Guide to the Christmas markets in Berlin

Berlin has diverse Christmas Markets and every market has something special 

Ever year, the city lights up in various colours, the Christmas music goes on, and the delicious aroma after cinnamon, Gingerbread and almonds open the most wonderful time of the year, the Christmas season. This German tradition began over 600 years as a festival to gather the people during the cold winter while artisans, bakers and toy-makers would be able to sell their goods. 

While in medieval ages, the Christmas Markets would be open for about four days, they open nowadays about four weeks after the Day of the Dead or as well named Eternity Sunday, which is usually the Sunday before the 1st Advent. This is what you should do when visiting the markets. Book a Stromma hop on hop off bus tour and discover the city in your own pace.

Treat yourself with German delicacies 

If there is anything that brings people together is Christmas food! Imagine yourself having a Lebkuchen (Gingerbread) with that characteristic aroma of Cinnamon and Ginger. You can actually buy them heart-shaped if wanted.  

When feeling cold, we definitely recommend you to have a Glühwein (mulled wine). You can find this amazing drink at every Market, yet we highly recommend you to visit the one at Gendarmenmarkt (Stop 19 on Line 1) because it is well known for its Glühwein and the gorgeous Christmas Tree decorating the plaza.  

Warm up with some winter activities at the Markets

When feeling like moving your body to warm up from the cold weather and do some activities before a cup of Glühwein, you should visit the Christmas Market at Roten Rathaus (Stop 3 on Line 1), put on some ice skates and get on the ice rink around the Neptune fountain. This is a real work out and is so much fun for couples and family members. The rental for the ice skates is 5 € and there is no entrance fee for the ice rink. Besides roasted almonds and the ice rink, you can get on the 50 Meters high Ferris-Wheel having an impressive view of Alexanderplatz, the Television Tower and the Berlin Cathedral. 

Not only is it fun at Alexanderplatz but also at the Winter-World at Potsdamer Platz (Stop 16 on Line 1) where there is a 12 M high man-built hill covered in snow for tobogganing  

Buy some handmade Christmas Gifts  

In the Chrismtas markets, there are innumerable artinsanries you can find such as the Nutcracker, a wooden depiction of soldiers or kings. Another very traditional handmade gift is the Schwibbogen (candle arches). The arch shape depicts the arch of the sky and the lighting is reminiscent of the miners' longing for daylight.