Top Berlin Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets were one of the top reasons I wanted to go to Berlin this winter- Germans just seem to know how to do Christmas right. There is much less commercialism, and by far and away less tackiness than you will find in London, where Christmas can become a branded experience if you're not careful.

The lights, smell of roasting chestnuts, mulled wine and gingerbread makes just about a magical experience:

Alexanderplatz Christmas market

When I was planning our recent trip to Berlin, I ran into a snag. There are about 70 Christmas Markets in Berlin, but I couldn't find anyone to recommend which markets to go to.

So here's your solution! In no particular order, these are the top Berlin Christmas markets I would recommend:

• Nostalgischer Weihnachtsmarkt

This beautiful "nostalgic" market is set under and around a beautiful, red-brick cathedral. Less busy than some of its nearby brothers, I would recommend stopping by for a Gluhwein.

                 

Location:

Rund um das Opernpalais
10785 Berlin - Germany

• Weihnachtszauber market in Gendarmenmark

This market charges  a 1€ fee to get in. However, it's worth a look despite the fee. This was easily one of the most picturesque markets we went to in Berlin, and is situated in a truly stunning square:

Location:
Gendarmenmarkt
Berlin 10117

The closest U-Bahn stations are Stadtmitte (U2, U6), followed by Französische Straße (U6 and Hausvogteiplatz (U2).

• Schloss Charlottenburg Christmas Market

Located in the shadow of the Charlottenburg Palace, this market had some delicious nutty, chocolate coated gingerbread available, and a brass band playing Christmas carols. Plus there is a few indoor shops to warm up in.

Schloss Charlottenburg

Location:

Spandauer Damm 10-22

14059  Berlin

The closest U-bahn stations are Sophie-Charlotte-Platz, Richard-Wagner Plaz, and the closest S-Bahn station is S-Bahnhof Westend.

• Alexanderplatz Market

Located in the shadow of the infamous, communist-era TV Tower, this market has a fantastic 50 meter ferris wheel, and the standard gluhwein and bratwurst food available. However, the real highlight is the ice skating rink which wraps around a fountain of Neptune:

ice skaters

Location:

Alexanderplatz is a major transport hub, so it should be simple to get there: S-Bahn (S3, S5, S7/75), U-Bahn (U2, U5, U8), tram (M2, M4, M5, M6, M8), bus (TXL, 100, 200, 248) and regional trains (RE1, RE2, RE7, RB14).

• Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche Christmas Market

This market is located in the shadow of the craggy remains of a cathedral that was bombed out during WWII. Sadly it was covered in scaffolding while we were there, but it would have provided a dramatic backdrop to this little market.

Location:

Breitscheidplatz
10789 Berlin Charlottenburg
Map of the Christmas Markets (Click for more images):

Further Reading on Berlin Christmas Markets:
1. Journey to Berlin
This blog was one of the most useful tools I found for getting ready to go to Berlin. Being a lover of blogs, I am always on the lookout for people's personal experiences and recommendations. Journey to Berlin fits the bill and provides a great overview of the Berlin markets, including what to expect, when to go, and what to wear. Highly recommended!!
2. Visit Berlin
Berlin's official tourism site, this offers a fairly lengthy list of markets, but the Christmas market descriptions are big on the fluff, low on the facts.
3. Germany Christmas Markets
This British site tries to sell you package tours of Christmas markets. However, by looking at the itineraries you can glean some useful facts.