Thomas Bauer - In Search of the Real Germany My discovery of Germany happened thanks to an old Volkswagen that I bought for a ridiculous price in 2013. Being an engineer by education and an adventurer by spirit, I decided to test German reliability – I set off on a journey without a route or final destination. What was planned as a two-week vacation turned into a three-month expedition. I camped by Bavarian lakes, stopped in tiny Black Forest villages where they still make the famous cuckoo clocks, and tasted wines straight from the barrel in family wineries of the Rhine Valley. Upon returning home, I quit my job and moved to Germany. Today, I organize "non-tourist routes" for those who want to see the country through the eyes of a local. I know where they serve the best Eisbein in Berlin, which castles can be visited without crowds of tourists, and how to get to secret local festivals. By the way, I also happily develop classic routes to famous attractions – it all depends on your wishes. The main thing for me is that each client finds their own Germany!
Christmas Markets in Berlin 2025
Berlin becomes a magical Christmas wonderland in winter, featuring over 80 Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) scattered across the city. The German capital uniquely blends traditions, culture, and festive spirit, attracting both locals and tourists from around the globe. From exquisite handicrafts to delectable treats, Berlin’s Christmas markets offer a delightful experience for all the senses.
WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt
Dates: November 24 – December 31, 2025
Opening Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 12:00-22:00
- Friday-Saturday: 12:00-23:00
- December 24: 12:00-18:00
- December 31: 12:00-01:00
Location: Gendarmenmarkt, 10115 Berlin
Admission: €2 for adults (children under 12 free), free entry Monday-Friday 12:00-14:00
Located in the heart of Berlin, the WeihnachtsZauber Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt is the city’s most popular and frequently visited market. Surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Concert Hall and the German and French
Cathedrals, the market is renowned for its elegant atmosphere and high-quality goods. Visitors can watch artisans such as wood carvers, comb makers, and tailors at work in the heated artisan tent. The WeihnachtsZauberBar offers champagne and exquisite wines, while traditional roasted nuts, chestnuts, and mulled wine complement unusual dishes and drinks available in restaurant tents.
The market looks particularly enchanting in the evening, illuminated by festive lights, with daily performances on the stage in front of the State Opera.
Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace
Dates: November 24 – December 28, 2025
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 13:00-22:00
- Friday-Sunday: 12:00-22:00
- Closed December 24
- December 25-26: 12:00-22:00
Location: Charlottenburg Palace, Spandauer Damm 22, 14059 Berlin
Admission: Free
The former residence of Queen Sophie Charlotte hosts Berlin’s most romantic Christmas market. Charlottenburg Palace, adorned with colorful lights, overlooks numerous festively decorated wooden huts and pagoda tents.
The air is filled with the enticing aromas of traditional treats like caramel-baked apples and bread from wood-fired ovens, alongside mulled wine. Children delight in two small carousels and a Ferris wheel, while brass bands stroll through the market, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
A special feature is the exclusive use of natural materials for decorations, creating an authentic, nostalgic ambiance. Several renowned museums nearby allow for a perfect blend of market visits and cultural experiences.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryChristmas Market in Spandau
Dates: November 24 – December 23, 2025
Opening Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 11:00-20:00
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00-22:00
Location: Altstadt Spandau, 13597 Berlin
Admission: Free
The Christmas market in Spandau is one of the largest and most charming in Berlin, situated in the historic old town. Featuring over 250 trading pavilions on weekdays and more than 400 on weekends, the market is illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere. A large Christmas tree and a nativity scene with live animals sit at the market’s heart. Family days on Wednesdays provide the perfect opportunity for photos with Santa Claus.
Located in Berlin’s largest pedestrian zone, the market is conveniently near around 120 retail shops, making it ideal for combining shopping with festive fun. Excellent public transport connections make the market easily accessible.
Alexanderplatz – Christmas Winter Village
Dates: November 24 – December 26, 2025
Opening Hours:
- Daily: 10:00-22:00
- December 24: 10:00-16:00
Location: Alexanderplatz, 10178 Berlin
Admission: Free
The centerpiece of the Christmas Winter Village at Alexanderplatz is a giant Christmas pyramid from the Ore Mountains, accompanied by an ice rink and Santa’s party house. This is the largest Christmas pyramid in Europe, adorned with over 5,000 lights.
Nestled under Berlin’s famous TV tower, the market is located between the Galeria Kaufhof department store and the Alexa shopping center. Visitors can enjoy outdoor ice skating, attractions, and Santa’s house, while festively lit carousels and a Ferris wheel captivate children.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for GermanyBerliner Weihnachtszeit at the Red Town Hall
Dates: November 24 – December 30, 2025
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 12:00-22:00
- Saturday-Sunday: 11:00-22:00
- Closed December 24
- December 25-26: 11:00-22:00
Location: Between the Red Town Hall and Marienkirche church, 10178 Berlin
Admission: Free
This traditional Christmas market in the city center features a Ferris wheel and an ice rink surrounding Neptune Fountain, creating a medieval atmosphere with historical decorations and lighting.
A standout attraction is the 50-meter Ferris wheel, which offers panoramic views of Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz. Daily sleigh rides with Santa Claus provide magical moments for families.
Market at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Dates: November 24 – January 4, 2026
Opening Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 11:00-21:00
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00-22:00
Location: Breitscheidplatz at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, 10789 Berlin
Admission: Free
Situated in the City-West district near the Gedächtniskirche, the historic Kaiser Wilhelm Church provides a picturesque backdrop for
shopping at this market. With over 170 wooden pavilions offering handmade ornaments, gifts, and festive decorations, the market creates a fairy tale atmosphere with large Christmas trees and enchanting decor. On New Year’s Eve, fireworks add a festive touch to the celebrations.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires. Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation. During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp. Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation. Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
Winter World at Potsdamer Platz
Dates: November 24 – December 31, 2025
Opening Hours:
- Daily: 10:00-22:00
- December 24: until 14:00
Location: Potsdamer Platz, 10785 Berlin
Admission: Free
Every year, Potsdamer Platz transforms into a delightful winter wonderland featuring a 70-meter toboggan run and an outdoor ice rink. Cozy wooden huts serve Austrian cuisine while guests enjoy views of Brandenburg Gate.
The market provides a unique blend of winter entertainment and festive shopping, with the toboggan run offering thrills for both children and adults, and the ice rink attracting skating enthusiasts.
Lucia – Scandinavian Christmas Market
Dates: November 24 – December 22, 2025
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 15:00-22:00
- Saturday-Sunday: 13:00-22:00
Location: Kulturbrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
Admission: Free
At the Lucia Christmas market in Kulturbrauerei, immerse yourself in a slice of Scandinavia with Finnish mulled wine and Swedish Christmas carols. Named after Saint Lucia, the goddess of light, this unique market celebrates
Scandinavian culture. Visitors can savor various dishes, including Swedish glögg, Finnish honey, and reindeer sausages, all set in a warm and cozy environment that evokes Scandinavian charm. Cultural performances featuring traditional music enhance the experience.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for GermanyHistorical Market at RAW Cultural Center
Dates: November 13 – December 22, 2025
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 15:00-22:00
- Saturday-Sunday: 12:00-22:00
- Closed November 23
Location: RAW territory, 10243 Berlin
Admission: €3 Wednesday-Sunday, free Monday-Tuesday
This Christmas market at RAW territory in Friedrichshain launches the holiday season with a lively medieval atmosphere. Craftsmen from around the world showcase wooden toys, lanterns, and Christmas decorations, creating a nostalgic
vibe. Visitors can enjoy warm mulled wine while browsing stalls filled with handcrafted items.
Practical Tips for Visiting
When to Visit
Most markets open between November 20-29 and close around December 22-24. However, some markets, particularly in larger cities like Berlin, remain open until New Year. Expect the busiest crowds on weekends and evenings.
Transportation
All markets are well-connected by public transport. We recommend using the BVG Fahrinfo app for route planning. Most central markets are within walking distance of each other.
Payment and Prices
- Most markets have free admission (except Gendarmenmarkt)
- Cash is widely accepted, but card payments may not be available everywhere
- Mulled wine generally costs €3-5, plus a mug deposit of €2-3
- Toilets typically require a fee of €0.50-1.50
Useful Tips
Clothing: December in Berlin can be cold (0-5°C), so dress warmly. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on cobblestones.
Visit Time: Arriving early (around 16:00) helps you avoid crowds. The evening atmosphere is particularly magical due to the lighting.
Security: Keep an eye on your personal belongings in crowded areas. Markets are generally well-guarded.
Mulled Wine Mugs: Many visitors collect mugs as souvenirs since each market offers a unique design.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryGastronomic Highlights
At each market, be sure to try:
- Glühwein – hot spiced wine, a staple of German Christmas markets
- Reibekuchen – crispy potato pancakes
- Bratkartoffeln – fried potatoes with onions and bacon
- Gebrannte Mandeln – roasted almonds
- Lebkuchen – gingerbread cookies
- Stollen – traditional Christmas cake from Dresden
Shopping and Souvenirs
Berlin’s Christmas markets provide unique gifts such as:
- Wooden toys and Christmas pyramids from the Ore Mountains
- Handmade glass and ceramic items
- Traditional Christmas ornaments
- Aromatic candles and soaps
- Felt and textile products
Christmas Events in the City
In addition to the markets, December in Berlin features:
- Christmas Garden at the Botanical Garden (November 19 – January 11, 2026)
- Winter Fairy Tale at Tierpark (November 21 – January 10, 2026)
- Concerts in cathedrals and churches
- Christmas city tours
Accommodation
For the best experience, consider staying in central districts:
- Mitte – close to Gendarmenmarkt and Alexanderplatz
- Charlottenburg – near the palace market
- Prenzlauer Berg – access to Lucia and other alternative markets
What we propose Emma Heidi Take all the stress out of planning your trip! With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs. We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey. We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients. Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary. A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide. Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars. We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time. Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go. Want to know if it’s really worth it? Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us. Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection. Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever. How it works
Customer Experience Manager
Service cost: from only $420. (Special price for short itineraries up to 5 days). Clients tell us the itinerary saves them costly mistakes, fines, wrong choices – plus exclusive discounts on car rentals, better-priced accommodations, and money-saving local tips.
Latest articles
Kaprun Dam (Hochgebirgsstauseen)
Kaprun Dam (Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen) is a high-altitude reservoir complex set […]
