Christmas markets are a well known German tradition and you will find a Weihnachtsmarkt in practically every German city, town or village.
In Berlin there are Christmas markets for all tastes.
If you're a tourist, chances are you'll end up at the market at Alexander Platz. Avoid!!!
If you're looking for an atmospheric Christmas market, the one at Gendarmenmarkt (€1 entrance fee) or the one by Schloß Charlottenburg are your best bets.
If you live in Prenzlauer Berg a Glühwein at the Lucia Weinachtsmarkt in the Kulturbrauerei is a must.
If you're a hipster you have a choice.
There's the Holy.Shit.Shopping market for one weekend in December or the Weihnachstrodeo X-mas market with two floors of stalls selling jewellery, clothes, handbags, calendars (and much more) made by local designers at reasonable prices.
But for the true hipster-in-Berlin-at-Christmas experience, head to Neue Heimat for an afternoon and evening of designer shopping, street food, ice skating and live music.
The Christmas season is now over so sadly the markets have all closed, but there will be plenty more opportunities for shopping and chilling in the new year.
Neue Heimat next Sunday anyone?
