it and get your money back.
- Oh! But you can keep the mug for yourself, we have several as souvenirs.
- In addition to food, Christmas markets in Germany also have stalls selling crafts, clothes, Christmas decorations, and jars of jam and honey. They are well worth a visit and, why not, buy some souvenirs and last-minute Christmas gifts.
2024 Calendar of the Best Berlin Christmas Markets
Let’s go to the list of the best Christmas markets in Berlin, Germany.
1. Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Charlottenburg ( Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace – 25 November 2024 to 29 December 2024)
Berlin’s Christmas market probably has the most beautiful setting, it sits in the shadow of the beautiful 18th-century Baroque palace Schloss Charlottenburg.
One of the main attractions of the visit is the changing lights that illuminate the palace, creating a romantic atmosphere bathed in different colors. It is very large, with many stalls selling Christmas food, Glühwein, crafts and other Christmas vendors.
Christmas Market in front of Schloss Charlottenburg
November 25, 2024 to December 29, 2024
Monday to Thursday – 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday to Sunday – 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Address: Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin
Free admission
See the official website for updated information: Weihnachtsmarkt am Schloss Charlottenburg
2. Weihnachtsmarkt am Gendarmenmarkt ( Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt – 25 November 2024 to 31 December 2024 )
While it’s hard to choose the best Christmas market among the dozens that exist in Berlin, one really stands out. The Weihnachtsmarkt am Gendarmenmarkt is the most popular Christmas market in Berlin. And for that reason, it’s also the most visited.
The market is located in the charming Gendarmenmarkt square, where you can find the impressive Französischer Dom, Deutscher Dom and the Konzerthaus Berlin. Even without the Christmas decorations, it is already a beautiful place, imagine it all decorated and lit up.
With a beautiful Christmas tree and a stage with live choir performances, it really becomes magical.
Weihnachtsmarkt am Gendarmenmarkt
November 25, 2024 to December 31, 2024
Daily from 11:00 to 22:00
December 24 – from 12:00 to 18:00
December 31 – from 19:00 to 01:00
Address:
WEIHNACHTSZAUBER GENDARMENMARKT GMBH
CHAUSSEESTRASSE 28
10115 BERLIN
Entrance fee €2
See the official website for updated information: weihnachtsmarkt-berlin.de
3. Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz ( Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz – 25 November 2024 to 26 December 2024 )
To combine the Christmas villages with some shopping, visit Weihnachtsmarkt auf dem Alexanderplatz. The market is situated beneath the iconic Berliner Fernsehturm, the former TV Tower and icon of the city, the Galeria Kaufhof department store and the Alexa shopping mall.
There’s an outdoor ice rink, a funfair and Santa’s party house, plus the heart of the market is a large Christmas pyramid.
It is worth mentioning that another Market Fair takes place in the same square, the Berliner Weihnachtszeit at the Rotes Rathaus, which takes place in front of Berlin City Hall on Rathausstraße.
Weihnachtsmarkt auf dem Alexanderplatz
Dates: November 25, 2024 to December 26, 2024
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm, December 24, 10am to 4pm
Address: Alexanderplatz 4, 10178 Berlin
Free admission
See the official website for updated information: weihnachtsmarkt-am-alexanderplatz
4. Lucia Christmas Market in the Gendarmenmarkt square – 25 November 2024 to 22 December 2024
If you’re looking for something different, Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt is a Nordic Christmas market that takes place in an old brewery. Its name is based on Saint Lucia, the goddess of light, worshipped in Nordic countries.
In addition to the classic Christmas treats, you will also find delicacies from Nordic and Scandinavian cuisine here. These include Swedish Glögg, Finnish honey, elk goulash, reindeer bratwurst and much more.
Lucia Christmas Market in the Cultural Center
November 25, 2024 to December 22, 2024
Monday to Friday – 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Address:
Entrances and exits of the Kulturbrauerei:
10435 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg (Pankow)
Knaackstraße 97 * Sredzkistraße 1 * Schönhauser Allee 36-39
Free entry
See the official website for updated information: lucia-weihnachtsmarkt.de
5. Winterwelt und Weihnachtsmarkt am Potsdamer Platz (Winter World and Christmas Market at Potsdamer Platz – November 1, 2024 to January 1, 2026 )
In addition to a more traditional Christmas market, every year Potsdamer Platz transforms into a winter wonderland of the Alps, with a variety of entertainment options. The highlight is the giant toboggan run with views of the Brandenburg Gate.
Another attraction is a 500 square meter outdoor ice skating rink.
Winterwelt und Weihnachtsmarkt am Potsdamer Platz
Dates :
Winter World: November 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025
Christmas Market: November 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025
Opening hours :
Winter World: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., December 24 until 2:00 p.m., closed on November 19 (Memorial Day) and November 26 (All Souls’ Day)
Christmas Market: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., December 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Address: Potsdamer Platz, 10785 Berlin
Free admission
See the official website for updated information: weihnachtsmarkt potsdamer platz
6. Spandauer Weihnachtsmarkt ( Spandau Christmas Market – 25 November 2024 to 22 December 2024 )
Spandau is a suburb on the outskirts of the city. It may seem far away on the map, but public transport coverage includes S-Bahn (similar to trams and trains) and U-Bahn (similar to the Brazilian subway).
Berlin’s largest Christmas market takes place in the charming historic center of Spandau. There are more than 250 stalls during the week and over 400 on the weekends. Thousands of twinkling lights create a festive and joyful atmosphere. And in the center of the market you’ll find a large fir tree and a nativity scene with live animals.
Wednesdays are family days and this is the time to go if you want a photo with Santa.
Spandauer Weihnachtsmarkt
November 25, 2024 to December 22, 2024
Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Friday and Saturday – 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Address: Altstadt Spandau 1, 13597 Berlin
Free admission
See the official website for updated information: spandauer-weihnachtsmarkt.de
Recommended tour: 1.5 hours of Berlin’s Winter Lights by Limousine
7. Fabelhafte Weihnachtswelt at Sony Center ( Wonderful World of Christmas at Sony Center – No dates yet for 2024 )
Amidst the impressive architecture and under the spectacular roof of the Sony Center on Potsdamer Platz, visitors can experience the magic of glittering stars and Christmas decorations.
The futuristic Sony Center is adorned with a massive light installation consisting of thousands of bright blue and gold lights hanging like a giant chandelier beneath the brightly lit dome of the Sony Center. More than 100,000 lights create a magical atmosphere.
Fabelhafte Weihnachtswelt at Sony Center
Dates and times to be defined
Address: Potsdamer Strasse 4, 10785 Berlin
Free admission
Three alternative Christmas markets in Berlin that are worth visiting
In addition to the more traditional Christmas markets in Berlin, there are 3 options worth mentioning:
1. Ecological Christmas Market in Sophienstraße – Weekends from 30 November 2024 to 22 December 2024
It’s been around for over 20 years, and this market in the trendy Mitte neighborhood is still as popular as ever. As the name suggests, there’s a big environmental focus, demonstrated by plenty of organic food – including filled crepes, fluffy waffles and a great selection of vegan options – and sustainable gifts, from wooden toys to beauty products.
It’s a great market to find unique gifts, while stilt walkers, circus performers and musicians provide the entertainment.
Umwelt- und Weihnachtsmarkt in der Sophienstraße
On all Advent weekends in 2024
(2nd and 3rd, 9th and 10th, 16th and 17th December 2024)
Saturday from 12pm to 8pm, Sunday from 11am to 7pm
Address: Sophienstraße, 10178 Berlin
Free admission
See the official website for updated information: weihnachtsmarkt-sophienstrasse.de
2. Vegan Christmas Market on Fehrbelliner Platz ( No dates yet for 2024 )
Celebrate vegan Christmas at Fehrbelliner Platz, Berliners and visitors can shop for vegan treats and gifts on Advent weekends.
Visitors can expect not only vegan food such as mulled wine, biscuits, lángos and grilled vegetable sausages: Christmas decorations, cosmetics, natural products, children’s toys and, of course, handicrafts are also on offer. In addition to vegan products, there is a special focus on sustainable products that are as plastic-free as possible.
Being vegan doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the festive treats when there are forward-thinking markets like this one.
Vegan Christmas Market at Fehrbelliner Platz
Dates and times to be defined
Address: Fehrbelliner Platz, Berlin
Free admission
3. LGBTIQ* Winterdays ( LGBTIQ+ Winterdays – November 8, 2024 until November 23, 2024 )
Returning for its second edition following the launch of its Berlin edition in 2019, LGBTIQ+ Winterdays combines elements of a traditional Christmas market – hot food and drink stalls, plus small gifts and colourful decorations for sale – with a programme of events, all whilst celebrating inclusion and equality.
As such, there’s a friendly and welcoming atmosphere throughout the market, making events even more fun. Expect plenty of live music, bingo and bars with sizeable cocktail menus if you’re tired of mulled wine.
The aim of Winterdays is to work together to set an example against homophobia and transphobia. There are fun donation campaigns, such as “drinking mulled wine for a good cause”, supported by Berlin celebrities.
LGBTIQ* Winterdays
From 8 November 2024 to 23 November 2024
Monday to Thursday – 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Friday and Sunday – 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Address: Nollendorfplatz, 10777 Berlin
Free admission
See updated information: LGBTIQ Winterdays and Christmas Avenue
Best Region and Areas to Stay in Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a diverse city with different neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience. The “best” region to stay in Berlin often depends on your preferences, interests, and the purpose of your visit.
Here are some popular neighborhoods that cater to various tastes:
Mitte
Mitte is the central district and a great choice for first-time visitors. It’s close to many major attractions like Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Alexanderplatz. Mitte is well-connected by public transport and has a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, shops, and cultural sites. Find best options to stay in Berlin Mitte.
Kreuzberg
Known for its artistic vibe and diverse community, Kreuzberg is a trendy neighborhood with a rich history. It offers a bustling nightlife, alternative culture, street art, and a variety of dining options. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a more bohemian and eclectic atmosphere. Find best options to stay in Berlin Kreuzberg.
Prenzlauer Berg
Prenzlauer Berg appeals to a more laid-back crowd with its leafy streets, charming cafes, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a great area for boutique shopping, exploring parks, and experiencing local life. It’s also close to Mauerpark, known for its Sunday flea market and open-air karaoke. Find best options to stay in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg.
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
This neighborhood offers a mix of elegance and history. It’s home to Charlottenburg Palace, the Kurfürstendamm shopping street, and the Berlin Zoo. Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is ideal for those who prefer a quieter area with upscale shopping and cultural attractions. Find best options to stay in Berlin Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf.
Friedrichshain
Friedrichshain is vibrant and energetic, offering a blend of alternative culture, entertainment, and green spaces. It’s famous for its East Side Gallery (part of the Berlin Wall covered in murals), numerous bars, clubs, and the RAW-Gelände, a former railway area turned cultural hub. Find best options to stay in Berlin Friedrichshain.
Neukölln
Neukölln is a diverse and rapidly changing neighborhood with a mix of cultures, excellent international cuisine, and a thriving nightlife scene. It’s becoming increasingly popular among young professionals and artists. Find best options to stay in Berlin Neukölln.
Search for the best place to stay at Berlin, including hotel and hostel at different prices.
Each neighborhood has its own charm and advantages, so choosing the best region to stay in Berlin largely depends on your preferences, budget, and the kind of experience you’re seeking during your visit.
Consider factors such as proximity to attractions, public transportation access, preferred atmosphere, and the type of activities you wish to engage in when deciding where to stay in Berlin.
Touristic Attractions and Guided Tours Deals in Germany
Suggestions of guided tour deals and touristic attractions in Germany. For planning a trip to Germany, we have some publications that can help a lot:
- Berlin, Germany – Top 20 sights and things to do and visit
- The Best Christmas Markets in Germany
- Best travel tips for Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
We also write about 8 of the best attractions on the Romantic Road in Germany with up-to-date tips, be sure to check it out .
Are you traveling to Germany?
Specifically about international travel by plane to Frankfurt Airport, we have the best post:
Where to stay near Frankfurt Airport Germany – FRA, Frankfurt/Main
Search for the best place to stay near Frankfurt Airport, including hotel and hostel at different prices.
