The quite anticipated Christmas time has finally come and Berlin has once again transformed into a fairytale that takes your breath away. There are Christmas markets all over town, some bigger than others. Every year, from the moment they begin, the city is filled with people visiting each one and enjoying the holiday spirit.There are new smaller Xmas markets all around the city.
1. Christmas Market in Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz is the busiest street in Berlin, located in the center of the city. A big area with 3 of the most beautiful Christmas markets. One is in Alexanderplatz, the second one at the Berlin Town Hall and the third one behind the Alexa mall (I love this one).
- Location: U Alexanderplatz
- When: 22 November – 26 December 2021
- Opening Times: 10:00 – 22:00 (Alexanderplatz)
- Entrance: Free
- What to do: Buy carved figures, drink Glühwein, buy glass or wooden ornaments and toys, see the pyramid with more than 5000 lights
There is nothing better than going to the heart of the city and spending some time in this Christmas Market. Definitely one of the busiest markets in Berlin. What makes it special is that it is in the center of Berlin, giving you many choices regarding sights, food, shopping. Get on the second or third floor of Saturn for a view of the whole market. On Christmas Eve, the market will be open from 10:00 – 14:00.
2. Christmas Market at Berlin Town Hall
- Location: Rathausstraße 15, 10178
- When: 22 November – 02 January 2022
- Opening Times: Mon -Fri 12:00 – 22:00 / Sat & Sun 11:00 – 22:00
- Entrance: Free
- What to do: Go on top of the Ferris wheel, enjoy a carousel ride, find the ice ring
Get on the Ferris wheel for a festive view of the city from above. For the little ones, there is a train that goes through a snowy and magical forest. At Berlin Town Hall you will find the only ice ring that operates this year. Also, three times per day Santa goes on his sleigh over the market spreading the love!!
3. Winter Magic at Alexa
- Location: Landsberger Allee 364, 10365
- When: 05 November – 19 December 2021
- Opening Times: Mon – Thu 14:00 – 21:30 / Fri & Sat 13:00 – 22:30 / Sun 12:00 – 21:00
- Entrance: Free
- What to do: get on the rides, drink some mulled wine, have fun
Lights, Magic, Fun!! The definition of Christmas is right here on Landsberger Allee. Probably the most fun market is back after 3 years. The carnival-like Xmas market has numerous adventurous and fun rides for all ages. The attractions are charged extra.
4. Winterworld at Postdamer Platz
- Location: S Postdamer Platz Bahnhof
- When: 29 October – 02 January 2022
- Opening Times: 10:00 – 22:00
- Entrance: Free
- What to do: Go sliding, buy textile products, buy all kinds of crafts and sweets, head to Sony Center
Truly a beautiful market on a very busy street in Berlin. Everything is decorated, even the trees on the street. The Arkaden Mall, which is a stunning mall is sadly closed due to construction. As for Sony Center, it has once again transformed into a cozy magical place, with light attractions all around. The 2G rule only applies to the huts and restaurants in the Sony Center.
5. Weihnachtszauber at Gendarmenmarkt
- Location: Am Gendarmenmarkt 2, 10117 Berlin Mitte
- When: 22 November – 31 December 2021
- Opening Times: 11:00 – 22:00
- Entrance: 1€ / free for children under 12
- What to do: Try gourmet dishes, watch the live performances, find all the unique merchandisers
By far the most popular Christmas market in Berlin. It is surrounded by grand and stunning buildings and it gives its visitors a feeling of warmth and elegance. There are so many unique merchandisers around the market, that specialize in a variety of crafts, such as woodcarvers, belt makers, and other artists, who provide high-quality goods.
Looking for something to eat? What better than some high-quality dishes? Go around the market and taste some incredible gourmet dishes. On Christmas Eve, the market will be open from 11:00 to 18:00 and on New Year´s Eve from 11:00 to 13:00.
6. Christmas Market at Gedächtniskirche in Kurfürstendamm
- Location: Kurfürstendamm 237, 10789 Berlin Charlottenburg
- When: 22 November – 02 January 2022
- Opening Times: Sun-Thu 11:00 – 21:00 / Fri & Sat 11:00 – 22:00
- Entrance: Free
- What to do: Buy Christmas ornaments, buy winter clothes, eat caramelized nuts and homemade eggnog
Located between Kurfürstendamm and the Zoologischer Garten, this market is simply beautiful and so inviting. There are carousels for all children to have fun and all sorts of sausages for grownups. Explore the area around the market, to see some amazing decorations all around. On Christmas Eve the market will be open from 11:00 to 14:00, and on New Year´s Eve from 11:00 to 13:00. On the 25th, 26th of December, as well as on the 1st of January the market will be open from 13:00 to 21:00.
Walking along the street, after the Christmas market you can get amazed by the stunning decorations all around. The streets are bright with lights and decorations, and the famous lit ´Berlin´ letter sign. Towards the end of the street, KaDeWe, one of the biggest and most expensive malls in Berlin, waits for you with some incredible decor. Each year, KaDeWe impresses with its unique moving window displays. Be aware that in order to visit the mall you need to be fully vaccinated or have recovered.
7. Christmas Market at Zitadelle Spandau
- Location: Am Juliusturm 64, 13599, Berlin
- When: 26 November – 23 December 2021
- Opening Times: Mon – Fri 14:00 – 22:00 / Sat – Sun 12:00 – 22:00
- Entrance: 3,5€ / free for children under 16
- What to do: explore the fortress, sing along with Santa, check the various performances
Every year this Christmas market takes place in the heart of Spandau and is one of my personal favorites. However, this year due to COVID, the market will take place in the Zitadelle Spandau, the best-preserved fortress of the High Renaissance in Europe. It is a truly unique opportunity to get the Xmas magic combined with the fairytale castle.
Of course, Berlin has a Christmas market in every single neighborhood. Some quite big and some much smaller. But, no matter where you are, you cannot miss one and stop for a quick Glühwein or even try the German sausages.
Just make sure to wear a mask, keep your distance, and stay safe!!
Culturista Life 