About Christmas markets
Berlin has dozens of Christmas markets, from historic settings in front of palaces and churches to small neighbourhood markets in courtyards. Together with light trails and Advent concerts, they make December one of the busiest visitor months.
The markets most visitors head for
Most Berlin Christmas markets open in the last week of November and run until shortly before or after Christmas; a few stay open until the end of December.
- WeihnachtsZauber on Gendarmenmarkt – between the Konzerthaus and the two domes, with a small admission charge; see Gendarmenmarkt.
- Schloss Charlottenburg – stalls in front of the illuminated palace on Spandauer Damm; more under Charlottenburg.
- Breitscheidplatz – around the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church at the end of Kurfürstendamm.
- Alexanderplatz and the Rotes Rathaus – a big wheel, ice rink and stalls close to the TV tower; see Alexanderplatz.
- Kulturbrauerei – the Scandinavian-style Lucia market in the brewery courtyards of Prenzlauer Berg.
- Spandau old town – one of the largest markets, spread over the medieval lanes.
Christmas Garden Berlin in the Botanic Garden
The Christmas Garden Berlin turns the Botanic Garden in Dahlem into an illuminated walking trail from mid-November into early January. Tickets come with an entry time slot. There are two entrances, on Königin-Luise-Straße and on Unter den Eichen, and the organiser notes that there is no parking nearby, so a taxi drop-off at the right gate is convenient. Check which entrance your ticket names. From BER the drive takes around 40–55 minutes.
Berlin Christmas concerts
Advent is concert season: the Berliner Dom, the Philharmonie, the Konzerthaus and the Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz all put on Christmas programmes, from oratorios to carols. Concerts often start in the early evening, and the pavements around the venues are crowded with market visitors at the same time. Ask the driver to stop a little before the venue if traffic is slow. At the Berliner Dom the main entrance faces the Lustgarten, which is the best place to get out.
Winter at BER: dark, cold, busy
It gets dark around 4 pm in December. Friday evenings and the weekends before Christmas are among the busiest times at the airport, and the terminal taxi rank is outdoors. With a pre-booked car your driver meets you inside the arrivals hall and you go straight to the car. Typical drive times: Mitte and Alexanderplatz 35–50 minutes, Charlottenburg 40–55, Spandau 50–65.
At the rank, the fare is calculated by the meter under the tariff that applies there, so it keeps running in December traffic jams. With a pre-booked car you see the total for the vehicle before you confirm.
Practical tips for the Advent weekend
- Leave suitcases at the hotel: market paths are narrow and full.
- Many markets are closed or shortened over 24 to 26 December.
- Gifts and bottles take room on the way home: note an extra bag when you book.
- Small children? A child seat can be added to the booking.
Going home with full bags
On the last Advent weekend and just before Christmas, Berlin hotels see many departures at once. Book the drive to the airport ahead via Berlin to BER. Our winter guide to the Christmas markets has more ideas for your stay.
