Christmas Market at Natur Park Südgelände

The Advent Lichter Genuss at Natur Park Südgelände offers a uniquely enchanting Christmas market experience set within a former railway marshalling yard transformed into a wild nature park. This atmospheric event takes place on the first two Advent weekends, where visitors discover a magical blend of art installations, glowing light displays, and festive market stalls nestled among historic railway relics and untamed urban wilderness. The centerpiece is a visitor-created candle labyrinth that illuminates the park grounds, complemented by shining stars and light installations throughout the landscape. Framed by the historic water tower, Lokhalle locomotive hall, and Brückenmeisterei bridge master's house, the intimate Giardino Segreto secret garden hosts a carefully curated selection of artisan vendors offering handcrafted gifts and Christmas decorations. Families enjoy storytelling sessions with professional narrator Birgit Hägele, who shares Christmas tales at the water tower, while children can send letters directly to Santa Claus at the baumschlau e.V. stand. Creative workshops invite visitors to make their own wreaths and decorations, and the artist collective TAPE OVER creates live tape art performances. Café Paresüd provides warming refreshments including mulled wine, coffee, and children's punch. Guided nature walks explore winter plants and the park's unique ecosystem. This small, cozy alternative to Berlin's larger Christmas markets emphasizes sustainability and natural beauty, encouraging visitors to bring their own candles in jars to contribute to the magical illuminated atmosphere.