Tips for Visiting the Berlin Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market

The Berlin Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is one of the most popular Christmas markets in the city. It’s a favorite among both local and visitors, and it’s easy to see why. This market is set in a lovely square in central Berlin, and despite the 2 euro entry fee, it’s worth adding to your Berlin Christmas trip.

In this article, I’ll tell you all about the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market in Berlin, or its official name in German, Weihnachtszauber Gendarmenmarkt.

About the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market Berlin

The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market is named for the gorgeous square where it takes place. Three gorgeous buildings frame Gendarmenmarkt square, which makes for a nice backdrop for the Christmas market. They are the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral), Französischer Dom (French Cathedral), and Konzerthaus Berlin (Berlin Concert House).

White tents and twinkling Christmas lights give this market a bit of an upscale feel, but without feeling overly fancy. It’s such a beautiful setting and definitely one I recommend including it on your Christmas market itinerary in Berlin.

Christmas market food at Berlin Christmas Market Gendarmenmarkt

The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market serves up the traditional German foods, but you’ll also find Austrian and other cuisines. We’ve seen Kaiserschmarren (an Austrian pancake type dessert that’s cut up into strips) and a Dutch mini pancake treat.

There was a place with baked potatoes with various toppings. You’ll find candied almonds and lots of other sweets. Plus several gourmet restaurants are at this Berlin Christmas market in heated tents. Certain stands change from year to year, but you definitely won’t go hungry here with so many delicious choices.

Drinks at the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market

Of course you’ll find tasty hot Glühwein at stalls throughout the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market. Choose from red and white, and if you want an extra kick, order it with a shot of liquor. It’s “mit Schuss” in German.

While exploring the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market, you’ll also see hot chocolate, tea, and Eierlikör, which is similar to eggnog. Eierlikör typically has liquor in it already, but hot chocolate and tea can be ordered with or without a shot of liquor.

One stall here sells Feuerzangenbowle, which is a drink made by drenching a cone of sugar in liquor and lighting it on fire. This sits above a cauldron of Glühwein and gives the Glühwein an extra kick. But this particular stall also has a barrel of rum to kick it up another notch, and you can add the rum yourself.

And you can order Kinderpunsch at most stalls. This is a similar idea to Glühwein, but it’s nonalcoholic. So if you don’t drink alcohol or you’re traveling with kids, there are several options.

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Have questions about planning your trip to Berlin?

Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

Deposit on mugs

No matter what you order, you will be charged the drink price plus Pfand. Pfand is a deposit, usually a few euros, and you will get your deposit back when you return your mug. Or if you keep ordering, they’ll keep swapping out your dirty mug for a clean one, and you’ll get your deposit back at the end when you’re done drinking.

These mugs can be a nice souvenir from Berlin, so if you want to keep it, you’re only forfeiting the deposit. The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market often has some really interesting ones, so this might be a good place for keeping one of the mugs.

What to buy at the Gendarmenmarkt Berlin Christmas Market

This Christmas market has lots of stalls where you can buy gifts and souvenirs. You’ll find Christmas decorations, wooden toys and other items, winter hats, and chocolates. I’ve also seen glass items, candles, jewelry, and many other interesting things.

New Years Eve at Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market

Since this is one of the Berlin Christmas markets open after Christmas Day, there is a big New Year’s celebration on that night. You can see lots of different performances, including musicians, dancers, and a DJ. And of course, there is a big fireworks display.

What to wear at the Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt

Winter in Berlin is cold, and if you’re visiting for the Christmas markets, you should definitely come prepared. Wear warm clothing and dress in layers. It’s also more likely to rain in December than it is to snow, so make sure your shoes and coats are water resistant. Check out my Berlin winter packing list for more details.

Where is the Berlin Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market located?

After several years of construction, the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market is back at its normal location, which is Gendarmenmarkt square, the location it’s named for. You can find it here.

If you’re doing some sightseeing, you can easily walk here from Museum Island, Berliner Dom, Bebelplatz, Brandenburger Tor, and several other places on or near Unter den Linden. It’s also easy to combine this market with the Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market and the Humboldt Forum Christmas Market.

Do you need tickets for the Christmas market?

The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market in Berlin charges 2 euros to enter. Kids up to 12 years old are free at any time. If you leave and come back, you have to pay the fee again.

But you can get in for free Monday through Friday before 2pm. The exception is on December 24, 25, 26, and 31, when you have to pay the fee no matter what time you arrive.

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this guide to the Berlin Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!