The Best Christmas Markets in Berlin

A newcomer to Berlin’s Christmas markets map, on 25 November 2019, the Christmas Avenue opened its LGBTIQ* Winterdays at Nollendorfplatz. While bathed in a specially designed light concept, visitors to the market can delight in some high-quality cheeses and wines. Don’t miss the award-winning glühwein here, which has been produced solely for the Christmas Avenue. A daily show starts at 7.30pm with a programme ranging from Drag Bingo, rock and classical concerts to the market’s Face of Christmas Avenue show. You’ll find various donation-based stalls too, at which everyone is welcome to support the market’s social initiatives.

The southwest region of Berlin might not be on everyone’s itinerary, but during the winter season, Dahlem’s neighbourhood Christmas market makes for a pretty good reason to venture farther away from the city for a cosy afternoon. Glassblowers, goldsmiths and silversmiths, potters, florists, hatters, silk painters, papermakers, puppet makers and more make this market one of the most atmospheric and authentic in Berlin. And all this takes place in Domäne Dahlem, a former historical manor that is now a year-round family favourite. The magical scenery and delicious food, such as organic winter salads and hot waffles, as well as punsch for both kids and adults, are best enjoyed after a visit to the manor and its adjacent organic farm.

Famous for its numerous street-food trucks and stalls, Markthalle Neun is a wonderful place for food in Berlin all year round. Every Friday and Saturday during Advent though, Kreuzberg’s market transforms into “the most foodie Christmas market in town”, as a market stallholder selling Berliner Winter, a hot drink made of spiced apple juice and vodka, tells Culture Trip. “You’re at the heart of Berlin’s independent and creative food life here,” he says. Indeed, the merry markthalle (market hall) offers everything you’d want when it comes to winter savoury and sweet treats: cheese fondue, gingerbread, hot chocolate with marshmallows, oven-warm pretzels and butter cinnamon crêpes. The list is long, and the atmosphere is truly merry.

Christmas markets can be a tricky place to visit as a vegan, but as one of Europe’s most vegan-friendly cities, it’s perhaps no surprise that Berlin hosts a Christmas market dedicated to plant-based food. Expect meat-free organic burgers, vegan German sausages, waffles and spiced biscuits. There’s also a range of vegan gifts on display – think cosmetics, handicrafts and even plastic-free jewellery. While in the area, perhaps after a cup of glühwein, walk north to stroll around the chic Charlottenburg area and its famous avenue, Kurfürstendamm, which is decorated with lights for the season.