The temperature's dropping below zero, the heating’s been on for weeks and it's dark at four...there’s no escaping the fact that we are on the chilling descent into winter. I find there is only one way to counter the gathering gloom: a glass (or bucket) of glühwein, enjoyed at leisure during a visit to one of Berlin’s vast array of Weihnachtsmarkts. Although essentially the same deal, each one has a slightly different atmosphere, ranging from totally commercial and a bit icky (see Alexanderplatz) to the quaint and traditional (see Alt-Rixdorfer), but whichever ones you decide to try, you can be sure of sparkly fairy lights, bratwurst, gifts galore and enough glühwein to shake a candy cane stick at.
 
This is not a completely exhaustive list, as there are literally dozens of markets going on, but I’ve tried to pick out the more family friendly ones, including some of my favourites. The list starts with those which have begun in the last few days, followed by the others in chronological order. All are free to enter unless otherwise stated. Go Forth and be Festive! 

If you don't own a bike in Berlin or are just visiting the city, that needn't stop you seeing the city on two wheels. There are a number of options available for renting bikes with child seats, children's bikes or bikes with a trailer and I am going to list them here for you. When picking up your bike rentals, don't forget to bring valid identification. 

Travelling with a baby can be great fun but it also comes with it's challenges. Berlin however is a very child-friendly city so there is no reason your visit to Berlin need be stressful. Here is my guide to visiting Berlin with a baby to help make your visit that much easier. 

Visiting Berlin with children needn't cost you the Earth. Whether you are planning a long weekend or a longer stay here, there are lots of free and cheap things you can do in Berlin that will keep the kids and you happy. 

Here are my tips for visiting Berlin with kids and a small budget...

Travelling with teenagers can come with it's own issues but they needn't be bored during their time in Berlin as the city is filled with things to see and do that will interest them. Here are my top tips for things to do with teenagers in Berlin...

Berlin is a city that offers a number of (generally) reliable transport options. There are S & U Bahn options throughout the city, a selection of trams in the East of the city (a sure sign that you are in East Berlin if you spot a tram track), taxis come with a built-in booster-type child seats (for older kids). Here are my tips for getting around Berlin with kids...

Travelling with a baby can come with it's own challenges but a visit to Berlin can be a wonderful experience for both you and your baby. Here are my tips on how to keep your baby entertained during your time in this fabulous city, whilst also getting to see the sights at the same time. 

When something goes wrong. When you child falls ill and the doctors are closed and you don't know what is wrong, it can be horrifying. Being in another country can make this all the harder. Here is a list of emergency numbers and addresses for options available to you should you find your child fall ill or have a serious accident.

Your child’s life is in danger: Call 112

Suspect poison: Berliner Giftnotruf: 030/ 19240


Apotheke (Chemist) on a Sunday

The Apotheke's are generally closed on Sundays, however each district (Bezirk) of Berlin will have one Apotheke open for 'Notdienst' (emergencies) on a Sunday. The apotheke's take it in turns to open and you can easily find out which Apotheke in your area is open here. Enter the date and find your area under 'Bezirk', then click 'Notdienste im ausgewählten Bezirk anzeigen' to see which one will be open in your area.

Outside of pediatrician opening hours: 

Kinderärztlichen Bereitschaftsdienst der Kassenärztlichen Vereinigung Tel: 030/ 31 00 31

Wednesday and Friday afternoons 15.00 – 22.00 
 
Saturday and Sunday 11.00 – 22.00:

Erste Hilfe Stelle DRK-Klinik Mark Brandenburg, Drontheimer Strasse 39-40

DRK-Klinik Westend Charlottenburg, Spandauer Damm 130, Entrance Fürstenbrunner Weg

Emergencies at night:

Charitè Campus Virchow, Augustenburger Platz 1(U9 Ameruner Straße); Entrance with car- Seestraße
Kinderrettungsstelle (Children’s emergency room) Tel.: 030/ 45 05 66 604

or:

Helios Kliniken Berlin Buch, Schwanebecker Chaussee ,
Kinderrettungsstelle (Children’s emergency room) Tel.: 030/ 94 01 74 73

or

Vivantes Klinikum in Friedrichshain, Landsberger Allee 49
Kinderrettungsstelle (Children’s emergency room) Tel.: 030/231546 

                                                                                                                   picture source

For those visiting Berlin, the Berlin WelcomeCard is great as it is not only your travel card for getting around the city on Berlin's busses, trains and trams, but it also holds a selection of discount coupons for 200 venues in the city including a number of Berlin's museums, tours, exhibitions, theatres, restaurants and more. Some of the family-friendly places with discounts included with the Berlin WelcomeCard are...