Berlin Christmas Markets - The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets 2016

When it comes to classic mulled wine stands, vegan Christmas treats, or Advent karaoke, few cities offer such a diverse pre-Christmas experience as the capital. The cozy offerings range from enjoying roasted almonds by a warm campfire to unique wooden carvings at the artisan Christmas market. We present to you the most exceptional and snug Christmas markets in Berlin, which Christmas market breaks records in the capital, and where even Scrooges can find joy. Our Christmas market Berlin tips for locals and Berlin visitors:

One of the smaller, yet coziest Christmas markets in the otherwise bustling capital is the Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei near the Eberswalder Straße subway station. The red brick tiles of the Kulturbrauerei buildings create the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and contemplative Christmas market visit. The market is themed around Nordic and Scandinavian influences, with its name derived from the Lucia Festival celebrated primarily in Scandinavia. Visitors can enjoy the Nordic atmosphere while drinking Glögg or savoring a sweet, cinnamon-flavored Swedish Kanelbullar. For those who prefer traditional fare, there are also crêpe stands and a baked apple booth. The traditional and exotic Advent specialties are best enjoyed by a warm campfire or in the warmth lounge with a sauna stove.

Lucia Christmas Market | from November 21 to December 22, 2016 | Entrances and exits of the Kulturbrauerei: 10435 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg-Pankow * Knaackstraße 97 * Sredzkistraße 1 * Schönhauser Allee 36-39 | open Monday-Friday from 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM & Saturday and Sunday 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Admission: free

Further out lies one of Berlin's Christmas markets - the Christmas Market at Späth'schen Baumschulen. Throughout the year, the courtyard café, changing markets, and events attract numerous visitors to the southeastern part of the city. During the Advent weekends, the historic building shines in festive lights. Over 100 lovingly decorated stalls offer well-known classics, handicrafts, and extravagant hats. The highlight in the middle: a Christmas tree forest featuring the best Christmas trees in Berlin, including Nordmann firs, pines, and red spruces. The crackling campfires create an atmosphere that even the most reluctant can enjoy during the Advent season.

Christmas Market at Späth'schen Baumschulen | open on all Advent weekends | Späthstraße 80/81, 12437 Berlin | open from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM | Admission: 3 Euros (children up to 16 years free)

Even though the Christmas market at Alexanderplatz (for good reasons) is not included in our list of the best Christmas markets in Berlin, it's worth mentioning. After all, it's here in front of the TV Tower where the largest Erzgebirge pyramid in Europe stands. For a more contemplative atmosphere, visitors should opt for the nearby Christmas market next to the Red City Hall or the peaceful market at Gendarmenmarkt (see tip below).

Just because of the beautiful lighting of Charlottenburg Palace, a visit to this Christmas market in Berlin during the pre-Christmas season is worthwhile. But it's not just the historical setting that earns it the reputation of being one of the most romantic and beautiful Christmas markets in Berlin - and one of the largest. The area spans around 20,000 m² with plenty of space for up to 130 vendors. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by charming, small stalls and delicacies ranging from bread on a stick to baked apples. Since 2007, the streets and sidewalks in front of the palace have transformed into a festively illuminated Christmas ensemble, attracting hundreds of visitors from Berlin and the surrounding area, particularly in the evenings and on weekends. By the way, the Christmas market is open until the second Christmas holiday. So there's plenty of time to visit during a Berlin city trip.

Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market | from November 21 to December 26 (closed on December 24) | Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin | open Monday-Thursday 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Admission: free

Tip: Want to get out of Berlin? How about visiting one of the Christmas markets in Potsdam? The palatial city knows how to get stressed-out urbanites into the festive spirit. Especially at the largest Christmas market in Brandenburg at Luisenplatz, the blue lights, roasted almonds, and mulled wine in all imaginable variations lure visitors.

One of the most beautiful settings for a cozy evening or daytime visit with mulled wine and bread on a stick is the Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt. Nestled between the French and German Dom, you can find Bohemian specialties, hearty treats, sweets, and all sorts of handmade items, from wooden toys to bags, jewelry, and hats. There's also a cozy crafts tent where you can watch woodcarvers, tailors, and comb-makers working. Performers provide entertainment with acrobats and dance groups offering a varied show program. Or you can simply enjoy the festive atmosphere that arises here in the heart of Berlin. The Christmas market opens its doors on November 21. Tip: Bringing suitcases and large backpacks is no longer allowed here.

Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt | from November 21 to December 31 | Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin | open daily from 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, on December 24 & 31 until 6:00 PM | Admission: free from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, then 1 Euro.

In the mood for a Christmas market that's a little different? Then this Advent at Klunkerkranich is just the place for you. The cultural garden of Klunkerkranich has become an institution in Berlin nightlife. Even during the day, especially in summer, great food and drinks are accompanied by good music and, of course, the view of the surrounding city. The green rooftop bar located on the parking deck of the Neukölln Arcaden transforms during the off-season into the highest Christmas market in the city. It delights visitors with festive lights, delicious apple punch, mulled wine, and bratwurst. In between, there are all sorts of unique handmade products, bags, jewelry, clothing, and accessories. In the afternoons, the music and cultural program starts.

Klunkerkranich - Cultural Rooftop Garden on the sixth parking deck of the Neukölln Arcaden | from November 23 to December 23 | Karl-Marx-Straße 66, 12043 Berlin-Neukölln | open Wednesday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 1:30 AM, Saturday & Sunday from 12:00 PM to 1:30 AM | Admission: free

Another Christmas market that can only be found in Berlin: the Japanese Christmas Market. In recent years, this truly unique mix of colorful decorations, where unicorns make occasional appearances, plenty of rice wine, Japanese background music, and quirky little stalls has attracted many visitors to Arena Berlin. This year, the extraordinary (and not particularly contemplative) Japanese Christmas Market will again draw visitors from all over Berlin. Those looking to escape the classic Christmas hustle and bustle, gingerbread scents, and Erzgebirge decorations for a few hours will definitely find a welcome alternative here.

Japanese Christmas Market | Arena, Eichenstraße 4, 12435 Berlin | 2nd Advent weekend (December 3 & 4) | from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Even if Berliners don't often venture into this western part of the city, a visit to Spandau is worthwhile during the pre-Christmas season. The traditional Spandau Christmas Market takes place then, transforming the old town of Spandau into a contemplative Christmas world - complete with a medieval market and a giant fir tree in the heart of the market. This year, the Berlin Christmas market takes place for the 43rd time, making it one of the oldest of its kind in the entire city. Between Monday and Friday, around 250 exhibitors and stalls provide winter magic, while on Advent weekends, there can be up to 400 stalls where visitors can purchase Christmas gifts and warm punch. Additionally, there's a varied stage program. The best part: even from the eastern part of Berlin, the trip to Spandau takes a maximum of 30 minutes thanks to good transport links; by car, you can reach Spandau from the city highway. The market opens its doors on November 23, 2016.

Spandau Christmas Market | Dates: November 23 to December 23, 2016 | Carl-Schurz-Straße, 13597 Berlin | open Monday-Thursday & Sunday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Admission: free

And one more contemplative recommendation for the pre-Christmas season from us: the Alt-Rixdorf Christmas Market. Around the Neukölln Richardplatz, formerly part of the village of Rixdorf, petroleum lamps illuminate the nearly 100 stalls that create a festive feeling each year. Among them are primarily charitable organizations and associations selling Christmas toys, decorations, and handmade candles, jewelry, and much more. For the little Christmas market visitors, there are also a historical smithy and the Three Wise Men from the East with their camels. The Alt-Rixdorf Christmas Market can easily be reached from all parts of Berlin - best by train. Please note: As usual, the Christmas market is only open on the second Advent weekend. So keep that date free; it's worth it!

Alt-Rixdorf Christmas Market | Dates: December 2 to 4, 2016 | Richardplatz 28, 12055 Berlin | open from Friday, December 2, 5-9 PM, Saturday, December 3, 2-9 PM & Sunday, December 4, 2-8 PM | Admission: free

Even though cold and dark afternoons can sometimes dampen our spirits, the Berlin Christmas markets finally bring a sense of holiday anticipation. One thing is just as popular among Berliners as mulled wine at the markets: ice skating! You can do that not just at Alexanderplatz or the Neukölln ice rink, but also at the Erika Hess Ice Stadium in Wedding or the Wilmersdorf Horst-Dohm Ice Stadium, where beginners and experts can twirl around.