Holiday highlights in Berlin
Christmas in Berlin is always very special: from the beginning of November the first winter markets enchant the city with glittering lights and fill the streets with the scent of cookies, almonds and mulled wine. Warm up after a magical winter stroll in a chic restaurant or experience a fascinating show. Are you planning a shopping weekend in Berlin? Discover little boutiques and the diversity Berlin's neighbourhoods, combine your holiday shopping with a relaxing wellness afternoon or visit the numerous museums in the capital. There is a lot to experience in Berlin in winter.
We have put together the best tips for the cold season in Berlin for you here. Our calendar of events shows you what else is going on in Berlin during the holiday season.
Festive events for christmas in Berlin
What's on in Berlin during the holidays? So much that the winter blues don't have a chance: visit fascinating shows, festive operas or winter events. Find more tips for culture, theatre and more in Berlin's largest event calendar at visitBerlin.de
Shopping, shows or pure relaxation
At Christmas time, many Berlin restaurants offer particularly festive menus. From starred cuisine to home-style roast goose, everything is on offer. Relax in a cozy fireside lounge, enjoy your dinner in a stylishly elegant ambience or combine your festive menu with a dazzling show: in Berlin you will find the right offer for every taste.
FAQ: What you need to know at Christmas in Berlin
What's going on over Christmas in Berlin?
You can find an overview of events over the holidays in our events calendar.
How long are the shops open on Christmas in Berlin?
This year Christmas Eve falls on a Tuesday. As a rule, grocery shops are only open in the morning on 24 December. They are closed on the Christmas holidays 25 and 26 December and 1 January.
When are the Sundays on sale in Berlin during Advent?
As a rule, Berlin shops are allowed to open on two Sundays a month, this year in Advent on 8 December and on 22 December.
When are the Christmas markets open?
The Christmas market season traditionally begins on 1 Advent, i.e. at the end of November. But even before that, there are winter markets to get you in the festive mood. The Winterwelt am Potsdamer Platz kicks things off in 2024. You can go tobogganing and drink mulled wine here from 1 November. The Lichtenberger Winterzei also invites you to join in the festive fun from 1 November. The Winterdays at Nollendorfplatz start on 8 November. From 20 November, you can stroll through the sea of lights in the Christmas Garden in the Botanical Garden Berlin and from 22 November, you can visit the . November at Christmas at the Tierpark. On the RAW grounds, the Historic Christmas market offers stalls, mulled wine and twinkling lights from 14 November. Some large markets are open every day, many of which you can visit right through to January. Others only open on the Advent weekends or take place once during the Advent season. You can find an overview of the Christmas markets including directions and opening times here.
What special Christmas markets are there?
In addition to the classic Christmas markets, there are also special markets in Berlin, for example with medieval fairytale-like ambience, with fun and rides for families with children, for dog owners or with very special handicraft offers. Here are our tips for your very personal favourite Christmas market in Berlin.
Which restaurants are open on the holidays?
Many restaurants offer festive menus on Christmas days and New Year's Eve specials. Please check our list for cosy restaurants during the Christmas season and book a table in advance.
How do the U-Bahn and the S-Bahn operate on public holidays?
For timetable information, please visit www.bvg.de and www.s-bahn-berlin.de
Where can I attend the Christmas Oratorio and other concerts at Christmas time?
From baroque music to gospel, there are a variety of concerts during Advent. You can find an overview of all the concerts taking place this year, especially digitally, in our calendar of events.
When are there masses and church services in Berlin on Christmas and Christmas Eve?
You can find an overview of church services and masses on the church pages at www.erzbistumberlin.de and www.ekbo.de.
When are the museums open on the holidays?
The museums in Berlin are open. For current opening hours, please see our museum pages.
Holiday shopping
Berlin shows its best side during Advent and delights with a variety of shopping opportunities and gift ideas that you won't find anywhere else. Let yourself be inspired by selected tips and discover small shops for browsing and large shopping centres for strolling, elegant boutiques and shopping streets for leisurely strolling.
Berlin's most festive streets for the holiday season
Berlin shows its best side during the festive season and delights with a variety of shopping opportunities and gift ideas that you won't find anywhere else. Let yourself be inspired by selected tips and discover small shops for browsing, elegant boutiques and shopping streets for a leisurely stroll.
Active winter holidays in Berlin
You can also be active in Berlin in winter. When it snows, there are some sledding hills for the kids. And some Christmas markets tempt you to go ice skating on glittering ice rinks. Tiergarten and Grunewald invite you to take a winter walk. If it's too cold outside, we recommend a round of indoor surfing, bouldering or a trip to the trampoline hall. A visit to one of the many interactive museums in Berlin is also the perfect break for families with children on a winter holiday in Berlin. Relax in Berlin's saunas or the spas and amusement pools in the surrounding area.
Our tips for your Winter trip
Our tips for your winter holidays in Berlin
Christmas is a very special time in Berlin. The smell of roasted almonds, waffles and mulled wine is everywhere. Christmas markets and festively decorated shop windows invite you to stroll through the city. On a winter walk through Grunewald forest, you can enjoy the Christmas market at Grunewald Hunting Lodge or enjoy a relaxing Wellness day after Christmas shopping.
