Planning to visit the Christmas markets in Berlin?
When I was a young girl, okay.. technically Iโm still young. But, when I was a much, much younger girl.. (way before Pinterest existed), I would sit on my bed and flip through magazines, sip hot cocoa.. journal and pen in hand.. planning for my epic European Christmas.
I experienced the most magical sceneries I had never seen beforeโฆ
Historic towns with twinkly lights and garlands decorating the streets, little bakeries and shops with big wreaths on the doorsโฆ snow-covered chalets and cottagesโฆ
As if that werenโt enough to enchant me for lifeโฆ they topped it off with charming Christmas markets complete with carousels, skating rinks, ornate steins of glรผhwein and hot cocoa, delicious sweets, and shops with handcrafted ornaments and nutcrackers.
And thatโs when I fell in love with Christmas in Berlin, Germany.
Had I actually been to Germany? Noโฆ only through my magazines.. but, thatโs basically the same thing, right?โฆ lol. At least it was to me.. Then again, I was like..10. It was enough to inspire me.

If I came across something cutesy and Christmasy in the magazine, Iโd scan the page for the name of the city and write it down.
As if I were planning a real trip.. ha! It’s more like a โWhen I Grow Upโฆโ dream than an actual planโฆ
Remember when we were that adorable? I couldnโt wait for the day when I was grown up enough to actually plan a trip.

An American Girl Dreams of a European Christmas
I was living in sunny Southern California at the time. Which as you can imagine.. is the furthest thing from a White Christmas (my favorite Christmas movie btw). So, can you blame a girl for dreaming?

[This post was originally posted December of 2020. Updated December of 2022]
You look across the street and instead of seeing your friend build a snowman, you see her in her bikini, hosting a neighborhood carwash in her driveway or hopping in the car with her family to go to the beach.
Then, in my teens, I moved across the country to New York.. a whole different world.. practically a new country compared to Caliโฆ But, I was excited thinking Iโd finally get the holiday I had always envisionedโฆ
But, as lovely as a NYC Christmas is (and it really is!)… is it a cozy Christmas town in Europe? Nopeโฆ Not even close.
Even New England (which is pretty much a bite sized replica of Europe) can’t do Christmas markets the way Europe can. Although, I will say… if you can’t go to Europe, New England Christmas markets are pretty much the closest thing you can get to actually experiencing the real thing. I would know… I have been a New Englander for the last decade plus after all. ๐

Where were the storybook villages I had seen in my magazines when I was little? Did they even exist? If so, where the heck were they??
As it turns out, the adorable markets we’ve all seen in magazines and Hallmark Christmas movies actually do exist. Thank goodness… Imagine having to go back in time and tell “little me” that those scenes were just staged for a photoshoot. Well.. they are.. but at least not the Christmas markets. ๐

โMy Christmas present to myself each year is to see how much travel can open up the world and take me to places as far from sheltered California โฆ as possible.โ
Pico Iyer
And Then My Little Girl Dreams Came Trueโฆ
With the holidays being in full swing, I thought Iโd recap one of my best Christmas trips abroad that led into the New Year. It all started with my then-boyfriend and I visited his home in Germany for the holidays.
One of the great things about having a European boyfriend is that I always had many great opportunities to visit Europe, particularly Germany and at Christmastime. ๐ Itโs so interesting to see how the US and Germanyโs Christmas traditions compare to each other.
Not to mention, having him speak the language, everything was much easier.

Traveling to Berlin, Germany: Here I Come!
I was so excited at just the thought of going to Berlin. I had heard a lot about the city. And the Christmas markets I looked up online beforehand looked amazing.
Whether you enjoy arts & culture and want to stop by a gallery or museum, are a big foodie like myself and want to eat your way through every street vendor and Ratskeller in the city or, are a history buff and enjoy exploring the streets and its many historical sites, thereโs something for everyoneโฆ.
Iโll get to all of that in another blog. Right now Iโm just gushing about the Christmas markets in Berlin!
The Flight to Germany

My boyfriend would fly over a week before me to get a head start on celebrating the holidays with his family in Germany and I would take a solo flight and meet them there.
I took a Delta / KLM flight from Boston to Dusseldorf via Amsterdam. I’ve always liked flying with Delta/KLM.
It’s not as luxurious airlines as Singapore Airlines or Lufthansa First-Class.. but I’ve found them to be better than the other airlines leaving from the US. Plus, Delta got me to my destination safely and on time over the holidays so no complaints.

I have so many horror travel stories I could tell you about Amsterdam.. just bad luck I guess.. Iโll save that for another time but letโs just say I was relieved at finally having a smooth layover… just 1 hour as promised.

When I finally arrived at Dusseldorf Airport, I was pleasantly surprised to find how festive it was! They even had a skating rink!


Arriving in Germany at Lastโฆ
After visits with family in his hometown and catching up with all of his friends, we hopped on a train and headed to Berlin where weโd be staying for several days to celebrate the holidays and welcome the new year!
So, my Christmas Berlin story will start picking up here. But, Iโll already give you a little hint as to how it endedโฆ
Pssstโฆ Berlin is now my absolute favorite city in Europe! ๐
Train to Berlin: Berlin Central Station

How did we get to Berlin? By train of course! Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station) is Europeโs largest train station.

We caught a cab from the train station to the hotel which was only a few minutes away.
The train ride was comfortable. They also had a food counter with decent food actually. I got a curry sandwich and a beer.
The train station was beautifully decorated for Christmas and very big! Lots of stores and food options. Located in the heart of Berlin, close to many tourist attractions on foot.
What are the Holidays like in Berlin Like?
Although I wouldnโt know from personal experience, I hear that Berlin is great any time of yearโฆ I can see why. Itโs one of those cities I found myself not wanting to leave.
So much so that I found myself asking whether I wanted to become a Berliner one dayโฆ ๐
But, Berlin over the holidays? Even more funโฆ and pretty. I loved how the city came to life with charming Christmas markets all over the city, each unique to its location.
New Year’s Eve was equally spectacular but in a completely different way.
The city has a massive party at Brandenburg Gate every year that goes on for a mile! Itโs basically the equivalent to watching the ball drop in NYCโs Times Square.. only, fireworks all over the city as well! Itโs pretty spectacular.
A German Tradition: Christmas Markets in Berlin
A thing about the Germans? They know how to do Christmas! Itโs an amazing spectacle to witness. They really value tradition, especially at Christmas.
If youโre in Germany at Christmastime without having stopped by a Christmas market, were you even there at all?
Their Christmas markets have been around since the 16th c. Many Germans argue about what constitutes an โauthentic marketโ. Itโs a whole east vs. west vs. south vs. north thing.
Whose Christmas markets are better in Germany? I can only speak for the ones Iโve experienced in Berlinโฆ But would love to go to markets all over the country one day!
There are so many names for Christmas markets in Germanyโฆ
- Christkindlesmarkt
- Christkindlemarkt
- Adventmarkt
- Christkindlmarkt
- Glรผhweinmarkt
- Striezelmarkt
- or Weihnachtsmarktโฆ
In my blog, Chicago at Christmastime, A Train Stop in Chicago I talk about what I thought about Christkindl Market which was Chicagoโs take on the real Christmas markets in Germany.

FUN FACT
Prior to 1920, each of Berlinโs districts were separate towns. Therefore, unlike other German cities that have 1 central Christmas market, Berlin has many scattered across the city.
Now that Iโve been to the real thing, itโs silly to think how excited I was when I saw that one.
This is what โlittle meโ was dreaming about all those years agoโฆ But, if someone youโre traveling with is not a Christmas enthusiast like you and meโฆ (eye roll)โฆ later in the blog, I mention Non-Holiday Related Activities Near Westin Grand Berlin that you can do.
I also share my Google Maps list as well so you can plan your trip.
I love how a lot of Berlinโs markets are open even after Christmas. If youโre like me, you enjoy stretching out the holiday for as long as possible! If you want a classy and elegant Christmas marketโฆ
Christmas Markets in Berlin, Germany

Can you say charming?! This market stole my heart and ended up being my favorite! It had a more classic, romantic feel to it. Itโs the kind of storybook traditional Christmas village youโd expect Germany to have yet, itโs classy and sophisticated. I was in awe of it all.


Gendarmenmarkt is located on a lovely square that houses the German and French Cathedral as well as Shinkelโs Konzerthaus, Berlinโs national theatre, and a famous concert hall.

When is the Market Open?
From Advent until New Year.
Special Offerings:
The market had everything it seemed! From live performances like plays and a choir. Foodie finds like cafes and little popup fondue restaurants in heated tents with white fur throw blankets to keep you warm and tables set up nice.


They had a very cozy interior that made you feel like you were in a ski chalet. Youโd never think it was a pop-up. There was no shortage of foodie finds in the marketโฆ fresh cheese assortmentsโฆ dessertsโฆ cafes with traditional German fare and vendor booths throughout serving gluhwein.





I also saw rotating grills hanging over a fire which seems to be a popular thing throughout German Christmas markets. It had different meats.. bratwursts, schnitzel, krakauer (Polish sausage), etcโฆ It all smelled so amazing.. like BBQ heaven.

They also had an abundance of craftsmen, dressmakers, and local artists selling hand-carved wood trinkets and signature German souvenirs. To go with it, I also got some Mutzenmandeln (little German almond donuts) a.k.a. โMutzโ.. which is far cuter to say, donโt you think?

They were warm, sugary, and delicious. Perfect chilly evening treat. I ate them while watching a show. They had cute Christmas performances you could stand and watch for free which was great! One of them was a funny dance routine.. and there was singing too. There was also a woman dressed in costume walking around the market on stilts and giving little gifts to children which was super cute.



For More Info
Visit their website here. If you want a Christmas market thatโs less elegant and more fun and sporty.
My Official Review of Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
I was really happy with this market. It was elegant, classy, festive and had many special offerings like foodie finds and Christmas shows. The square that the market is held in is lovely. The whole experience was charming.

Theyโre both located right next to the Mall of Berlin and SONY Center (which is has a pretty cool setup in itself, more on that later). Potsdamer Platz used to be a wasteland. Now, itโs a popular nightlife and shopping district with lots to explore!

After taking a stroll, I stumbled upon their two-holiday attractions, Christmas Market and Winter World (โWinterweltโ). I absolutely loved the Wintery setup! It was a nice change in scenery from the Gendarmenmarkt.

When is it Open?
Beginning of December to the beginning of January.
Special Offerings

If the last market was charming, this market was sporty and fun! They had a lot of fun things to do. Like an open-air ice rink (free of charge), curling, a large toboggan which you better believe I did! Itโs actually the largest toboggan in Europe!

It brought out the kid in me! Sadly, I did it all aloneโฆ Since my bf refused to act 5 years old with me. โน But, he did make up for it by getting some gluhwein, which you canโt get enough of at a German Christmas market. ๐



It was just as delicious as the ones I had before. Of course, I saved the mug as a souvenir as well. The one thing each market had in common is gluhwein!!

The market also had a lot of foodie options to choose from.. schnitzels, pretzels, baked goods, sweets, candies, souvenirs.




You can hang around in the evenings for the apres-ski party and live DJ on the weekends. You could also enjoy Austrian delights in one of the Schmankerl or Salzburger Stiegl Alm wooden huts which were very authentic experience.
FUN FACT
Gluhwein literally translates to โglow-wineโ. Youโll totally be glowing in the chilly nightโs air after a mug of this delicious mulled wine.
They also had a very traditional German restaurant.. as well as food vendors and little shops that sold sweets and souvenirs.

They had kiddie rides too!
Funny Story
One of the songs they played at the market was Ciscoโs โThong Songโ.. as the kids were riding the carousel, you could hear it. No one seemed to care.. We couldnโt stop laughing though!! It was in English so I wonder if all the words were understood by the localsโฆ
More Info
Visit Potsdamer Platz Christmas market & Winter Worldโs websites.
Attractions Near Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market
- Sony Center
I was curious to see what else Potsdamer Platz had to offerโฆ Afterward, my boyfriend and I went to the SONY Center since it was right next doorโฆ
Turns out, itโs super cute! They had a very festive display which was great for a quick photo op.


- Sony Center
Then, we went to The Mall of Berlin. I was dying to stock up on some German candies and cheeses.


It never ceases to amaze me how freaking inexpensive European food is compared to the US.
I once went to a German grocery store and was able to get food for a charcuterie & cheese platter that usually would have cost me anywhere between $6 & $9/cheese and salami.. I could get 5x the amount of food for the same price. SO crazy!

After shopping, we checked out the streets of Potsdamer Platz. The area has been redeveloped as the new center of Berlin. Thereโs so much history. Part of the Berlin wall is on display there.

Funny Story
My boyfriend told me I should touch the wall.. and I thought, โHey.. thatโs cool, I can say I got to touch the Berlin wall!โ and then I touch it and Iโm like, โItโs so much softer than I thought it would beโโฆ
Then I look closer and itโs freaking gum! Ucckkkkโฆ I was so grossed out. ๐ Meanwhile, he couldnโt stop laughing.
Review of Potsdamer Platz
I loved how they were both located next to other activities such as Mall of Berlin and SONY Center.
Christmas Market:
Was festive.. had gluhwein, souvenirs, and food. I enjoyed Winter World more than the market however.
Winter World: It’s absolutely wonderful if you want a little something fun to do, not just Christmas related. I enjoyed the Winter set up. It was festive but also gave a little something unique that I wasn’t expecting in a Christmas market with the tobbaggan which was so fun!
Alexanderplatz has a lot of tourist attractions in the area and a bucketload of history. You could easily spend a whole day there walking around.
This Christmas Market I spent all of 5 minutes at. I wasnโt too impressed with the environment or the offerings. It wasnโt unique in my opinion.. and not as charming as the last 2 markets.
But who knows.. you may disagree with me and absolutely love it.
Special Offerings
Iโd say, the big draw here was the ice skating rink.

I also saw that they had a restaurant nearby. It was very commercial in the area.. tourist shops and whatnot. Maybe thatโs why I didnโt fall in love. It didnโt feel like a Christmas atmosphere.
When is it Open?
Beg. of Dec to end of Dec.
For More Info
Visit Alexanderplatzโs Christmas market website here.
Review of Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
I was very unimpressed.. actually, that’s an understatement.. it killed my Christmas mood. I’m happy this wasn’t the first market I went to or I would have been very disappointed.
FUN FACT
You can zipline over Alexanderplatz 410′ + in the air.
My Christmas Market in Berlin Experience Overallโฆ
If youโre looking for a Wintery destination to spend a lovely Christmas, check out the Christmas markets in Berlin. Iโm not ashamed to admit that I would travel there just for the markets. Itโs truly special.
I can see why โlittle meโ planned for this moment in her journal all those years ago. I may not be that little girl anymore but, having traveled all over, I realize that each destination has its own charm during the holidays.
Thatโs what I love about travel. Itโs what makes Christmas special in each part of the world!
I will continue to come back for Christmas in Germany. It never gets old.
Where to Stay in Berlin, Germany: Westin Grand Berlin
I have two main deciding factors when choosing my hotels.
The first is whether the hotel is a Marriott property, where Iโm a member.
He and I both collectively have Marriott Bonvoy points so, we try to utilize them as often as we can. Since Marriott has over 6,500 properties for us to choose from, we always have a lot of options and are usually really satisfied with our hotel choice.
My second deciding factor is whether the hotel is close to attractions. I donโt know about you but, I like to spend my time enjoying a place rather than getting to that placeโฆ lol.
So, I was happy with our stay at Westin Grand Berlin for the location alone. We were very close to many of the cityโs main attractions which I mention below.
In summary, it wasn’t a luxurious stay but we were very comfortable and happy with the customer service. The big benefit here was the convenient location. Also, the breakfast was fantastic and it was a lovely setting. They had a Christmasy atmosphere in the hotel. Many amenities.
Where is Westin Grand Berlin located?
On the corner of Friedrichstrasse & Unter den Linden in the center of Berlin.
You would think my first stop would be Brandenburg Gate since itโs right around the block. However, I would be staying through New Year’s so thereโs no way I was going to spoil that experience in advance.
But would have no shortage of fun activities until that moment came.
Hotel Experience
- Breakfast

Every morning, we sat down in the dining room for breakfast overlooking the city as we planned our dayโs activities.
It was lovely, with lots of different food options presented in a nice setting. The buffet setup was quite elegant. You had your selection of different charcuteries, cheeses, freshly squeezed juices, fresh-made omelets, bread, mimosas.
Whatever youโd like, they most likely have! I love European breakfasts.
It was a great way to start off every day. I find European Marriotts to have a better selection of food in general.. which appeals to the charcuterie & cheese lover in me!
Breakfast is always complimentary for us thanks to our Marriott status through Marriott Bonvoy.
- The Room

Our room was simple, modern, and clean.. which is Marriottโs signature style for most of their properties. It wasnโt particularly posh or anything but it did the job. We chose the hotel based on location and the fact that it was a Marriott property.
The bed was comfortable. We had a balcony too.
- Amenities

They have an elegant pool with lights that change colors.
They also have a locker room and shower nearby. The gym was very tiny.. They also have a spa.

- Westinโs New Years Eve Party
The hotel had a NYE party downstairs which was great. I caught the end of itโฆ

Downstairs in the lobby, thereโs a restaurant, club, and bar all rolled into one. Quite a few movies such as Bourne Supremacy have been filmed here.
The hotel offers a New Yearโs Eve dinner in a lovely setting which you can enjoy while listening to the piano.
At the end of the night, closer to the New Yearโs countdown, they have a DJ, champagne flowing, and dancing!

During our stay, we enjoyed some drinks and patisserie while listening to music in the lobby.
I highly recommend Westin Grand Berlin for your hotel stay!
Non Holiday Things to Do in Berlin
Just in case youโre in Berlin and youโve dragged your friend to every festive venue in the city but theyโre so over it, here are some activities that are non-holiday-related.
If youโre staying at the Westin Grand Berlin, the following are close by.
5 Attractions You Can Walk to in 10 Minutes & Under
- Komische Oper Berlin 2 min walk
- Galeries Lafayette 3 min walk
- Gendarmenmarkt 5 min walk
- Brandenburg Gate 10 min walk
- German Historical Museum 10 min walk
7 Attractions You Can Walk to in Under 20 Minutes
- Checkpoint Charlie 12 min walk
- Berlin Cathedral 13 min walk
- Friedrichstadt-Palast 13 min walk
- Pergamonmuseum13 min walk
- Museum Island 14 min walk
- Reichstag Building 16 min walk
- Topography of Terror 16 min walk
Map of Berlin, Everything Mentioned in Blog
Iโve also included attractions that are over 20 min walking from the hotel which you can take a cab to or trek there!
The German Stereotype is True!
There are a lot of stereotypes that are absolutely true about Germans. Iโve experienced them firsthand in my relationship as well, lolโฆ
Germans are often known around the world as being a bit cold, disciplined, hard-working, a lover of rules, structure, organization, practical, efficient, and at times as SNLโs hilarious skit โCoat Storeโ makes fun of.
But, having known the people firsthand through my German boyfriend and his people, I can tell you honestly that the Germans are also warm, kind, hospitable, caring people.
GERMANY TRAVEL RESOURCES
Compare Flight Deals
Check out Way Away which is a free tool that gives you the best flight deals out there. Use RGR-10 to get 10% off your membership which gives you access to even more deals.
How to Travel with a Chronic Illness
There are ways to travel even with a chronic illness. Check out my chronic illness travel tips and how I travel despite having Lupus.
US Embassy in Germany
Visit here.
Best Travel Insurance
Accidents happen. Make sure that you’re covered on your next trip. Compare travel insurance here.
Earn Travel Perks & Free Trips
Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Read my in depth guide on how to earn points toward free hotel stays, flights, car rentals and more with Marriott’s brand partners! Travel smart, get the most for your money.
Rent a Car
Sometimes its nicer (and cheaper) to rent a car and go at your own pace. Discover best deals on car rentals here.
Dating Safety
Every woman should be able to date without being the next victim. Check out my safety tips guide for women.
That’s a Wrap!
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed my stories of Berlin at Christmas as much as I enjoyed sharing them with you! Hopefully, you got some ideas on which Christmas Markets in Berlin to visit. ๐
Have you visited any Christmas markets in Germany? Would you go? I love hearing from my readers! Let me know in the comments below!

Thank you so much for being apart of this journey with me! I wouldnโt be here if it werenโt for you.
To join in on the fun and get helpful tips and guides, subscribe to the blog. You can also follow Geeves on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter for travel inspiration, funny stories and well, life!
Until next timeโฆ keep it real.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
20 Helpful Tips for Traveling with a Chronic Illness
Your Ultimate Guide to New Years in Hamburg Germany
Add a Christmas Story House and Museum to Your Holiday Bucketlist
A Quick Magical Trip to Chicago at Christmas
A Colorful Adventure in New York City
How to Leverage Marriott Points and Miles with Marriott Partners
Fact Check:
At Real Girl Review, we value truth and always strive for accuracy. Posts are updated regularly. If you read something that still doesnโt sound right, contact me at gv@realgirlreview.com. I will investigate the facts and make changes as I deem necessary.
Hi Renee,
Thank you for reading the blog. I hope you get to experience Berlin one day. It’s a great city with so much energy!
I think we had that in common, the pink bedroom and dreaming of European Christmas markets!! I’m hooked, and every year I try and visit a different one. I haven’t been to Berlin’s yet, but on my list!!!
Glad you got your white Christmas! There’s nothing like it!
WOW is this a comprehensive post- you thought of everything! The markets look magical and the food looks like the best part!
Hi Melanie,
Ooh I would have loved to have went ice skating! That toboggan was really fun. I felt like a kid again lol.
Hi Marga!
It’s really cool that you lived in Germany. Thank you for those Christmas market recommendations! I always love going back to Germany so I’ll have to make a note of them and check them out next time.
I know right! I literally thought that to myself.. Unfortunately I didn’t have any cash on me so I couldn’t tip.. Which come to think of it, explains a lot lol. ๐ค
Love Berlin’s Christmas markets! It sounds like you had a lot of fun exploring so many of them. I did some skating while I was there but I didn’t see any tobogganing–that looks like so much fun!
Ooooh I lived in Berlin many years and I miss the markets. My favourite one was in Rixdorf as it was so small and local. RAW and and Kulturbrauerei were also amazing. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
I wonder how many people tip the guy with the sign โNo tip = bad sex for 7 yearsโ! just to avoid bad juju.
What an experience it seems to have been! I love the German Christmas markets and go whenever I can since I live here in Europe. Iโm glad it fulfilled one of your dreams. Keep catching โem girl!
Hi Jeanine!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the blog. Germany is such an amazing place to explore. Their Christmas markets are like no other in the world. It’s great that you got to experience them.
Germany is a place that has our heart, and the Christkindlmarkts were a feature of one such trip (in the south). Can’t wait for our next visit to the North and see the wonders, you have fuelled my wanderlust thank you
It makes the experience more authentic and definitely easier to communicate with the locals. Well, I’m American too and didn’t speak more than a few words of German so don’t worry! Most of them speak English.
It must have been great visiting Germany with someone who is from there. I’d like to experience an old-world Christmas, but I’d stick out like a sore thumb or more like an American tourist!