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11 Reasons to look forward to winter in Berlin

Anticipation, the best joy

visitBerlin, kulturellen Mitte Berlin
© visitBerlin, Foto: Mo Wüstenhagen

It’s cold and dark, the trees are bare in the Tiergarten - winter has arrived.  This doesn't mean we need to hibernate - quite the opposite. Berlin in winter is a wonderful place to explore. There are all kinds of opportunities to enjoy the season, from Christmas concerts and markets, to lovely winter walks and cosy cafes. Wrap up warm, and let us take you through some of our top tips for this most wonderful time of the year:

Tip 1: Explore the Berlin Christmas Markets

Weihnachtsmarkt auf dem Gendarmenmarkt
© Getty Images, Foto: querbeet

You warm your hands with punch, listen to Christmas music and stroll past small stalls. Or you can look out over the festively decorated city together from the Ferris wheel: the first markets will open their doors again starting the 1st of November 2024. In the most beautiful corners of Berlin, you will find a variety of offers for young and old - whether traditional, nostalgic, family-orientated, hip, Scandinavian or environmentally conscious.

When: starting the 1st of November 2024
Where: Various places

These christmas markets open first

Tip 2: Take a winter walk

Park Biesdorf in Berlin
Park Biesdorf in Wintertime © visitBerlin, Foto: Jan Frontzek

A walk in the cold and clear winter air will allow you to get to know the lively capital from a different angle. Dress warmly, pack a thermos flask and explore the most beautiful corners of the city. Stroll along the River Spree through historic Berlin-Mitte, wander through the Tiergarten or be enchanted by Neukölln's Britz estate. Or you can discover beautiful places far from the city centre, such as the 600-year-old fishing village of Rahnsdorf or the picturesque Schlachtensee lake.

Where: Various locations

Picturesque walks through Berlin

Tip 3: Strengthen your immune system when you visit the sauna

Liquidrom
© Liquidrom

After a winter walk, a visit to the sauna is just the thing! And from the warmth of the sauna, even a cold and damp winter evening becomes really cosy. You can even take a trip on the sauna raft and let the sights of Berlin pass you by. The Liquidrom and vabali Spa also have saunas with large panoramic windows. Why not treat yourself to a wellness break in the midst of the Christmas hustle and bustle. A visit to the sauna also strengthens the immune system for the cold season.

Where: various locations

Top 10 saunas in Berlin

Tip 4: Enjoy Christmas Concerts

Berlin State Ballet the Nutcracker
Berlin State Ballet the Nutcracker © Fernando Marcos

Whether oratorio, concert or ballet: Berlin rings in the Christmas season with timpani and trumpets. Especially in winter, you will find an inviting cultural programme for young and old. Take a look at the extensive programme of the city's theatres and concert halls, put your musical talent to the test at a hands-on concert or look forward to an Advent concert. Because the motto is once again: "Sweeter the bells never ring".

Where: Various locations

Christmas Events

Tip 5: Visit cosy cafes

Hot chocolate Berlin
Hot chocolate © Getty Images, Foto: Enrique Di­az / 7cero

After a winter walk, you open the door to a cosy café and realise that you've come to the right place. Then it's time to warm up with a hot chocolate and a freshly baked piece of cake. Berlin has many cosy cafés that invite you to linger - with living room charm or coffee house feeling. There is something for every taste.

Where: different places

Cafés in Berlin

Tip 6: Take part in the New Year’s Eve Run (Silvesterlauf)

New_Year\
© Camera4

The Berlin New Year's Eve run organised by SCC Berlin is the perfect way to burn off energy after the festive season. Over a distance of 10 kilometres, you can enjoy the wintry views around the Teufelsberg. There is a pancake at the end. It is also known elsewhere as a "Berliner" and gave the run its nickname: "pancake run". After a warm shower, you say goodbye to the year in style: you attend a concert or get inspired at the improv theatre, then admire Berlin's fireworks with your children.

When: 31st December 2024
Where: the Berlin New Year's Eve Run starts at the Mommsenstadion in Waldschulallee 34, Zehlendorf

New Years Eve in Berlin

Tip 7: Go Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping on Kurfürstendamm in Berlin
Christmas shopping on Kurfürstendamm © visitBerlin, Foto: Dagmar Schwelle

Winter in Berlin would only be half as nice without all the little shops. You can stroll through the streets of the illuminated city, discover a new favourite shop and look for Christmas presents for your loved ones. The historic Nikolai quarter in Berlin-Mitte or Savignyplatz are wonderful places to stroll and shop. You are also in the right place on the major shopping streets: stylish on Ku'damm, fancy in Bergmannkiez or hip on Hackescher Markt.

Where: Various locations in Berlin

Christmas shopping

Tip 8: Visit a museum

Museum Island in winter
Museum Island in winter © visitBerlin, Foto: Thomas Kierok


A visit to a museum with your family is also worthwhile. Berlin offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration in more than 170 museums. There are world-famous art treasures, interactive offerings and contemporary exhibitions to discover. An idea: On a walk along the Spree through Berlin-Mitte, simply turn off at the Berlin Cathedral into the Lustgarten. From here you can reach the famous Museum Island. Now you just have to decide which of the five famous museums you would like to discover here.

Where: Museum Island: Bodestraße 1-3, Mitte

Explore Berlin museums

Tip 9: The skates are waiting: ice skating in Berlin

Eislaufen im Eisstadion Wilmersdorf
© visitberlin, Foto: Wolfgang Scholvien

Ice skating is also a winter highlight in the big city. Maybe you're just learning to skate, want to teach your kids or are just looking forward to doing a few pirouettes on the ice: Grab your skates and explore the ice rink at the Neptunbrunnen in front of the Rotes Rathaus or at the Neukölln ice stadium

Where: Various locations in Berlin

Winter sports in Berlin

Tip 10: Celebrating Christmas

Brandenburg Gate with Christmas tree_Berlin
Brandenburg Gate with Christmas tree © Getty Images, Foto: golero

The magic of Christmas also settles over bright Berlin. If you spend Christmas in Berlin with your loved ones, you can enjoy the contemplative atmosphere in the big city. The adventurous can also look forward to many family-friendly activities on Christmas Eve and the holidays: whether it's a church service, a Christmas concert or a cabaret.

Where: Various locations in Berlin

Christmas in Berlin

Tip 11: Christmas Carol singing at FC Union

Christmas tree with ball
© GettyImages, Bild: Bloomberg Creative Photos

Goosebump atmosphere in the fan curve: every year, more than 28,000 people join together to sing Christmas carols in the stadium at the Alte Försterei. The Christmas story is read out at the beginning of the evening and then the carol singing begins. On this harmonious evening, you will receive a small songbook to help you learn the right words. This will make it easier to hit the right notes.

When: 23th December 2024 from 19:00
Where: Stadion an der Alten Försterei: An der Wuhlheide 263, 12555 Berlin.

Advent singing

 

 

Catrin Linde

Catrin

lives in Berlin for over 20 years and loves to travel the city. Preferrably by bike, she discovers the most exciting and interesting sides of Berlin. Across the city, across country and also off the beaten track. All posts