Karaoke and reindeer meat: the attractions of Berlin’s Christmas markets

Karaoke and reindeer meat: the attractions of Berlin’s Christmas markets


In 2023 there will be more than 70 options for Christmas markets […]

Since last November 10th Berlin has acquired new tones.

The long-awaited winter season in Germany’s capital is known for the spectacular Christmas markets that are set up at various addresses in the city, which this year will feature more than 70 options.




But when it comes to a changing Berlin, the Christmas markets take on a new and non-traditional aspect with options for the LGBTQIA+ public, for fans of Nordic cultures and even a curious Japanese version of Christmas (including karaoke and sumo).

At this time of year even four-legged visitors are excluded and there is even a market with exclusive products for dogs, such as food and accessories.

LGBTIQ Winter Days*

address: Nollendorfplatz (subway U1, U2, U3, U4 Nollendorfplatz)

When: from 10 November to 23 December 2023

How much: free

Under the roof of a train station, this market celebrates diversity with stalls selling crafts, decorative items and fashion accessories.

The program includes activities such as DJs from Berlin’s gay club scene, Drag Bingo on Tuesdays and karaoke with Christmas music on Sundays.



Christmas Garden Berlin

Christmas Garden Berlin

Where: Königin-Luise-Straße 68 (U3 Dahlem Dorf subway)

When: from 17 November 2023 to 14 January 2024

How much: starting from 16.50 euros

Located in the Berlin Botanical Garden, this market is home to around 30 light installations, including a weeping beech tree that is more than 100 years old.

Japanese Christmas Market

Where: Am Flutgraben 2 (subway U1 and U3 to Schlesisches Tor)

When: November 26

How much: 13.50 euros

Sake stands, karaoke and sumo shows are some of the attractions taking place in Berlin, exclusively on November 26, from 12pm to 7pm.



Japanese Christmas Market

Lucia Market at the Kulturbrauerei

Where: Schönhauser Allee 36 (U2 Eberswalder Straße or Senefelderplatz subway)

When: from 27 November to 22 December 2023

How much: free

Considered one of the most beautiful in the city, this market takes inspiration from Nordic culture and takes place in wooden houses painted white and red.

Visitors can find traditional crafts and Scandinavian dishes, such as Goulash moose, reindeer salami and waffles Finns.

Spandau

Where: Kammerstraße 6 (U7 Altstadt Spandau subway)

When: from 27 November to 23 December 2023

How much: free

This traditional Christmas market is located on a pedestrian street in the Spandau district and is considered one of the largest of its kind in Berlin.

The place is known for its wooden stands with displays of the work of artisans and exhibitors, whose visit from Santa Claus occurs on Wednesdays.



Market at Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz

Where: Alexanderplatz (subway U5, U8 S+U Alexanderplatz)

When: from 27 November to 26 December 2023

How much: free

In Berlin’s most famous square you can walk among the small wooden houses, visit the largest Christmas pyramid in Europe, go ice skating or take the children for a ride on the carousel.

Charlottenburg Palace

Where: Spandauer Dam 22

When: from 27 November to 31 December 2023

How much: free

This market takes place in the former residence of Queen Sofia Carlota and hosts more than 100 international exhibitors selling products such as Christmas decorations, ceramics, candles and jewellery.

One of the highlights is the guided tour on the Christmas traditions of the Hohenzollerns, former residents of the palace.



Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace

Weihnachts Zauber

Where: Bebelplatz (subway U5 Museumsinsel, U2 Hausvogteiplatz or Stadtmitte, U6 Französische)

When: from 27 November to 31 December 2023

How much: 2 euros (free, from Monday to Thursday, from 11:00 to 14:00)

Close to Museum Island, the market is known for selling fine crafts and gourmet cuisine served in air-conditioned stalls.

One of the highlights is the extensive program of artistic presentations by goldsmiths, glass blowers and candle makers.

Berliner Weihnachtszeit

Where: Spandauer Straße (underground U2, U5, U8 Alexanderplatz)

When: from 27 December 2023 to 7 January 2024

How much: free

In an environment reminiscent of old Berlin, it is famous for the medieval market around St. Mary’s Church with its fresh bread stall and the tavern with mead served in earthenware jugs.

The place is also known for the one-of-a-kind circular ice rink and the 50-meter-high Ferris wheel, brought from the Munich Oktoberfest.



Sirius (pet market)

Where: Hüttenweg 90 (bus 115, X10, X83 Königin Luise Straße/Clayalle)

When: 2 and 3 December 2023

How much: 2.50 euros

This animal-themed market takes place in the Grunewald dog park in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district.

Over the weekend, exhibitors will be selling dog products, such as food, clothing and accessories such as leashes and toys.

* with information from Visit Berlin

Source: Terra

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