To me Christmas and Germany are synonymous. There is something particularly special about the festive streets and shopping malls, the smell of brewing Glühwein and candied almonds, and of course the traditional German Christmas Markets. Having spent a year abroad in Germany whilst at University I have visited a fair few Christmas Markets in the Rhineland area, but more recently I visited Berlin at Christmas time. In this post I have compiled my top festive things to do so that you too can have the most wonderful festive break in Berlin at Christmas time!
Berlin at Christmas Time: Festive Things To Do
The Christmas Markets
First on the list is the Christmas Markets. It would be criminal to visit Berlin at Christmas time and not explore the various markets around the city. With over 100 to choose from, it’s unlikely that you will manage to see them all. Each have their own unique atmosphere and specialities to try/ purchase. To help with your decision, I’ve outlined a few of my favourites below.
Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Alexanderplatz
There is always lots going on around Alexanderplatz. Although the setting may not be quite as picturesque as the others on this list, the markets at Alexanderplatz are always fun to visit. Often referred to as the central meeting point in Berlin, you’ll also find plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants in the area, handy for yet more festive fun!
27 November to 30 December 2023
Open from 10am to 10pm every day. Free entry.
Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Roten Rathaus
A short walk from Alexanderplatz is the Roten Rathaus. It is here that you’ll find another Christmas market. This is actually one of the oldest markets in Berlin and is quite unique in that the stalls at this market are decorated in the style of the early 1900s.
There is also a 50-metre Ferris wheel, a large ice rink and even heated wine lounge! The skating itself is free but if you need to rent a pair of skates it costs around 4€ per pair.
27 November to 30 December 2023
Open from 11am every day. Free entry.
Weihnachtszauber at Gendarmenmarkt
Located in the centre of Berlin, the markets at Gendarmenmarkt are really quite something. The white tented stalls are nestled between the historic Konzerthaus, and the Französischer and Deutscher Doms and take the festive atmosphere to a new level. This particular market is the perfect place to grab some gourmet cuisine, particularly south German/ Austrian specialities such as Kaiserschmarren (sweet torn-up pancakes – so delicious!) and Neuburger Rahmbrot (a toasted open cheese sandwich). You’ll also find plenty of arts and crafts stalls.
27 November to 31 December 2023
Open 11am to 10pm. Extended hours on Friday and Saturday until 11pm. Entry is free until 2pm, and then just €2 thereafter.
Unfortunately due to construction work in the square, the Christmas Markets have temporarily been moved to Bebelplatz but will return to Gendarmenmarkt in 2025.
Winter Welt at Potsdamer Platz
Once a wasteland and now a busy shopping and nightlife area, Potsdamer Platz offers lots at Christmas time. It is here that you will find the so-called ‘Winter World’ comprised of several Salzburger wooden huts, all offering delicious Austrian specialties. For the more adventurous visitors there is also an ice rink and a toboggan run you can enjoy for a small fee (€2.50). You can also try your hand at Eisstockschießen (a mix of curling and bowling) – for this it’s a good idea to make a reservation and costs about 30€ per hour.
28 October 2023 to 1 January 2024
Open 10am to 10pm every day. Entry is free.
Weihnachtsmarkt at the Gedächtniskirche
At the top of the Kurfurstendamm shopping street (known locally as Ku’damm) you will find the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Gedächtniskirche). In the adjacent square you’ll find more than 150 stalls, numerous decorated Christmas trees, a carousel and even a Ferris wheel for children. This market is even open past Christmas Day, unlike some of the others, so could be the perfect spot for a late December of New Years Visit!
27 November until 7 January 2023
Open 11am to 9pm, extended to 10pm Friday and Saturday. Entry is free.
Weihnachtsmarkt at Schloss Charlottenburg
Worth a visit in its own right, Schloss Charlottenburg is a stunning back drop for a more traditional Christmas Market. With over 250 stalls selling local and international handmade gifts, there is plenty to see. You’ll even find a small petting zoo and carousel for children! Once you’ve browsed the many stalls, make sure to have a candied apple – it’s a traditional at the Charlottenburg market.
27 November until 31 December 2023
Open 2pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday, with an earlier start (12pm) on Friday and the weekend. Entry is free.
Whilst these are some of the bigger, better-known markets, many small neighbourhoods around the city also have their own smaller markets, which are always worth checking out. I would particularly recommend the eco-market in Prenzlauer Berg (Kollwitzplatz), the rural advent market in Steglitz-Zehlendorf (at the Domäne Dahlem) or the historic Christmas Market in Friedrichshain (in the RAW-Gelände Berlin).
See the Christmas Lights
Christmas Garden Berlin
Every year at Christmas time, the Berlin Botanical Garden transforms into something out of a fairytale. Visitors are transported into a winter wonderland and can enjoy a quiet walk through the grounds admiring the elaborate light installations on their way.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre, a trip to the Christmas Garden Berlin is just the thing!
17 November until 14 January 2024
Open daily from 4.30pm until 10pm, with last admission at 8.30pm. Entry starts at €16.50 (Monday to Thursday) and increases to €21.50 on Fridays and at the weekend.
Christmas Lights on Ku’damm
Before (or after) you’ve visited the Christmas Markets at the Gedächtniskirche, stroll along the Ku’damm to see the impressive display of Christmas lights. Check out the huge Nutcracker, an illuminated Santa Claus, and the glowing Snowman on your way. I would also recommend a quick visit in the department store KaDeWe. If you head on up to their top floor, the store’s cafe/ restaurant offers views down the shopping street and you can enjoy the beautiful lights from a different perspective.
Entry is free.
Sony Centre
It may seem strange to include a cinema complex on a list of things to do in Berlin at Christmas time, but trust me, the Sony Centre delivers something special. Make sure you combine a visit with the Markets at Potsdamer Platz and you’ll be met with endless blue and golden lights, cosy Christmas huts, a huge chandelier and even a fairytale dance show if you time it right.
Entry is free.
Tierpark
If you loved the idea of the Christmas Garden in the Botanical Gardens then this is also something for you. Set in the grounds of the Tierpark, Europe’s largest zoo, is a 2 kilometre light trail. Along the way are 30 light sculptures, illuminated tree tops, lights shows on the way and the wonderful 17th century Friedrichsfelde Palace. No doubt after the walk you’ll be keen to top up with refreshments, which you’ll find in the ‘poetic fire garden’. For yet more wintery fun, the Tierpark also has an ice rink.
15 November until 14 January 2023
Open from 5pm to 10pm. Entry from €15.50 per person.
Try some festive German Specialities
One of my favourite things about Christmas time, even in the UK, is gorging myself on the German specialities (Lidl and Aldi have a great selection!) Obviously whilst you are in actual Germany you have to try the proper authentic stuff! These are musts:
Glühwein
Although lots of people confuse Glühwein with mulled wine, it is actually not quite the same thing. Glühwein tends to be made from adding a combination of cinnamon sticks, star anise, lemon and orange slices, sugar, vanilla, and cloves to red wine. Nowadays you can also get Glühwein with white wine, although this tends to be in other regions of Germany. Around the markets you’ll also be able to find Glühwein mit Schuss on offer which essentially adds a shot of liquor, most commonly rum.
You’ll find Glühwein in all of the Markets around Berlin. Usually it costs around €4 a glass, although this does include a deposit (Pfand) which you’ll get back if you return your mug.
Lebkuchen
Lebkuchen is a true Christmas treat. Originating from the south of Germany, Lebkuchen are pretty similar to gingerbread and can be either spicy or sweet. The classic type are topped with chocolate, icing or nuts and are usually quite soft inside. However you’ll also see plenty of iced Lebkuchen hearts around the markets – be warned, these are a lot harder, and personally not so tasty!
Wurst
Did you know that there are over 1,500 types of sausage (Wurst) in Germany? Served in a bun and usually topped with mustard, one of the most popular sausages on offer at a Christmas market is a Bratwurst. That said, you may also have the option of Currywurst, a sausage cut into slices and lathered in curry ketchup sauce, or Bockwurst, which is essentially like a Frankfurter sausage.
Kartoffelpuffer
A firm favourite in Berlin at Christmas time, is a Kartoffelpuffer. These are German potato pancakes, made from grated potatoes, mixed with egg, onion and a mix of spices. They are pan-fried and served golden brown and cripsy, with a smothering of fresh applesauce.
Fire tongue punch (Feuerzangenbowle)
Another Christmassy drink to wet your whistle at the Christmas markets is the so-called Feuerzangenbowle. This is an alcoholic drink with quite a unique brewing method; a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire and drips into an urn of mulled wine.
A few more festive ideas outside the city centre
Visit the town of Spandau
A short train ride away is the district of Spandau. Whilst Spandau hosts a cute market set up in the Old Town Square, you should also check out the Citadel or get lost in the quaint alleyways of the Kolk quarter, the oldest part of Spandau.
Haus am Waldsee
If you fancy something a little less Christmassy, why not visit the Haus am Waldsee, one of Berlin’s most popular art galleries. If art is your thing, you can immerse yourself with an audio guide whilst you tour the house, discovering work from Berlin’s most up and coming young artists. Afterwards you have 107,000sqft of garden to explore!
Take a trip to Schlachtensee
Just outside of the city centre, in the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district is the beautiful Schlachtensee lake. The location offers a picturesque setting for a wintery walk and views of the dense Grunewald Forest.
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Other posts that may help you:
- The Most Instagrammable Spots in Berlin
- The Best Christmas Markets in Nordrhein-Westfalen [2023]
- Best of Berlin: The East Side Gallery
- Ten Things You Must See in Berlin
Thank you for reading and I hope I have inspired you with a few ideas for Berlin at Christmas time. If you have any questions about the items on my list or the city in general, please do get in touch in the comments below.
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Happy exploring,
Love Victoria X
