Fancy some Christmas shopping in New York? Wait a minute, what does the Big Apple have that Berlin doesn't? The lights sparkle just as brightly in the capital's twelve vibrant districts! Whether luxurious on the Ku'damm, creative in Kreuzberg or idyllic in Köpenick. Berlin offers countless opportunities to discover gifts, enjoy mulled wine and get into the festive spirit.
And if you're looking for even more Christmas magic after shopping, you should definitely take a look at the top 10 Christmas shows in Berlin, from sparkling revues and classical concerts to spectacular variety shows.
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Tip 1: Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf - top address for shopaholics
Not in the Christmas spirit yet? Don't worry, a stroll along the festively illuminated Kurfürstendamm works wonders! Twinkling lights, glittering shop windows and the scent of roasted almonds will make even the biggest Christmas grouch fall weak at the knees.
Stroll along the elegant boutiques and big brands to Tauentzien and on to the legendary KaDeWe, one of Europe's largest department stores, perfect for gifts ranging from classy to unusual. Just around the corner, Bikini Berlin beckons with stylish concept stores and sustainable designs. If you want to go on a treasure hunt, Macy'z on Mommsenstraße has trendy second-hand pieces with a history.
- KaDeWe - Luxurious department stores' in the heart of City West with top designer brands.
Where: Tauentzienstraße 21-24 - Bikini Berlin - Creative concept mall with stylish boutiques and a large roof terrace.
Where: Budapesterstraße 38-50 - WILMA Shoppen - 100+ shops in a central location - convenient neighbourhood shopping centre.
Where: Wilmersdorfer Straße 46
A real insider tip: Knesebeckstraße is well worth a detour! Handmade accessories, Berlin streetwear and individual gift ideas await you at mooi Berlin and SisterS .
Christmas market tip
One of Berlin's most romantic Christmas markets shines against the magnificent backdrop of Charlottenburg Palace . Between festively illuminated pagoda tents and twinkling lights, you can discover arts and crafts, jewellery and culinary specialities. The scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine fills the air, while brass bands and carousels create a festive atmosphere. A royal winter wonderland in the centre of Berlin!
Tip 2: Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg - scene, street style and Christmas spirit
Christmas shopping with Berlin coolness? In Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, the creative scene meets trendy boutiques, sustainable design and alternative gift ideas. Between street art and Späti flair, you'll find everything from handmade jewellery to vegan scented candles.
Start your stroll around Bergmannstraße in Kreuzberg: small concept stores, fair fashion shops and cosy cafés invite you to browse and warm up. Loveco sells sustainable fashion, while you can discover stylish interior gifts at Hallesches Haus. Vintage fans should make a detour to the Colours clothing market, where every piece is unique!
- SYLD STORE Berlin - Stylish concept store with creations from around 30 local designers.
Where: Frankfurter Allee 32 - THIS CITY ROCKS - Berlin design shop with fairly produced streetwear and gift ideas with a capital city look.
Where: Libauer Straße 23 - mijas: a shop of things - Curated shop for artistic gifts and design objects by BIPOC, queer and women makers.
Where: Liegnitzer Straße 34
A real insider tip: If you like it urban, take a stroll along Boxhagener Straße in Friedrichshain. Small designer studios, record shops and creative shops such as Wühlisch7 with handmade accessories from Berlin await you here.
Christmas market tip
In the middle of urban Friedrichshain , a very special Christmas market awaits you on the RAW site. Here you can travel back to the Middle Ages between torches, fireplaces and hand-operated carousels. Jugglers, acrobats and fire artists will keep you entertained while you savour hot mead or flatbread. A festival for knights, damsels and all those who want to experience Berlin at its most magical.
Tip 3: Lichtenberg - hidden treasures and great gift ideas
Those who prefer to go on a tour of discovery when Christmas shopping will find what they are looking for in Lichtenberg. The up-and-coming district between scene and tradition surprises with creative manufactories, small concept stores and relaxed neighbourhood charm, without the stress of shopping.
The Kaskelkiez neighbourhood around Nöldnerstraße and Türrschmidtstraße is home to lovingly run shops with handmade designs, vintage furniture and sustainable gift ideas. At Goldstück you will find Berlin fashion and accessories, while Manufaktur Herzbergstraße delights with hand-moulded candles and soaps.
- Ring-Center Berlin - great reading material for Christmas
Where: Frankfurter Allee 113-117 - Supermarché - regional specialities for the Christmas menu
Where: Wiener Straße 16 - Sönneken - Favourite things for children
Where: Lausitzer Platz 13
A real insider tip: a trip to the Dong Xuan Centre is worthwhile, a touch of the Far East in the middle of Berlin! In the spacious halls you will discover Asian delicacies, decorative items and exotic gift ideas, perfect for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary.
Christmas market tip
When Tierpark Berlin is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland, the magic of Christmas begins at the zoo. Over 30 artistic installations, glowing animals and a poetic fire garden await you along a two-kilometre-long trail of lights. Mulled wine, bratwurst and hot chocolate will keep you warm as you stroll through the park. A magical experience for the whole family.
Christmas markets in Lichtenberg
Tip 4: Marzahn-Hellersdorf - Far East flair and blooming winter dreams
Christmas shopping with a view? In Marzahn-Hellersdorf, nature meets culture, and between gardens, twinkling lights and small manufactories you can discover wonderfully special gifts.
The Gardens of the World are a real highlight: in winter, the themed gardens from Asia, the Orient and Europe are transformed into a glowing winter wonderland. Stroll through the Chinese Garden, browse for gifts from faraway lands in the Tea House or experience spectacular light installations during the Winter Illuminations.
Around the Marzahn Dorfanger, you will find lovingly run shops with regional ceramic art, wooden toys and handmade accessories. A visit to Galerie M is also worthwhile: local artists exhibit their work here, perfect for creative gift ideas with a Berlin flavour.
- Marktplatz-Center Hellersdorf - Small local shopping centre for everyday life & gifts in the east of Berlin.
Where: Stendaler Straße 24 - Eastgate Berlin - Large shopping centre with over 150 shops, ideal for gift ideas before Christmas.
Where: Marzahner Promenade 1a - UnbezahlBar - social gift centre with free items & community. alternative Christmas shopping opportunity.
Where : Marzahner Promenade 38
A real insider tip: after shopping, it's worth taking a walk through the Wuhletal, one of the greenest corners of Berlin, perfect for taking a deep breath and relaxing.
Christmas market tip
Between half-timbered houses and the old Bock windmill, the Alt-Marzahn Advent market invites you to take a contemplative break from the hustle and bustle of the city. At lovingly decorated stalls, you will find handmade tree decorations, sweet and savoury treats and warming mulled wine by the fire bowl. Children can look forward to pony rides, puppet theatre and arts and crafts fun. Family winter fun in the historic village centre.
Tip 5: Centre - classic meets concept
Berlin-Mitte is the beating heart of the capital and is particularly festive at Christmas time. Between the brightly lit boulevards of Unter den Linden, Friedrichstraße and Hackescher Markt, you will find everything your shopping heart desires: big brands, design labels and creative boutiques with Berlin charm.
Pure luxury awaits you in Quartier 206 or the Mall of Berlin, perfect for exclusive gifts and fine accessories. If you prefer something more individual, you'll find it in Hackesche Höfe: small Berlin labels, concept stores and sustainable fashion invite you to browse. Here you will discover handmade jewellery, artistic stationery and stylish interior pieces, ideal for anyone who loves something special.
- Hackesche Höfe - Berlin shopping centre with backyard charm
- Blutsgeschwister - colourful fashion with a sustainability promise
- Schmuckwerk Berlin - high-quality gold jewellery
- Käthe Wohlfahrt - the specialist for Christmas decorations
Where: An der Spandauer Brücke 7 - Am Hackeschen Markt - Friedrichstraße - the largest shopping centres in Berlin
- Dussmann the culture department store
A real insider tip: A walk around the Gendarmenmarkt is particularly worthwhile - between the Konzerthaus and the cathedral, the city becomes a festively sparkling Christmas backdrop.
Christmas market tip
The Christmas magic is back at the Gendarmenmarkt this year. Handicrafts, culinary delights and theatrical art are lined up under the sparkling canopy of lights. Here you can browse for design objects between fragrant almond stalls, warm up and simply enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Tip 6: Neukölln - creative, cosmopolitan and full of Christmas magic
Berlin creativity meets international flair in Neukölln, making the district the perfect destination for Christmas shopping with character. Instead of large shopping streets, you will discover charming boutiques, colourful studios and small manufactories where every piece tells a story.
Around Weserstraße and Reuterplatz, concept stores, vintage shops and designer studios invite you to browse. At Paul's Boutique or Let Them Eat Cake, real second-hand treasures await, while you can find sustainable fashion and handmade accessories in the design shops along Hobrechtstraße.
The Neukölln Arcaden on Karl-Marx-Straße is a great place to shop and the Klunkerkranich on the rooftop is one of the best places for a mulled wine with a view over the glittering festive city of Berlin.
- Alt-Rixdorf Christmas Market Berlin - a shopping spree through the bohemian village
Where: Richardplatz Neukölln, on the second weekend of Advent - Neukölln Arcaden - vegan shoes and handmade jewellery
Where: Karl-Marx-Straße 66 - Bohei - sustainable accessories, postcards & selected gift items.
Where: Weserstraße 43
A real insider tip: stroll through the weekly market on Maybachufer and experience Neukölln with all your senses between oriental spices, Turkish pastries and handmade jewellery.
Christmas market tip
In the glow of countless paraffin lamps, Richardplatz shines in nostalgic splendour at the Alt-Rixdorf Christmas market. Between historic houses and the old smithy, charitable organisations offer handmade gifts, handicrafts and treats for a good cause. The scent of mulled wine and fire-roasted meat fills the air, while music groups create a festive atmosphere. A Christmas market with heart and history.
Tip 7: Pankow - winter flair between creativity and neighbourhood culture
In the north of Berlin, Pankow shows its most charming side at Christmas time. Between the stylish old buildings of Prenzlauer Berg, cosy cafés and sustainable concept stores, it's a wonderful place to stroll, browse and give gifts.
Boutiques, small manufactories and delicatessens are lined up around Kollwitzplatz. Here you will find handmade jewellery, Berlin design classics and delicious specialities from all over the world. A detour to Kastanienallee is always worthwhile, where creative labels and small studios with unique gift ideas await.
- Weltladen Pankow - Small shop with fair trade gifts: a sustainable gift alternative.
Where: Breite Straße 39B - Rathaus-Center Pankow - On three levels with around 80 specialist shops, the centre offers a good selection of Christmas gifts.
Where: Breite Straße 20 - Zweite Liebe - gift and stationery items, many unique items
Where: Florastraße 59
A real insider tip: Schönhauser Allee Arcaden is a great place to relax and shop before retiring to one of the cosy cafés in the area, hot chocolate and the smell of cinnamon included. And if you're looking for nature, take a walk through the Bürgerpark Pankow, where the winter tranquillity offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Christmas market tip
In the atmospherically lit Kulturbrauerei, the Lucia Christmas Market celebrates Nordic Christmas traditions in the centre of Berlin. Between red brick façades and Scandinavian wooden huts, you can smell the scent of elk goulash, kanelbullar and Swedish glögg. Visitors can warm themselves by the unique coat heater or experience the parade of lights at the Luciafest on 13 December. A magical place full of Nordic cosiness and Berlin charm.
Tip 8: Spandau - historic flair and festive old town romance
History meets Christmas glamour in Spandau. Between old half-timbered houses, cobblestones and the lights of the old town, Christmas shopping becomes an atmospheric experience.
Spandau's Old Town is one of Berlin's oldest trading centres and today a paradise for anyone looking for gifts with a history. In the small shops around Carl-Schurz-Straße and the market square, you will find handmade jewellery, home accessories and lovingly selected gift ideas. The Spandau Arcaden shopping centre complements the offer with international brands and cosy cafés for a shopping break.
- Spandau Christmas market - shopping in the festively decorated old town centre
- Spandau old town - stroll, feast, shop
- Klosterstraße and Spandauer Arcaden shopping centre
- Søstrene Grene - Scandinavian-style home accessories
- Cookmal - lovely gift ideas for Christmas
Insider tip: Art lovers should visit the Spandau Citadel, one of the best-preserved Renaissance buildings in Europe. Not only culture awaits you here, but often also exhibitions and an impressive ambience.
Christmas market tip
The Spandau Christmas market transforms the old town into a festive winter village. Between cobblestone alleyways and half-timbered houses, hundreds of stalls selling arts and crafts, tasty treats and international specialities invite you to stroll around. The market's landmarks are the large Christmas pyramid, the Ferris wheel in front of the town hall and the magnificently decorated tree on the market square. Live music, a curling rink and children's carousels make the visit an experience for the whole family.
Tip 9: Reinickendorf - contemplative tranquillity and hidden treasures
If you'd rather take a deep breath than run around during Christmas shopping, Reinickendorf is the place for you. The green district in the north of Berlin combines contemplative tranquillity with real discoveries, ideal for anyone who wants to get away from the main shopping areas.
In the Tegel-Center and along Gorkistraße you will find cosy shops, boutiques and traditional shops with personal advice. Here you can enjoy a relaxed browse, from stylish accessories to small gift ideas from Berlin. A short walk then takes you to Tegeler See, where winter walks with a view of the lake and mulled wine from the kiosk create real feel-good moments. The Tegel market hall is also a tip for foodies.
- Frohnau artisan Christmas market - Christmas gifts for individualists on 6 and 7 December
- Shopping in the garden city of Frohnau
- Hallen am Borsigturm - popular shopping centre in Berlin
Insider tip: Culture also has its place in Reinickendorf: the Buddhist House in Frohnau invites you to find peace and contemplation, a place of Far Eastern spirituality in the centre of Berlin that radiates a peaceful atmosphere, especially during the Advent season.
Christmas market tip
In the historic village of Lübars, the Protestant parish invites you to a lovely Advent bazaar on the idyllic village green on the first day of Advent. Between half-timbered houses and the sound of trumpets, you can discover handmade gifts, knitwear and Christmas decorations or try your luck at the raffle. For children, there are craft activities, stories in the old village school and a visit from St Nicholas. A contemplative start to the Advent season with village charm.
Christmas markets in Reinickendorf
Tip 10: Steglitz-Zehlendorf - Stylish gift-giving between the glamour of the palace and the shopping boulevard
Berlin shows its elegant side in Steglitz-Zehlendorf. Here, a festive shopping atmosphere meets historic backdrops, stylish boutiques and wintry nature, perfect for anyone looking for Christmas flair with class.
Start your shopping day on Schloßstraße: it is one of Berlin's most popular shopping streets and offers everything from well-known brands and concept stores to lovingly run speciality shops. The Boulevard Berlin and Das Schloss centres are a wonderful place to stroll around, find gift ideas and relax in one of the cafés in between.
- Haus der guten Taten - gift shop in the "Schloss" centre
Where: Schloßstraße 34 - Natural department stores' in the Galleria Steglitz
Where: Schloßstraße 101 - Werken Spielen Schenken - play and craft fun
Where: Schloßstraße 110B
Insider tip: For a more romantic experience, take a detour to Glienicke Palace or the Botanical Gardens. In winter, the paths here light up at the popular "Christmas Garden": a walk through twinkling lights, sound installations and festive illuminations that magically rounds off any shopping trip.
Christmas market tip
Art, crafts and a festive atmosphere come together in the stylish ambience of Mexikoplatz. On the four Sundays in Advent, the square is transformed into an "artist station" where around 90 manufacturers and workshops present their unique handmade items - from jewellery and ceramics to paintings. There's also homemade mulled wine, cheese spaetzle and probably the best waffles in town. An atmospheric meeting place for anyone looking for something special.
Tip 11: Tempelhof-Schöneberg - glamour, indulgence and a whole lot of Berlin history
In Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Christmas shopping is an experience full of contrasts, elegant, colourful and with real Berlin character. Here, shopping glamour meets a neighbourhood feel, history meets indulgence.
Start your shopping tour around Wittenbergplatz: the legendary KaDeWe is Berlin's temple for gifts with style, from fine chocolates to designer accessories. A few steps further on, in the side streets around Akazienstraße and Goltzkiez, small boutiques, bookshops and concept stores with hand-picked gift ideas await. Here you will find sustainable fashion, fine stationery and lovingly designed decorative items, perfect for special people.
- LGBTIQ* Winterdays and Christmas Avenue - Christmas magic for Berlin's gay and lesbian scene
- Winterfeldt Schokoladen - Christmas gifts for those with a sweet tooth
Where: Goltzstraße 23 - Nordliebe - typical Scandinavian Christmas gifts
Where: Goltzstraße 18
Insider tip: You can experience a piece of Berlin history at Tempelhofer Feld: the expanse of the former airport offers walks with a view in winter and the perfect break after a day of shopping.
Christmas market tip
Berlin's queer community meets under the elevated railway at Nollendorfplatz for the glittering Christmas Avenue and the LGBTQIA* Winterdays. Between colourful lights, hot cocktails and creative gift ideas, the city's most colourful Christmas market celebrates diversity and solidarity. Drag shows, karaoke, DJ sets and the popular drag bingo ensure an exuberant atmosphere, a festive meeting place full of joie de vivre, love and tolerance.
Christmas markets with diversity
Tip 12: Treptow-Köpenick - winter magic between water and old town flair
Advent is particularly atmospheric in Treptow-Köpenick. Between water, forest and cobblestones, perhaps Berlin's most romantic district awaits you, perfect for a decelerated Christmas shopping trip with plenty of Berlin charm.
Start your excursion in the historic centre of Köpenick. In the small alleyways around the town hall, you will discover individual boutiques, craft shops and cosy cafés. Here you can find handmade gifts, Berlin ceramics and fine delicacies without the stress of shopping. A walk to Köpenick Palace is particularly worthwhile in winter: The baroque backdrop is reflected in the water of the Dahme and makes for magical photo moments.
- CJ-32 - Gifts for the fashion-conscious
Where: Alt-Köpenick 31-33 - Weltladen Köpenick - Small shop with fair trade gifts - ideal for sustainable gifts
Where: Bahnhofstraße 9 - Altstadt Café Köpenick with a view of the water
Where: Alt-Köpenick 16
Insider tip: In the lively Treptower Park you can enjoy the winter tranquillity with a view of the Spree. If you like, you can fortify yourself in the historic Eierhäuschen, which, after its reopening, once again combines culinary highlights with history: a nice stopover after a stroll.
Christmas market tip
Christmas is celebrated with a special charm at the historic Späth'schen Baumschulen. Between old trees and twinkling lights, over 100 stalls with handmade jewellery, wooden toys and delicacies invite you to browse. Children listen to fairy tales in the Black Barn or make presents while live music plays on the stage. Bonfires, mulled wine and festive scents create a warm, fairytale atmosphere: a picture-book Advent experience.
