The weeks leading up to the festive season are a wonderful time of year – and there’s no more magical way to spend them than Christmas shopping in Berlin. This city like no other is the perfect spot to pick up one-of-a-kind festive gifts and decorations from unique boutiques and independent shops that capture the creative spirit of the city. From handmade candles and traditional handicrafts to perfect pottery, you’re guaranteed to find a lovely gift in these top Berlin shops.
Tip 1: Pick up a piece of striking handmade jewellery from Pictofactum
This stunning boutique in hip Friedrichshain sells simple and elegant jewellery designed and handmade in Berlin. Run by local designer Gitte Nicolaus, it stocks an array of magnificent pieces made from materials sourced in Germany and designed and handmade here at the Pictofactum workshop. Gitte’s designs combine a fascinating interplay of light and shapes with understated elegance to create a subtle and striking effect. If you feel like letting your own creativity take flight and giving a gift made with your own loving care, the store also hosts dedicated workshops where you can work with Gitte one-on-one to come up with your own handcrafted masterpieces. Handmade heaven.
Wo: Gärtnerstrasse 21, Friedrichshain
more information about Pictofactum
Tip 2: Shop traditional Saxon handicrafts to decorate your home at Sachsenhaus
The storied Sachsenhaus is a fabulous spot to pick up unique artisan products from Saxony, a German state with a formidable tradition of handicrafts synonymous with the festive season and popular all year round. Hailing from the Vogtland region of Saxony, the Bahmann family have established an incredible emporium of traditional gifts here on Gendarmenmarkt, including everything from fabulous nutcrackers to delicately woven tablecloths made from the finest Plauen lace. Step into a magical new world this festive season and bring back a souvenir to adorn your Christmas table with one-of-a-kind delights made in Germany.
Where: Markgrafenstrasse 39, Mitte
more information about Sachsenhaus
Tip 3: Light up the festive season with handmade candles from Lichterglanz Die Kerzenmanufaktur
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without candles – and this Berlin boutique that makes them by hand is a real bright spark in the festive season. The team at Lichterglanz do wonderful things with wax, creating one-of-a-kind candle masterpieces here in the capital that make the perfect unique gift. If you like to get a little crafty in your spare time, they’ll be happy to show you how to get to grips with the tradition in their candle-making sessions. Book a place and stop by in the run-up to Christmas to discover how to make your own bright and beautiful candles – the very thing to make loved ones’ faces light up this winter.
Where: Räuschstr. 17a, Friedrichshain
more information about Lichterglanz
Tip 4: Buy bewitching, beaded and bejewelled gifts and materials at Perlenmarkt
Beads, beads, beads: this cute boutique on Kreuzberg’s buzzing Bergmannstrasse is the perfect spot to pick up all things bright and beautiful. Keen crafters will adore this haven for bewitching bits and pieces they can use to inspire their creativity. Keep a beady eye out for fabulous and unique gemstones and accessories you can turn into your own festive masterwork or pick up beautiful jewellery and gifts handcrafted by the store’s own makers with your designs in mind. If you’re looking for recommendations, the expert team – who also offer repair services and workshops on site – are sure to offer up their pearls of wisdom. A jewel in Kreuzberg’s crown.
Where: Bergmannstrasse 17, Kreuzberg
more information about Perlenmarkt
Tip 5: Give the gift of smiles and laughter at majestic magic shop Zauberkönig
In cutting-edge Neukölln, quirky is king, and they don’t come much more eccentric than local institution Zauberkönig. This magnificent trick shop – founded in the 19th century – is a magical place full of treats guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s one of the oldest magic shops in the world, carrying on a trickster tradition that’s truly at home in this distinctive district. From Tarot cards to comedy teeth, creative costumes to fabulous fake-outs, this store is stacked floor-to-ceiling with fantastic festive gift ideas for the creative tricksters and offbeat thinkers in your life. Now that’s magic.
Where: Herrfurthstr 6a, Neukölln
more information about Zauberkönig
Tip 6: Pick up authentic and unique pottery at Bürgelhaus Berlin
The centuries-old Bürgel ceramic tradition stands out among its pottery peers with a blue-and-white spotted pattern that’s developed a Bauhaus influence over the years. The tradition finds its home in the capital in this stunning boutique stocking all things blue and beautiful. If you’re feeling festive, this Friedrichstrasse store is the perfect spot to pick up Christmas ornaments with a twist: cute little snowman tealight holders and Advent stands rub shoulders with the year-round selection of classic tableware, adorable animal ornaments and ceramic lamp stands. Gifts with tradition, made with modern flair and cast with care: this pottery shop is a vital stop on your Christmas shop.
Where: Friedrichstr.58, Mitte
more information about Bürgelhaus
Tip 7: Get in the mood for christmas at Käthe Wohlfahrt
At Käthe Wohlfahrt you will find beautiful and decorative Christmas items all year round. The world-famous specialist shop for Christmas items of all kinds is located directly on Kurfürstendamm. Get in the mood for Christmas shopping in Berlin under the gigantic and beautifully decorated Christmas tree that adorns the shop during Advent.
Where: Kurfürstendamm 225-226, Wilmersdorf
More information about Käthe wohlfahrt
Tip 8: Browse beautiful books at Nicolaische Buchhandlung
From scintillating sci-fi to gripping crime thrillers, literary bestsellers to indie hits – this beautiful bookstore in smart Schöneberg is the perfect spot to shop fabulous fiction and more this festive season. Berlin shops don’t come much more venerable and respected than this: established in 1713, Berlin’s oldest bookshop is a must-visit if you’re on the lookout for a literary gift they’ll love. Browse its shelves for something that takes your fancy or don’t hesitate to ask the team of expert booksellers for a recommendation that’s sure to go down a treat. This Christmas, give the gift of a great read.
Where: Rheinstrasse 65, Schöneberg
more information about Nicolaische Buchhandlung
Tip 9: Discover devotional delights at Ave Maria
The festive season is a time for contemplation and reflection, particularly for those who cherish the religious meaning behind the celebrations we enjoy as the year draws to a close. At Ave Maria, a traditional devotional store off the beaten track in bustling Schöneberg, you’ll find a selection of goods that recall the original reason for the season: think Nativity scenes and figures of Jesus and Mary in a store devoted to their story, and a range of reading material that tells it, too. For a scent of the festive season, you can also choose from over 40 kinds of incense to create an atmosphere of reflection in your home this Christmas. Pay a visit to Ave Maria for a divine moment of peace at a busy time of year.
Where: Lützowstrasse 23, Schöneberg
more information about Ave Maria
Tip 10: Give the gift of music this Christmas at Cantus-Riedel
Founded in leafy Charlottenburg over a century ago, Cantus-Riedel is a music lover’s paradise, drawing artists from all over the city. This two-storey institution stocks over 20,000 music books and a vast selection of incredible musical instruments and accessories. If you’d like to hear the wonders in stock in the shop come to life, stop by to enjoy one of its regular events, recitals and thrilling musical performances. Because Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a little music.
Where: Bismarckstrasse 5, Charlottenburg
more information about Cantus Riedel
Tip 11: Find fabulous festive gifts for foodies at Von Tisch zu Tisch
This delightful delicatessen is the perfect Christmas shopping spot for delicious delicacies for the dedicated foodie in your life. When it comes to fine dining, Von Tisch zu Tisch brings so much to the table: a veritable haute cuisine hub in the heart of the city, it draws gourmets from around the globe to discover culinary delights from Berlin and beyond. This Christmas, your loved ones will adore their decadent gift sets showcasing everything from local gin to premium Berlin BBQ sauce. If you’re still not sure what to choose, let the Von Tisch zu Tisch experts take charge and give the gift of their luxury subscription service, including delivery. After all, there’s no greater Advent gift than opening the door to a new delight.
Where: Auguststrasse 52, Mitte
more information about Von Tisch zu Tisch
Tip 12: Treat the kids to magical toys from Allerleispiel
Located in picturesque Prenzlauer Berg – a leafy Berlin neighbourhood beloved by young families – this lovely toy store is a celebration of all things playful. Stocking a wonderful selection of quality soft toys, dolls, dressing-up costumes and wooden play sets from big names and lesser-known labels, this bright and beautiful space is guaranteed to delight the kids – and inspire the grown-ups who love them. Browse the adorable range of delights in store when out Christmas shopping and treat the little ones in your life to a gift they’ll love. Who knows: you might be tempted to treat your inner child to something special, too.
Where: Prenzlauer Allee 211, Prenzlauer Berg
