Celebrate the German tradition of Advent in Berlin like a local at these less touristy and alternative Christmas markets. From the most green and vegan-friendly Advent markets to one entirely dedicated to dogs, this travel guide has it all.
Everyone has heard of Germany’s famous Christmas markets. But did you know that there are Advent markets too?
The tradition of Advent markets is even older than Christmas markets. But most people have never heard of them before because they’re less commercialized.
Advent markets may not have the same glitz and glam as Christmas markets. But in many ways, they are more enjoyable to visit.
Not only do they offer a more authentic local experience, but they’re less crowded, less touristy, and cheaper to visit. Plus, they’re often the best places to buy unique and alternative gifts that you won’t find at your traditional Christmas markets.
We didn’t know what Advent markets were until we moved to Berlin a few years ago. And since then, we’ve been immersing ourselves in this integral German tradition in anticipation of Christmas.
If you want to get an authentic German Christmas market experience in Berlin that’s less touristy and more off-the-beaten-path, then make sure to add these 8 Berlin Advent Markets to your list. You won’t regret it!
Bonus Tip: First time spending Advent in Germany? Make sure you know these 13 tips for visiting Christmas Markets in Germany.
It’s a quick sneak peak:
Map of Berlin Advent Markets
Here’s a free map to find these alternative Christmas markets in Berlin. You can easily get to all of them with the public transport ticket for A and B zones.
If you don’t live in the city, we’d recommend getting the Berlin Welcome Card. This will cover all your public transport needs (bus, trains, trams) and get you discounts at museums, restaurants and other attractions.
Our custom Google map will help you easily find your way there:
1. Advent Market at the Schöneberger Südgelände Nature Reserve
Make your own Advent wreaths and festive decorations at one of the most authentic German Christmas markets in Berlin. Sip glühwein whilst taking a stroll around this former railway yard turned nature reserve.
Where: Prellerweg 47-49
Dates: 30 November and 1 December, 7 and 8 December 2024
Opening hours: Saturday from 15:00 – 19:00, Sunday from 12:00 – 18:00
Entrance Ticket: €1.00 (free for children younger than 14 years)
Highlights
- Make your own Xmas gift workshop
- Admire artwork and festive light installations
- Stroll around one of the most unique parks in Berlin
- Wheel-chair and pram-friendly
Things To Do and See
The Advent Lichter Genuss market is a must-visit if you’re looking for an authentic German Christmas experience. Not only is it a hidden gem, but it’s also located in one of the most unique parks in Berlin, the Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände (nature reserve).
Believe it or not, this park was the former Tempelhof railway yard where trains were built more than 130 years ago. After it closed down and became abandoned, nature slowly took over. Eventually, it was converted into a nature reserve that protects over 600 species of plants, animals, and insects.
On the first two advent weekends, a quaint Christmas market is set up on the park grounds. It’s small compared to other markets, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with plenty of things to do.
Our highlight at this advent market is the workshop where you can make and design your own advent wreaths. For a small fee, you can make traditional German Christmas decorations from natural materials like pine cones, pine wood, and other wooden pieces with the help of a florist.
And if you’re not particularly into arts and crafts, there are market stalls that sell a variety of beautiful, handmade gifts and artworks that will make unique gifts for friends and family.
After you’ve had your fill of delicious waffles and gluhwein, do what the locals do and go for a stroll (or ‘spazieren’ in German). There’s plenty to see in the nature reserve.
From learning about the history of trains, and how nature and endangered species are preserved here, to admiring artwork and Christmas light installations sprinkled throughout the park.
Don’t forget to bring a candle if you want to add it to the giant candle circle near the entrance.
There is a small entrance fee of €1 to visit this Berlin advent market. Totally worth it to visit this unique place where history, nature, and art meet.
2. Nordic Fairtytale Christmas Market at Schloss Britz
Travel back to Nordic medieval times and catch a glimpse of how knights and Vikings ‘celebrated’ Christmas. A great alternative to the RAW Historical Christmas Market in Friedrichshain, Berlin.
Where: Schloss Britz (Britz Castle)
Dates: 29 November to 1 December, 6 to 8 December, 13 to 15 December and 20 to 22 December 2024
Opening hours: Friday 14:00 – 21:00, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 – 21:00
Ticket Price: €5 entrance (for the entire Advent weekend) and free for children under 6 years
Highlights
- Unique Nordic Medieval Christmas market
- Bow and crossbow shooting, knife throwing, and more!
- Cosy fireplaces to huddle around
- Entertaining stage performance for young and old
Things To Do and See
If you love the Historical Christmas market at Berlin RAW Gelände, then this Advent market is a quieter alternative. Not only is it less touristy and commercial, but it’s packed with a medieval atmosphere.
This is the Nordic Fairytale Advent Market at Schloss Britz – or in German, the ‘Nordische Märchenweihnacht’.
As a fantasy book lover, this was probably my favorite advent market in Berlin. So if you ever wanted to time travel to see what Christmas was like before Santa Claus was invented, this is the Advent market to visit!
Everything at this market, from its elaborately thought-out decor, and rustic fireplaces, to its medieval-style games and unique atmosphere, will show you a glimpse of how knights and Vikings ‘celebrated’ what we now call Christmas.
Christmas wasn’t exactly ‘celebrated’ back then. Instead, people believed that they had to ward off evil spirits and monsters that would come for them during the coldest time of the year.
So expect to find unattractive snow queens and grizzly ice trolls, instead of the usual cheerful gnomes and smiling reindeers. This advent market is about the darker myths and legends around Xmas.
This Christmas market may be alternative, but it’s family-friendly. There are plenty of things to do for children big and small. They’ll absolutely love the kid-friendly medieval games, like playing on wooden Viking boats, jumping on the giant trampoline, to trying archery or knife throwing.
Don’t forget to try the delicious food and drinks. The Nordic Fairytale advent market has the usual glühwein and bratwursts. But also medieval-inspired hot cherry wine, quince mead, and even the Scandinavian mulled punch, glögi.
I tried the spinach gorgonzola pastry and it was mouth-watering!
There is a €5 entrance fee to visit this advent market in Berlin. Absolutely worth it for the unique atmosphere and the fact that it’s valid for the whole weekend.
Related Guide: Looking for more medieval markets like this one? Check out our Best Christmas Markets in Berlin guide.
3. Environmental Christmas Market on Sophienstrasse
Experience one of the most ethical advent markets in Berlin. Shop and eat organic and sustainably produced products, and buy unique gifts for family and friends from Berlin’s young creative artists.
Where: Sophienstrasse
Dates: 30 November and 1 December, 7 – 8 December, 14 – 15 December, 21 – 22 December 2024
Opening hours: Saturdays 12 pm – 8 pm, Sundays 11 am – 7 pm
Admission fee: Free entrance
Highlights and Things To Do
- Located in one of Berlin’s oldest streets
- Sells organic, sustainable, and fairly produced products
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly
This hidden gem is easy to miss. The Environmental Advent Market on Sophienstrasse is nestled in one of the city’s oldest streets between the vibey hotspots, Hackesche Hofe and Rosenthaler Platz.
This is the market to visit if you want to shop and support sustainable and fair traders and creatives. Not only do they make unique gifts, but many are made from ethical and natural resources too.
Health enthusiasts will love this market for their organic food and drinks. And best of all? There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options too.
Here’s a fun fact. All the lighting at this advent market uses energy-saving light bulbs. There are no rides or excessive neon lights to keep electricity usage to a minimum.
The Environmental Advent Market on Sophienstrasse is not big or fancy by any means. But we love that it reminds us that Christmas is a time for giving, not only receiving.
Related Guide: Love gluhwein? This Berlin Gluhwein To-Go Guide shares 60+ places where you can enjoy mulled wine in every district and neighbourhood.
4. Artisan Christmas Market at Mexikoplatz
The best advent market in Berlin for buying unique, alternative and one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.
Where: Just outside S-bahn Mexikoplatz
Dates: 1, 8, 15 and 22 December 2024
Opening hours: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entrance Ticket: Free
Highlights and Things To Do
- Great for buying one-of-a-kind arts and crafts as Xmas gifts
- A huge selection of art made from wood, ceramics, metal, fabric, and even gemstones
- Get your portrait painted
If you have a loved one who is notoriously difficult to buy gifts for, then the Artisan Advent Market at Mexikoplatz will solve your problem.
They have the largest selection of handmade gifts from artworks, jewelry, paintings, handknits, and embroidered items to porcelain crafts and decorations.
Each craft is a masterpiece. Most are once-off items so they make the perfect, one-of-a-kind gifts that can’t be purchased anywhere else.
And for those who want to gift your friends or family something even more unique, you can have their portrait painted here.
The Artisan Advent Market sells more arts and crafts than food. But they do have homemade mulled wine (of course) and some of the best waffles you can eat in Berlin.
Save Me For Later
5. Merry Markthalle
The Advent market for food lovers or those who prefer to cozy it up indoors when it’s too cold or raining in Berlin.
Where: Markthalle Neun
Dates: 8, 15 and 22 December 2024
Opening hours: 11:00 to 18:00
Admission fee: Free entrance
Highlights and Things To Do
- Gourmet food market
- One of the few indoor Xmas markets
- Located in the vibey Kreuzberg neighborhood
If you’re a foodie, then this is the Berlin advent market to visit.
Markthalle Neun is a treasured indoor market amongst locals. Over Advent, the food hall takes on a festive vibe offering spicy glühwein, Christmas cake, and other treats amongst its usual gourmet food offerings.
Make sure to try the mouth-watering cake from Frau Zeller when visiting. I had the baked cheesecake and it was to die for!
It’s also a great place for Xmas shopping. You’ll find everything here from handmade sausages and food products to ceramics, natural cosmetics, and organic wine.
This advent market may not have the usual fun and games for kids. But it’s a great alternative Christmas market to visit when it’s raining in Berlin.
6. Berlin Dog Christmas Market
Celebrate man’s best friend at the only Christmas market in Berlin dedicated to dogs.
Where: Forsthaus Paulsborn am Grunewaldsee
Dates: 7 and 8 December 2024
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00
Ticket Price: €2.50 (€0.80 will donated to the Berlin animal food bank)
Highlights and Things To Do
- The only dog Christmas market in Berlin
- Caters dog-friendly food
- Huge selection of dog-friendly gifts
- Located in Berlin’s largest leash-free dog running area
Germany is a very dog-friendly country. So dog-friendly, in fact, that there’s a one-of-a-kind Xmas market made just for them. The Berliner Sirius Hundeweihnachtsmarkt – or Berlin Sirius Dog Christmas Market in English.
This advent market may not sell gluhwein for dogs. But they have plenty of dog-friendly food and treats, as well as clothes, toys, and accessories for your four-legged friends.
It’s located in the largest dog off-leash area in Grunewald. Making it the perfect place to take your dog for a stroll before enjoying this cozy Advent market together.
Whether you have a dog or not, this is a charming off-the-beaten-track advent market to visit for all dog lovers.
7. Advent Eco Market at Kollwitzplatz
A minimalist, eco-friendly Advent market in one of the most vegan-friendly neighborhoods in Berlin.
Where: Kollwitzplatz
Dates: 1, 8, 15 and 22 December 2024
Opening hours: 12:00 to 19:00
Admission fee: Free entrance
Highlights and Things To Do
- Buy fair trade and eco-friendly products
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly
- Within walking distance to Lucia Christmas Market in Kulturbrauerei
If you prefer a more minimalist, understated Christmas than the usual glitz and glam, then The Advent Eco Market at Kollwitzplatz is for you.
Health fanatics will particularly love this market for its huge selection of organic food products. And best of all? They’re all grown by local farms in the Berlin Brandenburg region.
Make sure to try their organic mulled wine and a slice of Viennese apple strudel. They’re absolutely delicious!
Besides farm-fresh food, you can also buy unique Xmas gifts at this Advent market. From ethical and eco-friendly toys and textiles to handmade knits and crafts.
The Advent Eco Market at Kollwitzplatz is not big or fancy by any means. But we love that it promotes a more fair and sustainable Christmas. It’s also a great alternative to the Lucia Christmas Market in Kulturbrauerei nearby.
8. British Christmas Market at St George’s Church
Experience the only traditional English Advent market in Berlin.
Where: St George’s Church
Dates: 7 December 2024
Opening hours: 14:00 to 18:00
Admission fee: Free entrance
Highlights and Things To Do
- Enjoy traditional English Christmas food
- Listen to carol singers and bagpipers
- Unique Charles Dickens-era costumes
If you’ve visited plenty of German Christmas markets and wonder how the English celebrate it differently, then this is the place to visit.
The British Christmas Market at St George’s Church has everything that makes the festive season traditionally English. From carol singers and bagpipers to readings of Christmas classics.
And let’s not forget the food! Here you’ll find all sorts of Xmas specialties, from bread and fig pudding with brandy whipped cream, to biscuits, jams, and mince pies, to homemade Scotch eggs.
For those who love to shop, there are wonderful second-hand items and handmade gifts to buy, including English books!
This Advent market will give you a taste of home away from home for many British expats who live in Berlin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Advent markets are festive outdoor markets that are held in Germany (and other parts of Europe) on the 4 weekends counting down to Christmas.
Both Advent and Christmas markets are popular holiday traditions in Germany, but there are some differences. Advent markets usually run on the four weekends or Sundays leading up to Christmas, while Christmas markets are open daily from late November through New Year’s. Advent Markets are often less touristy and have a more local feel, making them the perfect alternative Christmas markets away from the crowds.
Most Berlin Advent markets are free to visit. But there are a few where entry tickets are required. Ticket prices range between €1 to €5 depending on the Advent market.
Wrapping Things Up
Advent markets may not be as popular as Christmas markets. But in many ways, they’re more enjoyable to visit. They’re less crowded, less touristy, and cheaper to visit. Plus many of them are centered around an important cause, like environmental sustainability or supporting local farmers and creatives.
Not only are these Berlin Advent Markets hidden gems, but they are a great alternative to visiting popular Christmas markets in the city.
