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Mother and baby at the Christmas market
Mother and baby at the Christmas market © GettyImages, Bild: ArtMarie

Advent Market at the Evangelische Johannesstift

Advent Market in Berlin on 29 November 2026


Christmas traditions in Spandau: the Christmas market at the Evangelisches Johannesstift is a wonderful experience for the whole family.

Traditionally, on the first Sunday of Advent, the Evangelical Johannesstift hosts a Christmas market on the edge of the Spandauer Forst. In the ballroom of the Evangelical Johannesstift and around the Spandau Collegiate Church, you can discover lots of things both indoors and outdoors and get into the spirit of the Advent season.

About the Foundation

The Evangelical Johannesstift was founded in 1858 by Johann Hinrich Wichern and has been situated on the edge of the Spandau Forest since 1910. It is one of Berlin’s largest and most historic diaconal institutions.

To mark the start of the Christmas market, the parish invites you to a large family service from 11 am, during which the large Wichern Advent wreath will be lit. To bring Advent Sunday to an atmospheric close, the candlelit Advent vespers will begin at 5 pm in the Stiftskirche

Christmas market with treats and gift ideas

Following the service, the stalls selling arts and crafts, handmade goods and culinary delights will open on Lindenplatz and around the church. This year, there will also be a small selection of stalls in the ballroom, as well as a coffee shop to warm up in.


Raketen Erna, brass bands and choirs will provide musical entertainment, and visitors can admire Christian Christmas traditions, from the Advent wreath to the nativity scene.

Children can make their wish lists with St Nicholas and enjoy a ride on the historic carousel or the nostalgic ship-shaped swing. To round off the first Sunday in Advent, a musical vespers service will take place in the church. You’ll be treated to homemade cakes and coffee, as well as other typical Christmas market delicacies.

Exhibition on Christian Christmas traditions and brass bands

Children are invited to write their wish lists for St Nicholas, take a ride on the historic carousel or swing high into the air on the ship-shaped swing. Brass bands provide the backdrop to the festive hustle and bustle with atmospheric Christmas music. Singing along is expressly encouraged.

Highlights of the Christmas market at the Evangelisches Johannesstift

  • Stalls indoors and outdoors
  • Brass bands
  • Attractions & activities for children
     

Our tips for your visit to the Christmas market at the Evangelisches Johannesstift

After your visit to the Christmas market at the Evangelisches Johannesstift, why not pop by the wildlife reserve in Spandauer Forst or take a winter stroll through Spandauer Forst?
The Christmas market at the Evangelisches Johannesstift is particularly lovely in the evening, by candlelight.

Opening times and admission prices

  • Date: 29 November 2026
  • Opening hours: 11 am to 6 pm (with a church service at 11 am and Advent vespers from 5 pm)
  • Admission is free

How to get there

The Evangelical Johannesstift is situated on the edge of the Spandauer Forst in the north of the Spandau district. Access by car is only possible via Schönwalder Allee. As there are only a few parking spaces available in the central car park, we recommend travelling by public transport.

  • Bus: M45, 671 Johannesstift

 

All Christmas markets in Berlin