See Berlin’s best Christmas markets as well as the top attractions! This detailed itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Germany’s capital city when visiting in December.
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With more than 80 Christmas markets in Berlin, it’s hard to know which ones you should visit — and how to squeeze in time at the markets while also trying to see the city’s top attractions.
Enter: this Christmas market itinerary. Having lived in Berlin since 2019, I now know the city like the back of my hand and have sipped many a hot chocolate at the Christmas markets.
This itinerary will help you maximize your visit to Berlin in December (aka the coziest month of the year!). If you follow this itinerary exactly, you’ll be able to visit NINE of Berlin’s most popular Christmas markets.
The markets are spread out between visits to museums and historic sites. I based this Christmas itinerary off of my reader-favorite 3-day itinerary for Berlin. The Christmas version is a bit slower paced, which will allow you to explore Berlin more leisurely to really soak in the festive ambience.
Does your trip extend past Christmas? Here are the Christmas markets in Berlin that remain open after Christmas Day.
Table of Contents
Click “show” to see the full table of contents for this post. You can jump around the post as desired by clicking on the individual sections listed below.
Map for This Itinerary
This map is color coded by day and shows the best things to do in Berlin in December (including all of the Christmas markets mentioned in this guide!).
Day 1: Central Berlin (4 Christmas Markets!)
The first day of this Christmas market itinerary focuses on the top sights along Unter den Linden. You can walk the entire way or ride the U5 subway (U-Bahn) from the Brandenburg Gate to Alexanderplatz, hopping off at each recommended stop along the way.
Stop 1: Reichstag
One of the must-see places in Berlin no matter the season is the Reichstag, the seat of Germany’s parliament.
During your visit, you’ll be able to explore the glass dome with the help of an audio guide. Over the course of 20 minutes, you’ll be led 230 meters up to the top of the glass dome as you learn about the history of the Reichstag and the surrounding buildings.
Give yourself about an hour to 90 minutes to see the Reichstag, noting that you can also book a (paid) guided tour of the dome or the plenary chamber and government district.
Claire’s Tip: Entrance to the Reichstag is free, but your tickets must be booked well in advance. I suggest choosing an early morning time slot (no later than 10am) so you can take your time exploring the dome.
Stop 2: Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
I know you’re in Berlin to experience the joy of the Christmas markets, but the city also has a dark past that can’t be overlooked.
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is made from 2,711 concrete slabs spread over 19,000 square meters. Visitors are encouraged to walk in and around the memorial; it’s a slightly claustrophobic experience that’s meant to encourage reflection and remembrance of the millions of Jews who died during the Holocaust.
Stop 3: Brandenburg Gate
Berlin’s iconic Greek Revival-style gate marks the start of the city’s grandest boulevard, Unter den Linden.
Finished in 1791, the gate is topped by a bronze sculpture called the “Quadriga.” It shows Victory in a chariot pulled by four horses. (Fun fact: after invading Berlin, Napoleon stole the Quadriga — only to be returned following his demise.)
The Brandenburg Gate is perhaps most famous for being a symbol of the Cold War. East Berlin lay on one side of the gate, and West Berlin on the other. In 1987, US President Ronald Regan delivered his impassioned call to Gorbachev to “tear down this wall!” in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Read more: The Top Things to Do & See Along Unter den Linden
Stop 4: Bebelplatz (“Christmas Magic” Christmas Market)
Dates & Hours: November 25 – December 31, 2024 (Sunday – Thursday 12pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 11pm)
You’ve spent the morning learning about Berlin’s history and visiting some of the best-known attractions — now it’s time to visit your first Christmas market!
Normally held at the picturesque Gendarmenmarkt, the “Christmas Magic” market will be held at the equally beautiful Bebelplatz in 2024.
What makes this Christmas market unique is its emphasis on handmade arts and crafts. It’s one of the few markets with little to no mass-produced goods — almost everything is handmade, and most is produced by local artisans.
Note that there’s a small entry fee for this market, but it’s free to enter before 2pm.
Read more: My full guide to the Bebelplatz Christmas market has lots more information, photos, and tips. Give yourself at least 90 minutes to enjoy this market!
Stop 5: Humboldt Forum (Schlossplatz Christmas Market)
Dates & Hours: November 25, 2024 – January 1, 2025 (11am to 10pm daily)
Opened in 2023, the Christmas market within the Humboldt Forum’s inner courtyard is one of the newest in Berlin.
It’s a small but beautiful traditional Christmas market with garland-bedecked huts. Like any Christmas market, you can find a few handmade goods and trinkets for sale, but I love coming here for the special apple cinnamon punch.
You’ll likely be pretty chilly by this point in the day, so buy a mug of something warm to defrost those fingers!
Claire’s Tip: Feel free to pop into the Humboldt Forum if you have the time and inclination. It’s free to enter and has exhibitions discussing the history of the site (this is where the Berlin Palace once stood) as well as world cultures.
Stop 6: Museum Island
Museum Island is one of the top places to visit in Berlin, December or not! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with five incredible museums.
You won’t have time to go into the museums if you’re following this Christmas itinerary as written, but I still suggest walking around the island to see the following from the outside:
- Berlin Cathedral — Former court church to the Hohenzollern Dynasty.
- Lustgarten — The small park just in front of the cathedral.
- Altes Museum — Opened in 1830 as Berlin’s first public museum.
- Alte Nationalgalerie — A stunning art museum built to resemble a Greek temple.
Claire’s Tip: If you DO have spare time, I would highly recommend entering the Cathedral rather than any of the museums. The cathedral is beautiful, and your ticket grants you access to the dome. From the top, you’ll get a birds eye view of Berlin.
Stop 7: Alexanderplatz & Rotes Rathaus Christmas Markets
Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market Dates & Hours: November 25 – December 30, 2024 (Monday – Friday 12 to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am to 10 pm)
You’ll be ending your first day in Berlin at one of my favorite Christmas markets! The Christmas market in front of the Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall) is one of the largest in the city, and it’s also the most traditional.
There’s a 50-meter high ferris wheel, which I recommend riding to see the market lit up from above. You can also rent ice skates and skate around the Neptune Fountain in the heart of the market.
I love the “Old Berlin Market Lane” which is a section of the market that’s made to look like Berlin in the early 1900s.
Allow at least 90 minutes to see this Christmas market in full!
Alexanderplatz Christmas Market Dates & Hours: November 25 – December 26, 2024 (11am to 10pm daily)
It’s very easy to mix up the Rotes Rathaus and Alexanderplatz Christmas markets! Don’t confuse the two. I’m mentioning the Alexanderplatz market because it’s closest to the U-Bahn / S-Bahn station you’ll be using to get back to your hotel.
However, the Alexanderplatz Christmas market is NOT worth spending much time at, in my humble opinion. It feels very touristy, but if it catches your eye then by all means take a quick pass through it en route to your train, subway, or bus.
Day 2: West Berlin (3 Christmas Markets!)
The second day of this Christmas itinerary will take you deep into west Berlin. I suggest purchasing a 24-ticket for the public transportation because you’ll be hopping on the subway a few times.
Stop 1: Charlottenburg Palace & Christmas Market
Christmas Market Dates & Hours: November 25 – December 29, 2024 (Monday – Thursday 1 to 10 pm, Friday – Sunday 12 to 10 pm)
Your first day in Berlin was fun, but long — sleep in, sip your morning coffee, and aim to get to Charlottenburg Palace around 10:30am.
You’ll likely need 2.5 to 3 hours to tour both the Old Palace and the New Wing (you can book a single ticket for either wing for just 12 Euros, or a combined ticket for 19 Euros).
Charlottenburg Palace is one of the gems of Berlin, and it never fails to impress! Get excited to see:
- The Porcelain Cabinet — 2,700 priceless pieces are on display in one magnificent room!
- The Golden Gallery — A Rococo ballroom in the New Wing.
- The Silver Vault — Around 600 objects showcase the glitz and glamor of the Prussian court.
Read more: Visiting Charlottenburg Palace – History, Attractions & Getting There
After touring the palace, enjoy a late lunch at its Christmas market. With more than 250 vendors, there are lots of delicious foods to choose from!
This is one of the few markets in Berlin that sells Flammlachs, aka flame-grilled salmon. Otherwise you can’t go wrong with a juicy grilled bratwurst, soup, or raclette!
This is a traditional market with lots of seasonal goodies for sale. Make sure to visit the inner courtyard of the palace as well, which hosts a smaller number of vendors selling handmade arts and crafts.
Stop 2: Kurfüstendamm
From the front of Charlottenburg Palace, ride bus #309 or #109 to the Adenauerplatz subway station. I suggest walking east along the Kurfürstendamm, towards the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (where the next Christmas market awaits!).
The Kurfürstendamm is another popular boulevard in Berlin; where Unter den Linden is attraction-heavy, the Ku’damm is almost exclusively lined with shops.
As you walk down the Kurfürstendamm, you’ll see lots of Christmas lights and beautifully decorated storefronts (The sun sets around 4pm in December, so you might see Christmas lights in the late afternoon!)
Near Adenauerplatz, the stores are mostly luxury brands but as you get closer to the memorial church you’ll find stores more like Zara and Uniqlo.
Stop 3: Christmas Market at Breitscheidplatz
Christmas Market Dates & Hours: November 25, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (Sunday – Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm)
In December, Breitscheidplatz is taken over by a small but cozy Christmas market. Also located on the square is the Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial Church.
The church was partially destroyed in WWII and was left standing as a memorial against war. The ruins loom above the Christmas market, in stark contrast to the twinkling string lights and fragrant roasting nuts.
Berlin’s multi-layered history can be observed in a single glance upon entering the Christmas market.
Stop 4: Christmas Garden in Steglitz
Dates & Hours: November 20, 2024 – January 12, 2025 (Sunday – Thursday 4:30 to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 4:30 to 10pm)
From the Zoologischer Garten station, ride the U9 to “Rathaus Steglitz.” You can then walk or catch the M48 bus to the botanical garden.
The Christmas Garden at the botanical garden in Steglitz is one of my favorite attractions to visit in December! A 2-km circular route takes you past enchanting light displays.
There are also stalls along the route selling mulled wine and light bites, and last year they also had fire pits set up outside the glass conservatories where you could relax after seeing the lights.
Claire’s Tip: Book tickets online in advance to get the best deal and ensure you get the time slot you want.
Day 3: East Berlin (2 Christmas Markets!)
On your final day in Berlin, you’ll be exploring the former East. This area was part of the German Democratic Republic until the Berlin Wall fell in November 1989. Go ahead and get another day ticket to ride the city’s public transportation today!
Stop 1: Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Straße
One of the last few places you can see an original section of the Berlin Wall, the memorial along Bernauer Straße showcases 1.4 kilometers of the Wall plus the original border strip.
Within the former border strip, there’s now an open-air exhibit that shares the history of the Berlin Wall as well as stories from some of the residents who lived along this street.
Take care to head down into the Nordbahnhof subway station (entrance at Gartenstraße) after touring the open-air exhibit. There’s another free exhibit within the station that explains the many “ghost stations” within East Berlin — i.e. those that were heavily guarded by GDR soldiers to prevent escape attempts through the subway tunnels.
Stop 2: Mauerpark
A short walk from the Berlin Wall Memorial you’ll find one of the most popular hangout spots in the city. Mauerpark (literally “Wall Park”) was originally part of the border strip, a heavily guarded area where anyone trying to escape the East could be shot on sight.
On Sundays, a large flea market and arts market takes place here from 10am (shown above). There’s also karaoke at the outdoor amphitheater — definitely stay to watch some people sing, if you have time!
Stop 3: Museum in the KulturBrauerei & Lucia Christmas Market
Dates & Hours: November 25 – December 22, 2024 (Monday – Friday 3 to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday 1 to 10pm)
After visiting Mauerpark, you have a few options as to how to proceed with this itinerary; it really just depends on how early of a start you got today.
- If it’s earlier than 1pm, I suggest taking a stroll through the hip neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg before heading to the KulturBrauerei. Follow this route: Mauerpark – Arkonaplatz – Zionskirchplatz – Weinbergspark – Kastanienallee – Museum in the KulturBrauerei. You’ll pass lots of pretty squares, shops, and cafes!
- If it’s around 1pm, walk straight to the Museum in the KulturBrauerei. Give yourself 90 minutes or so to go through the FREE museum all about daily life in East Germany.
After going through the museum, explore the Lucia Christmas Market at your leisure! It’s a stunning Scandinavian-inspired Christmas market within the inner courtyard of the KulturBrauerei (yes, it was once an actual brewery!).
The Christmas market is lined with rustic wooden stalls, and all of the food is Scandi-inspired. Instead of mulled wine, you can sip on some Glögg. And there are fire pits dotted around the market for warmth.
Claire’s Tip: The Lucia Christmas market is packed in the evenings and can be tough to navigate, which is why I suggest visiting in the afternoon.
Stop 4: East Side Gallery
From the KulturBrauerei, walk to the Eberswalder Straße station. Ride the U2 to Alexanderplatz, then transfer to the S3, S7, or S9 and ride any of those to Ostbahnhof station.
In my opinion, the best way to see the East Side Gallery is to walk from the Ostbahnhof station towards the Warschauer Brücke (“Warsaw Bridge”).
The 1.3-kilometer section of the former Berlin Wall is now the largest open-air gallery in the world. Shortly after the Wall fell, more than 100 artists from around the world worked together the transform the symbol of the city’s oppression into a colorful masterpiece.
When you reach the end of the East Side Gallery, give yourself time to admire the two-story, red brick Warschauer Brücke. The Gallery sits in the former East, and the former West lies on the opposite river bank. The bridge would have been guarded 24/7 to prevent escape attempts and to facilitate border crossings.
Stop 5: Medieval Christmas Market at RAW Gelände
Dates & Hours: November 14 – December 22, 2024 (Monday – Friday 3 to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 12 to 10 pm)
The 3 Euro entry fee to this rustic medieval market is worth every cent, promise! Your December visit to Berlin is ending with one of the most enchanting — and less crowded! — Christmas markets in the city.
The Medieval Christmas Market at the RAW Compound is part-Renaissance fair, part-Christmas market, and entirely magical. Eat your fill of foods from Ye Olden Days, including warm mead, hearty stews, and grilled sausages.
In the evenings, a variety of performers provide entertainment. My favorites are the fire performers, but there are also jugglers and acrobats!
FAQ: Which Berlin Christmas Markets Are Open on Christmas Day?
If this Christmas market itinerary overlaps with Christmas Day (December 25th), you’ll still be able to go to the markets!
- Breitscheidplatz Christmas Market
- City Hall / Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market
- Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
- Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market
Check the hours of operation for the above markets; they usually have reduced hours on Christmas Day.
Also note that most markets close on Christmas Eve (December 24th) — so plan your visit to Berlin accordingly!
Where to Stay in Berlin for the Christmas Markets
If you plan on following this Christmas market itinerary, I suggest staying in Charlottenburg, Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain, or Mitte (the Hackescher Markt or Friedrichstraße area would both work).
- Budget: easyHotel Berlin Hackescher Markt and B&B HOTEL Berlin-Mitte.
- Mid-range: Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz and TITANIC Gendarmenmarkt Berlin.
- Upscale: NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse and Meliá Berlin.
Otherwise I suggest using Booking.com to search for the best hotel deals in the city.
Enjoy Berlin During Christmas Market Season!
I know this itinerary was a monster, but there’s still a lot more I could have recommended!
If you have any questions about what to do in Berlin in December or about anything I mentioned in this itinerary, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up with my daily adventures in Berlin and beyond!
Comments & Reviews
Thanks for the recommendations.
I can’t wait to peruse the Berlin Christmas markets this festive season!
Thanks for leaving a kind comment, Stephanie! Enjoy your time in Berlin!