Christmas in Berlin - markets, events and everything you need to know
Welcome to the Christmas magic of Berlin, a city wrapped in twinkling lights, with the air clear and filled with the merry sounds of holiday carols. The magical aroma of spiced mulled wine and fresh gingerbread cookies wafts through the streets, and every step in this winter wonderland reveals a new festive delight. It's not just Christmas; This is Christmas in Berlin, a colorful and glorious kingdom, a fairy tale that comes to life.
From grandiose architecture that radiates holiday cheer to the warming magic of its world-famous Christmas markets, this city doesn't just celebrate the holidays, it makes them unforgettable, creating a warm atmosphere that manages to beat even Berlin's wintry cold. Here, tradition blends with vibrant modernity, offering a Christmas experience steeped in history but pulsating alongside contemporary life.
So pack your warmest winter coat, practice the greeting "Frohe Weihnachten" (happy holiday in German), and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in a city that truly embodies the spirit of the season. The guide in front of you will guide you through the streets of Berlin at the most wonderful time of the year, ensuring that you soak up everything the vibrant city has to offer.
Berlin at Christmas - what's so special?
In the heart of the gloomy winter season, Christmas offers a sparkling respite from that darkness and frost, turning the gray city into a holiday destination par excellence. During the Christmas season, the German capital puts on its festive clothes, as the city streets become a living canvas of lights and decorations. Iconic boulevards like Unter den Linden feature trees twinkling in a heavenly array of fairy lights, and majestic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate stand proud against the night sky, bathed in a festive glow. The contrast between the historical buildings and the modern LED lights turns the city into a living museum of old and new, a delightful mosaic of colors.
And from every corner, the sounds of Christmas fill the air. Bustling markets ring out with traditional chants while street musicians add to the city's soundtrack with festive tunes. In Berlin, music is an integral part of the city, and during the Christmas period you will find countless musical cultural events in every corner - from classical music performances in churches and concert halls to street performers in the main squares of the city.
The city of Berlin embodies the spirit of "Gemeinschaft", the German concept of a sense of community and togetherness. Christmas markets have become over the years community meeting places, points where people come together, share laughter alongside warm and intoxicating drinks and celebrate the joy of the season. Here, new friendships are forged at shared tables, and the feeling of togetherness succeeds in moving even the most indifferent German.
And what about the city's Christmas markets? Each Christmas market in Berlin has its own personality, from the chic and glitzy to the traditional and quirky. Here you will find handmade gifts, local art and a variety of festive foods that make the experience of shopping and wandering no less than delightful.
Berlin's culinary scene also changes during the Christmas season, when the air is rich with the aromas of 'Glühwein' (mulled wine), 'Stollen' (fruit cake) and 'Lebkuchen' (ginger candy). These treats are centuries-old traditions that Berliners look forward to 11 months a year, lending warmth and sweetness to the chilly December days.
And regarding the setting, we have to leave it to the forecast, because snow is a common thing during the Christmas period in the city, enveloping the city in a blanket of white snow and turning parks like Tiergarten and magnificent palaces like Charlottenburg into a winter wonderland.
Berlin's cultural tapestry also becomes even richer during Christmas. Ballet, operas and theater productions offer special holiday performances, ones that tell the classic Christmas stories passed down through generations. The city's historical and cultural sites often host unique events that blend the magic of Christmas with the depth of Berlin's heritage.
In Berlin, Christmas is not only a festive season - but a multi-sensory experience that captures the heart, stirs the soul and delights the senses. It is a place where every visitor, regardless of age or background, can find the childlike joy of Christmas in the sparkles of light, the taste of a traditional sweet pastry or the sound of a moving holiday carol. The city opens its arms wide, inviting everyone to take part in its winter narrative, one that is told with love year after year, always with a fresh and special feeling.
A historical touch
And if you are interested in how Berlin became a world center for Christmases, then it lies in hundreds of years of traditions and processes.
Christmas is indeed a distinctly Christian holiday, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, but the story of its celebrations and traditions begins even before the era of Christianity, when the pagans used to celebrate during the winter the 'solstice' holiday, a holiday that celebrates the return of longer light hours, that is after the day The shortest of the year on December 21. With the spread of Christianity, and the beginning of Christmas celebrations, many European cultures began to adopt pagan traditions and celebrate Christmas alongside elements of the Solstice. By the Middle Ages, Christmas had become an official event throughout continental Europe, including the region of present-day Germany.
The history of Christmas markets in Germany also begins in the late Middle Ages, when in 1434 several Christmas markets were held in the central cities of Germany, one of the most famous of which is the Striezelmarkt of Dresden. These markets were designed to provide gifts and supplies for the residents who celebrated the holiday, but mainly allowed the residents to stock up on equipment and supplies for the coming winter.
In Berlin, as in the rest of Germany, Christmas was celebrated for centuries with great enthusiasm, but it was also greatly influenced by the political tide of the 20th century. After World War II, Germany was divided, and so were its Christmas traditions. In East Berlin, under the German Democratic Republic (GDR), the religious aspects of Christmas diminished in favor of secular and often socialist themed celebrations. The West has kept more of the traditional Christian aspects of the holiday.
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a significant point in Berlin's Christmas history, as the unification of the city also led to the unification of its traditions. Here, the traditions were integrated, becoming a delightful symphony of old and new, religious and secular, grandiose and communal.
Today Berlin Christmas is a blend of historical traditions and modern influences, offering a festive atmosphere that reflects both the German roots and the international outlook of the holiday. The city's Christmas markets are among the most famous in the world, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Important dates and opening hours during the Christmas season in Berlin
When planning a visit to Berlin during the Christmas season, it is important to remember the important dates and typical opening hours of various sites. This ensures that you can maximize your experience and not miss any celebrations, but also know the limitations of the holiday.
Important dates:
24.12- Christmas Eve
25-26.12 – Christmas itself
31.12- New Year's Eve
1.1- Civil New Year
shops and malls
Normal shopping days: Shops are usually open until 20pm or later in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Christmas Eve (December 24): Shops are open but many will close by early afternoon, around 13 or 00pm.
Christmas itself (December 25-26): most shops are closed.
Museums and tourist attractions
Normal days: normal operating hours. In some of them you will find special exhibitions in the spirit of the holiday.
Christmas Eve: Many museums and attractions close early, some don't open at all.
Christmas itself: While many of the museums are closed, a small number of them offer free access to the public with special exhibitions.
Rosh Hashanah (January 1): Many museums and attractions are closed or have limited hours.
Restaurants and cafes
During December: Most keep regular hours but may require reservations, especially for Christmas dinners and New Year's Eve parties.
Christmas Eve: Many of the restaurants are closed, some offer limited opening hours and special menus, fancy Christmas dinners. It is highly recommended to book in advance!
Christmas itself: Some restaurants may remain closed, others offer special brunch or dinner menus.
Public Transport
Berlin's public transport system (BVG) operates according to a holiday timetable during the Christmas season:
Christmas Eve: Reduced service starting in the afternoon.
Christmas itself: The service operates on a Sunday/holiday timetable with a less frequent service.
Rosh Hashanah: Extended night service to ensure that all revelers and revelers arrive back safely.
Rosh Hashanah: Sunday/holiday schedule.
Berlin Christmas markets
Berlin's Christmas markets are a central part of the city's Christmas celebrations, attracting visitors from around the world to experience the traditional German "Weihnachtsmärkte". Every market has its own unique charm, as dozens of markets are held in the city every year - some of them are more local and some of them are considered to be leading in the world.
Christmas market Gendarmenmarkt
Against the background of the concert house and the spectacular French and German churches, the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market is considered the most popular and favorite market in Berlin, from a list of over 90 markets that take place in the city every year. Here you will find dozens of artisans demonstrating their skills, from glass blowing to wood carving, with the emphasis on works by local artists. In addition to the many wooden stands, you will also find a stage with live performances every evening, and a huge Christmas tree in the center of the square. Don't miss the excellent food stalls that offer a deep dive into the German Christmas tradition.
Dates (as of 2023): From November 27 to December 31.
Activity time: Daily from 12:00 to 22:00
December 24 - from 12:00 to 18:00
December 31 - from 12:00 to 01:00
Address: Bebelplatz at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden.
Charlottenburg Palace Winter Market (WeihnachtsZauber Charlottenburg)
Charlottenburg Palace, a charming baroque palace, provides the perfect setting for one of the city's romantic markets. Here you will find local stalls located in the front garden of the palace, with vendors selling everything from Christmas decorations to handmade toys. Do not miss a visit to Charlottenburg Palace itself, and you must not skip the excellent food stalls.
Dates (as of 2023): From November 27 to December 26.
Activity time: Monday to Thursday- 14:00-22:00. Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00.
Address: Spandauer Damm 20, Berlin.
Berliner Weihnachtszeit (Berliner Weihnachtszeit)
Located near Alexanderplatz, this market is famous for its historic setting next to Berlin's town hall, the Rotten Rathaus. With a massive ice rink and a 50-meter-high Ferris wheel, the colorful market offers fun for all ages. If you arrive at 16:30, 18:30 or 20:30, you will even get to meet Santa Claus himself.
Dates (as of 2023): From November 27th to January 7th.
Activity time: Monday to Friday- 12:00-22:00. Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 22:00.
Address: Platz vor dem Roten Rathaus Berlin.
Spandau Christmas Market
The largest Christmas market in Berlin, it spans the entire old town of Spandau with more than 250 stalls during the week and more than 400 on the weekends. The market is especially popular with families.
Dates (as of 2023): From November 27 to December 23.
Activity time: Sunday to Thursday- 11:00-20:00. Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 22:00.
Address: Altstadt Spandau 1, Berlin.
Winter World on Potsdamer Platz
The Winter World at Potsdamer Platz is one of the leading winter attractions in Berlin, bringing a taste of winter sports and a mesmerizing atmosphere to the heart of the city. Every year the central square area becomes a vibrant winter wonderland with activities and attractions that attract tourists and locals in droves.
Among the activities you will find in the winter world
Ice skating rink: one of the main highlights of the winter world is the outdoor skating rink that covers 500 square meters and invites visitors of all ages to skate elegantly against the background of the bustling square. Whether you are a beginner or a professional in the field, everyone can enjoy the illuminated arena.
Toboggan run: A particularly exciting attraction is the snowy toboggan run, an artificial hill that provides visitors with great gliding in the heart of the city against the backdrop of the magical views of central Berlin.
Festive attractions
Christmas market: alongside the sports activities, throughout the complex you will find stalls and huts that make up an elegant and colorful Christmas market. Vendors sell holiday decorations, handmade items and excellent traditional treats. You can warm up with a variety of traditional German winter foods and hot drinks, with classics including sausages, local pretzels, and of course, the Gluhwein, the local mulled wine.
Live music and entertainment: there are often concerts and plays that take place on the main stage of the complex.
important information
Dates (as of 2023)- November 27 until December 31.
Activity time: Every day of the week between 10:00 and 22:00.
Address: Potsdamer Platz, 10785 Berlin
entrance fee: Entrance to the winter complex is free. There are rental fees for the rental of ice skating equipment and an entrance fee for the snow sleds (€2.5).
Local foods during the Christmas season in Berlin
Berlin at Christmas time is not only a visual feast but also a culinary delight. The German capital offers a variety of traditional festive foods that tantalize the taste buds and warm the heart. Here are some of the special foods and drinks that you must try when visiting Berlin during the holidays:
Christmas cookies (Weihnachtsgebäck)
Lebkuchen: Gingerbread cookies that come in different shapes and sizes, with a variety of spices that bring the flavors of Christmas to life.
zimtsterne: Cinnamon star cookies based on almonds and cinnamon.
Vanilla crescents: Vanilla-flavored crescent-shaped biscuits dusted with powdered sugar, delightfully melt in the mouth!.
Stollen
Traditional German fruit bread loaded with dried fruits, nuts and spices, coated in powdered sugar. The Dresden stollen is the most famous variety, but Berlin has several local versions dedicated to Christmas.
hot beverages
Heißer Kakao: Thick and creamy hot chocolate, usually comes with whipped cream and you can also add Amaretto or rum to it.
Mulled wine: the popular holiday drink in the Christmas markets. Hot and spiced wine with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, citrus and sugar.
Roasted chestnuts (Heiße Maronen)
A classic winter snack, warm, roasted chestnuts are sold by street vendors and are perfect for nibbling on while you wander the chilly markets.
and to the hungry
Bratwurst: German sausages, in the markets of Berlin you will find the wonderful local versions. They usually come in a bun and are served with mustard.
Schäufele: A local holiday dish that consists of a roasted pork shoulder, sauerkraut and a side of potatoes.
Reibekuchen: Potato fritters served with applesauce, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
All these wonderful dishes are an integral part of Berlin's festive culture. Every bite is a taste of history and tradition, a delightful journey through the holiday season.
What not to miss during the holiday season in Berlin
Attend a Christmas concert
Berlin's iconic cathedral, the Berliner Dom, hosts a wide variety of classical concerts during the month of December and on the holiday itself. Berlin's concert hall, the Konzerthaus Berlin, also offers traditional music shows and classical concerts during the holiday season.
Visit the Christmas markets at the edges of the city
While the main markets are definitely a must, don't miss the smaller, neighborhood markets like the one in Spandau or the Lucia Christmas market.
Enjoy the illuminated Kurfürstendamm
One of Berlin's main shopping boulevards, the Kurfürstendamm is decked out in festive lights and decorations making it a perfect place for a Christmas stroll.
Participate in the New Year's Eve celebrations in the city
Berlin's New Year's Eve celebrations are something that simply must not be missed, when the whole city wears a holiday and along it you will find countless parties and celebrations, the main one of which is at the Brandenburg Gate, where every year there is a fireworks show and a huge party that is considered one of the largest outdoor New Year's Eve parties in Europe.
Go on a day trip
If you have a few days in the city, and feel like discovering more of the German delights of Christmas, go visit the city of Potsdam with its unique Christmas markets, or the fairytale town of Quedlinburg, which boasts of its magnificent wooden houses. Both towns can be reached by public transport from Berlin.
Berlin in December - weather
A visit to Berlin during the Christmas season is a winter vacation for all intents and purposes, and this should be kept in mind when preparing in advance. The weather in Berlin in December is quite cold, with temperatures during the day usually ranging between 2 and 5 degrees Celsius. At night, the temperatures mostly dropped a little below zero.
Snow in Berlin is quite common, but not guaranteed. While some winters bring weeks of snow to the capital city, some are characterized by rains and temperatures above freezing. If you have built on a white Christmas vacation, keep in mind that this is likely but not guaranteed.
Due to Berlin's northern location, the days are quite short during the Christmas season. Expect about 8 hours of daylight, with the sun setting in the early afternoon.
What to wear
Dress in layers that you can put on or take off as needed; It is recommended to have thermal clothes. Also stock up on woolen hats, gloves and scarves, it is recommended to stock up on waterproof boots for rainy or snowy days.
So if the idea of wearing warm clothes in the freezing air while sipping spiced wine appeals to you, and if ice skating and wandering through colorful Christmas markets sounds like a suitable adventure for you, then the city of Berlin offers just that. Equip yourself with warm clothing, pre-order concert tickets, and set out to conquer this vibrant city, a kingdom of colors and lights that captures the hearts of countless travelers.
