Planning to travel to Berlin during Christmas and the holiday season? Check out my guide to making the most of the Berlin Christmas markets and a vegetarian-friendly food guide to feast on as you explore them.
Many European countries are famous for their Christmas markets but Germany is known to have the best of them. So, when I had some time to take off last Christmas and Berlin was our choice for a city break, I couldn’t wait to delve into the spirit of its Christmas markets.
If it’s your first time in Berlin, check out my comprehensive Berlin Travel Guide that covers everything you need to know about the best Berlin attractions and the top things to do, places to see, where to eat, drink and stay in order to make your perfect Berlin city break itinerary.
Berlin Christmas Markets
Berlin has more than 60 Christmas markets! If you’re looking for something more central, you must try the market at Alexanderplatz. It’s a huge market, surrounded by very commercial concrete buildings and in general has a very commercial vibe to it. However, there is a Ferris wheel and an ice skating rink which draws a lot of crowd.
Ferris wheel at Alexanderplatz Christmas market
Aerial view of the Alexanderplatz Christmas market
My favourite, though, was the Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt, the most beautiful square in Berlin. Set against the backdrop of the Konzerthaus (concert hall) and the French and German Cathedrals, it is truly the most magnificent setting for a Christmas market.
The Christmas market overlooking the Schloss Charlottenburg Palace is not too far behind either when it comes to an atmospheric setting! Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the time to visit it 🙁
Note: Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market has an entry fee of 1€ and you will also need cash to spend on the stalls inside the market. Best to be prepared!
The best time to visit Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market is definitely in the late evening after dark. The chilly nights are made cosier by the warm twinkling lights, surrounded by friends and family enjoying the festive spirit together.
Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market entrance
Beautiful setting
How pretty is this?
Dig into the warm festive spirit!
There are plenty of stalls to browse through and buy handmade and artisan Christmas decorations and edible treats. The ones in Gendarmenmarkt tend to be more expensive and luxury kind. How gorgeous are they!
Christmas treats and souvenirs
More edible treats!
Cute Santas!
My favourite!
A must-try is the sweet, spiced mulled wine or Glühwein. Before you know it, you may be enjoying a warm, fuzzy feeling after guzzling down a few over conversations or watching the live performances. You have to pay a little deposit (as much as 3€) for the mug in which the wine is served and at the end, you could either take the mug away as a souvenir or return it to get your deposit back.
Mulled wine mugs
Enjoying the mulled wine or Glühwein
Vegetarian Guide to Food in Berlin Christmas Markets
Ok, so here is the tricky part. If you’re a meat-eater, bratwurst and currywurst are a must-try. However, what about us vegetarians? I had read that the German Christmas markets are definitely vegetarian-friendly. But it was very overwhelming once I got there. Probably down to the names or the look of it, I found it very difficult to figure out what was vegetarian and what wasn’t.
The sweet treats were obviously easy ones to find – candied nuts and fruits, chocolates, etc. For savoury options, you can find fried potatoes, potato pancakes, fried mushrooms, savoury crepes with filling of your choice. I also tried Lángos, a Hungarian deep-fried flatbread with toppings and sauce of my choice.
Candied almonds
Chocolates!
Spicy cheese
Candied apples
Lángos with red peppers and feta cheese
Fried potatoes and mushrooms with garlic sauce
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I hope you enjoyed my guide to making the most of the Berlin Christmas markets. What are your favourite Christmas destinations? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to know!
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Cheers,
Ameeta xx
