The travellers guide
If you love Christmas Markets then you’re spoiled for choice in Berlin, with more than 100 to choose from taking place throughout the festive season. In 2025 Christmas Markets in Berlin begin on the 24th November and we’ve picked some of our favourites, based on years of sampling all they have to offer. We’ve picked some of the best within walking distance of The Circus and a few that are worth crossing the city for.
During December we will be running some special trips to the Christmas Market with members of The Circus team. Enjoy the atmosphere with your fellow travellers and the sights, sounds and tastes of the Berlin Christmas Market. We will announce our plans in the run up to the festive period on our events page and you will be able to sign up at reception.
The location of The Circus on Rosenthaler Platz means you are within walking distance of a number of great Christmas markets right in the city centre of Berlin-Mitte or in neighbouring Prenzlauer Berg.
A short walk from The Circus, the Christmas Market in front of Berlin City Hall is one of the most popular – and for good reason. You’ll find stalls selling traditional handicrafts, loads to eat and drink, an ice rink around the Neptune fountain and a huge ferris wheel offering fine festive views across the city.
“It has a winter wonderland atmosphere about it. Drinking Glüwein while watching happy people go round and round the ice skating rink is pure entertainment!” – Andrew, Sales Manager at The Circus
Open 24 November until 30 December
Rathausstraße 1, 10178 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M1 to Hackescher Markt (approx 10 mins) or walk (approx 20 mins).
Flavours of the North in an old brewery, just a short walk up the hill from The Circus. This market is dedicated to festive folklore from the Nordic regions, and its stalls are full of Scandinavian treats. There’s even a mobile yurt to relax in, as well as heated fur coats warmed by an old wood stove.
Open 24 November until 22 December
Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M1 to Eberswalder Straße (approx 10 mins) or walk (approx 20 mins).
Following the complete renovation of the famous square, Berlin’s most luxurious Christmas market has once again returned to Gendarmenmarkt. The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market is well-loved for its food and drink options (including proper sit-down restaurants) and its high quality arts and crafts. One for those who like the finer things in life.
“I think this is the most picturesque of Berlin’s Christmas Markets – I love the stars against the dark sky. Don’t miss the Poffertjes – tasty baked treats from the Netherlands and part of my Christmas tradition!” – Katrin, CEO of The Circus
Open 24 November until 31 December
Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M1 to Universitätsstraße and then walk (approx 25 mins).
Open on all four advent weekends, the Sustainable Christmas Market at Sophienstraße is the closest to The Circus and well worth a stroll if you are in town. You’ll find the usual treats to eat and drink as well as art, design and handicrafts from Berlin’s best creators and with a focus on sustainability and fairness.
Open 29-30 November, 6-7 December, 13-14 December and 20-21 December
Sophienstraße, 10178 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Walk (approx 10 mins).
Although there are plenty of good options within walking distance of The Circus on Rosenthaler Platz, we also have some others that we think are worth the travel using Berlin’s excellent public transport network.
A journey back in time to the Middle Ages at the old train yard… this is a Christmas Market with a difference. The RAW complex is one of Berlin’s special cultural spaces and worth a visit at any time. During the festive period, it is transformed into a mediaeval market complete with jugglers, axe throwers and bards, as well as “mediaeval treats” – think mead!
“I love the Medieval Christmas Market for the fire shows and the wooden carousels that are completely manually driven – it really feels like you travelled back in time!” – Victoria, Communication Manager at The Circus
Open 13 November to 22 December
Revaler Str. 99, 10245 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M1 to Hackescher Market and then S-Bahn to Warschauer Straße (approx 25 mins).
Creativity, community and Christmas are celebrated in a festive wonderland on the banks of the river. You’ll find a variety of creative gift ideas, art exhibitions, film screenings, DJ sets and live music, in the spirit of one of Berlin’s legendary creative spaces. Listen to traditional stories in the Fairy Tale Hut or celebrate a distinctly Berlin Christmas with the Holy Glory Drag Theatre.
Opening dates tbc, traditionally Thursday-Sunday during the advent period
Holzmarktstraße 25, 10243 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): U8 to Jannowitzbrücke (approx 20 mins).
You’ll need to hop on an S-Bahn for this one, but it’s well worth it, as the cobbled streets of the historic Old Town of Spandau are transformed into a traditional Christmas Market. A huge fir tree occupies the Market Square and there are hundreds of wooden huts selling crafts, food and drink, alongside a daily programme of live music.
“Worth the train ride – this is one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets, right in the heart of adorable old-town Spandau. Great for families – there are small rides and games for the kids, and for the foodies – a huge selection of both traditional and modern street food.” – Carmen, Community Manager at The Circus
Open 24 November to 23 December
Spandau Altstadt, 13597 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M1 to Hackescher Market and then S3 or S9 to Spandau (approx 55 mins).
If you want even more tips and ideas for your visit to Berlin, check out the rest of our Experience Berlin blog or follow us on Instagram.
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