Swedish Christmas Bazaar Berlin-Wilmersdorf

Sweden in the heart of Wilmersdorf

Anyone looking for an unusual Christmas market in Berlin will find it in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district: At Landhausstraße 26-28 in the Wilmersdorf locality, the Swedish Victoria Parish opens its doors every year on the first Advent weekend, hosting one of Berlin's most traditional Scandinavian Christmas markets. Since 1971, the Swedish Christmas Bazaar has been a firm fixture for Scandinavia fans, Berlin-based Swedes, and anyone who enjoys Nordic Advent cuisine and Glögg.

Pytt i panna, Elk Sausage, and Lucia

The culinary program is consistently Swedish: Pytt i panna (the Swedish leftover dish made from potatoes, onions, meat, and fried egg), Marzipan cake in all variations, Elk sausage (one of the bazaar's signature items and the main reason many Berliners come), Glögg (Swedish mulled wine, traditionally with raisins and almonds), and other Swedish specialties. In addition, there are stalls selling Swedish handicrafts, Dala horses, Advent candles, stearin candles, Tomte figures, and Scandinavian-style Christmas decorations.

Lucia Performances on Saturday and Sunday

The spiritual highlight of the bazaar are the Lucia performances on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, at 4 PM and 5 PM respectively. St. Lucia's Day (December 13th) is one of the most important Advent festivals in Sweden — young girls wear white dresses and candle wreaths on their heads, the children's choir sings Lucia songs, and the pastor gives a short address about Advent. For many Swedes living in Berlin, this performance is the only moment of the year that brings the feeling of their Nordic homeland directly to Wilmersdorf.

One of Berlin's Oldest Scandinavian Parishes

The Swedish Victoria Parish Berlin is one of the oldest foreign church communities in Berlin — founded in the 19th century for the city's Swedish diaspora. The parish hall on Landhausstraße was built in 1933. Today, the parish serves around 6,000 Swedes living in Berlin, organizing services in Swedish, a kindergarten, and cultural events — the Christmas bazaar is the annual highlight at which the parish opens its doors to the Berlin community.

12,000 Visitors in Three Days

Despite its relatively hidden location on a side street, the bazaar attracts around 12,000 visitors annually — the queue at the entrance on opening day is legendary. Those who want elk sausage should come early — it usually sells out by the afternoon. Glögg is served continuously, and the Lucia performances are the moments when everyone falls silent and the entire courtyard is bathed in flickering candlelight.