Escape Covid isolation and come with us to Berlin! Virtually of course. Last year we actually ditched Thanksgiving and went to Berlin to explore Christmas markets. In hindsight best decision ever! We wrote about some of the big markets last year, but there were even more weekend Christmas markets in Berlin and we caught a few of them.
Berlin Christmas Markets During Covid-19
The uncertainties with COVID-19 of course also extends to Christmas markets. What we know today is that they will not be open the last week of November as is customary. Instead, due to the current partial lockdown in Germany, opening day has been pushed back to December 1st. Some Christmas markets have already decided to go online only or skip this year entirely. If they will open, masks and limited attendance will be the norm. Without big crowds and tourists, expect some vendors to reduce inventory or not participate at all. Check the webpages for each market or weihnachteninberlin.de (German only) for up-to-date information before you go.
Christmas Rodeo
The odd name “Weihnachtsrodeo” (Christmas rodeo) peaked our interest. The old 5-story refrigeration building, “Kühlhaus Berlin”, opened up for three weekends as a real-life Etsy site. As the name implies, it’s a non-traditional Christmas market, but heaven for those looking for creative gifts from small vendors and manufacturers. We found home decoration, food, beer, liquor, art, prints, clothing, slippers and even safety reflectors. Add to that an eclectic mix of international food stands, DIY workshops and a few wood pallet sitting areas. On the fifth floor, we were rewarded with a drink in exchange for our entry token. Cheers! Prost!🍸 Sadly, but not surprisingly, the market is closed in 2020, but hopefully it is worth bookmarking it for 2021.
Spät’schen Baumschule
A variety of stands line the paths of the Spät’sche Baumschulen a 300 year old plant nursery. Some stands, we recognized from other Christmas markets but they had more antiques and garden items than anywhere else. The “Swedish” Garden was interesting and maybe not 100% Swedish, but they got pretty close. We hope they are open this year as there is plenty of space for visitors and not nearly as packed as many of the other Christmas markets.
Swedish Christmas Market
For us, no Advent time is complete without a Swedish Lucia choir. Last year we had the fortune to introduce our German friends to the lovely traditions of Santa Lucia. The center of the Swedish community in Berlin is the Victoria Church. Its large enclosed court yard is perfect for a cosy Christmas market, coffee and glögg with saffron buns, a Tomte (Santa) cottage – and Lucia. The Swedes in Berlin can stock up on Swedish candy, moose sausage, glögg, and many other Swedish specialties. This year, the Christmas market will stretch over more days to reduce the crowds and they are opening an online store for curb pickup or delivery.
Hopefully next year, Covid-19 will be under enough control for Christmas markets around the world to open again. Until then, we’ll have to enjoy the memories from previous ones and go online for our shopping needs.
Enjoy, stay safe, wear a mask and wash your hands!
The funflector team