Berlin Christmas Markets city breaks

If you fancy getting into the spirit of the season, why not book a Berlin Christmas Market break? There are more than 60 festive markets peppered throughout the city during November and December, so you won’t be short on things to see and do this winter. It may be a modern metropolis and the culture-packed capital of Germany, but Berlin still makes space for a sparkling season of traditional celebrations.

WeihnachtsZauber, Gendarmenmarkt

Fairytales come to life when the festive season falls at the WeihnachtsZauber, Gendarmenmarkt. It kicks off towards the end of November and dazzles right though to 31 December. Look out for artisan craft stalls selling everything from leatherwares to wood carvings.

Spandau Christmas market

Say hallo to the biggest Chrimbo market in the whole of Berlin. As well as a huge light-speckled tree and gingerbread-house-style stalls, there’s also a stage with live music! You can easily spend hours weaving in between more than 400 wooden stalls, admiring the nativity scene and strolling through the Garden of Christmas.

Berliner Weihnachtszeit

How does a Ferris wheel and a 600sqm ice rink sound? Yep, we thought so. Did we mention it’s just €4 to hire skates? Wrap up in your layers and enjoy an evening at one of Berlin’s oldest Christmas markets. The whole area is decked out in 1900s style, so it really stands out from the crowds.

The Sony Center at Potsdamer Platz

Over 100,000 lights twinkle on the ceiling of the Sony Center in November and December, and it’s a sight to behold. Yikes, we wouldn’t want to be paying their electricity bill though! As well as an incredible display, there will also be ballet shows. Sounds pretty enchanting to us.

Klunkerkranich Rooftop

A rooftop market? In a rooftop bar? Show us the way! This sweet little setup is so much more than just stalls (although these are pretty fabulous too), but it’s the panoramic city views that really steal the show. If you time it right, you can be up here while the sun is setting… Dreamy.

Shop at Winter World

Fancy a spot of retail therapy during your festive fly-by to Berlin? When November arrives, a wand is waved and, as if by magic, the city’s glitzy shopping district, Potsdamer Platz, is transformed into Winter World. Get stuck into some last-minute Christmas shopping or, better still, stock up on goodies for yourself. Well, it is the season of giving, after all!

NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie

Berlin City, Berlin Christmas Markets

Our rating

Based on 3544 reviews

Perfect for couples, friends & families
Within easy access to the sights of Berlin
Close to transport links
Modern accommodation
Great for exploring

Best Western Hotel am Spittelmarkt

Berlin City, Berlin Christmas Markets

Our rating

Based on 2134 reviews

Great for friends and couples
Situated in popular Mitte district of Berlin
1.2km from the Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt
150m from the nearest metro station
1.3km from Checkpoint Charlie

Eurostars Berlin

Berlin City, Berlin Christmas Markets

plus

Our rating

Based on 2447 reviews

Great for shopping
Located on Friedrichstrasse
750m from the Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt

Show all (26) and filter options

Berlin Cathedral

Berlin Christmas Markets

With its magnificent dome dominating the city skyline, Berlin Cathedral is a real crowd-pleaser. It's one of many attractions on Museum Island. Large parts of it were destroyed during WW2 but it was restored...

Berlin Wall Memorial

Berlin Christmas Markets

The Berlin Wall Memorial extends 1.4 km along the former border on Bernauer Strasse, witness to many harrowing scenes when the city was divided in 1961. It's the last unadorned stretch of the wall to contain...

Brandenburg Gate

Berlin Christmas Markets

Visit the stunning Brandenburg Gate, one of Germany's most famous landmarks and the scene of many significant moments in modern history. Formerly a symbol of the divided city, the 18th century monument has...

Language

German

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+1hr

Local beer

£3.50

48-hour travel card

£20

Meal for two

£52

1. See the magic from above

While wandering through the stalls is undoubtedly a magical experience, what better way to see the sparkling lights of Christmas than from Berlin’s tallest building? Head up the Berlin TV Tower in Alexanderplatz for a drink and views across the twinkling city.

2. Cosy up with a stein

After all that exploring, you’ll be in need of a traditional cosy setting and hard-earned beer. And let’s face it, no trip to Berlin is complete without a stein! Find your nearest beer hall, take a seat at one of the benches and order a local brew.

3. Dashing through the snow

Just outside the city, a winter wonderland awaits. With snowy conditions, the hills of Teufelsberg and Der Insulaner are the perfect places to whizz through the powder on a toboggan. Wrap up warm and get ready for some fun in the fluffy, white snow.

4. Iconic market spots

With more than 60 markets to explore, Berlin offers up its fair share of beautiful backdrops for its twinkling stalls. Spandau Old Town is a historic spot and Potsdamer Platz is perfect for those looking for a little retail therapy after their festive experience.

5. Bag some Christmas deals

While you’re in the city, why not grab a few things to help fill up those Christmas stockings back home? Visit Alexanderplatz and wander through the stalls, picking up souvenirs as you go. Then hit the big retail names for those last few presents.

6. Warm up on Museum Island

It’s time to step indoors and warm up! This UNESCO-listed site has five beautiful museums to explore, giving you art, antiques and history all on one compact island. Head inside and get toasty as you wander through each one.