Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Charlottenburg

The Setting

Charlottenburg Palace is the largest preserved palace in Berlin, originally built for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Frederick III (later King Frederick I in Prussia), between 1695 and 1699 as a summer residence. Today, it is the main attraction of the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district. In front of its main facade, the Christmas market is set up during Advent – one of the most atmospherically dense Christmas market locations in Berlin, with the baroque facades and the illuminated palace as the central backdrop.

The Concept

Unlike the commercial city center Christmas markets (Alexanderplatz, Gendarmenmarkt, Potsdamer Platz), the Charlottenburg market focuses on historical staging. Carousels from the late 19th century and the Belle Époque take their turns – mostly lovingly restored, occasionally original pieces from Berlin collections. Themed marquees group the offerings: a mulled wine tent in Scandinavian style, a bakery with almond cookies and gingerbread, an artisan forum with regional craftsmen.

Light Mapping as a Highlight

As soon as dusk falls – around 4:30 PM in Berlin in December – the palace facade is illuminated with projected light installations. Light surfaces move across the baroque masonry, with motifs changing between winter landscapes, historical Berlin scenes, and contemporary animations. Live street music (saxophone, acoustic bands, occasional choirs) enhances the atmosphere.

What to Buy

Handicrafts dominate: jewelry made from recycled materials, wooden toys, ceramics, felt slippers, wool hats, glass baubles. For food, the focus is on seasonal items: gingerbread, stollen, roasted almonds, mulled wine in several varieties (classic, apple-elderflower, non-alcoholic), bratwurst, crêpes. Around 90 stalls in total – manageable, curated, without mass-produced goods.

For the Children

Several carousels run for children under 10 – usually €3 per ride. A small fairy tale narrator ("Märchengeschichten am Glühweinpunsch") performs several times daily in the main marquee. Open not on Christmas Eve (December 24th), but on all other Advent weekends and weekdays.