While most of Berlin’s markets lean into cosiness and tradition, Alexanderplatz takes a different approach. The Alexanderplatz Christmas Market is unapologetically urban, set beneath the Fernsehturm (TV Tower) with a large ice rink, fairground rides, and a pace that reflects the square’s role as one of the city’s busiest gathering points.
Alexanderplatz Christmas Market 2026
Dates and Location
Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 23rd November to 26th December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Visit Berlin
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Location: Alexanderplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.Admission: Free.
Santa: No.
Roller skating: Yes.
Vegetarian: Plenty of options.
Vegan: Plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Public transport:
S-Bahn S3, S5, S7, S9: Alexanderplatz.
U-Bahn U5, U8. Alexanderplatz.
Bus M48, 100: Alexanderplatz/Memhardstraße.
Tram M2, M4, M5, M6: Alexanderplatz/Memhardstraße.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Largest Ore Mountain pyramid in Europe ice skating, curling, children’s carousel.
Recommended tour: Walking tour of Berlin’s top 10 attractions.
Specialities: Thuringian bratwurst, Berliner Pfannkuchen; regional glühwein, traditional stollen and Llebkuchen.
Where to stay: Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz is 3 minutes from Alexanderplatz.
Hotels in the Area
In Mitte, Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz stands out as a popular and affordable hotel just a short walk from the market.
If you don’t want to stay in this area, I created this guide to hotels in Berlin, which lists several options across the city and covers all budgets.
Interesting Tours
I suggest taking the Walking Tour to the Top 10 Sightseeing Attractions to explore Berlin’s iconic sites. You’ll have the opportunity to explore key locations, including the government district, Brandenburg Gate, Gendarmenmarkt, and the Nikolaiviertel.
Alternatively, the 3-Hour Secret Food Tour lets you explore Berlin’s diverse culinary scene. Guided by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit local eateries and restaurants, enjoy a variety of food tastings and learn the stories behind each dish.
Berlin is home to a huge range of winter markets. Read our guide to the best Berlin Christmas Markets.
Plan the rest of your trip with our complete list of German Christmas Markets.
Location Map
What to Expect
More than 100 stalls fill the square, selling a wide range of items, from traditional crafts and decorations to unique jewellery. The market provides a roller skating rink for skating and curling.
A distinctive feature is Europe’s largest walk-in Ore Mountain Christmas pyramid, adorned with pink lighting and more than 5,000 lights. On its ground floor, you can enjoy classic German market food and drink specialties, while tower trumpeters on the second floor set a festive mood.
Food Specialties
- Currywurst: A Berlin classic, Currywurst is a sliced pork sausage drizzled with a spiced ketchup and a sprinkle of curry powder.
- Berliner Pfannkuchen: Despite its name, this isn’t a pancake. It’s a jam-filled doughnut without a hole in the middle. Typically dusted with icing sugar, it’s a sweet treat locals and visitors love. Highly recommended!
- Glühwein: To fend off the winter chill, sip on glühwein, a warm mulled wine spiced with cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and citrus.
- Stollen: A festive fruit bread is laden with nuts, dried fruit, and often marzipan. It’s dusted with a fine layer of powdered sugar and is a seasonal staple.
- Roasted Almonds: These are caramelised and have a delightful crunch. Often packed in small paper cones, they’re a delightful snack to munch on as you stroll through the market.
- Lebkuchen: Traditional German gingerbread cookies come in various shapes, sizes, and decorations. They can range from spicy to sweet and are often adorned with almonds, candied peel, or chocolate.
- Marzipan sweets: Made from sugar, honey, and ground almonds, marzipan is often shaped into small fruits or figures and is a favourite festive confection in Germany.
- Kartoffelpuffer: These are savoury potato pancakes. For a vegetarian snack, you can have them with apple sauce or garlic sauce on the side. But check before you order, as these are sometimes cooked in lard.
- Vegan Sausage: Made from tofu or seitan, it’s a plant-based alternative to traditional sausages and is equally delicious. It’s often grilled and served with various condiments. These are very popular in Berlin.
- Feuerzangenbowle: This drink adds a dramatic flair to the market. It’s made by setting a rum-soaked sugarloaf on fire and letting it drip into mulled wine.
- Pretzels: Soft, chewy, and sprinkled with coarse salt, German pretzels are a bakery delight. For a varied flavour profile, you can also find them with various fillings or toppings, such as cheese or seeds.
- Apfelpunsch: A non-alcoholic alternative to glühwein, this warm apple punch is spiced with cinnamon and cloves and is perfect for all ages. It’s a comforting drink, especially when the temperatures drop.
Unique Gifts and Shopping
- Handcrafted Nutcrackers: Originating from the Erzgebirge region, these wooden figurines are a staple in German traditions. Each piece is intricately designed and showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of local artisans.
- Berlin Ornaments: Celebrate the essence of the city with ornaments featuring iconic landmarks. Whether it’s the Brandenburg Gate, TV Tower, or even Alexanderplatz itself, hanging one on your tree is like adding a piece of Berlin to your celebrations.
- Amber Jewellery: The Baltic region, not far from Berlin, is known for its amber. Vendors in the market offer beautifully crafted amber necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
- Traditional Candles: At Alexanderplatz, you can find a range of handcrafted candles, some adorned with festive designs or carved into unique shapes, perfect for setting a warm holiday ambience.
- Wooden Toys: Another testament to German craftsmanship, wooden toys are both traditional and charming. Ranging from puzzles to figurines, these toys are not just for children but also appeal to collectors and enthusiasts.
- Berlin Wall Souvenirs: A significant part of Berlin’s history, various stalls offer fragments of the Berlin Wall, turned into decorative pieces or keychains.
- Traditional Incense Burners: Known as ‘Räuchermännchen’, these decorative figurines emit fragrant incense when lit.
- Handmade Chocolates and Truffles: Although not a long-lasting gift, chocolates from the region are second to none. Packaged in festive boxes, they make for sweet treats that anyone would appreciate.
- Local Liqueurs: Berlin and its surrounding regions produce a variety of spirits. Small bottles of local liqueurs or brandies, often infused with herbs or fruits, make for a warming gift on cold winter nights.
- Berlin-themed Apparel: T-shirts, caps, and scarves featuring iconic Berlin symbols or slogans are a hit among visitors. These wearable mementos are both stylish and functional, albeit not traditional.
Responsible Travel Tips
- Eco-friendly Accommodation: Alexanderplatz is home to several hotels prioritising green initiatives, many of which harness renewable energy. When booking, I suggest you opt for places with a clear environmental policy, ensuring your stay has a smaller carbon footprint.
- Mindful Eating at the Market: The bustling food stalls offer a huge range of treats. However, to minimise food wastage, it’s crucial to order portions you’re confident you can finish. Remember, leftover food isn’t just waste; it’s also a waste of the resources, energy, and effort that went into preparing it.
- Ethical Consumption: Be intentional with your purchases. Alexanderplatz’s market stalls often feature handmade, local products, so prioritise those over mass-produced items. This supports local artisans and ensures that your souvenirs have a lower environmental impact.
- Sustainable Diets: There are many vegetarian and plant-based options here. Opting for these dishes reduces the environmental impact of your meal, as meat production often has a more significant carbon footprint. Making conscious food choices supports sustainable farming practices in the Berlin region.
- Green Transportation: Alexanderplatz is well-connected by Berlin’s efficient public transport system. I recommend using the city’s trains, trams, and buses to get around, reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, the vicinity is pedestrian-friendly, so consider walking to nearby attractions; it’s an eco-friendly way to explore.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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