Tips for Visiting the Rotes Rathaus Berlin Christmas Market
Berlin has so many Christmas markets, there’s no reason to choose just one. In fact, part of the advantage to coming to Berlin for Christmas markets is that there is so much variety here. If you’re looking for a classic, traditional feeling Christmas market that’s centrally located, I highly recommend the Rotes Rathaus Berlin Christmas Market.
This Christmas market is also sometimes called the Red Rathaus market or the Berlin City Hall Christmas market in English. In this blog post, I’ll you what you can expect at the Rotes Rathaus Christmas market in Berlin, how to get there, and more. Keep reading for more fun holiday details.
Tips for visiting the Rotes Rathaus Berlin Christmas MarketAbout the Rotes Rathaus Berlin Christmas Market
The Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market is named for the city hall building that stands nearby. Rotes means red, and Rathaus means city hall. It takes place in a big square that has the Neptunebrunnen (Neptune Fountain) in the middle, so it’s a really pretty setting.
This market is close to Alexanderplatz, but very much a different Christmas market, so make sure you don’t mix them up. I have an exact address and directions late on in the article.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or it’s an adults trip, there’s something for everyone here.
Activities at the Berlin City Hall Christmas Market
This Christmas market has lots of things to entertain you, and if you have kids, there’s plenty for them too.
One of the carousels at the Berlin City Hall Christmas MarketIce skating: The Neptune Fountain makes a great centerpiece for the Rotes Rathaus Christmas market, and a big ice skating rink is set up around it. Skate rentals cost 4 euros, and it’s a fun way to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Ferris Wheel: Another feature at this Christmas market is the big Ferris wheel. It’s actually from Munich, but they bring it here every year at Christmas time for this market.
Carousel: For something a little closer to the ground, kids can enjoy a cute carousel. There are a few throughout the market.
Visits from Santa: Three times a day, Santa rides in his sleigh pulled by reindeer high above the Christmas market. Afterwards he even poses for photos.
Miniature train: Kids can also ride a miniature train through a little fairytale forest. I’ve also seen a nativity scene with live animals.
Christmas Market Food at Rotes Rathaus Berlin Weihnachtsmarkt
This Christmas market has a good mix of stalls, so you won’t have to go far to find more food. There are sausages, pizza, goulash, Kartoffelpuffer (a hashbrown potato pancake), Grünkohl (green kale), and tons of other options to make a meal.
These potato chips at the Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market were deliciousSome stalls sell French fries or even freshly made potato chips. If sweets are what you’re after, you’ll have lots of choices. One of my favorites at this market are Quark balls, which are basically sugary fried dough.
Lebkuchen is another thing you will commonly see. These are gingerbread cookies that usually have frosting or sugar glaze on them. Sometimes they are decorated with designs or phrases and hung on string like a necklace.
Candied almonds are another common Christmas market treat. You’ll see them at just about every Christmas market, but in my experience, the Rotes Rathaus market has the best selection. Instead of just a few varieties, most stalls have dozens of types to choose from.
So if you want to have lunch or dinner at the Berlin City Hall Christmas Market, you won’t have a problem finding plenty of food here. But you can also have a fun Christmasy dessert.
Drinks at the Christmas Market at Berlin City Hall
It wouldn’t be a Christmas market without Glühwein, and the Rotes Rathaus market is no exception. In case you’re unfamiliar, Glühwein is mulled wine. It’s hot and flavored with spices such as cinnamon, anise, orange, and many other things depending on the exact recipe. You can also get a shot of liquor, usually rum or whiskey, added to your mug for an extra kick.
Enjoy some mulled wine at the Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market in BerlinBut Glühwein isn’t the only thing on offer. Another popular Christmas market drink is called Feuerzangenbowle. It’s 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.
There are different versions, but that’s the simplest explanation. Feuerzangenbowle can be rather strong, so beware.
Sometimes you will see mulled beer (it’s usually a fruity beer) or mulled cider. I’ve also seen hot apple wine, which is more of a Frankfurt specialty, but not uncommon in other parts of Germany.
Hot chocolate and Eierlikör are tasty alternatives to GlühweinWhile exploring the Rotes Rathaus Christmas market in Berlin, 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.
And lastly, 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.
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.
This one came with a cookieThese mugs can be a nice souvenir, so if you want to keep it, you’re only forfeiting the deposit. Although the mugs at the Rotes Rathaus market are a little boring, so if you’re going to other Christmas markets, I’d hold off and keep one from a different market.
What to buy at the Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market
This Christmas market has lots of stalls where you can buy gifts and Berlin souvenirs. You’ll find Christmas decorations, wooden toys and other items, winter hats, chocolates, and many other interesting things. We also like to buy a few paper cones of candied almonds to munch on at home since there are so many different types at this market.
You can often find lots of wooden items at Christmas markets to buy as giftsWhat to wear at the Berlin City Hall Christmas Market
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.
Andy and I dressed in layers for the Christmas markets in Berlin
Where is the Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market located?
The Christmas Market at Berlin City Hall is often confused with the Alexanderplatz market because they’re so close to each other. But they have different vibes, and I think the Rotes Rathaus one is so much better, so make sure you go to the right place.
Address: The market takes place in the square surrounding the Neptune Fountain, which you can find at Rathausstraße 1, 10178 Berlin. This is a little southwest of the Alexanderplatz station.
The Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market is right near the Berlin City Hall buildingHow to get to the Berlin City Hall Christmas Market
The Rotes Rathaus market is easy to reach using Berlin public transportation. The closest Ubahn station is U Rotes Rathaus on the U5 line. When you come up from the station to street level, you will see the market.
If you’re coming in on the U2 or U8, you can switch to the U5 at Alexanderplatz. But this market is close enough that I would suggest just getting out at Alexanderplatz and walking. You want to exit the station going towards the TV Tower. Walk past the TV Tower, and you will see the Rotes Rathaus Christmas market.
Download the BVG Fahrinfo app or the VBB Bus & Bahn app for transport routes and tickets.
The Rotes Rathaus Christmas market is fun during the day and at nightOpening dates for the Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market
The City Hall Berlin Christmas market runs from November 27 to December 30, 2023. It’s one of the few Christmas markets in Berlin open after Christmas, and they’re open on Christmas Day.
Opening times are Monday to Friday noon to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 10pm, December 25th and 26th 11am to 9pm.
Do you need tickets for the Christmas market?
Entrance to this Christmas market is free. Ice skate rentals are 4 euros.
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 customizable. 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.
Berlin Travel Resources
I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this guide to the Rotes Rathaus Christmas market in Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!
- 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
- 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
- 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
- 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
- 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
- What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
- How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation
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Ali is originally from the US, but she’s been living in Germany since 2011. In 2015, she and her husband moved to Berlin where they now live with their small dog. They even bought an apartment in Berlin in 2021 – Berlin is definitely home now! Ali’s goal is to show you everything you need to know for enjoying a trip to Berlin.
