Berlin and Lisbon, despite being very different cities, share a common denominator: both enjoy the Christmas spirit. If you’re thinking of spending the Christmas holidays in one of these destinations, we recommend you check out their Christmas markets.
Berlin
The German capital boasts around fifty Christmas markets of infinite variety. So you don’t get lost among all the trees and tinsel, our team at Gat Point Charlie have selected their favourite markets:
Photo: visit Berlin
Weihnachtszauber am Gendarmenmarkt
Weihnachtszauber am Gendarmenmarkt is one of the city’s most popular markets. Here artisans from all over the world gather to offer unique handmade products. And don’t forget, you’re in Berlin, so there are plenty of food and drink stalls. It’s worth paying the Euro entrance fee for all of this, although during the week entry is free before 14h. As if this wasn’t enough, you can also see some of the city’s mythical buildings there, such as the Deustche Dom, the Konzerthaus and Franzozisische Friedrichstadtkirche.
You can get there in 8 minutes on foot from Gat Point Charlie (Gendarmenmarkt).
Dates: Until December 31st 2017
Opening hours: every day from 11h to 22h
Winterwelt am Potsdamer Platz
As well as being a typical Christmas market, Winterwelt attracts the crowds with its rodelbahn: a track you can take a sleigh down for €1.50. You can also find other activities such as ice-skating (€2.50) or Eisstockschießen (a cross between bowling and curling) which costs between €20-30 an hour.
From Gat Point Charlie you can get there in 10 minutes by bus (Alte Potsdamer Straße 1).
Dates: Until December 26th 2017.
Opening hours: every day from 10h to 22h
Weihnachtsmarkt am Gedächtniskirche
Weihnachtsmarkt am Gedächtniskirche has great historic value, as it has been celebrated for the last 32 years. It is made up of 180 huts, where you can buy all kinds of Christmas decorations, toys and crafts. You can also enjoy the typical festive delicatessen, such as glühwein (mulled wine) or fried mushrooms.
From Gat Point Charlie it takes 22 minutes by bus (Breitscheidplatz 1).
Dates: Until January 7th 2018 (closes on December 19th).
Opening hours: every day from 11h to 21h (Fridays and Saturdays until 22h)
Nostalgischer Weihnachtsmarkt Opernpalais
This “nostalgic” market is located by St. Hedwigs Cathedral. Its strategic location near Under den Linden avenue, makes it a popular spot during the Christmas season for tourists. The highlights in this market are the 100 yearls old ferris wheel and the great design pieces made by local artists.
You can get there in 13 minutes by U-Bahn Gat Point Charlie
Dates: Until December 26th
Opening hours: every day from 12h00 – 21h30
Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Charlottenburg
A Christmas market very visited by locals probably because of its location outside the tourist hotspots. This market is particularly special as it is placed in front of Charlottenburg Palace, which gets beautifully illuminated during evenings.
You can get there in 37 minutes by U-Bahn Gat Point Charlie
Dates: Until December 28th (closed Dec 24)
Opening hours: every day from 12h00 until 22h00
Lisboa
In Lisbon the celebrations are more humble compared to other European capitals. Nevertheless, there are various activities and traditions that can be enjoyed. Here at Gat Rossio we recommend some of the most interesting Christmas markets in Portugal:
Photo: Gladius
Natalis-Lisbon Christmas Fair
Natalis is the par excellence Christmas fair in Lisbon. Here you can find everything and anything related to Christmas: decorations, books, music, clothes and food. It is divided into several themed spaces and also offers activities for the whole family.
Natalis is celebrated in the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (a trade fair space in the city). It takes 30 minutes by public transport to there from Gat Rossio.
Dates: December 6th- 10th 2017
Open: every day from 15h to 23h (on 8th December until 21h)
Christmas market in Viseu
In the city of Viseu there is a more typical Christmas market. In the middle of Praça do Rossio there are several wooden huts selling handmade regional products. It’s a great excuse to have a day trip and enjoy the city.
From Gat Rossio it takes 3 hours to get there by car.
Dates: From December 1st to 31st 2017
Christmas Bazaar at Quinta Fonte do Bispo
The Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo Christmas Bazaar is located in the concelho of Tavira, in the south of the country. It is the ideal place for buying all your Christmas presents, and in addition there are often raffles raising money for needy children. The bazaar offers visitors snacks and drinks to make the shopping experience more enjoyable.
From Gat Rossio it takes two and a half hours to get there by car.
Open from 10:30h to 18h
Autor: Gat Rooms