Lucia Christmas Market

Are you coming to Berlin for Christmas? Did you already make any plans??  If not, do read on, we might have some nice suggestions for you!

Really important is to realize that on the 24th of December, after 2 pm, everything, I repeat EVERYTHING is closed!

Make sure you be prepared for this, and buy groceries in advance! At the hostel we have a fridge where you can keep your things and a kitchen where you can cook your own Christmas dinner.

Here is our TOP 5 for Christmas in Berlin:

1. Go to a Christmas Market

it is the perfect way to get in the Christmas mood!

The following Christmas Markets are open throughout Christmas, including on the 24th!

Christmas Magic at
Gendarmenmarkt
26.11.2012 – 31.12.2012
Gendarmenmarkt, 10117, Mitte,
Daily from 11.00 to 22.00
Traditional Christmas goodies, delicious culinary delights, upmarket arts and crafts and a cultural program. Admission 1€.
 Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz
26.11.2012 – 26.12.2012
Alexanderplatz, 10178, Mitte
daily from 10.00 to 22.00
Christmas stalls, large ice-rink and daily program for the whole family

At the reception we have a list of all the Christmas Markets in Berlin, please come ask us for advice!

2. Cook your own meal @ EastSeven

On the 24th all restaurants, bars, cafes etc. in the entire city will be closed.  Unless you don´t have plans to eat with friends and family in Berlin, than just stay at our hostel and cook a delicious meal yourself! On the 24th we serve Mulled wine too :)!

And at the reception you can get great German beers, we have a happy hour daily from 8pm till 10pm. All beers are sold for half price, only 1€ for 0,5 Liter!

3. Go visit a Museum ( on the 24th & 25th all museums are closed though!)

In this cold season, it is on some days better to stay inside. Why not visit as many museums as you can with the museum day pass!

At the museum Island you will find following museums:

Old Museum, which is in fact really Berlin´s oldest Museum! It houses classical antique collections

New Museum, with archaeological collections of the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, the Museum of Pre- and early History, as well as works from the Collection of Classical Antiquities.

Pergamon Museum, is world famous for its archaeological holdings. fully breathtaking monumental highlights!

Bodemuseum, is best know for its Byzantine art collection and the coin cabinet.

Alte Nationalgalerie, houses one of the most important collections of 19th century paintings in Germany.

4.Christmas time is party time!!!

Though a lot of museums and restaurants are closed, there are a lot of clubs open during Christmas. Even on the 24th of December a lot of clubs open their doors and  don´t you think dancing is the perfect way to burn all the calories after eating way too much on Christmas again.
Some cool clubs that are open on the 24th are:
Kaffee Burger: Unholy Dance Night! Starts at 11pm
Bassy Cowboy Club: Christmas swing party, with music from the 60ties

Tresor: No Silent Night, starts at mid night.

Magdalena: Resident Night!

Ritter Butzke: Krippenspiel!

M-Bia: Friedlich Feiern

for more tips on where you can find the best parties, just come ask us at the reception.

5. Go to the Berliner Dom on Christmas Eve!

Yeah, why not! It is the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful churches in berlin, and listen to Christmas music….The Berliner Dom is in fact the biggest Church in Berlin.

Services will be held on the 24th of December, at 2.30pm, 4.30pm, 6pm, 8pm, 22pm, and midnight.

It might get really crowded, so make sure to be there half an hour in advance!

We wish you all a merry, merry Christmas in Berlin!!

Christmas party @ EastSeven

Tonight we are celebrating X-mas with the entire hostel staff!

As every year, also this year, we throw a Christmas party for all the people who work at the EastSeven Berlin Hostel. For all the guests we have free mulled wine and happy hour beers!

Traditionally, as every year, hostel owner Jörg will cook the finest curly Kale for all. It is a typical German dish, eaten only in wintertime! It is served with potatoes and sausages. Since there are also vegetarians among us, there will also be tofu-sausages, yeah!

One of our staff members, Walter, is making a dessert, tiramisu! That is going to be tasty too!

What is a Christmas party without presents??? As every year, also this year we will all bring small gifts and than we play a game, which is called in German: Wichteln.  At the beginning everybody will get a present to start with, after that we all will throw the dice, and try to change the presents for other presents…..so that in the end, everybody has something he or she really likes!
We wish you all a fantastic Christmas Time!! All the best and take care!

If you are now staying at the hostel, please note that the kitchen might be too crowded to use tonight. BUT we will have free mulled wine to compensate for that!

Museum Island in winter

Things to do in Berlin in December!

Yeah, visit Berlin in WINTER! We already had the first snow of the year, it was beautiful.
With this blog post we would like to give you some ideas on what to do in Berlin in December. Read on and plan your trip to Berlin right away!

1.    Visit one of the many Christmas Markets
You can read in our previous blog post on Berlin Christmas markets about where the coolest Christmas markets are and what their opening hours are. Have fun Christmas shopping and don´t forget to try the Glühwein (Mulled Wine).

2.    Go to one of the many Museums

In this cold season, it is on some days better to stay inside. Why not visit as many museums as you can with the museum day pass! From the Allied Museum to the Zucker Museum (Sugar Museum) – the popular 3-day Berlin Museum Pass opens the doors to a number of the city’s big museums, as well as a few insider’s tips. From impressive works of art, archaeological treasures from six thousand years of human history and touching historical monuments to technical inventions and interactive experiments for the whole family. For €19,00 (reduced €9,50), the museum pass guarantees free admission for all Berlin visitors on three consecutive days.

3.    Find a good place for your Christmas Dinner

Some suggestions, SchusterJunge, Schneeweisschen & Rosenrot, Schwarzwaldstuben- these 3 restaurants are all serving the finest German food you can imagine. Make sure to reserve a table way ahead though! If you need help and advice, just come ask us at the hostel reception.
If you don´t want to eat out you can buy your own food and prepare a  delicious meal at the hostel kitchen! We have a cozy full equipped kitchen, feel free to use it during your stay!

4.    Christmas parties!
Go dance the night away on Christmas. A lot of clubs are open and dancing is the perfect way to burn all the calories after eating way too much on Christmas again.
Some cool clubs where you can go to:
Kaffee Burger: just around the corner from the EastSeven Berlin Hostel. Go here if you like electro & indie pop.
Bassy Cowboy Club: Christmas swing party, with music from the 60ties!

White Trash Fast Food: go here to taste the finest fast food in town. Also go here for live music, rock ´n´roll!

5. Go to a movie theater

the Cinestar Cinema in the Sonycentre at Potsdamer Platz shows movies in the original language.

To know which films are playing when, just come talk to us at the reception!

if you are coming to Berlin around Christmas please note that on Christmas Eve, the 24th of December, (almost) everything in Berlin is closed, from shops to restaurants. Please prepare for this!

See you soon in Berlin at the hostel in Prenzlauer Berg!

Lucia ChristmasMarket

No idea yet, what to do and see in Berlin around Christmas time? Read on, we will give you some great ideas!

Christmas time in Berlin, is the darkest time in the year, but it´s always a beautiful time with a lot of lights everywhere brightening up the night time :).

On the 24th of Berlin almost everything is closed! Even most of the restaurant-keepers close their restaurants to stay at home with their families and celebrate Christmas.

As we don´t want to see our guest hungry or bored we asked our cook Sophia to prepare a Christmas Dinner for all the guest staying at the  EastSeven Hostel in Berlin.

On the 24th of December all Museums are closed BUT on the 25th and the 26th they are open regularly!

A lot of Restaurants are also closed on the 25th and the 26th. Here are three Restaurants that are open, and we recommend them! Better to be sure and make a reservation!

1. Schusterjunge

This traditional German Restaurant will be open on the 25th and on the 26th.

2. Schneeweisschen & Rosenrot

This modern german restaurant willa also be open on the 25th and the 26th. They have a special Christmas menu. Please check their website!

3. Schwarzwaldstuben

is a really popular german restaurant, make sure to reserve in advance!

Will be open on the 26th!

For directions and help with making a reservation, please come to the reception.

For groceries we can suggest the Fresh´n´Friends at the Kastanienallee ( 5 minute walk from here).

They will be open on the 24th till 4pm, on the 25th and 26th  from 10am till midnight.

Then there are also a couple of clubs closeby the hostel that will be open during the Christmas periode.

Check out Kaffee Burger! This is a great local club. It´s always full, great place to dance to indie, rock, electro music.

Then there is the  Bassy Cowboy Club, also open during Christmas.  Expect rock´n´roll and live music!! It is also really closeby the EastSeven Belrin Hostel.

Enjoy Christmas time in Berlin!!

Lucia WM (c) Jochen Loch

If you are coming to Berlin in December you should definitely visit one of the many Christmas Markets.

Because Berlin has a lot of Christmas Markets to choose from, we have made a selection of some of the nicest and coziest markets in town. For further advice don´t hesitate, just come ask us at the reception!!

1. Lucia Christmas Market

The Lucia Christmas Market takes places at the courtyard of the Kulturbrauerei, a former brewery. It is really closeby the Hostel in Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg.With its picturesque setting, this market offers a very charming and romantic atmosphere. Named after Lucia, the Nordic goddess of light, the market is dedicated to the Scandinavian countries.
Highlights:
* bungee trampoline, merry-go-round for children and adults
* “Coat-Open-Air-Heater“ and “Swedenfire“ artworks
* Santa visits the market daily between 5 and 6 pm
* cultural program/ show daily at 8 pm, admission free
* every Saturday and Sunday between 4 and 6 pm
Kid-Family-Program at Alte Kantine (indoor), admission free

21.11.2011 – 22.12.2011
Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstraße 97, 10435, Prenzlauer Berg
from Monday to Friday from 15.00 to 22.00
Saturday & Sanday from 13.00 to 22.00
2. Family-friendly Christmas market with daily cultural program: Christmas market at Kollwitzplatz

This small and traditional organic market offers a lot of different products, from organic handwork to organic food products. It really is a family market, where you will see the locals shopping for Christmas with their kids, there is also a carousel and a playground closeby!
28.11; 05.12; 12.12; 19.12.2011
Ökomarkt Kollwitzplatz, Kollwitzplatz
10435, Prenzlauer Berg
from 12.00 to 19.00
Organic Christmas market, Sundays only
3. Organic Christmas Market

Another organic Christmas Market is located also not very far from EastSeven Hostel. Wonderful ecologically produced, fair trade gifts are on sale in the pleasant atmosphere of the market on all four Advent weekends. Well-known environmental protection organisations present their nature-protection projects. Creature comforts are also provided: all delicacies are organic and with every cup of mulled wine consumed, a tree is planted in the tropics – which helps climate protection. Here “think global, act local“ is put into practice quite deliciously. (text: berlingoesgreen.de)
27.11; 28.11; 04.12; 05.12; 11.12; 12.12; 18.12; 19.12.2011
Sophienstraße, Mitte
Saturday from 11.00 to 21.00
Sunday from 11.00 to 19.00
 4. Christmas Market at the Opernpalais

A nostalgic Christmas market takes place between the Staatsoper and Opernpalais. Craftspeople, confectioners, almond and chestnut roasters, and candle and lantern makers offer their wares in more than 200 wooden booths. There is also a crib with real animals and a wooden horse carousel. The much loved Christmas market on the boulevard Unter den Linden twinkles and shines. The illuminated Palais and the Staatsoper Berlin provide the nostalgic Christmas market with an appropriate backdrop. A coachman also invites you to take a pre-Christmas carriage drive through Berlin’s “old centre”. You can enjoy the historical atmosphere at the market and on a carriage ride against a unique backdrop. On 24th December Christmas market at the Opernpalais is closed. (text: visitberlin.de)
22.11.2011 – 26.12.2011
Opernpalais, Unter den Linden 5, 10117 Berlin, Mitte
from Monday to Thursday from 12.00 to 21.30
Friday to Saturday from 11.00 to 22.30
Sunday from 11.00 to 21.30
24.12: closed
25.12; 26.12: from 11.30 to 21.00
5. Christmas Market at the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche
Every year during Advent it smells of roasted almonds, hot cocoa and mulled wine around the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Because that’s when more than 170 craft and Christmas market stands are set up around the historical church in the centre of City West. Christmas fairy lights surround the elaborately decorated Breitscheidplatz. The right present for everyone – no empty promise here. You’ll find everything here, from Christmas decorations and ornaments to toys and delicate accessories. And refreshments are also taken care of: the range extends from cocoa, mulled wine and punch, plus glazed fruit up to grilled sausages. More than two million visitors enjoy the Christmas atmosphere around the 20 metre high Christmas tree every year.  (text: visitberlin.de)

22.11.2011 – 30.12.2011
from Sunday to Thursday
from 11.00 to 21.00
Friday & Saturday
from 11.00 to 22.00
6. Winter World at Potsdamer Platz Christmas market:

Lots of lights, handicrafts, music and delicacies ensure a reflective atmosphere at the Christmas Market at Potsdamer Platz. Alongside the handicrafts market along Alte Potsdamer Straße and an ice rink, the Winter World also offers fast fun on the largest mobile toboggan run in Europe, which is 12 metres high and 70 metres long. And anyone still looking for more sporting activity after the toboggans can skate on the 500 square metre open air rink. Finally, the nearly ten metre high Clock Tower from the Ore Mountains is always there too. (text: visitberlin.de)

22.11.2011 – 26.12.2011
daily from 10.00 to 22.00
Advent Saturdays : from 10.00 to 24.00
24.12. from 10.00 to 16.00
Potsdamer Platz, 10785 , Tiergarten
7. Christmas Market at the Schloss Charlottenburg

This Christmas Market is Large and  very romantic.  It offers craft work, culinary delights, a music program and children’s activities in front of the illuminated castle . Perfect to combine a visit to the Schloss with visiting the Christmas Market. Best time to stop by is when it is dark!

22.11.2011 – 26.12.2011

Platz vor dem Schloss Charlottenburg, Charlottenburg

from Monday to Thursday from 14.00 to 22.00

from Friday to Sunday from 12.00 to 22.00

24.12: closed

8. Spandau Christmas market

Probably the most famous Christmas Market in Berlin, it is also Berlin´s biggest Christmas Market! Although it is a bit further away you can easily reach this market by taking the s-Bahn from Berlin Alexanderplatz to Spandau!

As a special highlight there is a crib with real animals!

24.11.2011 – 23.12.2011
Altstadt Spandau, 13597, Spandau
Friday from 11.00 to 21.00
Saturday from 11.00 to 22.00
Sunday & Monday from 11.00 to 20.00

9. Berlin Christmas Tide Market

Arts and crafts, upmarket snacks and food, traditional roundabouts for children and many more attractions!
Close to Berlins main sights, so perfect to combine a visit to this market with a day of sightseeing!

22.11.2011 – 26.12.2011
Platz vor dem Roten Rathaus (Berliner Rathaus), 10178, Mitte,
from Monday to Thursday from 11.00 to 21.00
Friday to Suturday from 11.00 to 22.00
Sunday: from 11.00 to 21.00
24.12: closed
25.12; 26.12: from 11.00 to 22.00

10. Christmas market at Winterfeldtplatz

This traditional Christmas Market is located in Schöneberg. It offers a diversified show programm. Its famous for its good arts and crafts.
28.11; 05.12; 12.12; 19.12.2011
Winterfeldtplatz, Winterfeldtplatz  10785, Schöneberg,
from 11.00 to 19.00

Enjoy wintertime in Berlin!!!

Lucia WM (c) Jochen Loch

Here´s our top 10 of Christmas markets in Berlin!

Although it´s getting colder, the days get shorter and the nights longer, it still is worthwhile paying a visit to vivid Berlin.  To give you some ideas on what to do during the colder season, we write this BLOG and we wil keep you up to date on events and parties in Berlin.
In a couple of weeks the Berlin Christmas markets will be open again.  Go here to warm up with `glühwein`(mulled wine), find some nice christmas presents for your folks, enjoy the german way of celebrating christmas.
Here you will find our top 10 of christmas markets in Berlin. Also we provide some more detailed info on one of the nicest markets in our opinion, the Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei, not far from the EastSeven Berlin Hostel.

Our TOP 10:

1. Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei. from 22nd of November till 22nd of December
2. Nostalgic Christmas Market at the Oper Unter den Linden. from 22nd of Novmber till 31st of december
3. Christmas Market Spandau. from the 24th of November till the 23rd of December
4. Christmas Market at the Kaiser Wilhelm Remorial Church. from the 22nd of November till the 30th of december
5. Magic Winterworld and Christmas Market at Potsdamer Platz. from the 22nd of November till the 26th of December
6. Christmas Market Alexander Platz. from the 22nd of November till the 26th of December

7. Organic Christmas Market: Sophienstraße, Mitte. 27.11; 28.11; 04.12; 05.12; 11.12; 12.12; 18.12; 19.12.2010

8. Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace. From the 21st of November till the 26th od December

9. Christmas Market Gendarmen Markt. from 22nd of November till the 31st of December

10. Christmas Market Kollwitzplatz. from the 28th of November till the 19th of December, Sundays only!

Closeby the EastSeven Berlin Hostel you´ll find the Kulturbrauerei, a former beer brewery wich now stands for diverse range of cultural events during the year. One of our favorite christmas markets will be held here, every year. Read on for more details.
The romantic world of the Lucia Christmas Market invites you to the Kulturbrauerei for the tenth time in the year 2010.
The “Lucia Christmas Market“ takes place in the outdoor space in the two courtyards of the Kulturbrauerei in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg district.

The Kulturbrauerei, an area of 25,000 m², with its lovely ensemble of 20 buildings and six courtyards, is situated between Schönhauser Allee, Knaack, Sredzki and Danziger Straßes. The buildings are all connected – creating a brick wall with chimneys and distinctive towers in the corners. The richly decorated buildings of red and yellow brick with their casting pillars, dome vaults and stone ceilings represent the industrial architecture of the 19th century.

This beautiful building complex is home to the Lucia Christmas Market. With its picturesque setting, this market offers a very charming and romantic atmosphere and has become very popular with families. It offers a daily cultural program for everbody, on weekend afternoons for kids and invites the grown-ups to meet for a hot mulled red (and white) wine „Glühwein or Glög“. Named after Lucia, the Nordic goddess of light, the market is dedicated to the Scandinavian countries.

Highlights:
* bungee trampoline and swing boat
* merry-go-round for children and adults
* “Coat-Open-Air-Heater“ and “Swedenfire“ artworks
* Santa visits the market daily between 5 and 6 pm
* cultural program/ show daily at 8 pm, admission free
* every Saturday at 4 pm program for children at Alte Kantine, 3 €
* every Sunday between 4 and 6 pm Children’s handicraft hour at Alte Kantine, admission free

Opening Hours (free entry):
Monday – Friday 3 pm – 10pm
Saturday & Sunday 1pm – 10pm

Location: Kulturbrauerei, 10439 Berlin-PrenzlauerBerg/ Pankow
Knaackstr. 97 and/or Sredzkistr. 1 and/or Schönhauser Allee 36-39
Public Transport: Metro U2 Eberswalder Str., Bus 245, Tram 12, M10, M1
Parking: in-ground parking facility with 250 spaces, Sredzkistr. 2

(tekst: lucia-weihnachtsmarkt.de)

For more events, parties and insider tips check out our online staff-recommendations. Enjoy wintertime in Berlin!!