Berlin’s Best Christmas Markets with Ice Rinks: Family Insider Tips

Looking for a Christmas market with an ice rink in Berlin? You’ve come to the right place. Your children will love gliding across the ice between mulled wine stalls and twinkling lights.

Berlin has pulled out all the stops for winter 2024. Yes, the city centre draws the crowds with its big markets. But look to districts like Friedrichshain, where you’ll find cosier alternatives. The Christmas market in Friedrichshain has a relaxed atmosphere, and the ice skating there works well for all ages.

We’ve picked five markets away from the tourist crowds. The combination of ice rink and Christmas market makes a great family day out. Your children can go ice skating while you browse the stalls.

Top 5 Christmas Markets with Ice Rinks for Families

_{Image Source: The Berliner}

These five markets in Berlin offer exactly the winter experience you’re after. Each one has its own character.

Christmas market at Alexanderplatz – this one has a 400 m² ice rink. The kids’ areas are perfect for first attempts at ice skating, and your little ones even get free lessons.

Im Winterquartier Friedrichshain is where things get lively: the kids skate a few laps on the ice rink, then it’s off to the Christmas market together – mulled wine, street food and music to match the mood. Our family days come with discounted admission and a programme for all ages.

At Potsdamer Platz it turns properly wintry, with a toboggan run and everything that goes with it. It’s quieter in the afternoons, and you’ll notice the difference straight away.

The ice rink at Neptunbrunnen sits among historic surroundings. Wide lanes make it easier for beginners, so your family can practise at a relaxed pace.

Christmas market in Spandau works even in snowy weather, thanks to its covered ice rink. The storytellers and craft activities are a particular hit with younger children.

Hire skates are available everywhere, including children’s sizes, and penguin skating aids for the littlest ones too.

Why these markets are ideal for children

These markets offer more than mulled wine and bratwurst. Your children are the focus here.

Berlin’s Christmas markets with ice rinks are designed with your children’s safety in mind. Special beginner areas? Yes, every one has them. That’s where your kids can take their first wobbly steps on the ice without faster skaters crashing into them. Trained staff are on hand to help whenever things don’t quite go to plan.

Your three-year-old can’t quite skate yet? No problem. Every market has cute penguin or polar bear skating aids to hold on to. They’re not just good for photos – they give your child the stability to move forward on their own, so you can relax and watch their confidence grow.

At ice skating in Friedrichshain and the other markets, you’ll find food and drink made for children. Non-alcoholic punch warms up small hands, and portions are sized for kids. Heated changing rooms and nearby toilets take care of the practical side of a family outing.

Your wallet gets a break too. Family tickets cost less than individual ones, and toddlers often get in free. The Christmas market in Friedrichshain keeps the outing easy on the budget as well.

Insider tips for stress-free family outings

Want your market visit to stay relaxed? A little planning goes a long way, especially with kids in tow.

The best time to visit is weekday mornings. Between 11:00 and 14:00 you’ll have the rinks almost to yourselves – the difference is especially noticeable in Friedrichshain. At weekends, start early, before the crowds arrive.

Pack these items for ice skating:

• Thick socks and waterproof gloves

• Helmets for the kids (usually available to hire on site)

• Dry spare clothes

• A thermos of hot tea

Family tickets save you money – often 20-30% less than individual tickets. Many ice rinks offer extra discounts on weekdays too.

Take public transport to the markets and skip the stress of finding parking. Have to drive anyway? Look for a car park a bit further out – it’s cheaper, and a few extra minutes on foot won’t hurt.

Take breaks to warm up along the way. Almost every market has heated areas, or you can grab a warm punch while your little ones recover from the ice.

In short

You now have five solid options for a family outing. Each market has its own strengths – some are bigger, others cosier – and the ice rinks are all set up with children’s safety in mind.

Prices stay reasonable, especially with family tickets. Go on a weekday morning for more peace and quiet, and pack warm clothes plus a change of outfit.

Your kids will have fun. You can watch from the side or get out on the ice yourself. Berlin looks its best in winter, so make the most of it for your outing.

So pick a market and head over. The combination of Christmas market and ice rink simply works well for families.

Key Takeaways

Berlin has charming Christmas markets with ice rinks that are ideal for families and set away from the crowded tourist routes.

• Five family-friendly insider picks: Alexanderplatz, Winterquartier Friedrichshain, Potsdamer Platz, Neptunbrunnen and Spandau all offer safe ice rinks with children’s areas.

• Choose the best time to visit: weekday mornings (11:00-14:00) or early on weekends for fewer crowds and more relaxed ice skating.

• Make use of child-friendly facilities: every market offers hire skates, skating aids for beginners, heated changing rooms and trained staff for safe fun on the ice.

• Save smartly with family tickets: use family packages and weekday discounts to save up to 30% compared to individual tickets.

• Pack the right gear: thick socks, waterproof gloves, spare clothes and warm drinks keep you comfortable for hours on the ice.

These well-thought-out markets combine festive Christmas spirit with safe ice skating fun, creating a great winter experience for the whole family – without the stress of crowded tourist attractions.