Christmas Markets in Berlin

It's the most wonderful time of the year all around the world, but especially in Berlin, Germany as Christmas markets pop up all over the capitol city. While part of our trip was spent visiting the historic sites of Berlin such as the Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side Gallery, Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag, majority of our days were spent in Christmas bliss. 

Markets pop up all over the city starting in mid-November till the new year. With over 60 markets in total, we had to pick and choose the ones we thought would be the best. Berlin.de had a wonderful list of the most popular Christmas markets and their locations as well as some other recommendations based on interests. Luckily, many of the markets resided at various landmarks throughout the city, allowing us to see even more of what Berlin had to offer. 

The following a list of the 8 markets we visited, my rating of the market out of 5, and overall thoughts on each one!

1. Charlottenburg Palace Market (4.5/5)

   Per the name, this market resides at the foot of the Charlottenburg Palace. A little outside of the city center, we visited this market first during the daylight. I was overjoyed for this to be out first market because it was very elegant and charming. While not as large as some of the other markets we would visit, the Gluhwein, bratwurst, and raclette we had were all wonderful. There was plenty of room to move around and it was not as crowded as some other markets, making it all the more enjoyable and relaxing. While I did not buy anything from the many vendors, they had good products worth walking around and looking at too. 

2. Winter World at Potsdamer Platz Market (2/5)

   On our way back toward the city center we made a pitstop at the Potsdamer Platz Market, a short eight-minute walk from the Brandenburg gate. This market was small and very tailored to children. There was a massive ice slide for people to fly down on tubes. However, the market itself was small and cramped with not many food and vendor options. We spent all of thirty minutes here before moving on to the next one, it was not very memorable. 

3. Gendarmenmarket (Bebelplatz) Market (5/5)

   I loved everything about this market! Unlike the others, it did have a 2€ entrance fee but the small cost is well worth it. This market was packed full with amazing food and vendors of handmade goods. I bought most of my souvenirs for family and friends here with the multitude of options available. We even took a minute to sit down in one of the pop up restaurants to enjoy a meal. The decorations in the market were simple and elegant with a stage for constant live entertainment. This market was more crowded than others even with it raining outside at the time, but this did not deter from the experience at all. We spent many hours here and I felt overwhelmed with joy by the time we decided to leave. 
    

   

4. Alexanderplatz Market (2/5)

   As our hostel was near Alexanderplatz we made a short stop here on the way back. This market seemed more for tourists including an ice rink and a night club. We walked around the market for a little and looked at the different food and vendors. Nothing stood out to us and most of the vendors were selling similar goods. If I enjoyed ice skating this aspect of the market would have been good, but alas I cannot ice skate. The market also included the largest walking in Christmas pyramid which was beautifully situated right next to the Berlin World Time Clock. 
    

   

5. Breitscheidplatz Market (4/5)

   This market is situated right next to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church giving it a beautiful backdrop. When we went it was raining and not too crowded making the market so enjoyable, especially in the tent they had set up with tables and small fires. The sales of the Gluhwein also went to charity making the market all the more impactful. It was a smaller market compared to the others we had seen, but the decorations were beautiful and it had the most seating options out of all of the markets. 
    

   

6. Advent Market in Leonhardtstraße (4/5)

   This was a one day market on a street in the Charlottenburg area. The one day was December 8th, aligning perfectly with our trip, thus it was fate so we had to go! Vendors were set up along a quaint street and made us feel like we were stepping right into a Berlin neighborhood. Though the market was very small compared to the others all of the vendors we spoke to were so kind and friendly, even if they did not know English very well! I bought a handmade wool headband for the winter from the nicest woman and we enjoyed some sweets from another couple. We also stopped to sit down and eat some food at an Italian restaurant on the street and it was the perfect break in the middle of the day.

7. Christmas Market at the Humboldt Forum (5/5)

   Heading back toward the city center we stopped at this newer market right across from the Berliner Dom Cathedral and within the Humboldt Forum which is a historic palace. Upon first arrival the market seemed more tailored to kids with lots of small rides along with food and various goods. However, we then walked into the plaza of the Humboldt Forum and were transformed into a winter wonderland. The plaza was filled with so many vendors and the cutest decor as they projected lights onto the sides of the forum. We grabbed some Gluhwein and savored the moment. I bought a few gifts here as well!

   

8. Christmas Market at Berlin City Hall (5/5)

   Our final Christmas market was one of the most popular situated right next to city hall. It featured a large Ferris wheel, ice skating rink, and a visit from Santa. This market was the perfect way to end the trip and packed full of festiveness. We rode the Ferris wheel and looking down below felt like a winter wonderland. At this market we also finally tried Spaetzle and it was delicious! Capping off the night with a visit from Santa flying overhead made it the perfect Christmas trip. 

Finishing the weekend stuffed with bratwurst and gluhwein we prepared for our early flight back to Spain Monday morning. While Christmas markets exist in America, nothing could replicate the feeling of a Christmas in Germany. Being from Wisconsin, Germans were one of the largest immigrant groups to the state. This means there's German Christmas markets all over the state, but none compared to the ones I experienced this weekend. Christmas is easily my favorite holiday and if it's yours too Germany should definitely be on your holiday vacation list!