Sofitel Berlin Kurfürstendamm Blog

Berlin’s Best Christmas Markets

Germany is renowned for its Christmas Markets, so it makes senses that there are over 50 to choose from in Berlin alone. The bright lights and tinsel may all seem alluring but with the limited luxury of time how do you decide which markets to visit? Here we present some our favourites, getting you to that first glühwein of the year with minimal fuss.

Christmas Market WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt 

Already one of the most beautiful squares in the city, Gendarmenmarkt makes a wonderful setting for a Christmas market. Nestled between the French and German cathedrals and the Konzerthaus it lies in a city of tents, housing not only the traditional food stalls but also an extensive range of international artisans, from a wood carver from Oberammergau to an ivory carver who uses mammoth fossil. The decadence continues with the heated indoor wine bar by Galeries Lafayette and Edelweiss catering with Michelin-starred chef Franz Raneburger, amongst other high quality options. NB: Our maître at Le Faubourg Brasserie also recommends the Feuerzangenbowle here highly!

November 25th to December 31st 2013

Opening Hours: daily 11am – 10pm

40th Christmas Market at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Enjoy the traditional Christmas Market ambience under one of Berlin’s most distinctive landmarks five minutes away from the hotel – the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The market includes over 170 stalls with not only gingerbread, roasted nuts and bratwurst galore but also an impressive ten types of glühwein. Other features which set this market apart include a petting zoo and the ‘Mulled Wine Garden’ or Glühwein Hut – the perfect antidote to those frozen fingers. Make sure to also check the church’s website for their upcoming Christmas services which will be held in the blue, gently glowing ‘New Church’.

November 25th – January 1st 2014

Opening Hours: Sun- Thurs 11am-9pm & Fri – Sat 11am-10pm

Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace

If you’re looking for a slightly more unusual location for your Christmas Market with a fairytale twist then look no further than Charlottenburg Palace. Originally built by Frederick III as a summer residence for his wife Sophie Charlotte in 1699, the Charlottenburg Palace christmas market takes over the building and its garden every year with over 150 stalls. In addition to this there is live classical Baroque music from brass and woodwind bands, a traditional Berlin barrel organ and special tours of the palace itself; magical.

November 25th – December 26th 2013

Opening Hours: Mon to Thurs 2-10pm & Fri to Sun 12 – 10pm

Berliner Weihnachtszeit – Christmas Market

If the more commercial Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz isn’t really your scene then head behind the TV tower to the Berliner Weihnachtszeit Christmas Market. Situated between the city hall and Neptune Fountain it has a homey, traditional vibe and is complete with an ice rink, fairground rides and zoo as well as the obligatory range of stalls.

November 25th – December 29th 2013

Opening hours: Mon to Fri 12-10pm & Sat to Sun 11am-10pm

 

If you still have time to spare then we would recommend the Green Christmas Market every Sunday at Kollowitzplatz for the environmentally conscious,Winter World at Potsdamer Platz for those in search of more flashing lights and the Scandinavian Lucia Christmas Market at wonderful Prenzlauerberg venue Kulturbrauerei, for those looking for something more international. Whichever you choose, wrap up warm!