Zehlendorfer Weihnachtsmarkt auf der Dorfaue

The Zehlendorfer Christmas Market in the District

The Zehlendorfer Weihnachtsmarkt auf der Dorfaue is one of the largest and most traditional Christmas markets in southwestern Berlin—alongside the Advent market at Domäne Dahlem and the Christmas market at Forum Steglitz / Schloßstraße. The venue is the Dorfaue Zehlendorf, the historic center of the village of Zehlendorf, first documented in 1242, which today forms the core of the Zehlendorf district within Steglitz-Zehlendorf.

The Ice Rink as the Centerpiece

The defining feature of the market is the 20 × 18 meter artificial ice rink on the Dorfaue—one of the few classically sized ice rinks at a Berlin Christmas market. The day ticket has symbolically cost €2.50 for years; skate rental is available on-site. Schools and kindergartens can reserve special times in the mornings between 11 AM and 2 PM at reduced rates—registration via Ms. Blume from the district office (0151 44 51 09 29).

Market Offerings

The classic market is spread around the ice rink:

• Handicrafts: selected exhibitors with gift ideas
• Mulled wine classic and creative; children's punch
• Food: Bratwurst, Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), candied almonds, crêpes, vegetarian alternatives
• Miniature Train: a small train ride along the Dorfaue for children
• Visits from Santa Claus: regular visits for storytelling
• Stage Program Saturdays and Sundays from 4 PM—choirs, bands, children's theater, interactive activities

Opening with the District Mayor

The official opening of the market traditionally takes place on the opening Friday at 6:30 PM by District Mayor Maren Schellenberg—in 2025 with musical accompaniment by the band Xtra 3. On weekends, family package prizes worth over €50 will also be raffled.

Location at Zehlendorf Town Hall

The Dorfaue is located directly at Zehlendorf Town Hall (Kirchstraße 1) and is easily accessible by S-Bahn (S1 Zehlendorf) and numerous bus lines (112, 118, X10, night lines N10/N18). The market is nestled within one of Berlin's oldest cores—St. Andreas Village Church, the Old Village School, and the Zehlendorf Local History Museum are all just a few minutes' walk from the market.