Your Guide to the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market: Handmade Arts and Crafts in the Heart of Berlin

What to Expect at the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market (My Honest Review!)

Unlike the city’s other markets, there’s a small entry fee (2 Euros) to enter the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market. However, I truly believe that’s why this market is consistently amazing year after year!

This Christmas market is comprised of billowing white tents, all topped with light-up stars that cast the most magical glow at night. There’s a strong emphasis on handmade arts, crafts, and decorations at the market. You won’t find any of the mass produced wares sold at other Christmas markets in Germany here!

In addition to the individual stalls around the square, there’s also a much larger tent that houses an indoor arts and crafts market. Last year, I spied jewelry made from mammoth tusks, hand dipped beeswax candles, art prints, handmade home decor, and more inside this tent.

The larger arts and crafts tent also has a sizable bar inside of it, which is perfect for escaping from the rain, snow, or cold weather outside.

In general, the many indoor dining and shopping options at this Christmas market really make it stand out from the others in Berlin.

Most Christmas markets are outdoor-only, so it’s great to have a stunning destination like Gendarmenmarkt to visit when you need to sit down somewhere warm without having to sacrifice the festive Christmas atmosphere!

Another main draw of the Gendarmenmarkt WeihnachtsZauber market is the live performances that take place each day. There’s a large stage in the middle of the market, with performances by acapella choirs, acrobats, swing dance bands, and more!

There are also special Christmas figures who visit the market each day, including the nutcracker who walks on stilts, the ice queen, and the golden angel. These magical characters are part of what makes this market live up to its name!

Foods and Drinks to Try

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long into the post to discuss the BEST part of the Christmas market — the food!

In addition to the usual Christmas market fare (roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, candied almonds, etc.), there are specialty restaurant tents that serve up all kinds of international delicacies.

The restaurant tents include:  

• Lutter & Wegner — Serves German and Austrian dishes.
• Kasermandl — Austrian dishes served in a Tyrolean Alpine hut setting.
• Edelweiss — Serves Italian dishes.
• T-House — Serves traditional Swiss fondue.

I also enjoyed an incredibly decadent hot chocolate last year at the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market!

🍪 25+ Foods and Drinks to Try at a German Christmas Market 🎄

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Free entry period: You can visit this Christmas market free of charge Monday to Friday from noon to 2pm.
• Save your mug! If you’re on a budget or simply want to extend the festive cheer into the new year, save the mug your mulled wine or hot chocolate is served in. When you buy a drink at any Christmas market, you’re required to pay a couple extra Euros as a deposit. When you return the mug, you get your deposit back. Otherwise, you can keep the mug forever!
• Bring cash: Some of the artisans at the WeihnachtsZauber market accept card for more expensive gifts, such as jewelry. However, most of the food stalls are cash-only.
• Wear layers: It may not snow much in Berlin, but the perpetually gray skies make it feel brutally cold. Wear lots of layers, or prepare to buy some at the Christmas market!
• Arrive early to avoid crowds: The Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt gets very crowded after 5pm during the work week and by late afternoon on the weekends. Arrive early to take photos and shop around if the crowds will bother you.

⭐️ A Local’s Tips for Planning a German Christmas Market Trip 🎅

Excited for Christmas Market Season?!

If you find yourself in Germany’s capital city this December, I highly recommend visiting the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market! It’s one of my all-time favorite Christmas markets, and I’ve visited quite a few by this point.

For more recommendations on things to do this Christmas, check out my full Berlin Christmas activities guide.