Have you heard about the latest winter highlight right on the water? Starting November 20, 2026, the Freischwimmer restaurant and Ipse Ufer are teaming up for the first time to open a joint Christmas market on Lohmühlen Island. Over five weekends, local art, fiery shows, DJ sets, and hot drinks await you on the Kreuzberg bank of the Flutgraben.
Here’s what awaits you at the Christmas market on Lohmühleninsel
Instead of mass-produced goods and plastic kitsch, here you’ll find a concentrated dose of neighborhood charm right on the canal bank. When two neighboring iconic Kreuzberg venues join forces, the result is a cozy winter oasis with a view of the water. Amid strings of lights and fire pits, you can kick off the weekend in a relaxed atmosphere and wander through the stalls.
Local design, DIY workshops, and DJ beats
If you’re still looking for unique gifts, you’ll find them here: small labels and Berlin artists sell jewelry, vintage pieces, arts and crafts, and handmade DIY products. There’s also a colorful cultural program featuring DJ sets, live painting, and spectacular fire shows. If you want to get creative yourself, just join one of the workshops on offer.
Feuerzangenbowle, Käsespätzle, and how to get to Kreuzberg
Culinary delights leave nothing to be desired either: In addition to classic roasted almonds, the stalls serve up hearty cheese spaetzle, potato noodles with sauerkraut and bratwurst, while various types of mulled wine and Feuerzangenbowle steam in your cups. If you’re taking public transit, it’s best to get off at the Heckmannufer or Taborstraße bus stops, or walk a few minutes along the canal from the Schlesisches Tor subway station. If you’re driving, take Köpenicker Straße or Puschkinallee to Vor dem Schlesischen Tor—but be sure to allow some extra time to find a spot, as parking in the neighborhood is limited.
📍 Location: In front of Schlesisches Tor 2 (Lohmühleninsel), 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg
📆 Date and time: November 20 through December 20, 2026, Fridays 4:00 PM–10:00 PM and Saturdays & Sundays 2:00 PM–10:00 PM
⏳ Duration: Five Advent weekends (Friday through Sunday each weekend)
💵 Cost: Free admission
ℹ️ Website: freischwimmer-berlin.com
