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Heading to Berlin for the holidays? The German capital has more than 50 markets to celebrate the season, including many open after Christmas.
Entertain energetic kiddos at the market near Berlin’s Rotes Rathaus. Children can skate out their excitement on the ice rink, enjoy panoramic views from the Ferris wheel, and make furry friends at the petting zoo. Christmas market dates: Nov. 22, 2021 to Jan. 2, 2022.
Your family will enjoy the diverse live performances at the Gendarmenmarkt. Mark your calendar to count down to 2020 at the New Year’s Eve event. Christmas market dates: Nov. 22 to Dec. 31, 2021.
Entrance to the 40-foot-high toboggan run and ice rink is free at Winter World (Winterwelt) on Potsdamer Platz. DJs set up after 7 p.m. most evenings. Christmas market dates: Oct. 29, 2021 to Jan. 2, 2022.
Helpful hints: Head to Visit Berlin's website or www.weihnachteninberlin.de for hours and details about these and other markets in the city.
The U- and S-bahns will take you almost anywhere in the city and are easy to navigate, as well as affordable.
Beyond the market: Prussian capital. Nazi headquarters. East and West. Berlin’s history is quite the story. Discover the city’s dark past and the strength of a community that survived the devastation. The Reichstag Parliament building maintains part of the original structure and an impressive, modern glass dome which you can ascend for panoramic views of the city. See the remaining section of the Berlin Wall painted with murals by local artists. Visit the Jewish Museum, German Historical Museum and Topography of Terror.
Have more time? Check out a library dedicated to the Brothers Grimm, and attempt to drive a Soviet-era Trabi car around town.
Hungry after a busy afternoon? Stop by a bakery for a Berliner (a jelly-filled donut), splurge on lunch at Michelin-starred Restaurant Vau, or have dinner in total darkness at Nocti Vagus.
Happy Christmas market hopping in Berlin!
