28th Alt-Kaulsdorf Christmas Market

A Village Green in East Berlin

The Alt-Kaulsdorf village green is one of the few surviving village green ensembles in Berlin: a circular village common in the Kaulsdorf district (Marzahn-Hellersdorf borough), historically established in the 13th century, with the medieval Jesus Church at its centre. In the middle of Berlin – and yet grown in a rural fashion, with low houses, small front gardens, a village square that is partly a car park and partly a meeting place today. It is precisely here that the Marzahn-Hellersdorf Local Heritage Association transforms the village into a special kind of Berlin Advent market once a year.

Supported by the Local Heritage Association, Financed by Donations

The Alt-Kaulsdorf Christmas Market is a voluntary event – the local heritage association has organised it annually since 1999, financing it exclusively through donations. Almost 80 stalls are run by local businesses, non-profit organisations, and neighbours. The range of goods extends from bric-a-brac and toys to handmade crafts; alongside sweet treats and hearty Christmas market classics like bratwurst and mulled wine.

Advent Music in the Medieval Jesus Church

The highlight: While the mulled wine stalls steam outside and St. Nicholas makes his rounds among the children, Christmas concerts take place in the Jesus Church – one of Berlin's oldest village churches, with origins dating back to the 13th century. Advent music from the brass choir, wind ensembles, children's choirs from local schools, and occasionally classical programmes. The acoustics of the small medieval church space make these concerts intimate Advent experiences.

Neighbourhood, Not a Tourist Market

In contrast to the large city centre markets (Gendarmenmarkt, Charlottenburg, Spandau), the Alt-Kaulsdorf Christmas Market is primarily a neighbourhood festival. Those who come here often know each other – or get to know each other. Families from Kaulsdorf and Mahlsdorf meet, neighbours see what others are selling, children visit St. Nicholas. This makes the market somewhat undiscovered by tourists – and for everyone looking for authentic Berlin club life, one of the most beautiful places to be during Advent.