Christmas is a magical time and what better place to spend at least part of that wonderful holiday season than in Germany visiting the historical Christmas Markets that are held in cities, towns, and villages through the country.

The German Christmas Markets are unique in that they offer an old-worldly traditional feel. Instead of commercialism, you find items and gifts which are still made by craftsmen, not mass-produced in a factory. The craftsmanship is something to behold and the quality is amazing.
Berlin is the capital of the German Christmas Markets, offering over sixty markets to choose from – from contemplative and magical to lively and urban.

Opening Days

This year, Berlin’s Christmas Markets open on 22 November and run through New Year’s Eve. Opening times are:

• Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM
• Friday and Saturday from 11 AM until 11 PM
• Christmas Even from 11 AM through 6 PM
• New Year’s Eve from 11 AM until 1 AM

Locations in Berlin
Christmas Markets are located throughout Berlin, each of them staying true to their own particularities and specialising in local delicacies and traditional wares. In the past, only local tradesmen were allowed to sell at the Christmas Markets, while this no longer holds true, this tradition flavours the markets with a refreshing non-commercial feel. Here are just a few of the markets on offer:

• WeihnachtzZauber on Gendarmenmarkt is a classic German Christmas Market located on one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
• Potsdamer Platz is a bustling contemporary market area, offering “Boccia on Ice” and the nearby Legoland Discovery Centrefor the children. Winterwelt, located in the middle of Potsdamer Platz, is Europe’s largest mobile toboggan run.
• For an intimate feel, the Christmas Market along the Alte Potsdamer Strasse provides a small and subdued market experience.
• This year, for the second time, the market in front of Charlottenburg Castle will feature the Biedermeier period, with historic carriage rides, themed exhibits, and tailored lighting to give a 19th century feel to the area.

Of course, these are just some highlights; there are over 60 Christmas Markets dotted throughout Berlin which are just begging to be explored.

Foods to Try

Whilst visiting the Markets, you can enjoy wonderful traditional German holiday foods like mulled wine and baked apples. These things are an especially nice way to warm up on a cold winter’s day. Other foods to try include the German sweets and fabulous cheeses.

Unique, Hand-Made Gifts

In Berlin’s Christmas Markets you can find all kinds of wonderful merchandise; including unique hand-made traditional gifts like toys, marionettes, wood carvings, nativity figures, candles, and lambskin shoes. Children will sure to delight in the nutcrackers, toys, and unique tin tree ornaments.

Places to Stay

For the traveller on a budget, there are plenty of cheap hotels in Berlin to choose from. German tourist hotels include chain and luxury hotels rated up to five stars as well as cheap hotels. In Germany it is also quite easy to locate and find affordable self-catering accommodation, with booking as simple for it as it is for a hotel.