← Back to Weather Overview Deutsche Version

The Spandau Old Town Christmas Market: A Traditional Journey into the Pre-Christmas Season

Traditional wooden huts of a Christmas market in a historic alley at night.

The Christmas market in Spandau's Old Town is a Berlin institution. Once known as the city's largest Christmas market, in recent years it has refocused on its charming core within the alleys of Berlin's largest continuous pedestrian zone. It is a wonderful mix of traditional market activity, historical flair, and a touch of the Middle Ages. Instead of loud amusement rides, the focus here is on craftsmanship, coziness, and an almost village-like community atmosphere. For many Berliners, the Spandau Christmas market is the epitome of a classic, authentic Christmas market experience, offering a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city center.

A stroll through the decorated alleys, past St. Nicholas' Church and the Gothic House, feels like a journey back in time. The scent of pine, mulled wine, and fresh pastries mixes with the sounds of brass choirs and the chatter of visitors. It is a market that invites you to linger, browse, and enjoy.

Atmosphere & Ambiance: Traditional, Cozy, and Spacious

The market extends throughout the entire Spandau Old Town, which gives it a relaxed spaciousness despite the many visitors. You can let yourself drift without constantly being in a crowd. The atmosphere is warm and down-to-earth. Spandau families, colleagues after work, and visitors who appreciate the authentic flair meet here. The historical backdrop of the old town with its old buildings and cobblestone streets significantly contributes to the unique, cozy mood. Away from the main stage, you can always find quiet corners to enjoy a mulled wine.

Highlights & Attractions: From the Live Nativity Scene to the Medieval Market

The Spandau Christmas market impresses with its traditional and thematic attractions.

The Large Christmas Tree: A huge, festively decorated fir tree in the market square forms the glowing center of the event.
The Nativity Scene with Live Animals: A special highlight, especially for children. In an enclosure at St. Nicholas' Church, you can admire an ox, a donkey, sheep, and goats that bring the nativity scene to life.
The Medieval Craft Market: In the courtyard of the Gothic House or in the surrounding alleys, you can often find a small but fine medieval market. Here, blacksmiths, potters, and candle makers demonstrate their skills. There is hot mead from clay jugs and rustic food.
Daily Stage Program: On the stage at the market square, local choirs, bands, and artists perform daily, providing a varied musical program.

Culinary Delights: Classically German

The culinary offer in Spandau is traditional and diverse. Here you will find all the classics you would expect from a German Christmas market.

Hearty: A huge selection of sausage specialties, kale, mushroom pans, Handbrot, Lángos, and potato pancakes.
Sweet: All imaginable treats from roasted almonds and Schmalzkuchen (a type of doughnut) to crêpes and waffles.
Drinks: Countless mulled wine stalls offer red and white varieties, often from local vintners. Feuerzangenbowle, Eierpunsch, and hot chocolate complete the offer.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

            Weather Tip: Although Spandau's Old Town is more sheltered from the wind than the large squares in Mitte, the alleys can form cold drafts in cold weather. As you'll be moving around a lot and the stalls often radiate warmth, the layering principle is ideal. Comfortable, warm, and waterproof shoes are essential for the cobblestones and possible wetness.
        

Best Time to Visit: On weekends, especially in the afternoon and evening, it can get very crowded. For a relaxed stroll, a visit on a weekday in the late afternoon is ideal.
Getting There: The Spandau Old Town is perfectly accessible by U-Bahn (U7 Altstadt Spandau) and S-Bahn as well as regional trains (Spandau station). It's just a few minutes' walk from Spandau station. Parking is extremely scarce.
Plan Enough Time: Take your time! Due to the market's vastness, you can easily spend several hours here without seeing everything.

Conclusion

The Christmas market in Spandau's Old Town is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a large, yet traditional and cozy Christmas market experience. It offers the perfect balance between lively market activity and a contemplative atmosphere. Especially for families and lovers of the classic German Christmas market, Spandau is an absolute must. It's a place that awakens the anticipation of Christmas in an authentic and heartfelt way.