Best Christmas Markets in Berlin

CHRISTMAS MARKET AT BERLIN CITY HALL (ROTES RATHAUS)

Easily one of the most popular markets in the city, and with good reason. You will find a variety of holiday treats here, ranging from sausages to Nutella crepes to mulled wine. The whole family will enjoy the Ferris Wheel, offering a panoramic view of the city. If you're brave, lace up your ice skates on the holiday rink. For a more sedate activity, grab a warm drink and watch others circle around the ice. I recommend at least half a day, if not more, at this enjoyable market.

THE ALEXANDERPLATZ CHRISTMAS MARKET

It's natural to combine these two, since you can get between these two markets in just a 5 minute walk. While I find the craft stalls here less interesting, you'll find many delicious treats as well as a traditional market tower. Grab a picture of the tower next to the World Clock, a metal rotunda which displays the current time from all over the world.

While in Alexanderplatz, stop in the Galeria department store to warm up, as well as check out their holiday offerings.

CHRISTMAS MARKET AT THE GENDARMENMARKT

Have a good breakfast, as there are many markets on today's itinerary (I recommend kasekrainer, a cheesy sausage). There's a small entrance fee for this market (1 Euro), but it offers live music performances on the stage built into the steps of the Konzerthaus. If you're lucky, you'll get to see the Ice Princess. You'll also find an indoor craft area with a cozy place for drinks in the center.

RAUSCH CHOCOLATES

Just a few blocks from the Gendarmenmarkt, you'll find Rausch, an iconic local chocolatier. Indulge in their truffles and single-origin chocolates on the ground floor while marveling at the Berlin skyline, carved out of chocolate. If you're in search of a warm-up, go next door to their deli and enjoy rich drinking chocolate (or tea/coffee for the party poopers who don't like chocolate).

LUCIA CHRISTMAS MARKET AT THE KULTURBRAUEREI

Hop on the metro a few stops to arrive at this charming Scandinavian-themed market. Set in the historic brick buildings of an old brewery, the Nordic crafts, entertainment and food is delightful.

MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS MARKET AT THE RAW COMPOUND

You'll be visiting three markets today, so be sure not to overindulge in the gluhwein. This is a small market, but it is definitely worth a stop. What differentiates this market is the medieval theme, featuring themed artisan pottery and woodcarvers as well as themed treats like hot mead. Don't miss the wandering jugglers!

KAISER WILHELM MEMORIAL CHURCH CHRISTMAS MARKET

Today, you'll venture over to West Berlin to visit a few more markets. Perhaps the biggest one is in the shadows of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a historic building partially destroyed in World War 2. This is a large market with great photo opportunities. It's also next to a few indoor shopping centers if you need a break from the cold.

CHARLOTTENBURG MARKET

This is a grand market, but be aware that it has limited bus connections, so plan wisely. Enjoy food and crafts in the setting of the Charlottenburg Palace, which is festively illuminated in colorful lights during the evening. Definitely many photo opps here!

OTHER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

As I mentioned earlier, there are over 50 Christmas markets in the Berlin area. I've highlighted the major markets, but you may want to check out these other markets and sights in the city.

POTSDAMER PLATZ

The market is small here, with just a few rows of stalls. But the market is not the feature here: you'll find all sorts of holiday adventures, including tubing down a hill and ice skating.

MARKTHALLE NEUN

This is an indoor market hall year-round, which incorporates seasonal foods during the holiday season. Whether or not you're visiting Berlin around Christmas, Markthalle Neun is a worthy stop. Check out the online calendar for the day's events.

BRANDENBURG GATE

This is an icon of Berlin, which becomes especially photogenic at night. You may be lucky to get a snowy backdrop for your holiday photos.