Photo by **Roman Kraft** on **Unsplash**

Christmas time is here, and Berlin’s more than 80 (!) Christmas markets are open waiting for you to be discovered. Great food, lovely gifts, and cosy atmospheres await! But how to choose which one is really worth a visit? In the end, they're all the same, aren't they?

Not at all! We at Original Berlin Walks think that every Berlin Christmas market is just as different as the many Berliner neighborhoods. Those so-called “Kieze” each have their own typical character and charm, and so have the many different Christmas markets here in Germany’s capital! Some are naturally more touristy, a bit more commercial and louder than others - which doesn't have to be a bad thing at all! Some are especially great for kids and families, while others have a particularly traditional feel.

So here you have our very personal top 6 Berlin Christmas markets fresh from the Original Berlin Walks office. Feel free to tell us your own favorites on Instagram! We look forward to your insider tips.

**Caroline (Marketing & Finances)**:

*“For me, the winner is definitely the* ***Winter World at Potsdamer Platz***. This Christmas market is the first to open and the last to close: this year from October 28, 2022 to January 1, 2023, and it has a bit of après-ski party and Christmas fun atmosphere. In addition to the usual booths, there is a 12-meter high and 70-meter long “snow” toboggan run. From the top you have a great view of the Brandenburg Gate, and off goes the wild ride on the tire. The difficulty level increases with every mulled wine... ;) "

... and if you still fancy a few traditional booths with arts and crafts, Christmas decorations and gingerbread, you can also stroll along Alte Potsdamer Straße, which is wonderfully illuminated from November 21 to December 26, 2022. I also love the impressive colorfully lit Christmas tree at Marlene-Dietrich-Platz and the Christmas lights at the Sony Center right around the corner."

More info and opening hours for the Christmas market at Potsdamer Platz can be found here.

**Lars (CEO and Grinch):**

*“Of course every Christmas market where you can feast on delicious food is great, but if I had to choose the most beautiful Christmas market, then the one at* ***Bebelplatz*** *would be my winner. Even I as a bit of a grinch have to admit that the atmosphere amidst the historic backdrop of the Opera House, Humboldt University, and St Hedwigs Cathedral just spectacular!"*

The gastronomy there is also relatively upscale and in large parts heated and covered, just like the large tent with the many artisans who give live on the spot insight into the craft manufacturing processes. So even if the weather is bad, you can stroll through the market comfortably and find many original gifts, for example handmade candles, wood carvings or extravagant decorations.

The entrance fee is only 1 EUR (really fair!), and a part of the entrance fee is donated for social and cultural tasks in Berlin, which I think is great.

More info and opening hours for the Christmas market at Bebelplatz can be found here.

**Ingrid (Customer Service):**

“I like the big Christmas market at Alexanderplatz with the traditional giant wooden pyramid and the many carousels. I love the Ferris wheel and the ice rink - we traditionally go ice skating here every year. Before or after, you can also go shopping for Christmas presents at the nearby Alexa Mall or Galeria Kaufhof.”

In addition, this Christmas market is centrally located, right next to the Rotes Rathaus, and there is simply something for everyone, especially of course for families with children.

More information and opening hours of the Christmas market at Alexanderplatz can be found here.

**Tomas (Customer Service):**

*“I always drag my Berlin visitors to the* ***Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace***, because the scenery there is simply unbeatable. During the day, the castle looks like it is right out of a fairy tale, especially when it's snowing, of course, but when it gets dark, it looks even more beautiful with all the twinkling lights."

This location is majestic, with over 250 vendors selling everything from food to traditional German crafts of nativity sets and tree decorations. There is even a small section for the little ones with children´s rides such as merry-go-rounds and tiny rollercoasters. A real treat for all!

More information and opening hours of the Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace can be found here.

**Charlotte (Tour Content & Partner Tours):**

“I think the Scandinavian Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg is the most beautiful Christmas Market in Berlin because it is particularly "hygge" and does not feel too kitsch. St. Lucia is revered in Sweden as the bringer of light during the dark winter days. The old red brick buildings of the Kulturbrauerei are very cosily lit and surround the market for the ultimate cosy Nordic Christmas feeling.”

There are also some fun special things you won't find at other markets, such as a mobile sauna (which you use dressed, of course), a fireplace with pre-warmed fur coats to warm you up, and all sorts of Scandinavian treats like Finnish glögi, Swedish glögg, or regular mulled wine, and a few fancier things like moose bratwurst and Finnish waffles. In the afternoon, you can also meet Santa Claus there from time to time. Probably he just feels so at home there... :)

More info and opening hours of the Lucia Christmas Market in the Kulturbrauerei can be found here.

**Sarah (Guide Liaison):**

“What's more Berlin than a Medieval Christmas market in an old train yard, located in the heart of the club and street art districts?! I love the RAW Compound Christmas Market, where modern Berlin meets historical nostalgia.”

This market is located in the lively, artistic district of Friedrichshain. This district is known to be a big art and music lovers hub and the market is no exception. Enjoy hot mulled wine while watching performances by jugglers and acrobats. The market also boasts medieval goods made by Blacksmiths, Woodcarvers, and Potters. For the brave little ones: a troll forest and archery make for a memorable visit!

More information and opening hours can be found here.

Even more info on Berlin Christmas markets, sorted by districts, can be found here.