
The ultimate guide on experiencing the best Christmas markets in Berlin for 2023. Everything from dates, opening hours and what makes each German Christmas market unique. To useful tips to know like how much to budget, whether card payments are accepted, how to easily get there using our free map, and guidelines visiting Christmas markets in Germany during the coronavirus pandemic.
As expats living in Berlin, one of the things we look forward to the most are the Christmas markets here. It’s truly a magical time of the year and with Berlin being the nation’s capital and the largest city in Germany, there are over 70 Christmas markets to discover and experience.
With so much choice, we thought we would help you narrow down the best Christmas Markets in Berlin so you can make the most out of your time and money during this wonderful time of the year.
But first, if you’ve never been to a Christmas market in Germany before, make sure you read our useful tips before you go.
We’ve also included some tips and guidelines for visiting German Christmas markets during the coronavirus pandemic.
If you have been before, skip straight to our best 10 German Christmas Markets in Berlin!
Before we jump straight into the tips, let’s first answer some basic questions about visiting German Christmas Markets.
In this guide
hide- Will There Be Christmas Markets in Berlin in 2023?
- Tips to Know Before Visiting Christmas Markets in Germany
- Best 10 Christmas Markets in Berlin 2023
- 1. Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
- 2. Berliner Weihnachtszeit Christmas Market at Rotes Rathaus
- 3. Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
- 4. Kurfürstendamm Christmas Market at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
- 5. Winterwelt am Potsdamerplatz Christmas Market
- 6. Historical Christmas Market in RAW Friedrichshain
- 7. Charlottenburg Christmas Market
- 8. Lucia Christmas Market at KulturBrauerei
- 9. Zitadelle Spandau Christmas Market
- 10. Berlin Christmas Garden at Botanischer Garten
- Best Christmas Markets in Berlin 2023 From Most Popular To Less Touristy
- Best German Christmas Markets
Will There Be Christmas Markets in Berlin in 2023?
Yes! There will be Christmas Markets in Berlin in 2023/2024! Holding thumbs that there won’t be any ‘once-in-a-generation Black Swan event’ that will change this.
When are Christmas Markets Open?
The majority of the Christmas markets start a month before Christmas. In 2023, most German Christmas markets in Berlin will open between the dates 21 and 25 November 2023 and close just after Christmas.
There are, however, a few markets like the ones at Kurfürstendamm, Gendarmenmarkt, Winter World at Potsdamerplatz and Weihnachszeit at Rotes Rathaus that remain open after Christmas.

Tips to Know Before Visiting Christmas Markets in Germany
Can You Pay by Card?
Germany is many things, but card-friendly is not one of them. Yes, you read that right! You’re going to need cash if you want to fill those bellies or do some Christmas shopping.
Coincidentally, ‘bar’ translates to ‘cash’ in German, which is rather appropriate if you love glühwein or beer.
Make sure to get your fix of glühwein as it’s usually only sold during the Christmas season.

Where to Find ATMs with No Withdrawal Fees in Germany?
Now that we’ve determined that you need cash, the next big question to ask is where to draw your ‘bar’ or cash without incurring transaction fees.
This depends on the bank card you use. If you’re using Revolut or N26 bank cards like us, you can draw at any major banks for no transaction fees if it is within your free monthly withdrawal limits.
In that case, head over to a Deutsche Bank, Post Bank, Berliner Volksbank or Sparkasse ATM and withdraw your cash for free.
Bonus Tip: Is your bank or travel card charging you withdrawal fees and commission fees when buying forex? Find out how you can get free cash withdrawals and get the best price buying forex in our Best Travel Card for 2023 guide.
Whatever you do, DO NOT draw at an EC ATM unless you have a German bank card that allows you to withdraw cash with them for free. These EC ATMs are super easy to find since they’re literally everywhere, but they will charge you a whopping €5 per transaction.

Pfand or Deposits at Christmas Markets
One thing we love about Germany is that it is a very environmentally conscious country and takes reducing waste and recycling very seriously. In fact, they take it so seriously that you won’t usually find plastic or even paper cups at Christmas markets in Germany. Instead, your delicious drinks are all served in a glass.
To encourage guests to bring their glasses back to the vendors, they charge an extra €3 to €5 per glass as a deposit. In German, this is referred to as ‘pfand’, which is pronounced like ‘fund’ in English.
When you’re done with your drinks, either return them and get your deposit back or keep the mug as a souvenir. You’ll probably want to keep at least one of the many festive Christmas market mugs you’ll find in Germany because they’re absolutely beautiful.

As sustainable travellers who try our best to reduce the footprint we have on the earth, we absolutely love this initiative! Yes, you will need to carry a bit more cash on you, but you’ll get the money back and it’s a small inconvenience that will help preserve our beautiful planet.
How Much to Budget for Berlin Christmas Markets
For food and drinks, we’d budget around €20 – €30 per person (including deposit). The prices are quite standardised across most Christmas markets in Berlin with beer, glühwein and bratwursts costing between €3 to €5.
If you’re planning to visit the Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt, budget between €30 – €50 per person if you want to spoil yourself and eat at one of the luxury, tented restaurants.

Collect Unique Christmas Mugs
Did you know that every Christmas market in Germany has its own signature Christmas mug and that they have different editions for each year?
Yes, each Christmas market has their own mug usually designed with pictures or words that distinguishes that area or market from the others. We didn’t know that ourselves until we visited a few German Christmas markets and realised that each one sold their own unique and charming Christmas mug!
So charming in fact that we did a giveaway last year and gifted one of our Instagram subscribers their favourite Christmas market mug.
Not only mugs but draft beer glasses too. Our favourites were these beer glasses from the Winter World Christmas market at Potsdamerplatz.

Other Tips For Visiting Christmas Markets in Germany
Found those basic tips useful? Then make sure you read our 13 Tips For Visiting Christmas Markets in Germany.
We’ve included more tips on how to dress warmly, the best area to book your hotel for visiting Christmas markets, best ways to avoid the crowds, and also some basic German phrases to know beforehand.
Related Guide: Looking for a Berlin Christmas market alternative? Why not go for a gluhwein walk with a friend? This Berlin Gluhwein To-Go Guide shares 60+ places where you can buy gluhwein in every district and neighbourhood in Berlin.
So far no COVID rules or guidelines have been announced for visiting Christmas Markets in Berlin in 2023.
No one can predict whether this will change. To be on the safe side, always bring your FFP2 masks and vaccination documents with you.
For general corona rules for travelers visiting Germany, check the German Federal Ministry of Health page.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against injury, illness, theft and even trip cancellation. It’s comprehensive cover in case anything goes wrong. We never go on a trip without it as we’ve had to use it many times in the past. Here are our favourite companies that offer the best value and service:
- SafetyWing (best for everyone)
- AXA (for US residents)
- Outbacker (for UK residents)
- Allianz (for Germany residents)
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Guided Christmas Markets in Berlin Tours
Learn more about the city of Berlin and its many historical landmarks whilst taking in the Christmas market spirit! Here are some awesome guided Christmas market tours you should not miss in Berlin:
Best 10 Christmas Markets in Berlin 2023
Here are our top 10 Christmas Markets in Berlin that you can easily get to using the public transport ticket for A and B zones. We’ve listed them from the most popular and busy markets to the least touristy ones.
Click on the map to see how far you are from the different German Christmas markets:

1. Alexanderplatz Christmas Market

Where: On Alexanderplatz square just outside Alexanderplatz U-bahn station
Dates: 21 November – 26 December 2023
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 22:00
24 December 2023 10:00 – 14:00
Highlights: Sip your glühwein while admiring Berlin’s iconic Fernsehturm in the backdrop on one of the most famous squares in Berlin! Or enjoy ice skating, a ride on the carousel and visit Santa Claus in his party house.
Admission fee: Free entrance
Anyone who has visited Berlin will most likely have visited Alexanderplatz. Not only is it one of Berlin’s main public squares and a major transport hub, but it also features one of the city’s iconic landmark buildings, the Berliner Fernsehturm or TV Tower.
Over the Christmas period, the square is completely transformed into a huge festive market located just outside the Alexanderplatz U-bahn station. This Christmas market is probably the busiest one we’ve been to.
Like other markets, there are lots of yummy goodies to buy, eat and drink. The drinks here are bigger (same size as Potsdamerplatz) – yes, that is an important factor if you love glühwein.

From this market you can enjoy the view of the TV Tower in the backdrop or harness your inner child and take a ride on the merry-go-round.
It’s also a great choice if you need to do some last minute Christmas shopping. Looking for a one-stop-shop? Then check out Galeria Kaufhof Berlin which is just a hop and a skip away.
Hotels near Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
You can’t get more central than staying near Alexanderplatz in Berlin. This is the perfect location to stay for night owls that want to enjoy Berlin’s bustling vibes 24/7.
- Budget: ibis budget Berlin Alexanderplatz
- Mid-range: Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz
- Luxury: Radisson Collection Hotel
Looking for more options? Compare prices on Booking.com or read hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.
Bonus Tip: Want to go up the Berlin TV Tower and see the city from above? Skip the queue and buy your Berlin TV Tower tickets online.
2. Berliner Weihnachtszeit Christmas Market at Rotes Rathaus

Where: The public square between the Berlin City Hall (Rotes Rathaus) and St. Marienkirche
Dates: 21 November 2023 – 1 January 2024
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday 12:00 – 22:00
Saturday and Sunday 11:00 – 22:00
24 and 25 December 2023 Closed
26 December 2023 11:00 – 21:00
Highlights: One of the most diverse Christmas markets in Berlin that will thrill the young, old and most of all, ice skating enthusiasts! Bring your own skates and ice skate for free!
Admission fee: Free entrance
Berliner Weihnachszeit Christmas Market is one of the newer and bigger Christmas markets in the city. As expected you can find a much larger variety of food, drink, gifts and activities to do here. It’s not too far away from the Alexanderplatz Christmas market, located just past the Berliner Fernsehturn (TV Tower).

Expect to be dazzled by bright fairy lights scattered across the entire market, entertained by a giant ferris wheel (it’s 50m high!) and it’s one-of-a-kind circular ice skating rink around Neptune fountain. If you’re going on a date, it really can’t get more romantic than this!
And if you’ve overindulged on bratwursts and pretzels, you should try the delicious, baked apple or ‘Bratapfel’ in German.
The tart, green apples are perfectly baked with a decadent and creamy homemade custard. And the extra sweetness you get from the raisins just leave your tastebuds wanting more.

It is one of the most famous markets in Berlin and therefore always busy, but certainly worth the visit.
When visiting this Christmas market, make sure to also check out the Medieval Market around St Mary’s Church (St. Marienkirche) before you head home.
Hotels near Berliner Weihnachtszeit Christmas Market
These hotels are within walking distance to the Berliner Weihnachtszeit Christmas Market at Rotes Rathaus, Alexanderplatz and the famous Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market. Stay here if you want to see all 3 German Christmas markets in Berlin.
- Budget: Holiday Inn Express
- Mid-range: Motel One Berlin Alexanderplatz
- Luxury: Radisson Collection Hotel
Looking for more options? Compare prices on Booking.com or read personal reviews on TripAdvisor.
Bonus Tip: Visiting Berlin with the kids? Take them to SEA LIFE Berlin or Legoland for a fun-filled adventure.
3. Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market

Where: Gendarmenmarkt Square
Dates: 21 November – 31 December 2023
Opening hours:
Sunday – Thursday 11:00 – 22:00
Friday – Saturday 11:00 – 23:00
24 December 2023 11:00 – 18:00
31 December 2023 11:00 – 01:00
Highlights: Most famous and luxurious Christmas market in Berlin. Try more gourmet dishes here if you’ve had too much pretzels and bratwurst. Soak in the festive atmosphere amidst some of the most historically significant architecture in the heart of the city.
Admission fee: €1 after 14:00 Monday-Friday for live music and performances (Entrance fee may differ on 25th, 26th and 31st December).
The Weihnachtszauber market Gendarmenmarkt is the most famous Christmas market in Berlin and also one of the most beautiful. It’s one of our favourite Christmas markets because of its majestic historic setting.
The market is wedged between the Französischer Dom and the Deutsche Dom, right in the heart of the city.

This is the Christmas market to visit if you prefer the finer things in life, as you’ll be able to sip champagne and other fine wines while indulging in gourmet cuisine at one of the enclosed restaurants.
Although there is a €1 entrance to the market (other markets are generally free) it is completely worth it as there is usually some sort of entertainment in the market. When we were there, there was a beautiful snow Queen walking around on high stilts throwing confetti snow and handing sweets out to children. There were also musicians and live bands performing on stage.
Being there allowed us to imagine what a busy square it must have been more than 300 years ago. A must-visit when in Berlin for its beautiful architectural wonders and historically significant surroundings.

If you plan to visit the famous Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, make sure to get there early. There are usually long queues to buy admission tickets.
You can also save some money by visiting Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market between 11AM to 2PM on Mondays to Fridays when admission is free.
Hotels near Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
Stay in the heart of Berlin where all the Christmas action happens! Here are some hotel options:
- Budget: Hotel Gat Point Charlie
- Mid-range: NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie
- Luxury: The Westin Grand Berlin
Looking for more options? Compare prices on Booking.com or read hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.
Bonus Tip: Plan on visiting Berlin’s famous Museum Island? Skip the queue and buy your tickets for Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum, Illuseum Berlin, or DDR Museum online.
4. Kurfürstendamm Christmas Market at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Where: Breitscheidplatz Square (between the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and Europa Shopping Centre)
Dates: 21 November 2023 – 08 January 2024
Opening hours:
Sunday – Thursday 11:00 – 21:00
Friday – Saturday 11:00 – 22:00
24 December 2023 11:00 – 14:00
25 and 26 December 2023 13:00 – 21:00
31 December 2023 11:00 – 01:00
2 January 2024 13:00 – 21:00
Highlights: Enjoy the festive spirit alongside one of Berlin’s most striking landmarks and see the longest Christmas lights in the world. It’s also one of the few Christmas markets that remain open after Christmas.
Admission fee: Free entrance
The Christmas Market at Gedächtniskirche is located around Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the landmark of West Berlin. This striking landmark is composed of the ruins of the church that was destroyed in the war, as well as a modern church building. It is a memorial for peace and reconciliation, commemorating Berliners’ determination to rebuild after the war.

And not too far away from the Christmas market, you’ll find Kurfürstendamm which is not only one of the most popular shopping avenues in Berlin, but also famous for having the longest Christmas lights in the world!

As you can imagine, the Kurfurstendamm Weihnachtsmarkt at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is quite the tourist hotspot. But given its rich history and iconic architectural landmarks, it is one of our favourite Christmas markets in the German capital.
If you’re looking for a bargain, you may want to visit stalls off the main pathways. They sell glühwein for €1 cheaper. Before you go, make sure to head down Tauentzienstraße to admire the other festive light decorations.
Hotels near Kurfurstendamm Christmas Market
Not only are these hotels near Kurfurstendamm Christmas Market, but also close to the ‘Fifth Avenue’ of Berlin. Here are some great places to stay for the shopaholics out there:
- Budget: Come Inn Berlin Kurfurstendamm
- Mid-range: Hotel Zoo Berlin
- Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Berlin
Looking for more options? Compare prices on Booking.com or read personal reviews on TripAdvisor.
5. Winterwelt am Potsdamerplatz Christmas Market

Where: Public Square outside Potsdamerplatz U-Bahn station
Dates: 29 October 2023 – 2 January 2024
Opening hours:
Daily 11:00 – 22:00
15 and 21 November 2023 Closed
24 December 2023 11:00 – 14:00
Highlights: The first Christmas market to open in Berlin and the only one with a 12m high toboggan run as well as an ice rink. If you love Austrian delicacies, this is the market for you.
Admission fee: Free entrance
Fancy ice skating or going for a toboggan run in the bustling hub of Berlin? Then you need to visit Winterwelt or Winter World Christmas Market at Potsdamerplatz.
This Christmas market has an Austrian-style winter scenery, complete with log cabins and a variety of craft markets. At first this Christmas market may appear smaller than the other markets, but it actually extends all the way from the square, along Alte Potsdamer Strasse up until the Stage Theater am Potsdamerplatz, where you’ll be greeted by a giant, magnificent Christmas tree and an ice skating rink.

You can ice skate here for free if you have your own shoes and there are free ice skating lessons for children on Saturday and Sunday.
Prefer to take a ride down the 12m long toboggan run? You can easily try that for €1.50. Just buy your tickets from the kiosk beforehand.
When you’re ready to sit down and relax, try the Austrian version of glühwein instead. Be prepared to receive a very generous amount as the mugs at this Christmas Market are one of the biggest we’ve seen.
Winter World is the perfect market to visit if you need to do some last minute Christmas shopping (at Mall of Berlin and Potsdamer Platz Arkaden).
Hotels near Potsdamerplatz Christmas Market
- Budget: ibus budget Berlin Potsdamerplatz
- Mid-range: Movenpick Hotel Berlin am Potsdamerplatz
- Luxury: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
Looking for more options? Compare prices on Booking.com.
6. Historical Christmas Market in RAW Friedrichshain

Where: RAW-Gelände in Revaler Straße 99
Dates: 17 November – 22 December 2023
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday 15:00 – 22:00
Saturday – Sunday 12:00 – 22:00
20 November 2023 Closed
Highlights: Travel back to the medieval times at this Christmas market and enjoy a glühwein (or two) around a bonfire. Archery, knife throwing, ponies, fire performers, the most unique Christmas market in Berlin!
Admission fee:
Free on Monday to Wednesday
€2 from Thursday to Sunday (€1 for children between 6 – 16 years and those dressed up in historical costumes and free for children under 6 years)
Now this is a Christmas market with a unique theme! We loved the medieval setting of the Historic Christmas Market Friedrichshain. It is probably the most unique Christmas market in Berlin as the stalls here do not sell the usual Christmas decorations, but rather artisan crafts that have been handmade by wood carvers and blacksmiths.
You can even buy freshly baked bread from a bread artisan who kneads and bakes the bread in a wood-fired clay oven, right before your eyes!
When you’re done shopping and trying some Medieval dishes, you can go try your hand at some archery, knife and axe throwing or stroke some ponies.
If you have children, they can enjoy a ride on a hand-operated wooden Ferris wheel and wooden carousel. And if that’s not enough, you can enjoy watching acrobats, jugglers and fire dancers perform in the evening while sitting around a bonfire.
One thing is for sure, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
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Hotels near RAW Historical Christmas Market
Stay near RAW Historical Christmas market in Friedrichshain for some of the best nightclubs and vegan restaurants in the city. Here are some hotel options:
- Budget: ibis Berlin Ostbahnhof
- Mid-range: Hampton by Hilton Berlin East Side Gallery
- Luxury: Hotel Indigo Berlin – East Side Gallery
Looking for more options? Compare prices on Booking.com or read personal reviews on TripAdvisor.
Bonus Tip: Love to party? Visit Berlin Ice Bar (includes 3 drinks) to get your night started.
7. Charlottenburg Christmas Market

Where: Charlottenburg Palace grounds
Dates: 21 November – 26 December 2023
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday 14:00 – 22:00
Friday – Sunday 12:00 – 22:00
24 December 2023 Closed
25 and 26 December 2023 12:00 – 20:00
Highlights: Admire the largest and most exquisite palace in Berlin and enjoy a leisurely walk in the palace gardens.
Admission fee: Free entrance
Where else in the world can you enjoy a cup of hot cocoa at a Christmas market, next to an extravagant palace? In Berlin of course!
Schloss Charlottenburg or Charlottenburg Palace was build at the end of the 17th century (more than 400 years ago) and is the largest and most magnificent palace in Berlin.
The dreamy palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and over the Christmas period, there’s a wonderful Christmas market that is held on the palace grounds itself.
We love how this market extends from the pedestrian pavement, right through to the footsteps of the palace. It is very spacious and feels less crowded than some of the other markets we’ve been to.
Besides the yummy food and drinks, what was most memorable for us was the Christmas mug! The mug is shaped in a cute Christmas stocking and printed with portraits of the Prussian monarchy from the 17th century. One of the most unique mugs we’ve come across exploring the different Christmas markets in Berlin.

We also thoroughly enjoy the festive light display that ignites Charlottenburg Palace and gives that extra level of enchantment to one of our favourite Christmas markets in Berlin.
Related Guide: Are you a photography lover? Find out where the most instagrammable places are in the city with our Best Photo Spots in Berlin guide.
Hotels near Charlottenburg Christmas Market
Prefer hanging out with locals instead of the tourist crowds? Then we’d recommend staying in the beautiful neighborhood of Charlottenburg. Here are some hotel options:
- Budget: Schlosspark Hotel
- Mid-range: Lux Apartment in Charlottenburg
- Luxury: BENSIMON Luxury Apartment
Looking for more options? Compare prices on Booking.com.
8. Lucia Christmas Market at KulturBrauerei

Where: Kulturbrauerei
Dates: 21 November – 22 December 2023
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday 15:00 – 22:00
Saturday – Sunday 13:00 – 22:00
Highlights: Escape the tourists and experience Christmas with a Scandinavian and Nordic twist. There’s a reason why this is the most popular Christmas market in Berlin for locals!
Admission fee: Free entrance
The Lucia Christmas Market is one of the smaller, less touristy Christmas markets in Berlin. So if you’re looking to mingle amongst Berliners, this is the market to visit.

This Christmas market is nestled between the historic brick buildings of Kulturbrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg and has a Scandinavian theme. Not only can you enjoy the classic Christmas market snacks here, but you can also sample some typical Scandinavian and Nordic delicacies such as moose goulash, reindeer salami, elk meatballs, salmon potato soup or Finnish waffles.
Complete your Nordic experience with some Swedish Glögg, Finnish Glögi or Icelandic Jolaglögg instead of your usual mug of glühwein. The Lucia Christmas Market at Kulturbrauerei probably has the largest varieties of alcoholic beverages, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
We tried the apple glühwein and loved it!

If you’re not warm by the end of that, you can always warm up in the mobile sauna or dance the night away at a club in the area.
And if you’re coming as a family, there’s plenty of entertainment for children too. They’ll love taking a ride on Lucia Christmas Market’s iconic chain carousel, jump on the bungee trampoline, try crossbow shooting or climbing the popular ‘star ladder’.
Hotels near Lucia Christmas Market
- Budget: Old Town Hostel
- Mid-range: Hotel Oderberger
- Luxury: Myer’s Hotel Berlin
Looking for more options? Compare prices on Booking.com.
9. Zitadelle Spandau Christmas Market

Where: Spandau Citadel
Dates: 21 November – 30 December 2023
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday 14:00 – 22:00
Saturday and Sunday 12:00 – 22:00
Closed on 24 and 25 December 2023
Highlights: Go on a day trip outside Berlin and enjoy the festive vibes in one of the best preserved Renaissance fortresses in northern Europe. Enjoy this Christmas market as part of a full day adventure. Explore Spandau’s charismatic cobbled streets, St. Nikolai Church and the Citadel before joining the Christmas festivities.
Admission fee: €3.50 for adults (includes visit to museum and Julius Tower)
Take a day trip outside the city centre and experience a dreamy Christmas market in the charming town of Spandau.
This beautiful, medieval-themed Christmas market is normally held in the quaint cobbled streets and old town square of Spandau. But in 2023, visitors can experience the festive vibe within one of Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance fortresses, the Spandau Citadel.
This is an absolute treat because you’d normally need to pay €4.50 to visit the inner courtyard of the Spandau Citadel.
Now you can enter it’s heavily fortified walls and experience one of the best German Christmas markets in Berlin for only €3.50!

The Spandau Christmas Market may be smaller than previous years, but that doesn’t mean it will be less festive.
Expect to spend a full day here with kids, family and friends. They’ll be a skating rink, two curling rinks, winter carriage rides, a boat swing, and more!
Make sure you taste some of Spandau’s food specialities and marvel at how smoked fish is traditionally made, right before your very eyes.

This market is not only off the beaten track, but it’s also cheaper! If you’ve ever wanted to try glühwein mit Schuss (extra shot of liquor), now’s the perfect time to do so!
While you’re here, head over to the Gothic Church of St. Nikolai and see if you can find the cannonball embedded in the outer wall of this church.
Hotels near Spandau Christmas Market
Spandau is around 60 minutes outside the city center of Berlin. Hotels in Spandau are often cheaper and more budget-friendly compared to Berlin. It’s a great place to stay if you’ve been to Berlin before and plan on visiting the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany – Potsdam.
- Budget: ibis Hotel Berlin Spandau
- Mid-range: centrovital Hotel Berlin
- Luxury: Park Penthouses Insel Eiswerder
Looking for more options? Compare prices on Booking.com or read personal reviews on TripAdvisor.
10. Berlin Christmas Garden at Botanischer Garten

– the Berlin Christmas Garden
Where: Berlin Botanical Garden
Dates: 16 November 2023 – 15 January 2024
Opening hours:
Daily 16:30 – 22:00 (last admission 20:30)
Closed on 21, 22, 28, 29 November and 24 and 31 December 2023
Highlights: Experience the most unique Christmas market in Berlin at the Berlin Christmas Garden! Take a relaxing stroll on the 2 kilometer round tour and see more than 1 million fairy lights that transform the Berlin Botanical Gardens into scenes from a fairytale. This German Christmas market will awake your inner child and take your breath away.
Admission fee: €20 – €25 per adult depending on whether it’s a weekday or weekend. (Check the Berlin Christmas Garden entrance ticket prices online)
If you’re looking to spoil yourself and the whole family, this is the Christmas market to visit! The Berlin Christmas Garden is inspired by the famous ‘Christmas in Kew’ in London. So expect to be wowed by intricate light sculptures, magically orchestrated landscapes and glittering light installations around every corner.
Like other Christmas markets in Germany, you’ll find the usual culinary favourites like mulled wine, hot chocolate, rostis, bratwurst, quark balls and many more! So make sure to come hungry.
The food and drinks sold at the Berlin Christmas Garden are slightly more expensive than other Christmas markets in Berlin. But this German Christmas market probably has the most delicious gluhwein we’ve tasted! So make sure you grab a cuppa and enjoy it next to the bonfire.
The entrance ticket for the Berlin Christmas Garden is not cheap, but it’s worth experiencing at least once. It’s a great thing to do with the family young and old, and an experience you’ll remember.
And if you love night photography, you’re in for a treat. There are infinite photography opportunities at the Berlin Christmas Garden. Just make sure to bring a good camera to capture the best shots.

Loving our very Christmas-y photos taken at the Berlin Christmas Garden? These were taken by our incredibly talented friend and professional photographer, Christina Tudor. Check out her website if you’re interested in immortalising some of your own beautiful memories.
Hotels near Berlin Christmas Garden
This is another beautiful neighborhood to stay in Berlin away from the tourist crowds. Mingle with locals and see what life’s like living amongst locals.
- Budget: Hotel Steglitz International
- Mid-range: Das Literaturhotel Berlin
- Luxury: Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann
Looking for more options? Compare prices on Booking.com to find the best deals.
Best Christmas Markets in Berlin 2023 From Most Popular To Less Touristy

That’s a whole lot of Christmas Markets to explore, so here’s a quick summary.
- Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
- Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Rotes Rathaus
- Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
- Kurfurstendamm Christmas Market
- Winterwelt Potsdamerplatz
- Historical Christmas Market at RAW Friedrichshain
- Charlottenburg Christmas Market
- Kulturbrauerei Christmas Market
- Zitadelle Spandau Christmas Market
- Berlin Christmas Garden at the Botanical Gardens
Best German Christmas Markets
Have you experienced the Christmas markets in Berlin or Germany? If so, which were your favourite? If not, where are your favourite Christmas destinations around the world?

Looking for other things to do in Berlin? Why not see the top historical attractions in the city by bike on our Berlin Wall by bike tour.
Don’t have a bike? Don’t worry! We reveal the best and cheapest way to rent a bike in our Berlin Bike Sharing Ultimate Guide.
Curious to know what the other 70 Christmas markets are in Berlin, check the full list of Christmas Markets here.
Travelling elsewhere in Germany during Christmas? Then make sure you read our how to hire a car for €1 guide!