Christmas markets in Berlin

Excuse me for making a bold statement, but I’ve been waiting to for years: Germans love kitsch. There, I said it. They love kitsch in all forms, but they particularly love it during the winter season.

Adventskalender, Weihnachtsmarkt, and the Tannenbaum all count as important staples in the German Christmas celebrating season. And, should you find yourself in this cold, dark, kitsch-ridden country during the holiday season, don’t despair; there are a number of wonderful Weihnachtsmärkte that will keep your eyes busy, your ears laughing and your belly glowing with Glühwein as you mingle with the natives and spill Senf all over your nice new coat.

Here’s a short list of the best Christmas markets in Berlin.

1. Weihnachtszauber Gendarmenmarkt

Like all Christmas markets, the Weihnachtszaubermarkt (the Christmas magic market) on the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt is filled with the usual children’s rides, food and sweets stalls, and crafts ranging from the very tasteful to the oh-so-tacky. I like this market not merely because of its central location (it’s very close to Unter den Linden and is flanked by the lovely the German church and the French church as well as the austere Konzerthaus), but also because of its delightful, care free feel. This isn’t a market that demands much time but as such I’ve found myself browsing these stalls much longer than at other markets. If you’re still feeling the Christmas spirit but you’re done with this market, go to the nearby Schlossplatzmarkt and take a ride on the giant Ferris Wheel. It’s cold up there, but it sure is pretty.

Gendarmentmarkt (Mitte)
Nov. 24 – Dec. 31 2008

2. Spandauer Altstadt

An absolute classic market and anyone looking for the ‘real deal’ should opt for Spandau, even if it is a bit out of the way. This market is rather sprawling (there are 150 stands during the week and over 450 on the weekends), and with a variety of goods and musical stages, this market is well worth the thirty minute S-Bahn or U-Bahn ride. Go on the weekend and watch the local police department stomp out German Christmas hits mixed in with, yes, full brass covers of ‘I had the Time of My Life’ and David Hasselhoff. Prepare to have your mind blown.

Marktplatz Spandau (this can be arrived at from the U7 or S9)
Nov. 26 – Dec. 23 2008

3. Winterwelt am Potsdamerplatz

The Christmas market at Potsdamerplatz is particularly nice for families with teens or those looking for a quick thrill. That’s right, even though there are no real mountains for hundreds of miles, every Christmas a little piece of Austria is brought to Berlin in the form of a toboggan run and traditional Austrian dishes (and beer) at this Christmas market. It’s particularly fitted out for teenagers with the nearby Sony Center and the Arcaden (a good sized mall) with all your modern shopping needs.

Potsdamerplatz
Nov 24 – Dec 28 2008

4. Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt

This market is a modest simple Weihnachtsmarkt, aimed more at younger children –or, perhaps it just feels that way since its located in Prenzlauerberg (one of the heaviest baby and toddler populated districts in Europe). I’ve had many a fine candied apple at this market and have fond memories of the Glühwein (lit: glowing wine, but don’t worry, nothing radioactive here, just some mulled wine with a shot of Amaretto). Highly recommended for a quick stop when you’re checking out the streets of Prenzlauerberg.

In the Kulturbrauerei
Sredzkistrasse 1
10435 Berlin (Prenzlauerberg)

Happy Holidays!

Photo of Weihnachtsmarkt concert in Berlin, Germany, by Shane Anderson

Topic:  General Travel | 0 Comments
Tags:  Berlin, Christmas, family, shopping

About the author

Shane Anderson left his native California three years ago and has been living in Berlin ever since. He is a freelance writer and journalist.