Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market 2025 in Berlin

Last Updated on 2nd September 2025 by Charlotte Nadeau

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One of the most magical and festive places to visit in Berlin during the winter in the very heart of the city. The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market (known as Weihnachtsmarkt am Gendarmenmarkt in German) usually takes place on an annual basis in the shadows of two twin churches.

2025 Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market Dates: 24th November to 31st December

Market opening times: Noon to 10 pm, Sunday to Thursday, Noon to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday. The market closes exceptionally at 6 pm on Christmas Eve and 1 pm on New Year’s Eve respectively.

The Christmas Market is on Gerndarmenmarkt, which is an 18th-century square that lies between two twin ecclesiastical buildings; the French Cathedral (Französischer Dom) and the German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom). The Christmas Market has been taking place for over 20 years and sees over 600,000 visitors on an annual basis.

On one of the long sides of the square, there’s the Konzerthaus Berlin (Berlin Concert Hall), which holds musical events and soirées throughout the year. During the Christmas Market, a covered event stand is set up in front of the steps of the Concert Hall, and free performances take place throughout the event.

As well as food stalls, the market is quite comprehensive, with tents large enough to house entire restaurants and bars. However, please bear in mind that these heated tents can get pretty busy pretty quickly (particularly when it rains or snows) and so it can be hard to find a spot. Some of the souvenir shops are also entirely covered and indoors.

There are also outdoor standing-only tables dotted around the market whereby you can enjoy your food and drink under the cover of a parasol. Elsewhere in the market, there are dozens of different vendors selling everything from unique Christmas ornaments to luxury clothing and other gifts and souvenirs.

Food at the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market

One of the most important aspects of visiting any Christmas Market is all of the delicious food options on offer, and the Gendarmenmarkt location is no exception. There is a mouthwatering array of foodstuffs on offer, comprising of both sweet and savoury options.

Some of the more popular foods at the Christmas Market include Spätzle (a kind of fresh pasta made with egg that is typically topped with cream, egg, and lardons), Lángos (a delicious flat bread that is served with a variety of different toppings), roasted chesnuts, and hot cheese balls.

Other speciality Bavarian and Austrian foods include Kaiserschmarren (sweet pancake strips) and Neuburger Rahmbrot (bread with melted cheese). While vegan options can be harder to find, it’s not entirely impossible to find them!

When it comes to the drinks offerings, there are plenty of hot beverage options on offer. This includes Glühwein (check out our hot wine recipe here), hot mead, and hot apple juice.

Like other Christmas Markets, you’ll have to pay a deposit of a few euros to get your mug. If you like it, then you can keep it as a souvenir. Alternatively, return the mug and you can get your deposit (usually around €3) back. I like to keep my Christmas Market mugs and use them as plant pots when I get home!

How to visit the Weihnachtsmarkt am Gendarmenmarkt

Much like the Medieval Christmas Market at the RAW Centre (and plenty of other events in the city), you have to pay an entrance fee to visit the Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt. Please note that, with this being said, from Monday to Friday from noon to 2 pm admission is free.

The fee is €1 and I can safely say that it’s worth the nominal sum to access one of the best markets that the German capital has to offer. As such, don’t be put off my the often long queue to access the market, nor the fact that there are a fair few crowds inside.

During my years of frequenting Christmas Markets, I’ve found that most of them (even the off the beaten path ones) can get crowded at some time or another, and they’re almost always worth braving the crowds (and cold) for.

When visiting any Christmas Market, I would personally say that the best time to visit is during the evening as this is when the illuminations and Christmas lights appear this best. Any time you visit the markets, it is sure to be cold.

Be sure to bundle up with a warm scarf, hat, gloves, and multiple layers. Rain and snow is pretty common during winter in Berlin and so consider bringing a rain jacket too! For more inspiration, be sure to check out our weekend in Berlin guide and our guide on how much a trip to Berlin costs.

I would also be sure to bring cash. In the majority of Christmas Markets across Europe, cash is king. The currency used in Germany is the Euro (€). Even stalls that accept card will often have a minimum card payment, and so it’s better to take cash, just to be on the safe side.

Where to stay in Berlin

Berlin is a big and bustling capital city, and so without a doubt you’ll need to take public transportation at least a handful of times during your stay. Here are some of the best places to stay based on web-reviews and location:

Budget: This hostel includes amenities such as free Wi-Fi and a bar onsite in the central district of Mitte. This location means that you can easily reach and explore all of the attractions of Museum Island. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range: This cosy hotel is conveniently located close in Mitte, in the very heart of Berlin, not far from Alexanderplatz TV Tower and Brandenburg Gat. Highlights of this hotel include that it’s pet friendly and air conditioned rooms. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury: For an extra luxurious stay during your time in Berlin, consider checking into this five-star hotel that has amenities such as a pool, spa, and fitness suite. Check prices and availability here.

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