It's that time of year: the city lights up, the scent of cinnamon, roasted almonds and fir trees fills the air - Berlin welcomes Advent. From hip design markets to Nordic fairy-tale scenery, from doggie happiness to Japanese cultural trips: This weekend, the capital is kicking off the most wonderful time of the year with full Christmas vigour.
Whether you're looking for original gifts, want to take a leisurely stroll through a historic palace park or want to be enchanted by international flair - you'll find the perfect start to your pre-Christmas season in Berlin here .
Win a weekend in Berlin
Take part in our competition now and win a pre-Christmas weekend in Berlin with accommodation in a top hotel.
Tip 1: Holy Shit Shopping 2025 - design market at Christmas time
Are you looking for gifts that go beyond kitsch and convention? Then immerse yourself in the creative hustle and bustle of Holy Shit Shopping! A top-class design market awaits you at the stylish event location CRANK Berlin: over 200 carefully selected designers, artists and manufacturers present their unique pieces here - from innovative fashion to unusual prints and stationery to delicious delicacies.
There are also good drinks, beats from Berlin DJs and a relaxed club atmosphere. Enjoy the Christmas market as a shopping event where you are sure to find your first Christmas presents.
When: 30 November - 1 December 2025
Where: Crank Berlin, Karl-Marx-Straße 95, Neukölln
Tip 2: Advent in the park in the Schöneberger Südgelände nature park
An atmospheric Christmas market of a different kind awaits you in the middle of the former railway grounds, between old tracks, rusty industrial plants and wintry nature. At Advent in the Park, art, light installations and ecological ideas combine to create a unique experience. Sustainable products, warming punch and regional delicacies meet live music, campfires and a very special atmosphere.
There is a colourful hands-on programme for families - from handicrafts to nature tours. A real insider tip for all those who like to enjoy Christmas outdoors and consciously.
When: 30 November - 1 December 2025
Where: Schöneberger Südgelände, Prellerweg 47-49, Schöneberg
Advent in the park SChöneberger Südgelände
Tip 3: Found objects winter market in the former women's prison
The Fundstücke winter market brings art, culture and queer diversity to the listed former women's prison in Lichterfelde. Over three floors, you can stroll through the former cells, which are now used as studios. Here, queer artists present their works - from paintings, ceramics, photography and mixed media to expressive nudes. In a personal atmosphere, you can talk directly to the artists and perhaps discover the perfect, unique Christmas gift.
The impressive historic building forms the atmospheric backdrop for this special art market, which offers a statement for visibility, creativity and diversity alongside mulled wine and gift stalls. At the vernissage, during the exhibition days and at the finissage, you can browse, marvel and enjoy in a relaxed, warm atmosphere.
When: 27 November to 14 December
Where: former women's prison Lichterfelde, Söhtstraße 7, Steglitz-Zehlendorf
PrideArt finds - winter art market
Tip 4: Christmas market at St Michael's Home
In the festively decorated courtyard of the historic St Michaels Heim, the nostalgic Christmas market unfolds this weekend against a historic backdrop. In front of the beautifully illuminated former palace of the Mendelssohn family in Berlin's Grunewald forest, you can enjoy the contemplative atmosphere and numerous cultural offerings. The stalls at the Christmas market are filled with handmade arts and crafts, high-quality bric-a-brac, Advent wreaths and Christmas decorations. There are also culinary delicacies, a varied cultural programme and a Christmas programme with crafts and Christmas stories for children.
By the way: The proceeds from the Christmas market go to the Johannische Sozialwerk e.V. and support its social activities.
When: 30 November - 1 December 2025
Where: St. Michaels Heim, Bismarckallee 23, Grunewald
Christmas market at St Michaels Heim
Tip 5: The Japanese Christmas market
A touch of the Far East in the centre of Berlin! The Japanese Christmas market takes you to another world. The exhibitors present paintings, ceramics, kimonos and many other Japanese treasures at their stalls. The culinary delights at the Christmas market are also typically Japanese. Here you can sample sushi, sake and sweets.
If you want to get creative yourself, take advantage of the workshops on Japanese calligraphy, shodo and origami.
When: 30 November
Where: Am Flutgraben 2, Kreuzberg
Tip 6: Danish Christmas market in Berlin
On this one Advent weekend, the community centre in Charlottenburg is transformed into a lovingly decorated Nordic Christmas market - the Christianskirkens julemarked. Over 100 dedicated helpers from the Danish community will bring a real piece of home to the capital and immerse you in a hygge Christmas atmosphere.
Look forward to typical Danish specialities such as the popular Smørrebrød, sweet Æbleskiver - small pancakes in the shape of a ball - and of course the spicy Glögg, which will keep you wonderfully warm. Julebryg, the Danish Christmas beer, and Akvavit, the traditional caraway schnapps, are also a must. At the festively decorated stalls, you will also discover Scandinavian design, toys, fashion and fine handicrafts - ideal for original gifts.
Tip: A special highlight is the joint Christmas carol singing at 2 pm each day.
When: 29 and 30 November
Where: Brienner Straße 12, Wilmersdorf
Danish Christmas market in Berlin
Tip 7: Nordic fairytale Christmas at Britz Palace
At Cocolorus Budenzauber at the over 300-year-old Schloss Britz , you can immerse yourself in an atmospheric world full of magic, twinkling lights and medieval enchantment. Between flickering fireplaces, fragrant delicacies and artistically decorated stalls, a unique setting is created that enchants visitors of all ages.
On the culinary front, you can look forward to savoury kebabs, medieval fire meat, game dishes, apple fritters, flatbreads and garlic bread. Scandinavian glögi, quince mead or cidoquitte lemon for children will warm you up on frosty winter evenings. Children love the medieval playground with a Viking boat and dragon hammer - a giant, hand-operated piece of playground equipment. Live Christmas music, light and shadow theatre and an impressive fire show round off the medieval Christmas spectacle.
When: on the first three Advent weekends
Where: Schloss Britz, Alt-Britz 73, Neukölln
Nordic fairytale Christmas at Britz Castle
Tip 8: Manufakturen Christmas market in the park of Schönhausen Palace
Fine products, honest craftsmanship and a historic backdrop - the Manufakturen Christmas Market in Schönhausen Palace Park is a feast for the senses. Here you will find handmade treasures from small workshops in Berlin and Brandenburg. Whether jewellery, wooden toys or natural cosmetics - everything is made with love and skill. A stage programme provides entertainment and a festive atmosphere. On Friday evening, the hardChor "Ella" will welcome you to the castle with songs in various languages from different countries.
Tip: Schönhausen Castle is also open on Saturday and Sunday with reduced admission and guided tours.
When: 28 to 30 November
Where: Schönhausen Palace Park, Tschaikowskistraße 1, Pankow
Manufactory Christmas market in the park of Schönhausen Palace
Tip 9: Berlin dog Christmas market "Sirius" at Forsthaus Paulsborn
Christmas on four paws: At the "Sirius" dog Christmas market at Forsthaus Paulsborn, man's best friend becomes the star of the Advent season! Nestled in the idyllic setting of the Grunewald forest, a unique market awaits you, where everything revolves around the beloved four-legged friends. Since 2012, "Sirius" has been delighting dog lovers big and small with a diverse range of products: high-quality dog food, lovingly crafted toys, stylish leads and coats as well as exciting guidebooks. Sustainability, quality and variety take centre stage.
You can treat yourself to mulled wine and regional delicacies from Forsthaus Paulsborn in the separate catering area. An entertaining stage programme with dog dancing, mantrailing and other shows will keep both two- and four-legged friends in a good mood.
By the way: Part of the entrance fee will be donated to the Berlin animal charity Tiertafel - in the spirit of Christmas.
When: 29 and 30 November
Where: Forsthaus Paulsborn, Hüttenweg, Zehlendorf
Berlin dog Christmas market "Sirius" at Forsthaus Paulsborn
Tip 10: Advent market Alt-Buckow Berlin
Around the romantic village church from the 13th century and the picturesque village pond, the historic village centre is transformed into a festive Christmas village with a cosy atmosphere.
Between fairy lights, fir trees and traditional wooden huts , you will find numerous stalls with handmade gift ideas, Christmas decorations and lovingly designed decorative items. Winter delicacies such as kale, roasted sausages, gingerbread and roasted almonds are on offer. All accompanied by a steaming mug of mulled wine or hot chocolate. Artists from the neighbourhood perform on the small stage and create a musical Advent atmosphere. Children can look forward to the children's wonder Christmas tent with games, fun and surprises - a real insider tip for families!
When: 29 and 30 November
Where: Alt-Buckow 16-18, Neukölln
Tip 11: Hanff's Ruh Advent market
As soon as you enter the grounds of this traditional restaurant, you are greeted by a lovingly designed winter wonderland where craftsmanship, warmth and homemade treats play the leading roles. The Advent market here is small, charming and informal - just right for escaping the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle for a moment.
There are all kinds of beautiful and home-made things to discover at the stalls: artistic lamps, handmade jewellery, cosy knitwear, fragrant flower arrangements and imaginative nativity scenes. The market is also a culinary feast: in addition to cherry, herb or egg liqueur and fruity jams, there are classics such as kale, bratwurst and freshly baked waffles. Children can let off steam creatively at the craft stall.
When: 29 and 30 November
Where: Rabindranath-Tagore-Straße 25, Köpenick
