Berlin wasn’t on our original itinerary for this year’s Christmas market crawl, but it was a city we’d narrowly missed visiting in summer and one we were eager to see. With plenty of accommodation options, we rented an apartment for a few days so we could get some work done before the fast-paced travel resumed.
As soon as we arrived we began researching Berlin’s Christmas markets. There are many across the city — far too many to see in four days — so we chose three that appealed most.
Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt
The Lucia market is small but focused: all stalls sell food, drink and gifts from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Named after Saint Lucia, the market was where I first tried Glögg (the Scandinavian take on mulled wine) and a Swedish punch. It felt intimate and authentic.
There were fire pits to huddle around and some curious “heated coats” — essentially fur wraps draped over small radiators to sit on. Odd, but effective for keeping warm on a chilly evening.
The Lucia market sits within the grounds of the Kulturbrauerei, an old brewery now home to theatres, bars and a cinema. We visited on opening night, a weeknight, so it was pleasantly uncrowded — a calm, low-key way to start our market crawl.
Alexanderplatz
The next evening we met fellow bloggers at the Alexanderplatz Christmas market. Much larger than Lucia, Alexanderplatz includes rides and an ice rink and sits in a lively central location. The food and drink selection is broad — we enjoyed apple-cinnamon Glühwein alongside the classic version.
The market is louder and flashier than many others. A large pyramid in the center houses a bar that plays upbeat European pop from the 1980s — a playful, noisy atmosphere that’s ideal for meeting friends rather than a relaxed evening. As for the food: avoid ordering questionable late-night choices — one of us learned that lesson the hard way when a post-drinks snack didn’t survive.
Charlottenburg Palace
The Christmas market in front of Charlottenburg Palace was likely my favorite. The palace provides a stunning backdrop and there were brass bands performing seasonal music, which added to the festive atmosphere.
One stall sold freshly smoked hot salmon, which we tried in a sandwich with honey-mustard — simple and delicious. The food and drink selection here is traditional — waffles, bratwurst, Glühwein and hot chocolate — but the location elevates the experience.
If you’re planning a short visit to Berlin during the holidays, these three markets offer a good mix: Lucia for a Nordic-themed evening, Alexanderplatz for energy and variety, and Charlottenburg Palace for atmosphere and scenic charm. Each has its own character, and together they provide a well-rounded introduction to Berlin’s festive market scene.