Berlin is famed for its wide selection of Christmas markets: from Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz to Charlottenburg and Gendarmenmarkt - each market offers a slightly different ambience while retaining all the charm of a traditional German Christmas market.

You can pick up unique gifts from the assortment of traditional crafts, such as wooden nutcrackers, or indulge in the selection of German delicacies including meats, mulled wine and beer. Throughout the markets there are carol performances and events that run during the season, making Berlin an excellent festive escape.

Alexanderplatz market

The Alexanderplatz Christmas market is Berlin’s busiest market, set on the famous square. With over 100 stalls, this market is ideal for those looking for a wide selection for your Christmas shopping- from traditional crafts, jewellery and clothing there are a plenitude of gifts to choose from. Additionally, a huge choice of food and drink is available to fend off the winter chill, from traditional German bratwurst to Christmas specialities like Lebkuchen and mulled wine (glühwein). The showstopper of the market is the huge Christmas pyramid, illuminated with over 5,000 lights, which is the biggest walk-in Christmas pyramid in Europe. Other amusements include a Ferris wheel, offering panoramic views of a twinkling, festive Berlin.

Gendarmenmarkt

The Gendarmenmarkt is a traditional, classically decorated market. With a 2 euro entrance fee, the market offers traditional artisan crafts, from specialist wood-carved nutcrackers and tree decorations, to tailored and woven goods. A huge range of high quality, authentic food is offered, with the comfort of indoor, heated seating provided. Various live performances run on the market’s stage- from acrobats and dancers, to traditional music and carols.

Potsdamer Platz Market

Located in another of Berlin’s main squares, the Potsdamer Platz Christmas market offers a traditional Christmas market with a sporty twist. The historic square undergoes a festive transformation, with rows of wooden huts serving traditional festive goods. German and Austrian cuisines offer comforting food and spiced mulled wine. Potsdamer Platz’ unique edge is in its winter sports offerings: ice skating, tobogganing and curling. A 40-metre long ice rink welcomes all abilities to try out ice skating, or for the more daring - the toboggan run offers the chance to fly down a 12-metre-high runway of ice. For those looking for a more gentle activity, curling is the ideal winter sport to test out your skills of precision on the ice.

Charlottenburg Market

The Charlottenburg Christmas market is set to the backdrop of the illuminated Baroque architecture of Charlottenburg palace, a romantic setting. During the festive period, the palace offers walking tours of the gardens with a festive twist, delving in to the historic Christmas traditions of the Palace’s aristocratic family.

The market on the Palace’s square has over 250 stalls to choose from, and indoor tents for inclement weather. There are also Workshops and live musical performances throughout the season.