December is certainly a magical month in Germany! This is because of the Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte)! Berlin is the capital of the German Christmas markets. That is to say, Berlin’s Christmas markets immerse you in a nostalgic and magical world. You will find arts & crafts, tasty delicacies and the famous German mulled wine (Glühwein).
No two German Christmas markets in Berlin are the same. Therefore, you can visit over 70 of them around the German capital, and each one will offer something completely different. Each one also has its own atmosphere and speciality. They range from indoor to outdoor, ones especially for children with fun activities, some are nostalgic, urban or there are modern ones with carousels and attractions. So, visit Berlin Christmas markets with your family or friends and enjoy the festive season!
We know it’s not easy to decide which Christmas markets to visit, but DAS Akademie is here to help you! Below you will find a list of our favourite Christmas markets in Berlin.
Traditional Spandau Christmas Market
Berlin’s largest traditional Christmas market is located in Spandau. At the weekends you will find 400 market stands in beautiful wooden huts, where artists and exhibitors from four continents present their products. The landmark of this market has to be the large, magnificent fir tree on the market square. As a result, you will festive surrounded by thousands of lights shining over the picturesque huts. In addition, the Spandau market is the only one with a nativity scene with live animals – an enjoyable activity for children!
DAS Akademie’s recommendation: try the Spandau specialities and mulled beer!
Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt
This Christmas market is located in an ideal place. Gendarmenmarkt is one of Berlin’s most beautiful squares. The Christmas atmosphere here is ensured by thousands of shining Christmas baubles and lights. Moreover, artists offer fine crafts in specialised arts and crafts tents, while you can enjoy a gourmet cuisine and in heated tents indoors.
DAS Akademie’s recommendation: enjoy the performances of renowned international artists at the stage located in the middle of the square!
Winter World and Christmas market at Potsdamer Platz
Berlin’s sportiest Christmas market opens at the historical Postdamer Platz. For instance, ice skating and tobogganing are some of the main activities offered here. The numerous sporty winter attractions create a magical Winter World atmosphere. Likewise, the nicest of all mulled wines is waiting for you!
DAS Akademie’s recommendation: don’t miss out on the chance to glide round the ice skating rink and whiz down the 12-metre-high toboggan run!
Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz
The winter Christmas market at Alexanderplatz is just as diverse as the whole of Berlin in general. One of Berlin’s most famous squares transforms into a winter village surrounded by the scents of chestnuts and festive punch. That is to say, you will find an ice skating rink, tower trumpeters and be able to get into the real wintery spirit in one of the many log cabins lining the streets! On the ice rink located in the middle of the square you can do a few relaxing loops or have a go at curling.
DAS Akademie’s recommendation: come into the warm Santa Claus party house and have a good time there!
Charlottenburg Palace Christmas market
The most romantic Christmas market in Berlin is located at the former residence palace of Queen Sophie Charlotte. Because of this, you will have the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the royal Christmas world.
The Charlottenburg Palace is illuminated with colourful lights and surrounded by numerous festively decorated wooden huts and pagoda tents. You cannot visit this market without trying the candied apples or the wood-oven baked bread. In addition to this, the Charlottenburg Christmas market orchestra accompanies the Christmas market with atmospheric music, perfect for a night in the city with your loved-ones.
DAS Akademie’s recommendation: Take your loved-ones here for a truly romantic evening!
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Christmas market
The traditional Christmas market at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is a peculiarity among Berlin Christmas markets. This is because the winter wonderland is built within a historical atmosphere: festively decorated Christmas trees, Christmas pyramids, enormous Christmas gifts and much more unusual festivities!
There are over 170 stands which all offer their visitors hand-painted art, handmade accessories and a huge range of Christmas decorations. After a spot of light shopping, you will find a tasty variety of winter delicacies at the market.
DAS Akademie’s recommendation: try the sweet waffles and the Thuringian Rostbratwurst!
German Christmas markets history
Although you can find these Christmas markets across Europe nowadays, they are in fact an old German tradition. Their history can be traced back to at least the 14th – 16th century.
In the past, the main role of the Christmas markets was to help people to prepare for the coming holidays. You were able to buy meat, vegetables and all kinds of spices to cook for the long-awaited Christmas meal. However, it is now more about being able to wrap up war,. have fun, and get yourself into the festive spirit than convenience, but we’re not complaining!
Visit Berlin Christmas markets with DAS Akademie
Do you want to enjoy the Christmas markets with DAS Akademie and a range of enthusiastic language students from across the world? Keep updated on DAS Akademie’s Instagram and Facebook page, as we are preparing a Christmas event! We are excited to visit our favourite Christmas markets and enjoy a warm Glühwein and some of the German delicacies!