Maybe this sounds familiar, but the year ended with many beautiful German Weihnachtsmärkte and sparkling decorations in Berlin, as a tradition, in anticipation of Christmas. Not just like the movie.
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The first Christmas market I had the pleasure to see in Germany was the one in Cologne. Followed by stylish Düsseldorf, more traditional in Aachen, then around the city of Merode and charming Monchau. Followed by favorites from Berlin and special one as Bavarian München Christkindlmark in Marienplatz is beautiful and is dating back to the 14th century.
1. Lovely chaos. Berlin Lucia
That time of the year, when we are lucky to have over 80 different Christmas markets in Berlin. Some are open since middle of November until the New Year. All are different, but so beautiful, many international, for every taste, even with the occasional kitch. To enjoy on a crisp winter day.
My favorite international one is Lucia Christmas market, dedicated to the Nordic countries. I learned here that Santa Lucia, the Nordic ‘goddess’ of light, is celebrated in Scandinavia, particularly Sweden. This market located at the former brewery Kulturbrauerei, in beautiful Prenzlauer Berg, is not so touristic and feels more a socializing event for the locals of this neighborhood in a friendly atmosphere.
You can find in this unique market a carousel for children, a yurt with wood burning, or a choir singing Christmas carols, and even daily visits from Santa Claus. My favorites were traditional Finnish smoked salmon, Danish Gløgg, Swedish Kanelbullar, Sami jewelry, Norvegian knits, decorations from Islands and even Lapland souvenirs. Unexpected combination, I know.
2. Prêt à manger. Gendarmenmarkt
However, a classic Christmas market of Berlin is in the city center and is called WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt, lovely long German words. Due to construction works, is currently relocated to Bebelplatz, from the 27th of November until the 31st of December, near the Berlin State Opera, historic Hedwig Cathedral, Hotel de Rôme and Altes Palais, across from Humboldt University.
This market takes food seriously and there are small tents or cottages were you can reserve a table, that serve German food, but also Austrian, French, Italian, Swiss and other cuisines. Besides bratwurst with glühwein, more foods on the list to try are Pumpkin sour, Flammkuchen, Käsespätzle, Schnitzel, Bratkartoffeln or Sauerbraten, with of course, bretzels and Kaiserschmarrn.
To enter, the 2 euro ticket can be purchased online, and there is daily an artistic program in the evening. To be combined with a stop nearby at Brandenburg Gate, to see the lights at Unter den Linden boulevard, on a winter night walk. I wish I made more pictures.
3. Wintermarkt Schloßplatz
Not far, also on Unter den Linden, a new Christmas market in Berlin in 2023 takes place in front of the Berlin Palace and in the Schlüterhof of the Humboldt Forum. Even though the market in front of the city hall of the city, Rotes Rathaus, is the one with a big wheel and a skating rink, I prefer the atmosphere from this cozy winter market at Humboldt forum.
In a Sunday afternoon, I combined the visit here with a walk to Nikolaiviertel to listen to a Komischer opera concert at Nikolaikirche, and stops at Ephraimpalais und Knoblauchhaus museums, each only 1 minute apart.
When is time to eat and drink at a German Christmas market, sometimes I would buy a bratwurst or Glühwein, the mulled wine flavored with holiday spices. Sometimes both! This was unexpectedly lovely, but I’ll take it.
4. Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market
Lastly, in lovely Charlottenburg in the West, is the most beautiful market in Berlin that can even be called romantic, with the Charlottenburg Palace in the background, named of the queen Sophia Charlotte of Hanover. Since is so popular, the alleys in the gardens and in front of the palace become crowded because of the visitors wandering in search of festive gifts. In the evening there are live Christmas carols, with video projections on the palace.
Decorated stands are displaying German wooden Nutcracker, handmade tree ornaments or ceramics. Plus something sweet – German marzipan, lebkuchen (gingerbread), marones (chestnuts), roasted almonds with cinnamon, chocolate crêpes or the typical local Christmas dessert stollen, a very sweet bread. You can get one souvenir home or all of the above. Each one with their preference.
Across the market are several museums, and I combined the Christmas market with a visit at Bröhan Museum, in order to admire unique art collection of Art Deco, including the current temporary exhibition Belles Choses, dedicated to Belgian and French Art Nouveau.
Inside the royal Great Orangery of Charlottenburg Palace, I attended an Advent concert, with baroque music of Berliner Residenz Ensemble, in a beautiful setting. The visit to the palace and market can be combined with a stop nearby at KaDeWe, or to see the lights on Kudamm boulevard with decorated window shops. There was celebration everywhere. And snow.
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