Winter in Berlin is better than its reputation: from as early as the start of November, Christmas markets entice visitors with the scent of freshly baked goods and twinkling lights. The museums and exhibitions are quieter, and the cafés are particularly cosy. At the same time, cultural life is in full swing. Experience magical moments at the theatre and concerts, or visit Berlin’s unique Cirque du Soleil show, ALIZÉ.
Plan a very special weekend in Berlin for your Christmas shopping. And if you’re longing for a bit of relaxation, you’ll find soothing breaks in Berlin’s wellness oases. We wish you a festive season in Berlin!
The best events in Berlin this winter
What's on in Berlin during winter time? So much that the winter blues don't have a chance: visit fascinating shows, festive operas, theatre or winter events. We have put together the best tips for the cold season in Berlin's biggest calendar of events. Find out what is going on in Berlin during the winter time!
Our tips for your Winter trip
Our insider tips to enjoy winter in Berlin
Winter is a very special time in Berlin. It gets quieter in the city. Discover art & culture or take a winter walk through the Grunewald forest. Then warm up in a cosy café. Or treat yourself to a relaxing wellness day.
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FAQ: What you need to know when visiting Berlin for the holidays
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 Thursday. 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 6 December and on 20 December 2026.
When are the Christmas markets open?
The Christmas market season traditionally begins on the first Sunday of Advent, i.e. at the end of November. But even as the autumn days grow cooler, the first festively decorated stalls begin to entice visitors with the aroma of waffles and hot mulled wine. The festivities kick off with the Christmas fair in Lichtenberg and the Winterwelt at Potsdamer Platz. From 31 October, you can whizz down a 70-metre-long winter slide right in the heart of Berlin to mark the start of the Christmas season.
From 18 November, you can stroll through the sea of lights at the Christmas Garden in Berlin’s Botanical Garden, and from 20 November, marvel at illuminated animals at ‘Christmas at the Zoo ’.
Share in the anticipation of the festive season with us at these winter markets, which open even before the season begins. We’ll update all the dates as soon as they’re confirmed.
Findan overview of the Christmas markets here,including directions and opening times.
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.
- The Michelin-starred restaurant Hugos on the 14th floor of the Intercontinental offers a festive menu (vegan options) on Christmas and New Year's Eve
- At Sphere Tim Raue, you can enjoy an exclusive 3-course Christmas menu with a spectacular panoramic view of wintry Berlin from the Berlin TV Tower.
- The Brasserie Colette Tim Raue invites you to a festive 4-course duck menu from 1 to 26 December.
- Lutter & Wegner am Gendarmenmarkt is open during the festive season and also offers a rustic hut at the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market.
- Diekmann offers special menus at Christmas and New Year's Eve
- The NENI Berlin in the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin invites you to a New Year's Eve menu followed by a party in the Monkey Bar.
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.
Berlin winter specials: be active & relax
There are plenty of activities and things to do & explore in Berlin in winter. Go ice skating or tobogganing. Take a winter stroll through the picturesque Tiergarten or Grunewald, then warm up afterwards in Berlin’s finest thermal baths and saunas. Entertainment for the whole family is guaranteed by the numerous interactive museums and gaming experiences in Berlin.
Pure indulgence
When it's cold and grey outside, Berlin's restaurants are particularly cosy. From Starred cuisine to home-style lunches, everything is on offer. Relax in a cozy fireside lounge, enjoy your dinner in a stylishly elegant ambience or combine your dinner date with a dazzling show: in Berlin you will find the right offer for every taste.
