Berlin Christmas markets

The WeihnachtsZauber on Gendarmenmarkt and the market in front of Schloss Charlottenburg.

Berlin's season starts after Totensonntag. The WeihnachtsZauber on Gendarmenmarkt, between the Konzerthaus and the French and German cathedrals, runs from 23 November to 31 December, 11:00 to 22:00 (23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, 18:00 on Christmas Eve). Entry costs €2, but it is free from 11:00 to 14:00 Monday to Friday, except 24 to 26 and 31 December, which makes a weekday lunchtime the smart time to go. Inside there is a heated food hall and a tent where woodcarvers and other craftspeople work. For something gentler, take the bus out to Schloss Charlottenburg, where the market in front of the palace runs from 23 November to 27 December. It is free to enter and closed on Christmas Eve. Pair it with the Museum Berggruen across the road.