Photo by **Roman Kraft** on **Unsplash**

Berlin during the holiday season transforms into a dazzling sea of Christmas markets, mulled wine, and twinkling lights. With over 80 Christmas markets spread across the city, there’s something for everyone to discover. But where should you start?

At Original Berlin Walks, we love the diversity of Berlin’s Christmas markets – from traditional to alternative, from family-friendly to festively wild. That’s why we’ve put together our Top 6 Christmas Markets for 2024 to help you choose.

Before diving into the markets, here’s a special recommendation:

Experience Berlin’s festive magic with a guided tour of its most beautiful Christmas markets!

Our Berlin Christmas Markets Tour takes you on a festive journey to three of the city’s most enchanting markets. Together, we’ll uncover fascinating stories about Berlin’s holiday traditions and their historic origins, and there’ll be plenty of magical photo opportunities and time to discover traditional craftsmanship and treats like mulled wine or roasted almonds.

🎅 Every Monday, Saturday and Sunday until 23rd December 2024 starting at 3PM

🎅 Duration: 3 hours

🎅 Meeting Point: in front of the Berlin Tourist Information Centre, Brandenburg Gate

🎅 Language: English

🎅 Cost: €22 per person (Children under 12 join for free!)

Click here for more info on the tour.

**Caroline (Marketing & Finances)**:

Kick off your holiday season in the heart of Berlin! **The Winterwelt at Potsdamer Platz** opens early, on November 1, 2024, and runs until January 7, 2025. With a 12-meter-high toboggan run, après-ski huts, and a sparkling Christmas market, this is a must-visit.
*“Winterwelt at Potsdamer Platz feels like a mini getaway to the mountains – right in the middle of Berlin,” says Caroline.*

... and if you still fancy a few traditional booths with arts and crafts, Christmas decorations and gingerbread, you can also stroll along Alte Potsdamer Straße, which is wonderfully illuminated from November 25 to December 26, 2024. There’s a huge wooden pyramid from the German region of Erzgebirge which is known for its Ore Mountain folk art. I also love the impressive colorfully lit Christmas tree at Marlene-Dietrich-Platz and the Christmas lights at the “Center am Potsdamer Platz” (formerly known as Sony Center) right around the corner."

More info and opening hours for the Christmas market at Potsdamer Platz can be found here.

**Lars (CEO and Grinch):**

The elegant **Christmas market at Bebelplatz** is nestled between the State Opera, Humboldt University, and St. Hedwig’s Cathedral. With its artisanal crafts and warm lighting, it’s ideal for those seeking a romantic and sophisticated holiday atmosphere.
*“The pavilions, the scent of roasted almonds, and the cozy artisan tents are simply irresistible,” says Lars.*

The gastronomy there is also relatively upscale and in large parts heated and covered, just like the large tent with the many artisans who give live on the spot insight into the craft manufacturing processes. So even if the weather is bad, you can stroll through the market comfortably and find many original gifts, for example handmade candles, wood carvings or extravagant decorations.

The entrance fee is only 2 EUR (really fair!), and a part of the entrance fee is donated for social and cultural tasks in Berlin, which I think is great.

More info and opening hours for the Christmas market at Bebelplatz can be found here.

**Ingrid (Customer Service):**

Lively and central, the **Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz** is perfect for families. Highlights include the traditional pyramid, the ice-skating rink, and the famous Ferris wheel.
*“It’s a mix of nostalgia and modern holiday buzz,” says Ingrid.*
Right next door, you’ll find the quieter Red Town Hall Market, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere.

In addition, this Christmas market is centrally located, right next to the Rotes Rathaus, and there is simply something for everyone, especially of course for families with children.

More information and opening hours of the Christmas market at Alexanderplatz can be found here.

**Tomas (Customer Service):**

The market at **Charlottenburg Palace** feels like something out of a winter fairytale. With over 250 stalls, festive lights, and the scent of cinnamon and roasted almonds, it’s a truly magical experience.
*“The palace illuminated by Christmas lights is absolutely breathtaking,” says Tomas.*
A special children’s area with carousels and a small roller coaster adds an extra dose of magic.

This location is majestic, with over 250 vendors selling everything from food to traditional German crafts of nativity sets and tree decorations. There is even a small section for the little ones with children´s rides such as merry-go-rounds and tiny rollercoasters. A real treat for all!

More information and opening hours of the Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace can be found here.

**Charlotte (Tour Content & Partner Tours):**

The historic Kulturbrauerei offers the perfect backdrop for the Nordic-inspired **Lucia Christmas market**. Enjoy Glögg, warming fire pits, and unique Scandinavian treats like reindeer sausages and Finnish waffles.
*“The Nordic atmosphere here is unmatched,” says Charlotte.*
A nostalgic carousel, live music, and the popular Lucia choir make this market truly special.

There are also some fun special things you won't find at other markets, such as a mobile sauna (which you use dressed, of course), a fireplace with pre-warmed fur coats to warm you up, and all sorts of Scandinavian treats like Finnish glögi, Swedish glögg, or regular mulled wine, and a few fancier things like moose bratwurst and Finnish waffles. In the afternoon, you can also meet Santa Claus there from time to time. Probably he just feels so at home there... :)

More info and opening hours of the Lucia Christmas Market in the Kulturbrauerei can be found here.

**Anja (Guide Liaison):**

*“What's more Berlin than a Medieval Christmas market in an old train yard, located in the heart of the club and street art districts?! I love the* ***RAW Compound Christmas Market****, where modern Berlin meets historical nostalgia.”*
It’s a unique mix of medieval festivities and Berlin’s edgy coolness. Expect fire breathers, acrobats, and handcrafted artisan goods!

This market is located in the lively, artistic district of Friedrichshain. This district is known to be a big art and music lovers hub and the market is no exception. Enjoy hot mulled wine while watching performances by jugglers and acrobats. The market also boasts medieval goods made by Blacksmiths, Woodcarvers, and Potters. For the brave little ones: a troll forest and archery make for a memorable visit!

💡 Tip: Entry is free on Mondays – a great way to kick off your week!

More information and opening hours can be found here.

Even more info on Berlin Christmas markets, sorted by districts, can be found here.

Photo by **Daniil Silantev** on **Unsplash**

Celebrate the Holiday Season with Original Berlin Walks!

Whether you choose to wander through Berlin’s Christmas markets independently or join our guided tour, you’re in for an unforgettable holiday experience.