The city of Berlin and the 5 must-see Christmas markets, including Winterdays
Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany, known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and diverse architecture. As a major European metropolis, Berlin offers a blend of historical sites, modern landmarks, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city is especially popular in winter, when its Christmas markets attract visitors from around the world with festive decorations, traditional food, and artisanal goods. Berlin’s Christmas markets are spread across different neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences reflecting the city’s eclectic spirit.
Among the many Christmas markets in Berlin, five are particularly notable. The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is renowned for its elegant tents, handmade crafts, and gourmet food stalls set amidst historic architecture. The Alexanderplatz Christmas Market features a large ice rink, a festive Ferris wheel, and numerous stalls selling gifts and snacks. The Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market combines baroque scenery with culinary treats and handicrafts. Spandau Christmas Market is one of Berlin’s oldest, filling the old town with lights and medieval-themed performances. Winterdays is a contemporary market offering modern attractions, interactive installations, and international cuisine, catering to a wide audience while maintaining a festive atmosphere..
We are faced with a city of the a thousand faces and a thousand facets, laden with history, myths and traditions. Berlin has been (and always will be) the beating heart of Europe. Long divided by a wall and torn apart by expansionist politics, today it is a city that has risen from its own ashes. A popular tourist destination, it has built a modern image in the eyes of tourists to the extent that it has also become a LGBTQIA+ destination, aided by its fast-paced nightlife and that oh-so-inclusive lifestyle. Berlin is beautiful to visit all year round, both in summer and fall. Magnificent during the film festival period but also extraordinary during the Christmas season when the whole city comes alive with a life of its own. Here, it can be said, was born the legend of the Christmas markets that – subsequently – have become an integral part of Berlin’s tourist offer. For you, we have selected five events you should not miss, including one that is dedicated entirely to the LGBT community.
Berlin and the markets in front of the Rotes Rathaus
In the space located a few steps from the Red City Hall, the seat of government in Berlin, and the St. Mary’s Church, is positioned one of the most popular places for markets in Berlin. With a fairy-tale-like atmosphere and rides that make the experience especially appealing to young visitors, the place has become a symbol for the city. The main attraction, however, is the Ferris wheel 50 meters high, which, for about a month, becomes an unmistakable feature of the Berlin skyline. By dark, when the illuminations are lit, the wheel towers over Mitte Square, “competing” with the television tower.
Berlin and the historic market at RAW Gelände.
The Christmas market is one of the oldest in the city and is housed in the popular space RAW Gelände – which is experiencing its last seasons as a neighborhood meeting place before a housing project turns it into the home of a new skyscraper –The 2024 edition is the eighth for this medieval-style marketplace, with artisans offering unique pieces inspired by the past. Tourists can immerse themselves in a fairy-tale atmosphere, enjoying medieval delicacies, warm mead and watching juggler shows. There is also a program dedicated to the little ones.
Berlin and the magic of winter at Lichtenberg
The Berliner Winterzauber hosts a traditional Christmas market in the neighborhood of Lichtenberg, on the lively Landsberger Allee. Not so suburban as to be inaccessible, but not so central as to be hyper-touristic. More to the point, this is a typical neighborhood Christmas market, created for residents and whose atmosphere is authentic and familiar but also accessible to tourists. A dedicated rides area with twelve attractions is set up for the occasion, in addition to the numerous stands selling hot wine and seasonal food specialties.
Berlin and the Winterdays
The Nollendorfplatz Christmas market. is now famous for Winterdays, dedicated only to the LGBTQIA+ community, so much so that it is located in one of Berlin’s historic queer neighborhoods. The “Christmas Avenue” – renamed in more modern times – was actually born in Cologne and came to the capital in 2019. Since then, together with Winterdays it has been an integral part of Berlin’s Christmas season. Sheltered under the elevated subway tracks at Nollendorfplatz station, tourists can enjoy atmospheric lighting, quality street food stalls and stands, and a varied program of performances such as drag bingo, DJ sets, and numerous concerts ranging from pop to rock to classical music.
Berlin’s winter film festival and Christmas market in Nikolaiviertel.
The Winter Film Festival is held annually in that part of the city that is known as the Nikolaiviertel. Two parallel events arise here: the winter film festival and the neighborhood market where you can attend free screenings of film classics and enjoy Christmas specialties. The real star of this event is the Feuerzangenbowle – a German alcoholic beverage, typical of this season, which is prepared by placing a sugar cone, soaked in rum on a metal stand placed on a mulled wine glass -. It is from this drink that the 1944 film starring Heinz Rühmann which, like other classics, is screened three times a day for the duration of the event.
