Christmas Markets in Berlin 2013
There is no other country in northern Europe that celebrates Christmas quite like the German capital. During the festive season the streets of Berlin come alive when the annual Christmas markets fill the squares with dazzling light displays, stalls selling Christmas trees, decorations and gifts. There are more than 60 Christmas markets in Berlin but here are our top three.
One of the most interesting is the Lucia Christmas Market or ´Luciaweihnachstmarkt` located in a former brewery that has been converted into a cultural centre, ´el Kulturbrauerei`. Offering different Christmas events and family attractions on a daily basis, the season kicks off on the 25th of November and activities take place until the 22nd of December. Open from 3pm until 10 pm on weekdays, and from 1pm until 10 pm on the weekend. The 80 stalls that comprises this Berlin Christmas market sell typical Christmas sweets and baked goods that children as well as adults will love, traditional mulled wine (glühwein) to warm you up when it gets a bit cold, and articles typically sold during the festive season. Truly an unrivalled location in this 19th century building, especially decorated for the occasion.
The Nostalgia Market takes place every year next to the Opera House and has more than 160 stalls selling artisanal goods and food. This Berlin Christmas market, known as the ´Weihnachstmarkt am Operspalais`, has a 100 Ferris Wheel years old, that children absolutely love. In addition, there are always different concerts taking place on the main stage. Immerse yourself in the festive aromas and colours originating from the roasted chestnuts and caramel-coated almonds, or the hot and delicious mulled wine. If you also would like to buy typical Christmas figures from northern Europe, then you will find that a vast range is on offer here.
One of Berlin’s most famous Christmas markets is the Spandau Christmas Market, which boasts a permanenet Father Christmas. It is one of the largest and most traditional Christmas markets in Berlin with more than 250 stalls during the week and over 400 stalls at the weekend. The christmas cheer is guaranteed with Christmas lights, performances with live animals, a large Christmas tree, and discounts for families on Wednesdays. At this market, you can immerse yourself in the most traditional Berlin Christmas, with all its stalls selling artisanal articles, sweets and baked goods. This is an obligatory stop during your treks around Berlin.
