Lucia Christmas Market
Best for: families
Bringing all the best elements of Scandinavian culture to Berlin, Lucia market is a warm and welcoming spot. Located in the courtyard of a former brewery, the Kulturbrauerei, this picturesque hangout is lined with red and white wooden stalls. Expect minimal designs and natural materials, handmade crafts and simple stylish decorations. We love the natural and non-commercial feel of this market, which lacks the brashness of some other family-focused markets. Rides such as a bungee trampoline and an old-fashioned chain carousel, or fun activities such as crossbow shooting and crafts, will keep little ones occupied. The market is also not too big, with around 60 stalls, so you don’t have to worry about losing each other.
But Lucia is not just aimed at children. One of the more tasteful markets out there, you can enjoy a charming range of Icelandic, Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian gifts and food and drink. Warm up in the mobile sauna (with clothes on!), and try a few Nordic winter beverages from Swedish Glogg to Finnish Glögi and Icelandic Jolaglögg. The Kulturbrauerei also hosts a number of bars and restaurants as well as a theatre, cinema and museum to while away the hours.
For some real Christmas magic visit on 13 December for Saint Lucy’s Day. To mark this important Swedish tradition, a girl with a wreath of lights on her head leads a procession of candle holders, gnomes and gingerbread men, as choir singing fills the air. It doesn’t get more festive than that.
Dates: Tuesday 28 November – Friday 22 December 2023
Address: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
Website: lucia-weihnachtsmarkt.de
Price: free entry
Nowkoelln Flowmarkt
Best for: bargains
Located in the bustling heart of Neukolln, the fortnightly Flowmarkt stretches all the way from Maybachufer towards Friedelstrasse. It’s the perfect place for a stroll. Take in the scenery whilst browsing the endless stalls which stretch along the water of the Landwehrkanal. There may be fewer bells and whistles at this Christmas market, but it’s a personal favourite of ours for finding second-hand flea market gems and handmade gifts. You will also find delicious street food from around the world, as well as all the Christmas classics. As day dips into the night and the customary scattering of lights blinks on, we can’t help but feel that distinctive festive thrill. Decked in hats, gloves and winter clothing, surrounded by people and steaming food stalls there is a warmth in the air that has nothing to do with the weather. Grab a cup of steaming glühwein or hot chocolate and take in the twinkling lights reflected in the river. Once you’re finished browsing, there are also many streetside shops, cafes, bars and restaurants to explore here too, making this an ideal destination for a pre-dinner amble. For some inspiration on where to eat here is our round-up of the best restaurants in Berlin.
Dates: Whilst you can visit the market all year round every two weeks, on every second Sunday, the Xmas Flowmarkt is on Saturday 10 December 2023
Address: Prinzenstraße 35, 10969 Berlin, Germany
Website: nowkoelln.de
Price: free entry
