Christmas Market Potsdam: The Best Christmas Markets in Potsdam
A visit to Potsdam during the Christmas season promises an unforgettable experience. The city offers a variety of festive Christmas markets and Advent events in a charming atmosphere. Discover traditional markets like the “Blue Light Glow” in the city center, the romantic Christmas village at Krongut Bornstedt, or the Sinterklaas Festival in the Dutch Quarter. Celebrate Polish traditions at the Sternenmarkt or enjoy Russian specialties in the Advent Garden of Alexandrowka.
Table of contents
Potsdam Christmas Market: Traditional Christmas Markets and Festive Advent Events in Potsdam
- Blue Light Glow in Potsdam’s City Center (Brandenburger Straße / Luisenplatz)
- Romantic Christmas Village at Krongut Bornstedt
- Bohemian Christmas Market in Babelsberg
- Sinterklaas Festival in the Dutch Quarter
- Advent Garden in Alexandrowka
- Christmas Market at Belvedere Palace
- Polish Christmas Market (Polish Star Festival and the Sternenmarkt)
- WINTER MARKET at MINSK
- Christmas Carol Singing at Karl-Liebknecht Stadium
- Advent Market on Hermannswerder Island
- Mulled Wine Express in historic tram cars
Blue Light Glow in Potsdam’s City Center (Brandenburger Straße / Luisenplatz)
The Potsdam Christmas Market “Blue Light Glow” enchants the city center each year from late November through December with festively lit streets, around 140 beautifully decorated stands, and a wide variety of regional delicacies and handcrafted items. Along Luisenplatz, Brandenburger Straße, and all the way to Bassinplatz, visitors can find mulled wine, holiday treats, and handmade gifts, including Christmas ornaments from Lauscha. Families will love the fairy tale stage, a special highlight for children, while winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy ice skating on the artificial rink at Luisenplatz. A particularly memorable experience is the Ferris wheel at Bassinplatz, offering breathtaking views of the festively lit city and St. Peter and Paul Church. Boutiques, cafés, and galleries invite visitors to stroll and explore Potsdam’s historic streets at their leisure.
Romantic Christmas Village at Krongut Bornstedt
Each Advent weekend, Krongut Bornstedt transforms into a romantic Christmas village, inviting young and old to experience the magic of the season. In the festively illuminated wooden huts of the historic courtyard—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—vendors showcase their lovingly crafted products, ranging from artisanal crafts and regional specialties to seasonal fashion and Christmas accessories. The aroma of festive treats and unique gift ideas beckon visitors to explore and enjoy.
On Thursdays and Fridays, from 3 to 6 p.m., a smaller, tranquil market takes place around the guest garden. On weekends, however, an exciting program awaits the whole family: children can look forward to visits from Santa, puppet theater, and cookie baking in the courtyard bakery. Choirs, brass ensembles, and live Christmas music create a festive atmosphere. Visitors can also cast their own figurines in the Tin Figure Museum, and culinary delights are served in various huts and restaurants throughout the village.
Bohemian Christmas Market in Babelsberg
The Bohemian Christmas Market in Potsdam-Babelsberg brings Bohemian traditions to life during the first two Advent weekends. Set on the historic Weberplatz, surrounded by 18th-century weavers’ houses originally built on the initiative of Frederick the Great for Protestant weavers from Bohemia, artisans, vendors, artists, and innkeepers offer regional products and handcrafted goods. Bohemian musical groups add to the festive atmosphere with traditional Christmas melodies.
Young visitors will delight in the Bohemian Crystal Fairy and Santa’s Workshop, both of which bring joy to children on these weekends. The Christmas market illuminates the quarter with festive charm among the historic weavers’ houses, evoking a touch of Bohemian tradition. With holiday treats and authentic crafts, the market provides a unique Advent experience and a warm entry into the Christmas season in the heart of Babelsberg.
Sinterklaas Festival in the Dutch Quarter
The Sinterklaas Festival in Potsdam’s Dutch Quarter offers visitors a weekend filled with music, entertainment, and Dutch specialties like Kniepertjes, herring, and Genever. Traditionally held on the third Advent weekend, the Dutch St. Nicholas, “Sinterklaas,” arrives at Potsdam’s harbor on Saturday, where he is greeted ceremoniously by the mayor. He then rides through the city on his white horse, accompanied by special guests in a horse-drawn carriage, making his way to the festively decorated Dutch Quarter.
The streets fill with the aroma of Dutch treats, while old Dutch tunes play from the barrel organ. In addition to culinary delights, vendors offer handmade jewelry, pottery, and specialty items like fruit brandies and whiskey—perfect for those seeking unique Christmas gifts. Sinterklaas takes time to speak with children, bringing joy and excitement to their faces. For families, the festival features a colorful program with music, traditional crafts, and lively performances. Dutch and local vendors enrich the event with around 100 market stalls, making it a vibrant celebration for all.
Advent Garden in Alexandrowka
The Advent Garden in the Russian Colony Alexandrowka traditionally opens its doors on the first two Advent weekends, inviting visitors to a cozy pre-Christmas experience. In the garden of the Alexandrowka Museum, guests are greeted by a festive atmosphere with Russian products, hearty specialties, and musical accompaniment by the fireside. On November 30 and December 1, 2024, from 12 p.m. onwards, the popular courtyard Christmas market will be in full swing.
Culinary highlights include mulled wine from local vineyards—whether white Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, or red Dornfelder—and savory treats like lard and wild garlic bread. For a sweet touch, there are hot waffles with homemade applesauce made from organic apples. Handcrafted gifts, including soaps, glass lamps, wrist warmers, Christmas cards, egg cozies, and a variety of jams, jellies, chutneys, and homemade cookies, invite visitors to browse. The Advent Garden offers a special setting for a relaxed and festive gathering during the pre-Christmas season.
Christmas Market at Belvedere Palace
On the first Advent weekend, the Advent Market at the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Belvedere Palace on Pfingstberg shines in breathtaking beauty. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of this historic site and let yourself be enchanted by a wide range of holiday delights. From artisan craft stalls to culinary treats, the market offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the anticipation of the holiday season. Experience the festive magic amid the historic splendor of Belvedere Palace on Pfingstberg.
Polish Christmas Market (Polish Star Festival and Star Market)
On the first Advent weekend, the traditional Polish Star Festival, along with the Sternenmarkt, illuminates Potsdam’s historic Kutschstallhof and Neuer Markt. This festive event offers a glimpse into Polish Christmas traditions, which begin with the appearance of the first star in the evening sky. Visitors can explore Polish handicrafts and culinary specialties, from wood carvings and glass art to pierogi and sheep cheese. The Star Festival is accompanied by a 20-hour cultural program featuring choirs, circus performances, and concerts.
In the vaulted hall, German-Polish associations and Polish tourist regions showcase their offerings. Children can enjoy a Christmas craft workshop, and all visitors are welcome to explore the Brandenburg Exhibition at the House of Brandenburg-Prussian History free of charge.
WINTER MARKET at MINSK
DAS MINSK – WINTER MARKET
On the first weekend of December, DAS MINSK invites visitors to its festive WINTER MARKET, held on the grounds of the house. Admission is free. For more details, please visit the DAS MINSK website.
Christmas Season City Tour
The exclusive tour only during the Christmas season in Potsdam! This special time brings magic to Potsdam. Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most beautiful places in Potsdam.
For a comprehensive overview of the major events in Potsdam, visit our overview of the most significant events in the city.
| Aktivität / Kurzbeschreibung | Tickets kaufen / weitere Informationen |
|---|---|
Potsdam: Weihnachtsspaziergang, lustiges Weihnachtsspiel und Challenge Erlebe den Zauber von Potsdam zu Weihnachten mit einem lustigen Erkundungsspiel im Freien. Löse Herausforderungen, Rätsel und weihnachtliche Aufgaben, um den festlichen Charme der Stadt zu entdecken. (Ab 3 € pro Gruppe bis 5 Personen, GetYourGuide, kostenlose Stornierung bis zu 24 Stunden vor Beginn möglich). |  |
Magische Weihnachtstour in Potsdam Die exklusive Tour nur in der Weihnachtszeit! Diese besondere Zeit bringt Magie in Potsdam. Zusammen mit dem professionellen lokalen Guide besuchen Sie die schönsten Orte in Potsdam. Sie werden sich von der charmanten Atmosphäre verzaubert fühlen, die Sie nur zu dieser Jahreszeit spüren können! Was ist die Geschichte des Weihnachtsbaumes? Wer war der erste, der es auf der Welt dekorierte? Welche magischen Dinge können in der Weihnachtszeit passieren? Hast du schon von Weihnachtszauber gehört? Sie werden wundersame Weihnachtslegenden über Potsdam hören. Sie besuchen den wunderschönen Blaulicht-Weihnachtsmarkt in seiner ganzen Pracht. Was macht es so beliebt? Welche lokalen Produkte müssen zu Weihnachten schmecken? Erfülle dein Herz mit der Freude und erlebe die Magie Potsdams. (Viator, ab 522,00 € pro Gruppe (bis zu 10 Personen)) |  |
Berlin: Weihnachtsmärkte & Sightseeing Private Tour mit dem Auto Erkunde die Berliner Weihnachtsmärkte mit einer privat geführten Tour inklusive Transport. Trinke einen Glühwein und erfahre mehr über die Geschichte der Stadt, während du den Gendarmenmarkt, den Alexanderplatz und vieles mehr besuchst. (GetYourGuide). | |
Lichterfahrt durch das Winterliche Berlin in Trabi Limousine Erleben Sie das winterliche Berlin bei einer einzigartigen Rundfahrt in der Trabi-Limousine. Bringen Sie bis zu vier Freunde mit und genießen Sie bei einem Glas Sekt die Aussicht auf die schönsten Sehenswürdigkeiten der Hauptstadt. (GetYourGuide, kostenlose Stornierung bis zu 24 Stunden vor Beginn möglich). | |
Berlin: Highlights & Weihnachtsmärkte Segway Tour Erkunde Berlin auf einem Segway und besuche die wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten und die beliebtesten Weihnachtsmärkte der deutschen Hauptstadt mit einem lokalen Guide. (GetYourGuide, kostenlose Stornierung bis zu 24 Stunden vor Beginn möglich). | |
| Ermäßigungen und Öffentlicher Nahverkehr | |
Potsdam & Berlin WelcomeCard:   Erkunden Sie Berlin & Potsdam mit der Potsdam & Berlin WelcomeCard für 48h, 72h, 4, 5 oder 6 Tage. Nutzen Sie die öffentlichen Verkehrsmittel der Zonen AB oder ABC, erhalten Sie Rabatte bis 50% bei über 200 Partnern (auch Schloss Sanssouci +) & nutzen Sie den Reiseführer im Taschenformat. (GetYourGuide) | |
| Stadtrundfahrten | |
Potsdam: Stadt- und Schlösserrundfahrt Erleben Sie eine kurzweilige Stadtrundfahrt zu den Highlights Potsdams und besuchen Sie die faszinierenden Schlösser Sanssouci, Cecilienhof sowie das Neue Palais. Schlendern Sie durch die barocke Altstadt und wandeln Sie auf den Spuren des „Alten Fritz". (GetYourGuide, Bestpreis, meistgebuchte Tour, kostenlose Stornierung bis zu 24 Stunden vor Beginn möglich) | |
Potsdam: 1-Tagesticket für die Hop-On/Hop-Off-Bustour Entdecken Sie Potsdam in Ihrem eigenen Tempo mit einem 1-Tagesticket für den Hop-On/Hop-Off-Sightseeingbus. Hören Sie interessante Live-Kommentare im Bus über die Sehenswürdigkeiten und steigen nach Belieben an einer der 12 Haltestellen aus oder ein. (GetYourGuide, kostenlose Stornierung bis zu 24 Stunden vor Beginn möglich) | |
Potsdam: Hop-On/Hop-Off-Busticket für 24 Stunden Entdecken Sie die ehemalige preußische Stadt Potsdam bei einer komfortablen und bequemen Bustour. (GetYourGuide, kostenlose Stornierung bis zu 24 Stunden vor Beginn möglich) | |
| Tipp: Bei GetYourGuide können Sie gebuchte Aktivitäten bis zu 24 Stunden vor Beginn stornieren und erhalten den vollen Betrag zurückerstattet. | |
Christmas Trip to Berlin
In addition to Potsdam, it is also worth visiting Berlin during the Christmas season. Berlin has some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. Berlin is only a few minutes away from Potsdam and easily accessible by public transportation.
Christmas Garden Berlin
Look forward to the festive anticipation of Christmas when the Winter Path illuminates Berlin’s enchanting Botanical Garden every year. A new circular path leads you through a sparkling landscape, dotted with popular Christmas Garden favorites and impressive light installations. Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of this special season, accompanied by Christmas lights, sparkling stars, and captivating soundtracks that make your experiences unforgettable. Discover with your loved ones a world full of enchantment at Christmas Garden Berlin. Get your tickets from our partner MyTickets.