The 14 best Berlin Christmas markets 2024

At the Christmas market on Alexanderplatz, you can really get in the mood for Christmas. In addition to all the regular stalls, which are beautifully illuminated and where you can buy handicrafts and treats, there are some special highlights. 

In the centre is the traditional giant pyramid, actually a snack bar and Christmas viewpoint in one. At the weekend, things get even more festive when tower brass bands perform beneath the pyramid’s figurines. 

There are antique carousels for children, an ice-skating rink and a roller-skating rink. There are courses for beginners and a roller disco for the “big kids”.

Afterwards, continue the party at the Nikolaus Partyhaus – the bar/ restaurant is open late into the night with various DJs playing.

Where is the most beautiful Christmas market in Berlin? Many visitors and Berliners agree: it’s the Berlin Christmas Time at the Red Town Hall.

Here, you’ll truly get into the Christmas spirit against a beautifully old-fashioned backdrop, making it one of the best Berlin Christmas markets for the whole family.

There’s a huge pyramid from the Ore Mountains, numerous historic rides, and the famous Ferris wheel that usually graces Oktoberfest. Additionally, you can ice skate at the Ice World at the Neptunbrunnen and warm up with mulled wine in between.

Top tip: Santa Claus visits three times a day!

Few markets have a more romantic setting than the Charlottenburg Christmas Market. Charlottenburg Palace is adorned with lights and festive decorations. A special touch is the use of natural materials for the market’s setup, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

With around 250 international exhibitors, you can purchase last-minute (or early) Christmas gifts and indulge in some refreshments. There are heated tents where you can enjoy a full Christmas meal. Two free carousels are ready for children to ride.

The Christmas Magic market is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Berlin, attracting numerous visitors to Gendarmenmarkt or Bebelplatz each year. It’s known for its beautiful location and the large Christmas tree at the centre of the market.

Visitors also love the traditional craftsmanship on display. Not only can you buy candles, toys, and carvings, but you can also watch artisans create their crafts.

This Berlin Christmas market has heated tents where you can warm up and indulge. Admission fees are donated to cultural and social institutions in Berlin, as is tradition. That’s even more reason to feel the holiday spirit.

The Spandau Christmas Market in the Old Town stands out with its international vendors. After all, Christmas is celebrated all over the world, and that diversity is reflected in the selection of merchants.

Here, you can buy gifts from various countries and sample different Christmas cuisines.

The setting is charming, with a medieval and arts and crafts market in the Old Town’s narrow streets. An absolute highlight for visitors young and old is the nativity scene with live animals.

Spandau has another wonderful Christmas market, the Light Magic at Spandau Citadel. Originally a temporary location for the market in the Old Town, it has now become an essential part of Berlin’s Christmas market scene.

The market is traditional and cosy. Adults can enjoy Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine with a flaming sugarloaf) and admire the giant Christmas pyramid, while children can enjoy historic rides and a carbon-neutral ice rink.

A colourful program with jugglers, fire eaters and great shopping adds to the excitement.

Top tip: The Christmas market grants you free admission to the museums in the Spandau Citadel.

Unfortunately, the Fair Christmas Market in Lichtenberg will not take place this year. Instead, I recommend the Alt Rixdorfer Christmas Market in Neukölln.

It describes itself with attributes like social and alternative. The focus is not on consumption, but on being together with others.

I especially like the Christmas stories, which are told by Santa Claus. In addition, the Three Saints come riding on camels, while small guests can ride ponies!

You’ll also find plenty of live music, gospel songs and international delicacies. Christmas gifts and decorations are available too and most vendors donate the proceeds to charities.

The Berliner Winterzauber (Berlin’s winter magic) beats Hamburg’s DOM when it comes to being the first carnival in the run-up to Christmas.

The Christmas carnival on Landsberger Allee in Lichtenberg opens its doors on the 1st of November. In addition to the festive atmosphere, exciting rides take centre stage here.

The Winterzauber is the successor to the Wintertraum at Alexa, the oldest Christmas market with rides in former East Berlin. Berlin locals are excited to have a worthy successor now.  

Top tip: Families with children get reduced prices on Wednesdays. 

If you’re looking for a Christmas market after Christmas, then the Winter World and Christmas Market at Potsdamer Platz is the one for you. Here Christmas is celebrated until January!

Of course, you will find everything that belongs to a Berlin Christmas market: mulled wine, magic lights and a fantastic view of the Brandenburg Gate. In addition, the popular Winter World, with its 12-meter high toboggan run.

This is lit up with disco lights and DJs provide atmosphere at the weekends. There’s also curling and ice skating – so you can work up an appetite before you indulge in winter foods.

Even though the winter sky over Berlin may be grey, the Christmas market at the Gedächtniskirche shines beautifully. A 400-meter-long carpet of light, reminiscent of a starry sky, hangs above the hustle and bustle, and there are 50 islands of light with Christmas balls.

In addition, you will find numerous international stalls where you can buy gifts or Christmas decorations. Children can do their rounds on the carousels, while parents warm up with a Feuerzangenbowle.

Want to do some extra good while drinking? Order a mulled wine. In keeping with tradition, part of the proceeds from the mulled wine sale will be donated to the “Wärmebus” of the Berlin Red Cross.

The Historic Christmas Market on the RAW grounds opens its doors in mid-November. One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Berlin it offers a great program, especially for children.

There’s a Ferris wheel, a wooden carousel, a troll forest and plenty of medieval flair. Younger guests can even practice archery and crossbow shooting.

Stroll through the historic location and be enthralled by jugglers and acrobats. There are also great handicrafts to buy and you can watch the craftsmen at work in the forges and potteries. Medieval delicacies, such as hot mead, will provide refreshments.

Christmas Avenue includes LGBTQIA Winterdays and the Christmas Market at Nollendorfplatz. Christmas Avenue is considered the biggest Christmas market of the LGBTQIA+ scene.

Conveniently, it is held under the roof of the Berlin elevated railroad, so the Christmas atmosphere rises here even in snow and rain.

Christmas Avenue aims to provide an environment of tolerance and diversity, which is why in the first 10 days the focus is on political issues. This includes a colourful stage program and lots of music.

Youll also find plenty of fun at drag bingo, delicious food, and drinks in the party hut.

Family Wonderland is more of an amusement park than a classic Christmas market in Berlin, but that doesn’t detract from the fun. On the contrary, you’ll find pre-Christmas entertainment here, especially if you’re not a fan of the regular Christmas market hustle and bustle.

Across from the Spandauer Arcaden, there’s something for the whole family to see and do at Family Wonderland. Very young visitors can watch a classic mouse circus and fish for ducks. Older guests can enjoy a spooky Christmas in the “Haunted Castle” or thrilling fun on the world’s largest transportable dark roller coaster, the “Hell’s Lightning”.

Afterwards, the whole family can fortify themselves with Christmas treats and enjoy the view over the city from the Ferris wheel.

Where are the Christmas markets in Berlin? All over the city and also on the shore of Strandbad Wendenschloss.

There are warm treats to drink and eat at Winter Magic – various types of mulled wine and roasted almonds are an integral part of the program. In addition, you can make stick bread at the campfire while listening to Christmas stories.

There will also be Christmas karaoke and a live choir on some weekends. For even more fun, there’s curling, winter games and rafting. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can enjoy the view of the water from the fire.