Being so close to Christmas, Christmas markets have sprouted out across the city, giving a nice Christmas feel. I've been lucky that these markets had not been cancelled by growing covid restrictions across Europe.
Some of the best ones I really enjoyed included
Gendarmenmarket
Considered the most beautiful and popular because of it ls location in a main square surrounded by 3 architecturally beautiful buildings - French Cathedral, Konzerthaus Berlin and Neue Kirche.
Neue Kirche is free to enter, being managed by the Bundestag, it also had details of the Parliament and a mock parliament seating for those whom did not have the opportunity to visit the actual Bundestag.
Red Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus)
Nice and roomy market with ice rink, ferris wheel and carousel.
Spandau (outside centre)
My last day in Berlin coincided with the 1st day opening of the Spandau Citadel Christmas market. It's said to be the largest Christmas market in Berlin, but it didn't feel that way. However, being within the Citadel, feels like I've gone back in time to the medieval times.
There is a fee of Euro 3.50 for entry, which also allows you to explore around the Citadel, a discounted rate considering that Citadel visit is usually priced at Euro 4.50 for entry.
Some interesting exhibits - I visited the musuem which had a brief summary of the Citadel and the foundation grounds, another hall filled with different sculptures and statues, and a building which was used as an art gallery. There were some spatial art exhibits when I was there which I thought were really cool.
And definitely head up the tower for the views.
Being there during the day, it was great to see the view of the surrounding area with light.
With the sun setting early during this time of the year, it benefitted me, as I got to see the Christmas market lights up at the Citadel and it was absolutely magical and stunning!
City Christmas Market
This would have to be my favourite.
Located near the Zoo station, I was making my way to visit Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, which I thought looked interesting from a distance and chanced upon this Christmas market.
It surrounded this church and beyond, and what I really loved about it were the Christmas lights along the streets and how you could walk in the beautifully landscaped centre path of the Boulevard.
Huge snowman and a nicely decorated Christmas tree here too.
Others
Nollendorf Platz
Run by the LGBTQ group in Berlin, this Christmas market takes on a very different feel from other Christmas markets. For one, it is very small, and located under a railway track. It certainly showed its LGBTQ theme the moment you stepped in with the pride colours lighting up the "ceiling" and the quirky items sold at the market.
Penis shaped candles, clitoris shaped soap or lube for presents anyone? 😂
Potsdam Platz
Happened to pass by during the day, its a very small market, but it had this slide thingy, where people can pay a fee to go on, sit on a tire on the top of the ramp, and slide all the way down!
Nikolaiviertel
Not sure if I should call it a Christmas market, but there were certainly make shift set up, with a bar in the centre of the square, albeit extremely tiny.
They had an area which played black and white movies too, which is something you don't see much of nowadays.
I suppose it goes along with the theme of the town, being the oldest in Berlin.
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