Christmas markets from colorful hustle and bustle to charming tranquility: our top five winter events in Berlin-Mitte

The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, and all the Christmas markets and winter events have been open again for a few days now, tempting visitors with the scent of roasted almonds, vanilla, mulled wine, and the anticipation of Christmas. Berlin wouldn’t be Berlin if it didn’t have a huge range of events to offer, and in fact there are around 80 to 100 Christmas markets and winter events in the city. Of course, it depends on what you count, because in addition to the large and well-known markets, there are also many smaller Christmas bazaars and themed winter events scattered throughout the city.

We set out to find five winter highlights in Berlin-Mitte for you, all very different and all just a few minutes apart, so you might even explore them on an extended walk.

Lively and colorful hustle and bustle: the Christmas market at Alexanderplatz

The Christmas market at Alexanderplatz is probably the most bustling in the whole of Mitte. It’s a colorful mix of tourists, Berlin families, and people who pop in for a quick stroll around the square after work. The eye-catcher is definitely the large Christmas pyramid in the middle of the square. And if you’re lucky, there’ll be a really good street musician playing by the world clock, who you’ll want to listen to for a few minutes. Sometimes with an electric guitar and proper amplification – and a repertoire that’s not very Christmassy, but that’s what makes Alexanderplatz so charming: it’s a melting pot of this city and a meeting place for everyone who wants to get into the Christmas spirit before they start their Christmas shopping.

Christmas market at the Rotes Rathaus – some traditional winter fun for ice skating fans

Just a few minutes’ walk away is the next Christmas market between the Neptune Fountain and City Hall – also free to get into and way more chill and traditional. There’s the pretty lit-up “Marktgasse” and a Ferris wheel. An absolute highlight is definitely the “Ice World at Neptune Fountain,” a round ice rink covering over 600 m² that surrounds Neptune Fountain. Ice skating costs €5, and if you don’t have your own skates, you can rent a pair for €3. You can warm up in a heated mulled wine bar.

Elegant and atmospheric: Christmas Magic at Gendarmenmarkt

Christmas Magic at Gendarmenmarkt is undoubtedly one of Berlin’s most elegant markets, nestled between the French and German Cathedrals and the Concert Hall. Unlike the other markets, there is a small entrance fee of €2 (note: free admission from Monday to Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., except December 24, 25, 26, and 31, 2025). The atmosphere here is much quieter and more stylish than at the first two stops, and there are also many artisans here who you can even watch at work. There is also a stage for choirs, music, and dance groups, as well as a wide range of food and drink options.

Winter market Schlossplatz at the Humboldt Forum – beautifully illuminated

From Gendarmenmarkt, you can take a leisurely stroll to the Unter den Linden subway station, just one stop away, get off at Museumsinsel, and find yourself on Schlossplatz, right in front of the Humboldt Forum. The winter market there is divided into the outdoor area, the Schlüterhof inside the Humboldt Forum, and a dining area on the Spree terrace. There is a tried-and-tested mix of Christmas treats, hot drinks, and handicrafts to buy. The lighting on the facades, some of which feature video mapping projections, is certainly a true eye-catcher.

Warm and cozy: Feuerzangenbowle in the Nikolaiviertel

Just a few steps across the Rathausbrücke bridge and you’re in the Nikolaiviertel, the founding site of Berlin. No admission fees, no rides, no loud music. Instead, there is plenty of charming comfort, small nostalgic market stalls, and above all: the famous Feuerzangenbowle – both as a drink and as a black-and-white film classic starring Heinz Rühmann, flickering across the screen here. Thanks to patio heaters and comfortable sofas, you can make yourself comfortable here with a small snack and the scent of Feuerzangenbowle: sweet, spicy, warming, and intense. Our tip: on all four Sundays in Advent, the “Herr’n von der Tankstelle” will be giving a short concert at 6 p.m. with their catchy tunes from the old UFA sound films – free of charge, of course.

Every market has its own atmosphere and personality—from colorful hustle and bustle to cozy comfort. We wish all of you a wonderful Advent season and hope you enjoy your own winter stroll through Berlin.