The Best Christmas Markets in Berlin (2026 Update)
Every year, we look forward to the Christmas season. A cosy atmosphere arises, a sweet scent of cinnamon, mulled wine, and oranges fills the air and we snuggle up warmly and cozy. Cities and towns across Europe light up in beautiful Christmas decorations and the weeks of Christmas markets begin. Of course, there are incredible Christmas markets all around the continent but today, we want to take you on a tour of the best Christmas markets in Berlin that you should not miss! Berlin hosts more than 80 Christmas markets each winter, from grand palace backdrops to small neighbourhood fairs. In this guide, we take you through the 15 best Christmas markets in Berlin, with confirmed dates, exact locations and best Leonardo Hotels nearby.
Berlin Christmas Markets 2026 at a Glance
- Best for elegance: WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt
- Best for families: Rotes Rathaus, with its ice rink and funfair
- Earliest to open: Winterwelt at Potsdamer Platz, from late October
- Open the longest: Christmas Garden Berlin, until 10 January 2027
- Best short-run markets: Alt-Rixdorf and Köpenick Christmas Island, one weekend each
The Best Christmas Markets in Berlin for 2026
1. WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt
Location: Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin-Mitte
Dates: 23 November to 31 December 2026
After several winters at Bebelplatz during the square's renovation, Berlin's most elegant Christmas market is back home on Gendarmenmarkt. White tents crowned with illuminated stars stand between the German Cathedral, the French Cathedral and the Konzerthaus. Heated tents host fine craft stalls and gourmet restaurants, so a cold or rainy evening is no problem. Try Austrian Kaiserschmarrn, sip a cup of Glühwein and enjoy choirs and live music on the stage. A small admission fee applies, while children under 12 enter free. On 31 December, many visitors stay on to welcome the new year here.
Where to stay: Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte is close to Friedrichstraße station, a short walk from Gendarmenmarkt and Unter den Linden. Book your stay at Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte
2. Berliner Weihnachtszeit at the Rotes Rathaus
Location: Spandauer Straße, by the Neptune Fountain, 10178 Berlin-Mitte
Dates: 23 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Set between the Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall) and St Mary's Church, this is one of Berlin's most central and family-friendly markets. The highlight is the large ice rink that circles the Neptune Fountain, open to beginners and confident skaters alike. Children love the funfair rides and the old-fashioned carousel. Adults can browse the Old Berlin market alley for decorations, gifts and traditional food. It is also one of the markets that stays open into the new year.
Where to stay: Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz is around a 5-minute walk from Alexanderplatz and an easy stroll to the Rotes Rathaus. Book your stay at Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz
Check out the best hotels in Berlin and save 10% as an AdvantageCLUB member!
3. Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei
Location: Kulturbrauerei courtyard, Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
Dates: 23 November to 22 December 2026
If you prefer something smaller and more intimate, head to the Lucia Christmas Market in the old Kulturbrauerei brewery complex. Inspired by Scandinavian traditions, it has celebrated light and warmth in the depths of winter for more than 25 years. Sip Finnish mulled wine, listen to Swedish carols and browse stalls filled with Nordic crafts. Fire baskets glow across the brick courtyards, so you can gather round and keep warm. It feels like a slice of Scandinavia in the heart of Berlin.
Where to stay: Leonardo Smart Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz is close to the U2 line, which runs from Alexanderplatz straight to Prenzlauer Berg. Book your stay at Leonardo Smart Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz
4. Historical Christmas Market at the RAW Compound
Location: RAW-Gelände, Revaler Straße 99, 10245 Berlin-Friedrichshain
Dates: 12 November to 22 December 2026
This market has a medieval twist and is one of the first to open each season. At the RAW-Gelände in Friedrichshain, jugglers, fire performers and musicians keep the crowds entertained. You can buy handmade gifts, warm up by open fires and enjoy hearty food cooked over the flames. It is an energetic, creative space that feels very different from Berlin's classic markets.
5. Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market
Location: Schloss Charlottenburg, Spandauer Damm 20 to 24, 14059 Berlin-Charlottenburg
Dates: 23 November to 27 December 2026
The Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market is one of Berlin's most beautiful. The illuminated baroque palace provides a royal backdrop for rows of stalls selling handmade gifts, glass ornaments and festive food. Enjoy a traditional Bratwurst, a slice of Stollen or a hot chocolate, then warm up in the heated food tents. A Christmas market orchestra adds to the atmosphere. The lights on the palace façade make it a romantic choice for an evening stroll.
Where to stay: Leonardo Hotel Berlin is in the heart of Charlottenburg, on Wilmersdorfer Straße, a short bus ride from the palace. Book your stay at Leonardo Hotel Berlin
6. Christmas Market at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Location: Breitscheidplatz 1, 10789 Berlin-Charlottenburg
Dates: 23 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
In the heart of West Berlin, between the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and Kurfürstendamm, this market combines tradition and modern city life. Decorated Christmas trees and wooden Christmas pyramids create a classic festive scene. It is known for its friendly atmosphere, good street food and live music. Combine a visit with Christmas shopping on the Ku'damm or at the nearby KaDeWe department store.
Where to stay: Leonardo Hotel Berlin KU'DAMM sits right on Kurfürstendamm, close to Breitscheidplatz and the best shopping in City West. Book your stay at Leonardo Hotel Berlin KU'DAMM
7. Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
Location: Alexanderplatz, 10178 Berlin-Mitte
Dates: 23 November to 26 December 2026
The Christmas market on Alexanderplatz has a fresh look, with warm lighting and stalls in soft sand tones. It is grouped around the Fountain of Friendship between Nations, in the shadow of the TV Tower. Stands sell roasted nuts, gingerbread and steaming drinks. It is one of Berlin's busiest markets, especially in the evenings when locals and visitors meet after work.
Where to stay: Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz by Leonardo Hotels is just two minutes from Alexanderplatz, ideal for evening visits to the market. Book your stay at Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz by Leonardo Hotels
8. Winter Market at the Humboldt Forum
Location: Schloßplatz, 10178 Berlin-Mitte
Dates: 18 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
One of Berlin's newer markets brings Christmas back to the city's historic centre. Festively decorated stalls, arts and crafts and historic fairground rides fill the square in front of the Humboldt Forum and its Schlüterhof courtyard. It opens before the main season and runs into January, so it suits early and late visitors alike. Combine it with a museum visit on nearby Museum Island.
Where to stay: Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte puts you within easy reach of the Humboldt Forum, Museum Island and Gendarmenmarkt. Book your stay at Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte
9. Winterwelt at Potsdamer Platz
Location: Potsdamer Platz, 10785 Berlin-Tiergarten
Dates: Late October to 31 December 2026 (final dates to be confirmed)
The Winterwelt is one of the first winter markets to open in Berlin. Its star attraction is a 70-metre-long winter slide, right in the middle of the city. Between the high-rise towers, you will find festive huts, mulled wine and hearty winter food. It is a fun choice for groups of friends and families with older children.
Where to stay: The Posthouse Berlin Potsdamer Platz, a Leonardo Limited Edition hotel, combines stylish design with a location close to Potsdamer Platz. Book your stay at The Posthouse Berlin Potsdamer Platz
10. LGBTQIA* Winterdays and Christmas Avenue
Location: Nollendorfplatz, 10777 Berlin-Schöneberg
Dates: 4 November to 23 December 2026
In the heart of Schöneberg's LGBTQIA* neighbourhood, this market celebrates Christmas a little differently. Atmospheric lighting, a varied stage programme and quality food and drink create a welcoming, open atmosphere. It is a great stop for an evening out, with plenty of bars and cafés in the surrounding streets.
11. Spandau Christmas Market
Location: Marktplatz, Spandau Old Town, 13597 Berlin-Spandau
Dates: 23 November to 22 December 2026
The historic old town of Spandau turns into a festive village every Advent. Colourful wooden huts line the streets around the market square, selling crafts, decorations and seasonal treats. Twinkling lights and the old town's narrow lanes give it a cosy, small-town feel. It is ideal if you want a traditional market away from the city centre crowds.
Where to stay: Leonardo Hotel Berlin is right by Wilmersdorfer Straße station, where the U7 line runs directly to Rathaus Spandau. Book your stay at Leonardo Hotel Berlin
12. Christmas Garden Berlin
Location: Botanic Garden Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 68, 14195 Berlin-Dahlem
Dates: 18 November 2026 to 10 January 2027
The Christmas Garden is less a market and more an illuminated winter walk. The Botanic Garden is transformed by light art, sound installations and glowing trees along a route through the grounds. Food and drink stands are spread along the way, so you can warm up as you go. Tickets are required and evening slots sell out quickly, so book ahead.
13. Advent Market at Domäne Dahlem
Location: Domäne Dahlem, Königin-Luise-Straße 49, 14195 Berlin-Dahlem
Dates: Advent weekends: 28 and 29 November, 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20 December 2026
For a rural Christmas experience inside the city, visit the historic estate and open-air museum of Domäne Dahlem. Carriage rides, crackling bonfires and hands-on activities for children make it a favourite with families. Stalls sell homemade products, crafts and farm-fresh treats. Pair it with the Christmas Garden next door for a full day in Dahlem.
14. Alt-Rixdorf Christmas Market
Location: Richardplatz 1, 12055 Berlin-Neukölln
Dates: 4 to 6 December 2026
This much-loved market opens for just one weekend a year in the old village centre of Rixdorf, first settled by Bohemian families in the 18th century. Local associations and charities run many of the stalls, giving it a nostalgic, community feel. Expect traditional delicacies, handmade gifts and a warm neighbourhood welcome. Arrive early, as the small square fills up quickly in the evenings.
Where to stay: Leonardo Boutique Hotel Berlin City South is next to Johannisthaler Chaussee station on the U7 line, which also serves Neukölln's Karl-Marx-Straße near Richardplatz. Book your stay at Leonardo Boutique Hotel Berlin City South
15. Köpenick Christmas Island
Location: Schloss Köpenick, Alt-Köpenick 1, 12557 Berlin-Köpenick
Dates: 11 to 13 December 2026
On the third Advent weekend, the palace island of Köpenick hosts one of south-east Berlin's most atmospheric markets. The baroque palace, surrounded by water, creates a fairytale setting for festive stalls and seasonal food. It is a peaceful alternative to the busy markets in Mitte and well worth the short S-Bahn ride.
Where to stay: NYX Hotel Berlin Köpenick stands directly opposite Köpenick Palace, with views over the River Dahme. Book your stay at NYX Hotel Berlin Köpenick
Plan Your Festive Trip to Berlin
Each of Berlin's Christmas markets has its own character. Some are elegant and grand, others quirky, rural or full of surprises. From the royal setting of Charlottenburg to the Nordic charm of the Lucia market and the one-weekend magic of Alt-Rixdorf, every visit offers something new. Together, they show why Berlin is one of Europe's most festive cities in winter.
Book your stay early and let Berlin's Christmas season fill your December with lights, laughter and the scent of cinnamon.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Christmas markets in Berlin open in 2026?
Most of Berlin's Christmas markets open on 23 November 2026, the day after Totensonntag. A few open earlier: the Winterwelt at Potsdamer Platz from late October, Christmas Avenue on Nollendorfplatz from 4 November and the RAW market from 12 November.
Which Berlin Christmas markets are open after Christmas Day?
Several markets stay open after 25 December. The WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt runs until 31 December 2026. The Rotes Rathaus, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and Humboldt Forum markets continue until 3 January 2027, and the Christmas Garden until 10 January 2027.
Is the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market back on Gendarmenmarkt?
Yes. After several years at Bebelplatz during the square's renovation, the WeihnachtsZauber is back on Gendarmenmarkt. In 2026, it runs from 23 November to 31 December, between the German Cathedral, the French Cathedral and the Konzerthaus.
Are Berlin's Christmas markets free to enter?
Most Berlin Christmas markets are free to enter. The WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt charges a small admission fee, with free entry for children under 12. The Christmas Garden at the Botanic Garden requires a pre-booked ticket.
Where is the best place to stay for Berlin's Christmas markets?
Mitte, around Alexanderplatz, is the best base, with the Rotes Rathaus, Alexanderplatz and Humboldt Forum markets within walking distance. Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz and Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte are both well placed. For Charlottenburg Palace and the Ku'damm, choose Leonardo Hotel Berlin or Leonardo Hotel Berlin KU'DAMM.
Find your next hotel in Berlin, Germany
