17 Festive Berlin Christmas Markets + an Essential Christmas Markets Guide (2023)

Germany is famous for Christmas markets, but other parts of the country tend to get all the attention. Berlin at Christmas time is magical though, and even people who aren’t that into Christmas enjoy the Berlin Christmas markets.

Despite the cold weather and short, dark days, one of my favorite things to do in Berlin at this time of year is spending time at my favorite Berlin markets sipping Glühwein. For those of you who don’t mind the lower temperatures, this can be a great time to go to Berlin.

If you’re planning a Christmas market trip to Berlin in 2023, we’ve got you covered. Here you’ll find some of the best Christmas markets in Berlin. Keep reading after the info about the specific markets for my Berlin Christmas markets map, helpful advice for how Christmas markets work, how to enjoy them, what to wear, and more.

Berlin Christmas Market Tours

Taking tour can be a fun way to see some of the best Christmas markets in Berlin with a guide who will give you information and history. It also eliminates any worries about getting lost or missing out on the best things at the markets.

Here are a few tours we recommend:

• Christmas In Berlin: Private Experience With A City Host: This private tour will show you some of Berlin’s best Christmas markets, and it’s customizeable. A free mug of Glühwein is included.
• Berlin Christmas Markets Culinary Tour: On this tour, you’ll get 6 food tastings at local Berlin Christmas markets, plus try a mug of Glühwein and hot chocolate with whiskey.

Best Berlin Christmas Markets

Berlin has so many fantastic Christmas markets! You’ll never get to all of them in one trip, so here’s a list of my top Christmas markets in Berlin. Some are popular crowd pleasers, while others are a little less known ones that I think are really great for enjoying Christmas in Berlin.

Berlin Christmas market 2023 dates

Official dates for the Berlin Christmas markets usually aren’t released until the fall. As of late summer 2023, most of the 2023 Berlin Christmas Markets are listing November 27th as the starting date, but that seems really late compared to years past. It’s possible the dates will change as it gets closer to Christmas market season. I will update this post if/when dates change.

Map of Berlin Christmas Markets

Where are Berlin Christmas markets? I’ve created this map of Berlin Christmas markets to help you find the best ones and plan your Berlin Christmas trip.

Gendarmenmarkt

Note: Due to construction, the WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt will take place at nearby Bebelplatz from 2022 to 2024. Bebelplatz is on Unter den Linden, about halfway between the U5 stations Unter den Linden and Museumsinsel.

The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, technically called WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt, is a big favorite among locals and tourists alike. It’s a gorgeous setting with the the German and the French Cathedrals and Schinkel’s Konzerthaus framing the Gendarmenmarkt square.

This one has a much more upscale sort of feel to it than some of the other Christmas markets, though it does still have a little bit of a traditional atmosphere.

The different stalls selling gifts are in little glass enclosures instead of the wooden huts you’ll see at most Christmas markets. This is part of what makes it feel a little more fancy.

But it’s not TOO fancy, and actually there are a lot of options for food, drinks, and shopping here that you won’t find at other Christmas markets in Berlin. It’s definitely worth coming to this one.

Tip: Check out the Feuerzangenbowle stall, which has a barrel of rum for you to add to your Feuerzangenbowle as you wish. It’s on the counter, accessible to customers. Seriously.

There is a 1 euro entry fee, and it’s one entry only, so if you leave and want to come back, you’ll have to pay another euro for the privilege. And the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market gets crowded despite the entry fee, so weekday afternoons are best if you want a slightly smaller crowd.

If you can get there before 2pm (except dates noted below) you can get in for free.

Opening dates: November 27 – December 31, 2023
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday noon to 10pm, Friday and Saturday noon to 11pm, Christmas Eve noon to 6pm, December 25th and 26th noon to 10pm, New Year’s Eve noon to 1am
**Location for 2022-2024: Bebelplatz
**Closest transport 2022-2024: U Museumsinsel
Entry fee: 1 euro, but if you get there early, it’s free Monday to Friday before 2:00 pm, except on December 24, 25, 26, 31

Lucia at Kulturbrauerei

This is one of my favorite Christmas markets in Berlin. It takes place in the big courtyard of Kulturbrauerei, a brick building that was once a brewery but now houses clubs, shops, and a movie theater. Different food and alcohol related events are held in the courtyard all year round, so it’s a fitting location for a Christmas market.

The Lucia market is Nordic themed, so you’ll find food and drinks with roots from countries like Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. Think Glögg instead of Glühwein (but really not much different) and reindeer and elk instead of pork. Though you will still see traditional German fare such as sausages being cooked on a giant grill swinging over a fire pit and big greasy Kartoffelpuffer.

There’s even a stall set up in a yurt with a wood-burning stove/fireplace. The line to get in and get a seat is long, so be prepared to wait. Another area has heated seats and coats that are attached to something suspending them over the heaters.

Overall this Christmas market has a really unique and cozy vibe, and I will happily go several times throughout the season.

Opening dates: November 27 – December 22, 2023
Opening times: Monday to Friday 3pm to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday 1pm to 10pm
Address: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
Closest transport: U Eberswalder Str
Entry fee: Free

Charlottenburg Palace

What’s more festive than a Christmas market in front of a palace? The Charlottenburg Palace is such a gorgeous setting any time of year, but when it’s Christmastime in Berlin, the palace is like a fairy tale.

This one was set to be ending after the 2022 Christmas season, but as of mid July, it was announced that this wonderful Christmas market will run again in 2023 and 2024. It’s one of my favorites for Christmas in Berlin, so I’m very happy about this.

The palace is lit up, and the stalls are set up in rows in front of the castle grounds. There are stalls with traditional German Christmas market food, plus a few outliers like the Hungarian food stand where I usually eat.

Wander around and you’ll find lots of different options for Glühwein and sweets. There’s even a stall selling hot cocktails if you want to try something a little different.

The Charlottenburg Palace Christmas market also has plenty of stalls selling traditional and unique gifts. And if you decide to keep your Glühwein mug as a souvenir, look for the ones shaped like little boots.

Don’t leave without taking in the view. On top of the Hungarian food stand is a viewing platform that will give you a nice look at this Christmas market from above.

I also like the Charlottenburg Palace Christmas market because it’s one of the few Berlin Christmas markets open on Christmas Day. Not many restaurants in the city are open on Christmas Day, so if you’re visiting during Christmastime, this is a nice festive option for your holiday meal.

Opening dates: November 27 – December 31, closed December 24
Opening times: noon to 10pm
Address: Schloss Charlottenburg, Spandauer Damm 20, 14059 Berlin
Closest transport: U Sophie-Charlotte-Platz, S Westend, Bus 109 or M45 Luisenplatz/Schloss Charlottenburg
Entry fee: Free

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Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Christmas Market

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was heavily damaged during WWII. Afterwards, rather than rebuild and repair it, the church was mostly left as is to remind us all of the destruction of war.

The Christmas market here takes place in a contrasting setting among this important memorial church and modern day shopping centers. The historical atmosphere prevails at Christmastime though, and you’ll enjoy the sweet treats, tasty sausages, and of course, the mulled wine.

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Christmas market is one of the few Christmas markets that remains open after Christmas Day. It’s also called Christmas market on Breitscheidplatz, named for the square where it takes place.

Opening dates: November 27, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm, December 24th 11am to 2pm, December 25th & 26th 1pm to 9pm, December 31st 11am to 8pm, January 1st 1pm to pm
Address: Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis-Kirche, Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin
Closest transport: U Kurfürstendamm, S & U Zoologischer Garten
Entry fee: Free

>>Read: 75 Famous Landmarks & Monuments in Germany

Rotes Rathaus Christmas market

Just a few steps from Alexanderplatz is a big Christmas market surrounding the Neptune Fountain. It’s named Rotes Rathaus for the Red Town Hall building nearby. This Christmas market has an ice skating rink, a big Ferris wheel, and lots of stalls to check out.

This isn’t the most unique market, but it’s centrally located, which makes it convenient if you’re doing some sightseeing in Mitte. I like that the nut stands have so many different kinds of candied almonds, and there are a few stalls selling homemade potato chips that are cut in front of you with a drill of all things.

You’ll have plenty of options for food, and some of the Glühwein huts have heaters. If you’re in the area, this market is better than the one in Alexanderplatz near the shopping centers. Check out my full guide to the Rotes Rathaus Berlin Christmas Market for more details.

Opening dates: November 27 – December 30, 2023, closed December 24
Opening times: Monday to Friday noon to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 10pm, December 25th and 26th 11am to 9pm
Address: Neptunbrunnen am Alexanderplatz, Spandauer Straße, 10178 Berlin
Closest transport: U Rotes Rathaus or S & U Alexanderplatz
Entry fee: Free

Spandau Christmas Market

Spandau is a section of Berlin in the northwest corner that was once its own town. Today it still has a German village vibe that makes you almost forget you’re still in Berlin. This makes for a cozy Christmas market feeling you can’t get in the middle of the city.

The main Spandau Christmas market sprawls out among the pedestrian-only streets in the Old Town to form Berlin’s largest Christmas market. Here you’ll find sausages, sweets, and daily visits from Santa – a big hit with the kids.

Aside from the main market, there’s also a Christmas market in front of the Spandau Rathaus (town hall) and another one at the Spandau Citadel. The one in front of the Rathaus is close enough you might not realize it’s technically a different market.

The Citadel one has an ice rink and a nativity scene with real sheep. Christmas market in one of the best preserved Renaissance fortresses in Europe? Yes please!

Opening dates: November 27 – December 22, 2023
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 11am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm
Address: Kammerstraße 6, 13597 Berlin (main Christmas market)
Closest transport: U Altstadt Spandau
Entry fee: Free (all three Spandau Christmas markets are free)

Alt-Rixdorf in Neukölln

Richardplatz is in the oldest part of Neukölln, and every year during the second weekend of the Advent season, a huge Christmas market takes place here. All the vendors are from charitable and non-profit organizations, so you can be sure your money is going to a good cause.

This market has a lively community atmosphere and is quite popular. You’ll find a wide variety of international food as well as traditional German fare, and the gifts for sale are unique items you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.

The Rixdorf Christmas market gets crowded, so if you’re able to go during the day, you might have a little more breathing room. But since it only runs for one weekend, it’s never really uncrowded.

Opening dates: December 8-10, 2023
Opening times: Friday 5pm to 9pm, Saturday 2pm to 9pm, Sunday 2pm to 8pm
Address: Richardplatz, 12055 Berlin
Closest transport: S Neukölln, U Karl-Marx-Straße
Entry fee: Free

Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt at RAW

The Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt (Historical Christmas Market) has a medieval theme, and it’s more laid back than many of the other Christmas markets in Berlin. You’ll find more fire lanterns than neon lights here, and there’s a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.

It’s quite kid friendly with a few rides, mostly things like hand-cranked merry-go-rounds and ferris wheels. You can also try your hand at target shooting with a bow and arrow.

The market is tucked away in the RAW Gelände in Friedrichshain, and even though it’s not one of the more popular ones, we quite enjoy going to this one every year. They have lots of food and drink options and unique gifts, and it doesn’t feel touristy.

It’s only a few blocks away from the East Side Gallery, so if you’re in the area, check out the Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt.

Tip: The ground here is all dirt and wood chips, so it can be quite muddy if it has rained. Wear sturdy shoes that you can wash off easily.

Opening dates: November 16 – December 22, 2023
Opening times: Monday – Friday 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Address: RAW-Gelände, Revaler Straße 99, 10245 Berlin
Closest transport: S & U Warschauer Straße, M10 & M13 trams S Warschauer Straße
Entry fee: Monday – Tuesday free, Wednesday – Sunday €3

Weihnachtsrodeo Design Market

If you’re looking for a different sort of Christmas market, the Weihnachtsrodeo is a great one to try. It’s a bit more shopping focused than the more traditional ones, but almost everything is locally made.

You’ll find lots of high quality items from clothing and accessories to chocolate and booze, decorative items, photographs and artwork, and much more. Plus there are several food stands and a few drinks stands. For unique gifts and souvenirs, this is the place to be.

I wasn’t crazy about the €6 entry fee, but I was happy to find out it came with a free gin and tonic or wine spritz.

Opening dates: December 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17, 2023
Opening times: noon to 8pm
Address: Luckenwalder Str 3 (Kühlhaus), 10963 Berlin
Closest transport: U Gleisdreieck
Entry fee: €6

Christmas Avenue

This one is better known as the LGBTQI Christmas market, and it’s held at Nollendorfplatz. This is Berlin’s gay quarter, and it’s a fun celebration with different events such as drag bingo. There’s a variety of music and food while you enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Opening dates: November 10 – December 23, 2023
Opening times: not announced yet
Address: Nollendorfplatz, 10787 Berlin
Closest transport: U Nollendorfplatz
Entry fee: Free

Klunkerkranich

This hip rooftop bar hosts a quirky Christmas market where you can find unique and handmade items from local Berlin artists. It is most likely the highest Christmas market in Berlin due to its location on the roof of a shopping center, so you’ll also get some fantastic views of Berlin from above.

The Klunkerkranich Christmas market takes place on weekends during the Advent season. There is a fee to get in, and it increases later in the day.

Opening dates: not announced yet
Opening times: not announced yet
Address: Karl-Marx-Straße 66, 12043 Berlin
Closest transport: U Hermannplatz or U Karl-Marx-Straße
Entry fee: (Note: these are fees from past years, 2023 hasn’t been announced yet.) 2pm – 4pm €1; 4pm – 6pm €3; 6pm – close €5

Alexanderplatz

Honestly, I’m not a fan of the Alexanderplatz Christmas market. Most of what they sell is very commercial and often normal souvenirs you can get any time of year. I think you can easily skip this one, but if you happen to be nearby, check out the Christmas pyramid. It claims to be the biggest walk-in Christmas pyramid in Europe, and it’s decorated with more than 5,000 lights.

This market is super close to the Rotes Rathaus Market, which I think is a little nicer. Maybe check out both for comparison’s sake.

Opening dates: November 27 – December 26, 2023
Opening times: not announced yet
Address: Alexanderplatz, 10178 Berlin
Closest transport: S&U Alexanderplatz
Entry fee: Free

Advent Eco Market at Kollwitzplatz

At the Kollwitzplatz square in Prenzlauer Berg, the Eco Market takes a more eco-friendly approach than the more traditional Christmas markets. Here you’ll find only regional organic and natural food traders, and gift items sold are produced in accordance with social and ecological standards. Dates haven’t been announced yet, but typically this market takes place on Sundays during the Advent season, and it has a really cozy neighborhood vibe.

Opening dates: not announced yet
Opening times: not announced yet
Address: Kollwitzplatz 1, 10435 Berlin
Closest transport: U Senefelderplatz or U Eberswalderplatz
Entry fee: Free

Sustainable Christmas Market on Sophienstr

I really enjoy this Christmas market because it has such a cozy vibe. Sophienstr is closed off each weekend during the Advent season and holds a Christmas market that focuses on sustainability, fairness, and environmental awareness.

It’s not a huge Christmas market, but you can go for a stroll from one end of the street to the other while sipping Glühwein and browsing the stalls. You can almost pretend you’re in a small village instead of the center of Berlin.

Opening dates: December 2 and 3, 9 and 10, and 16 and 17, 2023
Opening times: Saturday 12 noon to 8pm, Sunday 11am to 7pm
Address: Sophienstraße, 10178 Berlin
Closest transport: S Hackescher Markt or U Weinmeisterstr
Entry fee: Free

Heissa Holzmarkt

Holzmarkt is a quirky market along the Spree in Friedrichshain that has food trucks and other stalls on weekends throughout the year. At Christmastime, they host a Christmas market with an alternative vibe that Andy and I found quite enjoyable.

They have traditional Christmas food but also non traditional things. It’s very kid friendly, too. If you’re looking for something a little different and a little alternative in Berlin, definitely check out the Heissa Holzmarkt Berlin Christmas market.

Opening dates: not announced yet
Opening times: not announced yet
Address: Holzmarktstraße 25, 10243 Berlin
Closest transport: S&U Jannowitzbrücke
Entry fee: Free

Vegan Christmas Market at Fehrbelliner Platz

For another environmentally-friendly Christmas market in Berlin, check out the Vegan Christmas market. All food and drinks are vegan and organic, all tableware is non-disposable, and all Christmas decorations are plastic-free.

This is also a great market for purchasing non-plastic, regional, and ecological gifts. Dates haven’t been announced yet for the 2023 Christmas season, but usually this market takes place on weekends during the Advent season.

Opening dates: not announced yet
Opening times: not announced yet
Address: Fehrbelliner Platz 4, 10707 Berlin
Closest transport: U Fehrbelliner Platz
Entry fee: Free

Potsdamer Platz

The Christmas market on Potsdamer Platz is sort of two-in-one. There’s the Winterwelt (Winter World) section with an ice rink and a toboggan run for a sporty-feeling, kid-friendly atmosphere. For a more traditional Christmas market feel, wander over to Alte Potsdamer Straße for mulled wine and other Christmas treats. If you’re visiting Berlin with kids, this is one of the most kid-friendly Christmas markets in Berlin.

Opening dates, Winter World: October 22, 2023 to January 01, 2024
Opening dates, Christmas Market: November 27 to December 26, 2023
Opening times: not announced yet
Address: Potsdamer Platz, 10785 Berlin
Closest transport: S&U Potsdamer Platz
Entry fee: Free, toboggan run fee €2.50

Things to know before visiting Christmas markets in Berlin, Germany

Berlin during Christmas is fantastic. Everything feels very festive and happy, and it’s a bright spot in the middle of the dark and short days of Berlin’s winter.

Here are some tips and frequently asked questions about Christmas markets to help you out before your Berlin Christmas market trip.

When do Christmas markets in Berlin start?

The Germany Christmas market dates vary, but most of them start towards the middle or end of November. Traditionally, Christmas markets run during the Advent season, which starts four Sundays before Christmas.

Lots of places in Germany still adhere to that, especially in the south. But in many areas, you’ll see Christmas markets open even earlier.

Berlin is a little more flexible and starts earlier than the four Sundays rule. The Berlin Christmas market dates usually start around mid November, but note that each market sets its own dates, and some will start later than that.

This means you can usually experience roughly 6 weeks of Christmas markets in Berlin!

Many Christmas markets have their last day between December 22nd and Christmas Eve (December 24th) but there are a handful that are open a few extra days. A few of them even run for another week or two after Christmas.

It’s also important to note that many of them are closed on Christmas Day (December 25th) even if they’re open beyond Christmas. There are exceptions of course. For example, the Charlottenburg Palace Christmas market and the Rotes Rathaus Christmas market are usually open on Christmas Day.

A few Berlin Christmas markets only run on weekends, or on one specific day or weekend. Since there are so many Christmas markets in Berlin, it’s best to check the dates ahead of time by searching on the Berlin tourism website.

Christmas market hours vary depending on the exact market, but many will start late morning or early afternoon and run until somewhere between 8pm and 10pm. Some of the more specialized ones will have more limited hours.

Berlin Christmas Markets open Christmas Day

Many Berlin Christmas markets are closed on Christmas Day (December 25th) but there are some exceptions. Here are a few suggestions if you are visiting Berlin and want to go to a Christmas market that day:

• Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market
• Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market
• Breitscheidplatz / Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
• Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
• WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt (Bebelplatz)
• Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market and Winter World

And don’t forget to check out my list of Berlin Christmas markets open after Christmas if you’re in Berlin the last week of December.

When is the best time to visit Christmas markets in Berlin?

Honestly I don’t think there’s a bad time to visit a Christmas market. The best time really depends on your priorities.

If you’re interested in going when there are fewer people, weekdays during the day will be the least crowded. Evenings and weekends will be more crowded, but often that adds a lively atmosphere.

More popular Christmas markets will get more crowded, so it’s especially important to go to those on weekday afternoons if you’re hoping for less people.

I tend to like the Christmas markets better once the sun has gone down, but you won’t have to wait long for that in Berlin. In late November and almost all of December, sunset time is just a few minutes before 4pm.

Do the Berlin Christmas markets have entrance fees?

Most Christmas markets in Berlin do not have entrance fees. However, there are a few exceptions to be aware of.

Some of the specialty ones will charge a fee, and a few of the popular ones charge a fee. The one at Gendarmenmarkt charges a 1 euro entrance fee, and you can’t reenter on the same fee.

None of these entrance fees will break the bank. Most are 1 to 3 euros, although some are more expensive, like the Weihnachtsrodeo Design Market which charges 6 euros for an entrance fee.

Decide which ones are really important to you, and balance it out by visiting a few of the free Christmas markets, and there are plenty of those.

What should you wear to a Christmas market?

Since Christmas markets are happening in late November and most of December, you want to dress warm. This is the time to dress for comfort and wear layers.

Make sure you have a good scarf, hat, and a pair of gloves to keep you warm. And please wear comfortable shoes because you could be on your feet for awhile.

It rarely snows in Berlin in December, but it could happen. Either way, the temperatures will be hovering near freezing.

Before visiting the Berlin Christmas markets, check out our winter Berlin packing list and guide to what to wear in Berlin in winter.

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Can you pay with credit/debit card at the Christmas markets?

Cash is king in Germany, and even though the ability to pay for things with plastic has improved lately, it’s still not as common as in many other parts of the world. You should definitely come prepared to pay cash for everything from souvenirs to food and drinks.

The exception to this is at stalls selling high priced items. They are more likely to have a credit card machine since people won’t often have large piles of cash on them.

But ask first. Sometimes accepting plastic only means they accept local bank cards, and your foreign credit or debit card won’t work.

Make sure you have coins or small bills for things like entrance fees at markets that charge to enter. And in general, it’s best not to use bills bigger than a 20 euro bill since most purchases are small.

What should you buy at a German Christmas market?

Traditionally Christmas markets were where you’d do your Christmas shopping.

You know, before we all started shopping at malls and on Amazon. So even though the way we shop has changed, today this is still a big part of the Christmas market experience.

The items sold at Christmas markets varies greatly depending on the city of region you’re in and even the specific Christmas market.

Berlin has some Christmas markets dedicated to shopping, so there’s less emphasis on food and Glühwein. Some focus on designer items while others are more local crafts. Either way, you’re likely to find something unique.

Most Christmas markets will have Christmas themed items like decorations and ornaments. These are good souvenirs from Berlin, but try to find the interesting local ones, not the mass-produced ones.

At many Christmas markets, you’ll see a Christmas pyramid, called a Erzebirge pyramid, and some stalls will have miniature versions that you can buy. Sometimes they’re just mini replicas, but sometimes they function as candle holders.

Other stalls will have chocolate shaped like tools, or wooden items, or hats and scarves. Some will sell jewelry or kids’ toys.

You’ll even see some stalls selling purses and other bags or blankets. I have a purse and two winter hats I’ve bought from local Christmas markets.

At more touristy Christmas markets, you’ll see generic souvenirs from Berlin that aren’t really Christmas-y. I feel like this isn’t the point, that you can get these kinds of souvenirs anywhere, anytime of year.

At a Christmas market, you should aim to buy something more special and more connected with why you’re there.

This is just the tip of the iceberg really. The possibilities are endless.

And if you’re not much of a shopper, remember that a Glühwein mug makes a great German Christmas market souvenir, especially since it’ll often say “Berlin” or the specific Christmas market plus the year. And it only costs a few euros!

What kind of food do they have at Christmas markets?

Food is a big part of the Christmas market experience. Eat, drink, and be merry, right?

At German Christmas markets, you’re almost guaranteed to find sausages. Different markets might have different types, from traditional and local sausages to ones that fit with the theme, like deer sausages at the Nordic themed Christmas market at Kulturbrauerei.

One popular food you’ll see at Christmas markets in Berlin is the Kartoffelpuffer. This is sort of like a hashbrown pancake.

Usually they’re served in a set of three, but occasionally you’ll find them served as singles too. They are fried, greasy, and served with either apple sauce or a garlic or herb sour cream.

A dish you’ll commonly see at Christmas markets is Grünkohl, or green kale. It’s stewed and boiled and often cooked with other flavorful things like pork fat.

You can’t have Christmas without sweets, and you’ll find plenty at the Christmas markets. Chocolates, candies, and other sweets are popular, but keep an eye out for marzipan treats. And if you want to feel a tiny bit healthier, try some chocolate covered fruit.

Candied almonds are another popular food at Christmas markets. Some stalls will only have the traditional ones, while other stalls will have multiple types.

I’ve seen chili, liquor flavors such as rum or Baileys, different candy bar flavors, chocolate, and many more weird ones. Some stalls also sell other candied nuts, like cashews, walnuts, peanuts, and more.

You’ll probably also see lots of stalls selling Lebkuchen, which are gingerbread cookies that usually have frosting or sugar glaze on them. Sometimes they are decorated with designs or phrases and hung on string, presumably to wear as a necklace of sorts.

More specialized Christmas markets will have different types of foods. There are several sprinkled around the city that focus on a particular culture, so they will have foods from the corresponding countries and cultures. A vegan Christmas market will only serve vegan food.

No matter what, you can find enough great food to have dinner and dessert at the Berlin Christmas markets!

Everything you need to know about Glühwein

Glühwein is hot mulled wine, usually made with red wine but occasionally white wine. It’s what keeps us going in December when Berlin gets cold, dark, and depressing.

Glühwein is served in 0.2L mugs (that’s about 6.75 fluid ounces) and it’s usually too hot to drink right away, so have some patience. These days a mug of Glühwein costs somewhere around 4 to 6 euros, depending on the market.

If you don’t drink alcohol or you’re visiting a Christmas market with kids, you can order what’s called Kinderpunsch. This is basically a non-alcoholic Glühwein. Often you can find hot chocolate or hot tea, too.

Many Glühwein stalls will also add liquor to your Glühwein or hot chocolate for an extra charge. So if you want an extra kick, ask for your Glühwein with a shot of whiskey or rum. In German, this is “mit Schuss” which means “with shot”.

Feuerzangenbowle is another drink commonly found at German Christmas markets. To make it, a cone of sugar is drenched in liquor and lit on fire. This sits above a cauldron of Glühwein and gives the Glühwein an extra kick.

There are different versions, but that’s the simplest explanation. Feuerzangenbowle can be rather strong, so beware.

Occasionally you’ll find hot mulled cider and/or hot mulled beer, usually a fruity beer. Sometimes there are Glühweins flavored with fruit. I’ve even seen hot mulled apple wine a couple times in Berlin, even though apple wine is a Frankfurt specialty.

A word about Pfand (deposit) at Christmas markets in Germany

You might notice the sign at the Glühwein stall says a mug costs 5 euros, but you got charged 7 euros. No, they’re not trying to rip you off, I promise.

This is because there’s a deposit on your mug, called Pfand in German. Pfand is usually 1-3 euros, and you’ll get that money back when you return the mug.

If you order food that comes on a real plate (as opposed to a paper plate) you’ll be charged a deposit on the plate too.

So if you order several mugs of Glühwein in a night, you’ll be charged a deposit on the first one. Then they’ll swap out the mug for a clean one each time you order another. When you’re done, bring your mug back, and they’ll return your Pfand.

You can forfeit your deposit and keep the mug as a Christmas market souvenir if you’d like. While I would never keep the plate my food is served on, a Glühwein mug can be a nice memory of the Berlin Christmas market experience.

Berlin Travel Resources

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