10 Things to Do in Berlin at Christmas

Berlin is a reference city in Europe, being one of the most visited during the year. However, despite all its museums and everything you can see and do in Berlin, it is precisely during the Christmas season when the city shows its best side.

Enjoy the whole illuminated center, the main neighborhoods full of Christmas markets, concerts in the most historic locations and plenty of hot and traditional food in the different stalls scattered around the city. If you are already looking forward to planning your next Christmas in Berlin, I am going to tell you the best 10 plans for these dates.

One of its greatest traditions during Christmas are the Christmas Markets that are scattered throughout the best neighborhoods of Berlin. Throughout the month of December you can buy gifts or Christmas decorations, taste their food, hot drinks, costumes, crafts and small stages with concerts and live performances. If you dare to hire a tour of Berlin you will know these and other emblematic places of the city.

Some of the most important Christmas markets in Berlin are those located in:

• Spandau
• Gendarmenmarkt
• Potsdamer Platz
• Charlottenburg, one of the most classic and oldest in the city.

If you do not want to entertain yourself in shopping but want to enjoy these views, you also have the option to get on one of the Berlin tourist buses that for about two hours will give you a tour of the city and you can enjoy the lights sitting comfortably and without getting cold.

A great plan for which you also have several options, from the common tourist buses to buy your tickets for a Big Bus tour, with two floors and professional guide, or book tickets for the Berlin City Sightseeing bus tour of 24h or 48h, and you can get on and off wherever you want.

If you have come to Berlin with children for Christmas you will soon realize that it is a city designed for all ages because, in addition to cultural activities such as Christmas concerts or activities and events, there are also places designed for the kids to have a great time.

One of the best examples of this is Alexanderplatz, a Christmas fair that takes place every year in the famous square in the center of Berlin, next to the TV tower, and has all kinds of attractions and activities. And you can even book tickets to visit the Berlin TV Tower where you can watch the Christmas lights from above or enjoy lunch or dinner in its revolving restaurant.

If you have come in December to Berlin, let me tell you that during the night of the 25th, although many families are enjoying a nice dinner at home, there are also many restaurants and event spaces that organize dinners with shows.

You can try to go to some of the most typical restaurants in the city as the Prater Gaststätte or Zur letzten Instanz. Although, if what you want is an event in style, there is nothing better than going to dinner at the Charlottenburg Palace and take the opportunity to book a private tour of the palace and gardens of Charlottenburg. Every year they celebrate Christmas with a famous period concert, accompanied by a three-course dinner in the purest German style and the best champagne. A luxurious experience to round off a special year.

And what better way to enjoy the Christmas lights but from another perspective, how? by hiring a helicopter flight. The privileged views will make you enjoy from the heights all the most emblematic places of the city such as the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate and other essential monuments.

The Christmas markets, the decoration of Christmas lights on these buildings and above all, enjoy an unparalleled experience in such a special time of the year.

Throughout the month of December, especially in the last fortnight, there are several emblematic places that organize Christmas concerts. However, if there is one historic site you should visit, it is the Berlin Cathedral, which every year opens its doors to celebrate a Christmas concert, taking advantage of its incredible acoustics.

Germany is a country full of culture and the birthplace of one of the greatest musicians of all time. That is why the Berlin Cathedral usually has that day with the best musicians of the country to represent some of its most important pieces accompanied by a neo-baroque architecture that will leave you open-mouthed. Check the schedules of each year, tickets are usually around 15 €. Other places where you can find this type of concerts at this time are the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church or Charlottenburg Palace.

The arrival of the new year is always one of the most important moments that cities around the world experience and in Berlin it was not going to be for less. The German capital organizes the biggest event in the whole country around one of its icons; the Brandenburg Gate.

During the night of January 31st to January 1st, up to two kilometers of street from the Brandenburg Gate to the Victory Column are cordoned off and filled with all kinds of food stalls, stages for concerts and performances and even a big Ferris wheel to enjoy the views of the city center.

Kurfürstendamm, better known as Ku'Damm is the most important shopping street in Berlin and at Christmas time it takes on a special prominence since the official Christmas lights switch on at the end of November and the whole avenue is filled with light and decorations on the trees and lampposts.

This area is ideal for shopping for gifts and souvenirs you want to take with you but, in addition, just strolling around here will make you soak up the Christmas spirit. Keep in mind that in the winter months the days end very early, so if you are going to do some shopping in the area, when you leave you will find all the streets full of light.

The Berlin Botanical Garden is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the German capital, but if you come at Christmas, it will be for even more reasons. During these special holidays, the whole garden is filled with magic thanks to a light decoration that fits perfectly with the vegetation and the environment.

Every year the theme changes and that is why it has become one of the mandatory walks to live the most of Christmas in Berlin. In addition to the light decorations, you can count on guided walks lasting two hours and, at the end, you can find Christmas stalls selling food and typical decorations. The entrance fee to the Botanical Garden is around 10€ and you can easily reach it by bus.

If you are in Berlin at Christmas with the little ones, you are in luck because you will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in person. Every year, in Berlin's FEZ, a Christmas fair is organized with Santa Claus at the end.

This place, considered the largest non-profit event space in Europe, gathers every year the Christmas spirit and organizes all kinds of activities and events to enjoy the holidays with the family. From cookie or candy workshops, concerts and, of course, the annual date with Santa Claus. Admission is free so you have no excuse to see this friendly gentleman live.

Who doesn't like a hot drink when the cold weather arrives? In Berlin it is very cold and the Germans have the perfect solution for these dates, which also has the flavor of Christmas, mulled wine. Also called GlühWein, this famous drink made from red wine, cinnamon, cloves and orange is one of the most typical Christmas drinks.

If you are in Berlin this holiday season, you can not leave without trying it. Whether at the many stalls at the Christmas fairs and markets, or if you prefer to go for a drink in a bar or restaurant, this drink will warm you up for the Berlin nights inside and out and make you feel cozy in this beautiful city.

One of the most popular activities in cold weather is ice skating. Whether you're an expert skater or just want to take a cautious stroll, putting on your skates and sliding is closely associated with Christmas and in Berlin they take it very seriously and every year they set up several ice skating rinks around the city.

Some of the most important ones are the ones at Potsdamer Platz but you can also find others at the different Christmas markets. The best thing about it? These ice rinks are completely free and if you don't find it too crowded you can enjoy a 1 hour ride where you can even go sledding.

This city is full of panoramas at any time of the year, but I'm still going to leave you a list of tips to go to Berlin during Christmas so you can make the most of it and avoid any inconvenience:

• Try to book your trip in advance; many people will have had the same idea as you of traveling to Berlin at Christmas, so it is best that you get ahead to get a good accommodation and that prices do not skyrocket.
• Take advantage of shopping; during this time you can find the best deals in the city both in local stores and in big brands.
• Do not skimp on warm clothes; Christmas in Berlin is beautiful but also freezing so try to always wear comfortable clothes that will keep you warm all day.
• The best of the city, at night; Berliners usually go home during the Christmas holidays and the city is usually quieter than usual at night so it can be a good time to go for a drink or dinner quietly without so many people.
• Check the schedules; during the Christmas holidays the schedules of the main tourist sites such as museums, cathedrals or exhibitions may be affected so I recommend you check the schedules before you go.

Berlin dresses in light and magic during Christmas. If you are thinking of spending a different holiday and know one of the most important capitals of Europe, do not hesitate and plan your next trip to Berlin.