What are one of the best Christmas markets in Berlin? Which Berlin Christmas markets are open in 2021? And what are the Covid-19 rules?
Whether or not you are in search of a conventional German Christmas market or one thing a bit extra offbeat, I supply right here my useful Berlin Christmas Market information based mostly on our expertise residing in Berlin for 9 years and being avid Christmas market followers. It has all the data you should know, together with dates and schedules of Berlin Christmas markets and notes on how you can go to my genuine and native favorites — ones that may make your go to to Berlin throughout the Christmas and vacation season much more particular.
Winter 2021 COVID-19 Replace for Berlin Christmas Markets (December 8, 2021): As of the time of this replace there are nonetheless fairly a couple of Berlin Christmas markets open for the 2021 vacation season. These are largely the larger, extra established and outside markets. A number of the smaller, neighborhood or extra area of interest markets didn’t open this 12 months. Covid Necessities for Berlin Christmas markets embody what is named “2G” in Germany — this implies you should present proof of vaccination or proof of restoration to be able to enter the Christmas market. Additionally, you will have to put on masks (medical or FFP2/N95 masks) when in public areas.
There’s one thing that virtually everybody appears to be like ahead to in December in Berlin: Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt or Adventsmarkt). They provide a retreat from the shortening days of the 12 months, into the corporate of gathered pals and neighbors.
Within the choice that follows, you may discover the “markets” listed much less about purchasing and extra about neighborhood — the place pals and households make plans to fulfill on the market after work or on weekends. A spot the place the aroma of glühwein (spiced, mulled wine) and candy roasted almonds wafts in an environment of twinkling lights in a cold winter vapor.
As conversations occur over steaming mugs of glühwein and hearty German road meals like bratwurst, market-goers make amends for life and provides air to what awaits on the flip of the brand new 12 months. Christmas markets function the right antidote — or accompaniment in the event you like — to the approaching Winter Solstice.
I confess that I’m a little bit of a Christmas market geek. I helped launch a Christmas market once I lived in Estonia a few years in the past. Dan and I’ve even taken Christmas market-themed highway journeys by means of Germany and Central Europe.
Perhaps this Christmas market affinity of mine has one thing to do with the truth that I am American and I did not develop up with the Christmas market tradition. So, I get slightly giddy when the season rolls round and I am inside attain of 1. Regardless of the trigger, this is without doubt one of the causes we stick round Berlin in December.
At this level you is likely to be considering: “German Christmas markets are well-known, however I’ve by no means heard something about Christmas markets in Berlin.”
OK, then. Berlin’s Christmas markets haven’t historically carried the identical popularity or historical past as these in different German cities like Munich, Nuremberg or Stuttgart. However that’s altering. Berlin makes its personal means and blends the standard into the tapestry of its forward-lurching, uncommon self.
Simply as Berlin doesn’t have one city middle, it additionally doesn’t have one major Christmas market. As an alternative, Berlin normally options greater than 50 markets unfold all through the town, every with its personal distinct persona, environment and specialties. Some run the size of the Introduction season, whereas others are limited-time gives or tuned to the spirit of their native neighborhood for less than a weekend or two.
In fact, a sure commercialization and schlock lurks conspicuously at some markets. With this in thoughts, we share our private suggestions: a couple of trusted and conventional or native and genuine favorites that will help you get began in your Berlin Christmas market exploration.
Be aware: This publish was initially revealed on December 3, 2015 and up to date on December 8, 2021.
Covid Necessities Berlin Christmas Markets
Christmas markets in Berlin require proof of a Covid-19 vaccination or restoration to be able to enter. That is know because the “2G” requirement in Germany. Which means that if you enter a Berlin Christmas market you may be requested to point out your digital vaccination or recuperate certificates (or related) and your identification.
The best approach to present this proof of vaccination is to get a German vaccination certificate QR code at a pharmacy in Berlin (together with on the BER airport) after which add it to the CovPass, Corona-Warn or Luca app. Not solely do Christmas markets in Berlin require this digital vaccination certificates, but additionally eating places, non-essential outlets, museums, and plenty of different locations now require it to enter an indoor or public house.
As well as, masks (medical or FFP2/N95) should be worn in all public locations and if you end up not consuming. The purpose is to maintain everybody — guests in addition to Christmas market workers — protected in order that the Berlin Christmas markets would possibly be capable to keep open all the season.
Finest Berlin Christmas Markets in 2021
Though not all Christmas markets are open in Berlin in 2021 as in common years, fairly a couple of nonetheless are so you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the vacation season this 12 months.
Berlin Christmas Markets Open All Introduction Season
The markets listed under are open for all the Introduction Christmas market season, usually day-after-day from the top of November by means of Christmas (and generally by means of to the New 12 months). For the 2021 Berlin Christmas market season, many start on 22 November 2021 and run till the very finish of December or starting of January 2022.
We discover these Christmas markets particularly atmospheric when it is darkish and every little thing is tastefully lit, which is straightforward because the solar units in Berlin earlier than 4PM all through December. Glühwein appears to style higher within the night, too.
READ MORE: Berlin Travel: A Beginner’s Guide
Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
Why: For a little bit of the standard in a wonderful setting, particularly at evening because the Konzerthaus (Live performance Corridor) and close by church buildings and buildings are lit. Present stands on the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market are typically handicraft-oriented or luxury-focused. Meals high quality is mostly fairly excessive right here as properly.
Be sure you try the massive feuerzangenbowle (fire-tongs punch) tent and search out the wood barrel of rum to the fitting of the bar ought to you should “improve” your steaming mug stuffed with punch. Generally, in the event you encounter a selection of glühwein “mit schuss”, that merely means “with a shot” as in a shot of rum or presumably amaretto. Be aware: Gendarmenmarkt costs a nominal entrance charge of €1. For extra info, try the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market web page.
Location and Instructions: Gendarmenmarkt is near Stadtmitte U-Bahn station (U2/U6). Neighborhood: Mitte.
2021 dates for the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market: 22 November – 31 December 2021, 11:00 – 23:00 day by day (besides 24 December till solely 18:00)
Schloss Charlottenburg Christmas Market Canceled 2021
Why: To drink mugs of steaming glühwein within the shadow of a 300+ 12 months previous Baroque palace. The Schloss Charlottenburg Christmas market is one with massive time European fairytale attraction. A few of its stands characteristic conventional — and big — Christmas pyramids which entertain as figures go spherical and spherical all evening lengthy. Additionally enjoyable, however type of tacky, is the sunshine present at evening.
For extra info, try the Schloss Charlottenburg Christmas Market web page.
Location and Instructions: Simply in entrance of the Schloss Charlottenburg Palace major entrance on Spandauer Damm. Closest U-Bahn stations embody Sophie-Charlotte-Platz or Richard-Wagner Platz, in addition to Westend station on the S-Bahn.
Neighborhood: Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf2019 Dates: 25 November – 26 December 2019,
Lucia Christmas Market at Kulturbrauerei (Nordic-Scandanavian Christmas Market)
Why: Since you at all times needed to style the distinction between Swedish, Norwegian and Danish glögg (Scandinavian mulled wine). High off all the expertise with reindeer sausages and a bunch of different Nordic video games and treats and also you would possibly simply neglect the place you might be. In comparison with different open-space Christmas markets, the Lucia Christmas Market is ready up within the winding courtyards of Kulturbrauerei, a nineteenth century brick industrial advanced.
For extra info, see the Lucia Christmas Market at KulturBrauerei web page.
Location and Instructions: The Lucia Christmas Market (and Kulturbrauerei) has a number of entrances at Knaackstr. 97, Sredzkistr. 1 and Schönhauser Allee 36-39. Closest U-Bahn station is Eberswalder Str. (U2) or Trams 12, M10, M1.
Neighborhood: Prenzlauer Berg
2021 dates for the Lucia Christmas Market at Kulturbrauerei: 22 November – 22 December 2021, Monday to Friday 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Spandau Christmas Market Moved to Spandau Citadel Courtyard in 2021
Why: To really feel as if you’ve been transported to a small German village though you stay inside the Berlin metropolis limits. The streets of previous city Spandau are taken over by its Christmas market. Whereas the environment alongside the principle thoroughfare can really feel a bit industrial, the little courtyards in and across the church buildings convey one thing a bit extra conventional.
For extra info, see the Spandau Christmas Market web page and extra particulars on the 2021 Spandau Citadel Christmas Market.
The normal Spandau Christmas Market that was held within the streets of Spandau has been moved to the interior courtyard of the Spandau Citadel so as to have the ability to adjust to Covid 2G rules and necessities. You’ll nonetheless have the standard really feel of a German Christmas market with the citadel setting, top-of-the-line preserved Renaissance fortresses in Europe, and stands promoting glühwein and different conventional Christmas market meals.
Location and Instructions: Take the U7 to Rathaus Spandau (the top of the road). Comply with the crowds to the Christmas market.
Neighborhood: Spandau
2021 dates for the Spandau Citadel Christmas Market: 26 November – 23 December 2021; Monday to Friday from 14:00 – 22:00, Saturday & Sunday from 12:00 – 22:00.
Entrance charge (2021): €3.50 (adults), free for these 15 and below
Potsdam Christmas Market Canceled 2021
Why: To take a break from the massive metropolis. Go to the Potsdam UNESCO websites of Sanssouci Palace and gardens throughout the day and luxuriate in eierpunsch (spiced egg punch) on the Christmas market at evening. The market takes over the streets of the previous city for blocks on finish and options a number of the most elaborate and largest shows we’ve seen. There’s additionally an ice skating rink and different enjoyable stuff for youths…or adults.
There’s additionally a Polish Christmas Market close by on the Carriage Secure Courtyard on the Neuen Markt (New Market) from 25 November – 1 December 2019 to get your fill of Polish pierogis, handicrafts and different specialties.
For extra info, see the Potsdam Christmas Market web page.
Location and Instructions: Take the S-Bahn to the town of Potsdam, which is a few 45-60 minute journey from central Berlin.
2021 dates: Canceled
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Berlin Neighborhood and Weekend Christmas Markets
Along with Christmas markets which run all the size of Introduction, Berlin additionally options its share of short-run particular and weekend markets. These markets are usually smaller affairs that includes native organizations and neighborhood-oriented venues. If you happen to’re visiting Berlin for a few days throughout the Christmas season and genuine and native is what you search, it is completely value doing a little analysis to see which of those markets occurs to be timed along with your go to.
Alt-Rixdorfer Christmas Market Canceled 2021
Why: The Rixdorf Christmas Market serves as a pleasant kickoff to the Christmas season. It additionally illustrates how a neighborhood Christmas market may be achieved properly and at scale with native organizations promoting do-it-yourself crafts to boost cash for faculties, charities, firemen’s teams, and extra. Stands are typically domestically run and supply an ideal excuse to get to know the Neukölln district slightly higher.
The sq. the place the Alt-Rixdorf Christmas market is held, Richardplatz, options an enclosure with pony rides and a petting zoo. The entire thing is good, quaint and helps take you again in time a bit. For extra info, see the Alt-Rixdorfer Christmas Market web page.
Location and Instructions: On Richardplatz close to the Karl-Marx Strasse station (U7). Neighborhood: Neukölln.
2021 dates: Canceled
Heissa Holzmarkt
Why: For a mix of conventional and different in a enjoyable and eclectic Berlin neighborhood house. Positioned on the Spree River in Friedrichshain, Holzmarkt is open all 12 months round with its mounted outlets, bakery, artwork studios and occasion house. Its Christmas market open on weekends throughout the creation season transforms what seems like its personal city village right into a little bit of a conventional and trendy winter wonderland with bonfires by the river, ample quantities of glühwein, silent disco cubicles, German and worldwide meals choices, weird puppet reveals, and way more. This has turn into one among our favourite Berlin Christmas markets within the final years.
For extra info, see this Heissa Holzmarkt Christmas Market web page.
Location and Instructions: Holzmarktstrasse 15, Friedrichshain. The Holzmarkt city village is a compound of buildings on the Spree river. It is a 10-minute stroll from S+U Jannowitzbrücke station.
Neighborhood: Friedrichshain
2021 Dates for Heissa Holzmarkt:Weekends between 26 November – 19 December 2021; Fridays 4pm-10pm, Saturdays and Sundays 2pm-10pm
Schloss Britz Christmas Market Canceled 2021
Why: To expertise an intimate Nordic Medieval Fairytale Christmas market within the courtyard of an 18th century manor home. Although medieval costumes are concerned right here, the market someway appears to drag this off with out being a caricature of itself. As Schloss Britz Christmas market does not usually see the hordes that different markets would possibly, you may have the chance to talk to the assorted artisans and be taught extra about their handicrafts, preserves and different wares. The meals served is normally ingenious and a bit totally different than customary fare.
There’s a €3 entrance charge, however we really feel that the environment and high quality of the stands warrants the value. For extra info, see the Schloss Britz Christmas Market web page.
Location and Instructions: Schloss Britz, close to Parchimer Allee station (U7) or bus 181 Britzer Damm/Mohriner Ave in Neukölln.
Neighborhood: Neukölln.
2019 Dates: all creation weekends, Friday-Sunday from 29 November to 22 December 2019
Christmas Market at Jagdschloss Grunewald Canceled 2021
Why: This Christmas market is a bit additional away on the sting of Berlin’s western forest in Grunewald, however it’s definitely worth the effort to get right here for the fairytale backdrop of Jagdschloss, Berlin’s oldest surviving palace (seventeenth century). This small, conventional Christmas market is held within the palace courtyard and options artisans promoting their crafts, dwell music, theatrical performances, and many hearty meals and spiced wine to maintain you full and heat. Actually atmospheric. There’s a €3 entrance charge to enter, however this additionally buys you entrance into the palace as properly.
For extra info, see this Christmas Market at Jagdschloss Grunewald web page.
Location and Instructions: Hüttenweg 100, 14193 Berlin. Take Bus 115, X10 or X83 to the nook of Clayallee and Königin Luise Straße. From there it is a 15 minute stroll to the Jagdschloss (palace) on the sting of Grunewald forest.
Neighborhood: Grunewald.
2021 Dates: Canceled
Christmas Market at Domäne Dahlem Canceled 2021
Why: Positioned on the grounds of a manor home which additionally serves as a form of farm and agricultural museum, the Christmas Market at Domäne Dahlem contains many small producers and artisans promoting every little thing from sea salts and spices to conventional German handicrafts. There’s additionally an emphasis on contemporary and natural meals, so you’ll be able to definitely eat properly and heartily right here. Domäne Dahlem is a bit outdoors Berlin middle, however if you need a extra neighborhood and countryside really feel, try this Christmas Market throughout one of many Introduction weekends. Entrance is €3.
For extra info, see the Christmas Market at Domäne Dahlem web page.
Location and Instructions: Königin-Luise-Straße 49, 14195 Berlin. Take the U3 to Dahlem-Dorf station.
Neighborhood: Dahlem.
2021 Dates: Canceled
Klunkerkranich Rooftop Christmas Market Canceled 2021
Why: For a Christmas Market with a Berlin hip-urban really feel and bonus aerial views of the town. Positioned on the rooftop of a shopping mall in Neukölln, Klunkerkranich is in style all 12 months round with its eclectic mixture of city backyard, music, cocktails, and occasions. Its Christmas market highlights native artists and designers with a superb mixture of music and jazz thrown in for the evenings. When it will get chilly outdoors there’s a cozy cafe and bar inside to heat up and luxuriate in.
Location and Instructions: Karl-Marx-Str. 66, Neukölln. It is situated on the rooftop of the purchasing middle, Neukölln Arcaden. To get there you should go to the highest flooring of the parking storage after which stroll your means round to the highest. Simply observe the teams of individuals.
Neighborhood: Neukölln.
2021 Dates: Canceled
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Berlin Christmas Market Maps and Sources
Extra Christmas Issues to do in Berlin
Even when visiting Christmas markets is the principle purpose of your winter go to to Berlin, there are different vacation and Christmas-oriented issues to do within the metropolis. Listed here are a couple of of the extra in style excursions, occasions and experiences in Berlin as provided by our accomplice (additionally Berlin-based), Get Your Guide. They provide many different Berlin tours with no reserving charges and free cancellation as much as 24 hours earlier than.
- Christmas Garden in the Botanical Gardens: I’ve to confess that I by no means considered visiting the Botanical Gardens for Christmas this till my hairdresser really helpful it as her favourite vacation exercise in Berlin. A 2-km route takes you thru a winter wonderland of lights and totally different vacation installations.
- Berlin TV Tower Fast View Tickets: Get out of the chilly and up above all of it with these fast-track tickets that will let you skip the road and go straight as much as the highest of the TV Tower. You will have nice views of the Christmas market under at Alexander Platz in addition to the town as an entire.
- Berlin Welcome Card with Transport Pass: Get across the metropolis by public transportation simply with out worrying about shopping for or validating your tickets with this Berlin Welcome Card (ABC Zones). You’ll be able to select totally different lengths, from 48-hours to 6-days. And, the Welcome Card gives you with plenty of reductions at totally different points of interest, outlets or museums. We have used Berlin Welcome Playing cards fairly a bit after we’ve had guests because it’s cost-effective if you plan to journey round quite a bit and do plenty of totally different actions.
Finest Areas in Berlin To Keep for Christmas Markets
Book a hotel in Berlin – really helpful neighborhoods to remain in embody Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain, Neukölln, and Mitte
Plan Your Berlin Christmas Market Journey
- Easy methods to get to Berlin: There are infinite choices to fly to Berlin due to all the standard and low price airways flying into TXL (Tegel Airport) or SXF (Schönefeld Airport). We frequently use Skyscanner to check flight costs and to ebook tickets as a result of it shows all the assorted airline combos, together with choices from low-fare airways.
- Berlin restaurant suggestions: For funds consuming, examine our our guides for favorite cheap eats in Berlin under €5 and our favorite neighborhood meals under €10. StilinBerlin gives one other dependable useful resource for native Berlin eating places and “better of” guides.
