Christmas in Berlin: the markets, the lights and Advent music

The Lucia market at the Kulturbrauerei

In the red-brick courtyards of the Kulturbrauerei, a former brewery in Prenzlauer Berg, the Lucia market takes its theme from Scandinavian Christmas. In 2026 it opens from Monday 23 November to Tuesday 22 December, Monday to Friday 3pm–10pm and at weekends 1pm–10pm (lucia-weihnachtsmarkt.de). The U2 stops at Eberswalder Strasse nearby.

Spandau’s Old Town market

The old town of Spandau, in the far west of the city, holds one of Berlin’s largest Christmas markets, from 23 November to 22 December 2026 (weihnachteninberlin.de). The U7 runs to Altstadt Spandau.

Christmas Garden at the Botanic Garden

From 18 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, Christmas Garden turns the Botanic Garden in Dahlem into an illuminated evening trail (weihnachteninberlin.de). Book a time slot in advance.

The Gendarmenmarkt and Charlottenburg Palace

Two of the best-loved markets stand in front of great buildings: on the Gendarmenmarkt, between the Konzerthaus and the twin churches, and on the forecourt of Charlottenburg Palace. We could not confirm their 2026 dates from the organisers before publication, so check their own announcements before you go.

The Gendarmenmarkt →   Charlottenburg Palace →

Advent music

Advent and Christmas concerts fill the Philharmonie, the Konzerthaus and the Berliner Dom; see each venue’s own programme.

Our advice: go to the markets on a weekday evening, and keep some cash for the stalls.

Questions and answers