The days are getting shorter, the temperature is dropping, scarves and gloves are appearing on the streets – it’s officially winter in Berlin. The only thing to look forward during this cold time of the year? Christmas time! And the whole city is getting prepared for this festive season: bright Christmas lights in the streets, beautifully decorated Christmas trees and joyful Christmas markets, of course.
Germany is known for its Christmas markets and Berlin is no exception. You can find numerous markets all over the city and they are not all the same. There are traditional markets, there is a Scandinavian market, even a Japanese one, some markets resemble fairs, others offer some sportive activities and then there is my favorite Christmas market – WeihnachtsZauber am Gendarmenmarkt.
While entering the Christmas market, you smell the freshly roasted nuts, a huge Christmas tree sparkles with thousands of lights and you can hear Christmas carols being sang in the background. The cosy atmosphere and the traditional vibe of this market make it easily one of my favorites.
WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt is known for its huge variety of handmade and unique products and arts (which make great souvenirs or Christmas presents). You will find wooden household goods, yummy smelling soap and (needless to say) a lot of Christmas decoration. A stage is located in the center of the market, where different performances are taking place: music, ballet, plays and so much more.
Quick Tip: Check the schedule, so that you don’t miss the highlights of the season.
A good Christmas market is not complete without any mouth-watering food. (Isn’t that the best part anyways?) This Christmas markets offers a lot of German dishes like sausages, Flammkuchen and Kaiserschmarrn. In addition, you can find Christmasy food like gingerbread, roasted nuts (my favorite!) and chocolate covered fruits. Don’t forget to drink some hot Glühwein!
Quick Tip: Most stalls will allow you to try their food for free, so make sure to walk around and try a lot of special products!
WeihnachtsZauber am Gendarmenmarkt
Near U-Bahn Stadtmitte, Französische Straße & Hausvogteiplatz
Opening hours: 11 am – 10 pm
Admission: 1€
Other Christmas Markets:
- Christmas Market at Schloss Charlottenburg
Traditional Christmas market in front of a palace
Location: Charlotten – Wilmersdorf - Lucia Christmas Market
Scandinavian market inside the Kulturbrauerei
Location: Prenzlauer Berg - Christmas Market at Rotes Rathaus
Activities: ice skating, ferris wheel, petting zoo
Location: Alexander Platz
Have you visited any Christmas markets in Berlin? If yes, where have you been?
Christmas markets look like sooooo much fun!
I’m not huge on Christmas. But I feel that’s because I’m from Australia, and I’m not sure if it’s just me, but a summer Christmas is just not the same as a winter Christmas! I did spend Christmas in Paris a few years back, living with my (what I like to call) French family (really they’re just an exchange family I had in Australia but love dearly like my own family). Point is, Christmas was fantastic in Paris! If only it had snowed, then all my dreams would have come true.
Chalsie | The Workshop Co. x
I can’t imagine having Christmas during summer! It is probably so different. At least you have some sunshine 🙂 I can only dream of that during these cold months in Berlin.