Every year, a few weeks before Christmas, German cities are filled with Christmas markets called Weihnachtsmarkt, that attracts millions of people seeking Christmas atmosphere. I have read somewhere that there are more than 60 markets located all over the country to wander around. During my last visit in Berlin last December, I bumped into four of them and after visiting the third one I was already bored with them. It’s all about food and drinks. Locals and foreigners alike order tones of Frankfurters/Wieners (German hot-dog sausages) with bread, fried onions and ketchup and hundreds of cups of Glühwein (German mulled wine).
If you are not a foodie, you can do some shopping instead. There are plenty of stands where you can buy some Christmas tree decorations, winter cotton and wool gloves and scarves, caps and socks. If you are lucky, you can even go ice-skating.
Although all markets seemed to be the same to me, some of them really surprised me with their magic and charm. Here are some snapshots of Berlin Christmas market I was at, so you know what I am talking about.
32 thoughts on “Photo Gallery: Just Another Dull Christmas Market in Berlin”
Despite having some German heritage I’ve never actually been to Germany at Christmas time. I love the title of this post, I’m guessing when you have seen one it’s like seeing them all!
Exactly. There is not much difference between them. I felt pretty bored exploring the second Christmas Market in Berlin when I’ve already seen one a day before.
I’ve been to a Christmas market in Hamburg a couple of years ago and really liked the experience. I loved looking and shopping with all the handicrafts. I picked up some great novelty items.
The atmosphere definitely involved lots of eating and drinking as far as the locals were concerned but they all seemed in good spirits.
I like the fact that there was also a real life Santa Claus riding his sleigh on some overhead wires above the market. Everyone stopped to watch when it was time for him to ride across the market.
I liked my visit to one but I suppose that if you’ve seen 4 it is little wonder the novelty wore off.
What a pitty I missed the real life Santa Claus riding his sleigh on some overhead wires above the market :( That would be an awesome experience. I agree, there is a lot to eat and drink at the market, mainly sausages and mulled wine which I love!
I’ve never been, but your pictures make it look so wonderful. Like something out of a story book. I REALLY want to go!
Thank you. Hope you can make it one day :-).
Pretty pictures, Agness!
I totally agree — most Christmas markets look the same! But you’re right — more than being there for diversity of experience, it’s more about enjoying the atmosphere. I really miss being able to stroll down the streets, drinking mulled wine and just feeling the charm of the holiday season. Even in France and Belgium, Christmas markets are prominent and alive!
I did enjoy what I got to see in Berlin, but like you said, by the time I got there, I had “seen one, seen ’em all,” haha. But still love them!
Thank you babe, really appreciate your comment. I also miss those cold days when it was snowing and I was strolling down the street in Berlin drinking a hot chocolate wrapped with my warm scarf. Berlin looked amazing at Christmas. Miss it a lot these days. I’m so happy you loved it too. I’m back in Europe in August but I guess it’s not gonna be the same… :-)
Yes, Berlin is quite beautiful around Christmas time… such a huge city! I hope one day I get more time to really explore it — I was there so briefly!
And you’re right — it’s not quite the same. At least the sun will be out, but drinking in the middle of the street is not QUITE as acceptable in the summer, haha!
Agreed! You can fully experience Berlin in 2 days as long as you don’t get stuck at one of the Christmas Markets :). The food there is just irresistible :)
Nice post. I haven’t been to any markets in Germany before, but they have many german markets around the UK at christmas time. I have been to the ones in Manchester and Leeds and I like sipping a mulled wine and eating a crepe and nutella :)
I also went to a few Christmas German markets when I was in Birmingham years ago. There were nothing like the real German markets though, but still nice to explore and yes… I also had a milled wine, crepe and nutella at that time :).
I’ve never been to Germany at Christmas but I think I’d gain a few pounds if I visited many of them. That’s a lot of delicious looking food. I think I could easily scarf make some of those curdcakes.
Yes, you would. Germans eat a lot of fatty sausages and drink a lot of mulled wine to warm you up on freezing days :).
We live in Germany this year and got to experience the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) for the first time. We saw several and yes, they are all very similiar. It is about food and drink and some shopping, but not much. I think it’s funny that German’s dress up in the darkest, coldest days of the year and hang outside together. Maybe it’s a way to fight back against dull winter blahs. You definitely do not need to do more than one a year.
Yes, I agree. I also find it funny when Germans dress up in the darkest, coldest days of the year and hang outside together. This is something unusual for Polish people.
I love German Christmas markets! But I agree, after a while they all look the same… I visited about 12 different ones in several different German cities last year and they really got a little interchangeable at some point. My tip: Look for “special” Christmas markets — like the Middle Ages themed ones in old castle ruins, or the gay one in Cologne :)
Thanks Julika! I missed the special Christmas markets last time, but I’ll look for them this Christmas if I make it to Berlin again:)!
Christmas tastes the best
Agreed! (especially at German Christmas Market) :)
Those heart-shaped pastries are too cute – I always have to smile when I see one :-)
They look so cute indeed and tastes even better! Getting one from your loved one – priceless!
What a wonderful, colorful market. One would be enough for me, though!
Thanks guys, yeah definitely!
I think the pretzel stand would be my favorite:-)
Pretzels are so good with some butter and cheese on :-).
I love Christmas Markets in Berlin! It is a tradition, I go every year :) My favourite is Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market!
Ditto! I need to visit the Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market, never been there. Maybe next Christmas ;-).
It is beautiful thanks to the set up next to the castle, especially when it is covered with snow, you should Agness!
Will do next time!
Agness, I scrolled around to see if you have been to Germany and bingo. But, “only” 3 posts. It is my #1 bucket list along with Tahiti. I can’t even imagine (aside from your pics) how awesome it would be to see it at Christmas! :)
I loved Berlin and having different food at Christmas market. I never been to the Octoberfest though :(