Berlin
52°31′ N 13°23′ ECityPop. 3,700,577Berlin and Brandenburg
Berlin suits a traveller who wants a different Christmas market every evening, from the WeihnachtsZauber on the Gendarmenmarkt to the palace grounds at Charlottenburg, with Potsdam an easy day out. Its trade-off is distance: the markets sit across the city, so plan each evening around one or two of them.
Who should base here
Base yourself in Berlin if you want a different big market every evening, with Potsdam's markets as an easy day out. Stay in Mitte for the Gendarmenmarkt and the Rotes Rathaus, or in the City West around Zoologischer Garten for the Breitscheidplatz and Charlottenburg Palace.
Take the train from Berlin
- Berlin to Dresdenfastest 1 h 39 min, published by Deutsche Bahn (checked Oct 10, 2026) · timetable
Berlin's markets spread across the whole city, so it pays to pick them by neighbourhood. WeihnachtsZauber on the Gendarmenmarkt charges €2 and fills one of the city's grandest squares. The Rotes Rathaus market brings an ice rink and a 50-metre wheel to Mitte, and the Breitscheidplatz market keeps going into January. Further out, Charlottenburg Palace adds a light show on its front and Domäne Dahlem opens its farmyard on the Advent weekends.
Two timed light trails run from mid-November, one in the Botanischer Garten and one in the Tierpark. In December the Berliner Dom stages Bach's Christmas Oratorio, and St. Hedwig's Cathedral reopened in 2024 after its redesign.
Worth knowing
- Many Berlin markets publish their hours late in the autumn, so check each one again in November.
Quick answers about Berlin
Which Berlin Christmas markets stay open after Christmas?
In 2026 the Gendarmenmarkt runs to 31 December, while the Breitscheidplatz and Rotes Rathaus markets run to 3 January 2027. The Rotes Rathaus market closes on 31 December.
Do Berlin Christmas markets charge entry?
Most of the big Berlin Christmas markets are free to enter. WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt charges €2 in 2026 outside its free weekday lunchtime window, and the Domäne Dahlem Advent market charges €4.50 for adults.
Is Berlin a good place to stay?
Base yourself in Berlin if you want a different big market every evening, with Potsdam's markets as an easy day out. Stay in Mitte for the Gendarmenmarkt and the Rotes Rathaus, or in the City West around Zoologischer Garten for the Breitscheidplatz and Charlottenburg Palace.
Within 12 km