Since Germany is the inventor behind Christmas markets, it probably won’t surprise you to find out that Berlin, the country’s capital, is home to no less than fifty Christmas markets. And when we say fifty, we’re only talking about the large ones. The first Christmas market in Germany was held in 1384, in Bautzen, so if you’re looking for experts in Christmas markets, this is definitely the country to visit.
Berlin’s Christmas markets gravitate around centuries-old traditions, savory sausages, and glühwein (mulled wine). The city’s market stalls enchant visitors with handmade crafts and artisanal merchandise, like soaps, candles, wood carvings, and, of course, Christmas decorations. You’ll also find plenty of cold-weather clothes, in case you’ve come without your winter scarf, hat, or gloves.
The air is filled with joy and Christmas carols in Berlin, but you’ll also notice a frenzy of scents coming from warm pastries, roasted chestnuts, sausages, and hot drinks. Christmas markets in Berlin are meant to pamper all senses and delight visitors of all ages.
Christmas Magic at the Gendarmenmarkt
Want to start your festive journey in the middle of all things Christmassy? Visit the Christmas Magic at the Gendarmenmarkt, one of the largest and most impressive Christmas markets in Berlin. Manufacturers and artists from all over the world meet behind the stalls here to delight visitors with an abundance of Christmas decorations and custom-made gifts. The Christmas program adds cheer to the event with live shows where choirs and dancers have nothing against sharing the stages with jugglers and acrobats.
There’s food in abundance at the market stalls, and gourmands will be spoilt for choice. From sausages and Schnitzel to apple strudel and pancakes, the food selection has something for every taste. However, if you prefer the setting of a restaurant, the location provides easy access to award-winning dining venues like Lutter & Wegner, Brecht’s Restaurant, and Riehmers Restaurant awaiting in heated tents under Christmas lights. Not even Grinch could resist the charm of Weihnachtszauber at the Gendarmenmarkt!
Christmas Market in Alexander Platz
Dating back to the 16th century, the tradition of this Christmas market continues to enchant visitors from all over the world. Situated at Alexanderplatz 1, close by to the TV tower, the market is home to over 100 stalls that sell all the usual Christmas market merchandise, like pottery and carved Christmas gifts, as well as traditional food and scented mulled wine.
However, what captures the attention of Christmas lovers is the colossal pyramid that reigns supreme in the market and boasts over 5,000 twinkling lights. Do step inside for your share of mulled wine and bratwurst on the ground floor, and then head up to the second floor for spectacular views of this historic market. If you fancy skating, you’ll be happy to know the market has its own ice-skating rink. The Christmas market at Alexander Platz has a certain fairground atmosphere that kids enjoy the most, especially due to the numerous rides and sweets that await every step of the way.
Christmas Market in front of the Red City Hall
Luring visitors with its giant Ferris wheel, the Red City Hall Christmas market is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Berlin. While a ride in the Ferris wheel offers sublime views of Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, the stalls on the ground tell stories of German sausages having a good time inside warm buns and in the company of sauerkraut and of mulled wine bubbling with joy in a sea of spices.
The market has an enchanting 18th-century look and is home to the largest ice-skating rink in the city, which adds a lot of joy and cheer to the ambiance. Kids will also enjoy the small farm on-site and a face-to-face meeting with Santa Claus, who kindly visits the market three times a day, so everybody can have a chance to tell him their Christmas wishes.
Winter World at Potsdamer Platz
Another popular destination for Christmas aficionados, who just can’t get enough of lights and decorations, the Winter World at Potsdamer Platz welcomes visitors under lush Linden trees decorated with an extravaganza of lights. Moreover, the market boasts the largest toboggan slide on the continent and invites ice skaters to take to the beautiful ice rink. This is one Christmas market where boredom is an unknown word!
As soon as the night sets in, the market comes to life with cheers, laughter, and a plethora of alluring scents. The air gets invaded with the sweet aromas of pastry, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Moreover, the atmosphere is always jolly at Potsdamer Platz due to the numerous festive parties and DJs performances that have no problem convincing everybody to dance, especially if they are under the spell of delicious mulled wine.
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