Caribbean Christmas Market at YAAM

What YAAM is

YAAM (Young African Art Market) is a Berlin cultural institution that has existed since the 1990s. Today, it is an urban complex on the Spree bank near Ostbahnhof, serving as a beach club with concerts, workshops, and street food in the summer months, and the location of the city's only Caribbean Christmas market in winter. The venue is tolerant of alcohol, family-friendly, and characteristically Berlin, bridging subculture and mainstream.

What it's about

Around 30 market stalls offer jewelry, fashion, art, handmade items, and Caribbean-inspired cuisine – Jerk Chicken, Roti, Plantain, Rice and Peas, Rum Cocktails. Instead of brass bands, you'll hear reggae, roots, dancehall, and soca, often with live DJs from Berlin's sound system scene. Stage program with dance, acrobatics, and live concerts. On the water, a 480 m² ice rink – one of the few open-air ice rinks with a Spree view.

Location and District

YAAM is located at Ostbahnhof, on the Spree, at Schillingbrücke / Andreasstraße. District Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, neighborhood Friedrichshain. S-Bahn Ostbahnhof 5 minutes on foot. Berlin, State of Berlin.

When

The market takes place annually in December. The specific date for 2026 will be announced by YAAM in the fall – usually three to five days over a weekend or an extended weekend. Admission traditionally free or nominal, consumption separate.