Germany is famous for its Christmas markets and Christmas traditions, and the capital city Berlin is full of Christmas magic.
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Check out the other top sights and things to do in Berlin and also this great guide to Berlin with a helpful map (affiliate). If you want to continue your Christmas celebrations, Cologne and Aachen are an easy train ride away and have some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, and Brussels really comes alive at Christmas.
Berlin is magical at Christmas, with Christmas markets filling the streets and squares all around the city. It’s a real fairytale Christmas, with all the sights and smells to get you in the Christmas spirit. It can get really cold in winter in Central Europe, so take lots of warm clothes, and warm up on mulled wine and Bratwurst at markets all around the city.
Top Christmas markets in Berlin
Gendarmenmarkt
My favourite area of Christmas markets in Berlin is the spectacular Gendarmenmarkt. It’s a huge area and you can easily spend hours wandering through all the different stalls. There’s a small entrance fee for the market here, which is fairly unusual as most markets are free to enter, but I think it’s definitely worth paying the small price to experience the magic. Check out the website for the latest prices and opening times.
Situated between two impressive churches, Französischer Dom and Deutscher Dom, the Christmas trees and decorations make this a really special atmosphere. The food and drink here is amazing – warm up with mulled wine, eggnog or hot chocolate, and then feast on freshly cooked Bratwurst sausages.
Alexanderplatz
Another huge area of Christmas markets are on Alexanderplatz. Many sell a similar range of food, drink and unique gifts and the busy atmosphere really gets you in the Christmas spirit. Don’t forget to check out the famous World Clock on Alexanderplatz while you’re there.
Schloss Charlottenberg
Schloss Charlottenberg, or Charlottenburg Palace, is only about 30 minutes outside of the centre of Berlin and another area with great Christmas markets. The palace itself is worth a visit as well – dating back to the 17th century, it has stunning state rooms and beautiful gardens. Visit the website for opening times.
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial
The area around Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is also packed with Christmas markets where you can browse for unique gifts to take home for your friends and family. It’s a fascinating area for history as well. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was heavily bombed during WW2, and in 1961 it was partially rebuilt and integrated into the new memorial Church building.
Enjoy exploring the Christmas markets in Berlin. Remember to check out my blog on the other top things to do in Berlin and also this great guide to Berlin (affiliate). You can also look at taking a day trip to Dresden. Or continue the Christmas fun in Cologne and Aachen or Brussels.
