by Janis / 2 comments - Orginally published:14th December 2018
A visit to Berlin's Christmas Markets
What you'll discover in Germany’s capital at ChristmasBack on the road again on our 2018 Christmas Markets road trip, and leaving Bremen we’re now off to discover Berlin. What was going to be in store for us within this historical city?
We knew Berlin was a large city, so would it be embracing all things Christmassy throughout, we were about to find out.
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Where is Berlin?
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Discover Berlin at Christmas
GendarmenmarktTo get an understanding of the city, we decided to head into the centre, and we took a stroll around the Gendarmenmarkt area. This attractive square is surrounded by some incredible buildings, the Concert Hall, Deutscher Dom and Französischer Dom.
The Französischer Dom
These made a lovely backdrop to the Weinachts Zauber Christmas market. Although, what we were initially surprised about, was that people were queuing to get into the market. We’d visited quite a few German markets before and never had to queue, and this comes from a Brit, a nation of people who are renowned for queuing.
Concert Hall & Deutscher Dom
We soon realised that this was for security checks, and with the developments over recent years around these events, it wasn’t too surprising.
Also, for this market, there was a €1 entry fee if you arrived after 2pm. Live music was on the central stage here, so you were entertainment as you strolled around.
The Concert Hall from the market
We visited during the day and evening, and like most Christmas markets, it has a more subdued feel during the day. Which actually is ideal, as this is when you can seek out those unusual gifts while browsing the stalls and indulge in the local delights.
It’s all white here
Some toffee covered grapes
Also within the Weinachts Zauber Christmas market, there was an indoor section all along one side. So, if the weather took a turn for the worse, you can jump inside and carry on browsing, or like us, it was a chance to grab a glühwein & rest your feet.
There’s lots going on within this market, a little brass band wandering through the lanes, plenty of food stalls, to grab a snack. What we also noticed here was that there were quite a few pop-up eateries where you could sit and enjoy a meal.
Sampling the delights of the market
The wandering band
Good to know
Don’t be put off by the queuing or the entrance fee, Weinachts Zauber is a delightful market to visit.
Enjoying Berlin's Christmas Markets
Rotes RathausThe Christmas market at the Rotes Rathaus is known as “Berliner Weihnachtszeit”, this market is full of fun, for all ages of your family. At times, some of the markets may be more orientated to adults or children; however, this had it all.
The Rotes Rathaus
Swings with a view
There were no security checks here, it was straight into the festivities. I really enjoyed this market and probably my favourite of the ones we visited in Berlin.
The miniature railway
There was an ice rink, a huge Ferris wheel, a miniature railway and so many stalls. I couldn’t resist the aroma of the warm chocolate covered nuts so had to grab a bag while enjoying a glühwein.
Enjoying a glühwein
St. Mary's Church and the TV Tower
The sun was setting while we were here, so the market was waking up around us, with lights twinkling, festive cabins coming alive and the ice rink was aglow this one was fun & as usual never short of a food stall or two.
Where to stay in Berlin
- Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie - During our visit to Berlin, we stayed at the Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie. A pleasant hotel with friendly staff. A short stroll from the Gendarmenmarkt and, of course, Checkpoint Charlie.
A bratwurst or two!!
The ice rink in front of the Ferris Wheel
Good to know
It’s quite a short walk from Rotes Rathaus to Alexanderplatz where you’ll find another market.
The Christmas Markets in Berlin
AlexanderplatzTrying to dodge the heavy rain we arrived at the Christmas Market in Alexanderplatz. This market for me, I felt was aimed a little bit more towards adults, although there was an ice rink, carousel and other things for children to enjoy.
Carousel and the World Clock
I always love to see the Käthe Wohlfahrt cabin, it wouldn’t quite be the same without it and also the traditional Christmas Pyramids. Nearby here is also the World Clock and a must to see, and has been in the square since 1969.
Käthe Wohlfahrt on Alexanderplatz
Colourful Christmas Pyramid
If you've yet to discover Berlin's incredible history, then let’s start planning. I find these DK Travel Guides invaluable, they're extremely informative, easy to follow, and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more of those fascinating sites.
You can now grab a recently revised copy of this guidebook, so you won't miss a thing.
Some large, some small
SophienstrasseNot to be defeated for the evening, we headed over to Eco-Friendly market along Sophienstrasse near Hackesche Höfe.
The eco-friendly market
This market is only open the four weekends in advent. It is a lot smaller than the other major markets; however, it felt more unusual and unique, and the gifts were made with the environment in mind.
Strolling along Sophienstrasse
Why not?
Start creating your own Christmas Market adventure and discover the culinary delights for yourself, take a browse through ebookers.com for departures from your local airport.
Discover more of Germany on a road trip like us, Rental Cars searches multiple well-known car hire brands and discovers the deals that suit you the best.
Exploring Berlin at Christmas
Potsdamer PlatzWe headed to Potsdamer Platz, which was once No-man’s Land for a few reasons, the main reason being the history of the area and that there are still parts of the Berlin Wall on display. Also, it was a chance to visit the last of our Christmas markets whilst in Berlin.
Potsdamer Platz Christmas market
Potsdamer Platz is in a modern part of the city, and we were there during the day, so couldn’t fully appreciate the market coming alive in the evening. It had a nice selection of stalls and rides, and even had an ice stock curling rink and a mini ski slope.
The tyre ski slope at the Potsdamer Platz market
Our video of Berlin at Christmas
The Christmas Markets experience through our eyesWe have created a little YouTube video of Berlin, why not check it out?
Also, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?
There’s more to Berlin than Christmas
Too much history not to missAs this was our first trip to Berlin, we didn’t want to spend all of our time visiting the Christmas markets. Gary and I are intrigued with history and Berlin is just overflowing with so much.
The Brandenburg Gate at dusk
A reminder of a divided Berlin
Checkpoint CharlieThe falling of the Berlin Wall in 1989, was a moment in time that we both remember watching together with amazement. So, we weren’t going to let this opportunity slip by.
We headed to the Berlin Wall Memorial, via Checkpoint Charlie, which was a crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War.
Checkpoint Charlie
Piece of the Berlin Wall near Checkpoint Charlie
It has now become a bit of a tourist attraction, although, it still holds a significant point in history that I wanted to visit.
Not to be missed in Berlin
Berlin Wall MemorialWe jumped on the U-Bahn to Naturkundemuseum station and strolled the few minutes up the road to the Berlin Wall Memorial.
The Berlin Wall at the memorial
It took my breath away, I couldn’t believe I was standing there next to it. Whether it was because it only fell in 1989, so recent in terms of history and the division and atrocities associated with it.
Sections from the Berlin Wall
I couldn’t help myself but go and lay the palm of my had on it, somehow trying to alleviate some sort of pain.
A few who lost their lives
It was an astonishing sight to see, some of the buildings that the wall was built alongside in 1961 still remain. You are also able to see where numerous tunnels were dug for escape.
Still standing
One of the tunnels dug under the wall
For more on the Berlin Wall check out our post - 'Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany'
Other parts of the Berlin Wall can be found at Potsdamer Platz.
Berlin Wall in Potsdamer Platz
Story behind the Berlin Wall
Trying to hold back the tears while reading and listening to innocent people’s stories was too difficult.
Did you know?
That there was a Museum Island in the heart of Berlin. This island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to five incredible museums built between 1824 and 1930.
A must-see in Berlin
Brandenburg GateProbably one of the most photographed landmarks in Berlin if not Germany. We visited the Brandenburg Gate a couple of times, as we wanted to see it during the day and the evening.
When we were there during the day, there was a demonstration taking place, which is often witnessed by this 18th-century neo-classical building.
The Brandenburg Gate
Heading back later in the evening it was a lot quieter and looked very impressive at dusk.
I love nothing more than planning a trip and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books. I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Germany road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
Something free in Berlin
The Reichstag BuildingAnother place Gary and I wanted to visit, was the Reichstag Building (Parliament Building). Although you have to book a time slot in advance (which is very easy), this tour is amazingly free of charge to visit along, with an audio-guided tour.
The dome on the Reichstag Building
From within the glass dome at the top, the views across the city are incredible, as you stroll around in circles winding your way up to the top of the roof, all the significant landmarks are pointed out for you.
Inside the Reichstag dome
For more on the experience, why not have a look at our post - 'A visit to The Reichstag Building, Berlin'
Our Tip
Ensure you book your Reichstag visit in advance; otherwise, there is a high probability you won’t get in. We used their official Deutscher Bundestag, website and it is very easy to register. However, make sure you bring a form of official ID and also there are airport-style security checks.
Remembering the past
The Holocaust MemorialWe walked down the road to the Memorial of the Murdered Jews of Europe. This Holocaust Memorial is quite moving, 2,711 grey concrete slabs of differing heights, lay across a sloping field. They portray a cold starkness, that really does make you stop and think.
Memorial of the Murdered Jews of Europe
You can wander amongst the slabs; however, I felt at times some people could have been more respectful here.
Holocaust Memorial flowers
Step inside the Holocaust Memorial
In Summary
Although we really enjoyed our time in Berlin, mixing the trip with the Christmas markets and visiting the historical sites, we felt that as a whole, Berlin didn’t entirely embrace Christmas throughout its streets like other German towns and cities.
In hindsight, this wasn’t a bad thing as it gave us the opportunity to uncover more of its history.
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It seems Berlin comes alive during the Christmas season! The Christmas markets look so beautiful. I’d love to explore them someday. Is Berlin suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the markets were lovely, we particularly enjoyed the one in the Gendarmenmarkt and also the market near the Rotes Rathaus. Although we travelled as a couple I felt quite relaxed about the city, I think it would be fine for a solo traveller.