Berlin, the cosmopolitan heart of Germany, welcomes millions of visitors every year during the festive season. The city transforms into a fairy-tale winter village with more than 50 Berlin Christmas markets to explore. Thinking about a visit to Berlin at Christmas time? Read on to find out everything you need to know – when, where and what to expect at the Christmas markets in Berlin.
Berlin: Where to Stay
Berlin offers a wide range of accommodation, whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a cosy guesthouse or a budget-friendly hostel. To be close to the Christmas markets, I recommend staying near the city centre:
You can also browse more options on Booking.com, where you’ll find plenty of centrally located hotels at various price points.
Berlin Christmas Markets: Dates and Locations
The Christmas markets in Berlin run from 24 November to 31 December 2025. Opening hours are typically Monday to Thursday – 11:00 to 20:00, Friday and Saturday – 11:00 to 22:00, Sunday – 11:00 to 20:00.
The main Christmas markets in Berlin take place at several well-known locations that attract thousands of visitors every year. The best Christmas markets in Berlin include:
- Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market: One of Berlin’s most famous markets, held on the stunning square of the same name. It’s renowned for its beautiful atmosphere, with stalls full of artisan crafts and festive treats.
- Alexanderplatz Christmas Market: Located on one of Berlin’s largest squares, this market is known for its lively atmosphere and huge number of stalls.
- Kurfürstendamm: The market at the start of Berlin’s main shopping boulevard offers not only Christmas goods but also mini-attractions for children and adults alike, including carousels and fairground games.
- Potsdamer Platz: A market where you can enjoy ice-skating on an outdoor rink or browse handcrafted gifts.
- WeihnachtsZauber at the Berlin State Opera: Held in Berlin’s historic centre, this market offers a romantic atmosphere and traditional German specialities.
💡You might also like: Christmas Markets in Cologne
Berlin during the Advent season captivates visitors above all with its magical atmosphere and the incredible variety of Christmas markets – there truly is something for everyone. Whether you love traditional markets, nostalgic Christmas customs or you’re looking for something a little different, Berlin’s markets have it all.
The most famous and largest markets are held at Gendarmenmarkt, Alexanderplatz, by the Berlin State Opera and in front of the Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall). Each part of the city offers a different experience – from the romantic setting of the historic Gendarmenmarkt, through the modern light show at Potsdamer Platz, to child-friendly fun on Kurfürstendamm.
Berlin’s Christmas markets have a long tradition dating back to the 15th century, and every year over 50 different markets take place, drawing visitors from all around the world. Strolling between the stalls with a warm Glühwein, punch and freshly baked treats, or skating on the ice rink by Neptune Fountain, are unforgettable experiences that Christmas in Berlin has to offer.
💡TIP: Looking for guided tours or skip-the-line tickets for Berlin’s top attractions? Check out the options on GetYourGuide.
What to Eat at the Markets
At the Christmas markets in Berlin, don’t miss these classic treats:
- Bratwurst: A classic German grilled sausage.
- Lebkuchen: Traditional gingerbread biscuits decorated with icing.
- Stollen: A traditional German fruit cake dusted with powdered sugar.
- Glühwein: Hot mulled wine spiced with cinnamon and cloves.
- Feuerzangenbowle: A spectacular punch prepared with a flaming sugar cone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Berlin Christmas markets start in 2025?
The Christmas markets in Berlin run from 24 November to 31 December 2025.
Are the markets suitable for children?
Yes, many markets offer attractions for children, such as carousels and ice-skating rinks.
How much does Glühwein cost in Berlin?
Prices typically range from €4 to €6, including a refundable deposit for the mug.
Can you pay by card?
Most stalls prefer cash, but some do accept card payments. It’s a good idea to carry some euros with you.
What is the best way to get between markets?
Berlin has an excellent public transport system, including the U-Bahn (metro), trams and buses, making it easy to hop between markets across the city.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
