Medieval Christmas Market in Berlin (Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt, RAW)

Last Updated on 28th October 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Axe throwing, people in medieval costume, and a cosy atmosphere await those who opt to visit the Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt in the grounds of the RAW cultural centre in Berlin. Here’s how to visit the medieval Christmas Market in Berlin, as well as tips for visiting. 2024 is the 8th time that the Medieval Market will take place.

2024 Christmas Market opening dates: Thursday 14th November – Sunday 22nd December 2024

Market opening times: 3 pm to 10 pm, Monday to Friday, noon to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday

The market is held in the RAW Centre (Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk- Reichsbahn repair station). Some 150 years ago, this space would have been used to repair rail vehicles.

Today, the area is popular throughout the year, with regular events and pop ups taking place. There are also a number of bars and restaurants in the surrounding area.

What to see and do at the historical Christmas Market

As well as your usual Christmas Market stalls, there are a number of fun activities and things to do that fit the medieval theme of the place. There are hand-operated merry go rounds and ferris wheels for younger guests, while archery and axe throwing are fun activities for adults.

There are open flame heaters spaced around the market area, as well as real flame torches which stick with the Middle Ages theme. Free performers roam the Christmas Market (as well as making appearances on stage). These include jugglers, musicians, and acrobats.

Some of the more unusual gifts for sale include mead, handmade ornaments, and beautiful jewellery crafted by independent sellers. Of course, yet another typically German souvenir you can bring home from the Christmas Market is your Glühwein mug. Other artisans which fit the medieval theme of the market include blacksmiths, potters, and wood carvers.

Food at the medieval market in Berlin

One of the most interesting aspects of visiting any festive market is all of the Christmas Market Food on offer. From fried potato dishes to hot dogs, and even vegan and vegetarian options, there’s no shortage of delicious treats on offer.

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.

In terms of food, as well as the traditional market foods, there’s a fair selection of foodstuffs to fit into the medieval theme. During our visit, we saw fish being grilled over an open flame, as well as flat bread and BBQ meat options.

How to visit the Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt

One of the most important things to know before visiting the Historic Christmas Market is that you have to pay for entry. This is pretty commonplace in Berlin Christmas Markets (including the iconic Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market), which typically charge a few euros for entry.

In 2023, the Medieval Market in Berlin costs several euros to enter for adults on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The market is free to visit from Monday through to Wednesday.

Be sure to dress up warm as the temperature in Berlin hovers around freezing in the winter months. As such, you’ll want to pack a hat, scarf, and gloves, as well as several layers of clothing.

As with most Christmas Markets in Europe, cash is king. While some vendors do accept card payments, the majority don’t and so you’ll want to make sure that you bring enough cash with you to purchase tasty food, hot drinks, and any souvenirs you’ll want to buy.

The nearest public transport stop is Warschauer Straße, which is the terminus stop of the U1 and U3 of the Berlin U-Bahn. Nearby, the East Side Gallery of the Berlin Wall is the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall and now operates as a free-to-visit open air gallery.

For more Berlin inspiration, check out our 2 days in Berlin suggested itinerary. It’s also worth noting that Berlin is a pretty rainy city and there are regular showers throughout the year, during every month. As such, here’s our rainy day in Berlin guide.

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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