Anticipation, the most beautiful joy. Joy in Advent. December marks the start of the contemplative Advent and Christmas season in the capital. In addition to the festive highlights and Christmas concerts and events, there are countless opportunities in Berlin to find a suitable Christmas present or to warm up at the Christmas market with mulled wine and hot chestnuts. Our tips for December and, of course, for a successful end to the year on New Year's Eve.
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Tip 1: Christmas markets to suit every taste
Have you already found your favourite Christmas market? Admittedly, with over 80 Christmas markets to choose from, it's not that easy. From traditional and nostalgic to English and Scandinavian to urban and ecological - there is a multitude of different markets to discover in Berlin.
Creative crafts, design products, confectionery and culinary specialities are on offer. You can go ice skating, take a carriage ride or look down on the city lights from the Ferris wheel. Find out which Christmas market suits you best in our tips for Berlin's Christmas markets.
When: throughout December
Where: all over the city
Tip 2: New Year's Eve in Berlin - cultural, culinary or with great fireworks
New Year's Eve at the Brandenburg Gate: There will be a big fireworks display at the Brandenburg Gate on New Year's Eve 2025/26 . From 10 pm, you can get in the mood for the big spectacle with a variety of DJ sets on Straße des 17. Juni. Tickets for the "Yeah 26" New Year's Eve party go on sale in December.
There are many ways to celebrate New Year's Eve 2026 in Berlin. You can choose between cool parties in Berlin's clubs, lively parties and balls or a candlelight dinner in a restaurant. The very active can make it to the Berlin New Year's Eve run before the big party.
A spectacular laser and firework show awaits you at the Silvesterzauber in the Zitadelle Spandau. And if you fancy a theatre classic on the last evening of the year, why not attend a performance of Dinner for One?
When: 31 December
Where: anywhere in the city
Tip 3: Enjoy the Christmas story as a fairytale musical
A visit to the musical "A Christmas Story" is a magical experience for young and old in the run-up to Christmas. Here, Charles Dickens' famous story is staged on a grand scale and makes for even bigger eyes.
Experience live how Ebenezer Scrooge recognises the true meaning of Christmas and immerse yourself in a festive world of music and dance in front of an enchantingly Christmassy stage set.
When: Many performances in November and December
Where: Stage Bluemax Theatre, Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 4, Mitte
Experience the world premiere of a fascinating adventure that will take you on an immersive expedition to our planet‘s coldest places from December 6, 2025 to April 6, 2026 at the Arena Berlin – full of excitement, goosebumps and amazement!
Tip 4: Visit the Qweer Winterfest
If you're looking for a very special experience in the run-up to Christmas, then you shouldn't miss the Qweere Winterfest at the Hotel Berlin, Berlin . The hotel is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland that combines queer culture, creative diversity and a festive atmosphere . Between twinkling lights, fragrant mulled wine and artful design, you can discover handmade jewellery, marvel at extravagant fashion and sample delicious specialities while setting an example for diversity and harmony together.
When: 13 and 14 December
Where: Hotel Berlin, Berlin, Lützowplatz 17, Mitte
Tip 5: The perfect Christmas dinner
It's not just the festive season - throughout December, one family dinner and Christmas party follows the next. Whether you want to get together with friends or colleagues for a bit of festive cheer, a Christmas meal is essential. We have put together a list of the best restaurants for Christmas. If the classic Christmas roast is not for you, take a look at our vegan/vegetarian restaurant tips.
CHRISTMAS ROAST IN BERLIN
Tip 5: Sundays open for business during the Advent season
No matter how stressful Christmas shopping can sometimes be, it's still part of the experience. And Berlin offers the perfect selection of great shopping opportunities: The doors to many shopping centres and shops in Berlin are open on two Sundays when the shops are open - on 7 and 21 December. So nothing stands in the way of the gift hunt. As well as shopping, you can also warm up with a hot punch at one of the many Christmas markets in the city.
When: 7 and 21 December from 1 pm to 6 pm
Where: in shops, department stores and shopping centres
Tip 6: Attend Christmas concerts
Reflection and contemplation: nothing gets you in the mood for the festive season better than opulent classical sounds and fairytale melodies. The pre-Christmas period is jam-packed with great performances in churches, concert halls and other venues.
Here is a selection:
- Advent concert in the Berlin Philharmonie, 2 December 2025
- Christmas concert by the Georg-Friedrich-Händel-Gymnasium at the Konzerthaus Berlin, 2 December 2025
- Philipp Poisel at the Passionskirche, 4 December 2025
- The Snowman - silent film concert for families in Berlin Cathedral, 7 December 2025
- Vivaldi: The Four Seasons with the Dresden Residence Orchestra at the Philharmonie Berlin, 28 December 2025
When: the whole of December
Where: in churches and concert halls
Tip 7: Immerse yourself in a wondrous circus world
Experience pure magic and amazement at the Roncalli Christmas Circus! Let yourself be whisked away to another world by breathtaking artistry, lovingly designed stage sets and nostalgic circus flair . Look forward to animal-free performances in which art and creativity take centre stage. You can visit the fantastic performances not only in the run-up to Christmas, but also after Christmas and even on New Year's Eve.
When: From 18 December
Where: Tempodrom, Möckernstraße 10, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Tip 8: Treat yourself to a Christmas break at Bubble Planet
From 12 December, you can immerse yourself in a world at Arena Berlin that will amaze you and envelop you in pastel and bubblegum colours. A nice visual change from the Christmas spectacle that has the whole city firmly in its grip. And who knows, maybe you'll leave the interactive museum with some fantastic photos that your loved ones will be delighted with at Christmas.
Twelve themed rooms take you on a multi-sensory adventure: a shimmering Infinity Room, the biggest ball pool of your life and virtual dreamscapes that can be experienced using the latest VR technology. The motto here is: Touch, join in, dream!
When: From 12 December
Where: Arena Berlin, Eichenstr. 4, Treptow-Köpenick
Tip 9: Christmas time is crafting time
Homemade gifts for friends and family show that you invest time and patience in your loved ones. You can also make your home feel extra cosy with home-made decorations.
There are lots of workshops and craft activities for young crafters in the run-up to Christmas. Many Christmas markets also offer great events. We have put together the best DIY tips for Berlin for you.
When: Many dates in the run-up to Christmas
Where: Many places in Berlin
Tip 10: Christmas for film fans
The Winter Film Festival in the Nikolai Quarter is an annual highlight of Berlin's winter. From 20 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, you can watch the winter classic "Die Feuerzangenbowle" several times a day and warm up with the drink of the same name.
Another great tip for cinema enthusiasts is the candlelight concert with Christmas film soundtracks on 27 and 28 December. Here, in a cosy atmosphere, little shivers will run down your spine when your favourite Christmas songs from "Nightmare before Christmas" and co. touch you. And as the concerts take place after Christmas Eve, you can also give the tickets as a gift.
Tip 11: Belt out Christmas songs together
Give yourself the gift of togetherness, shared laughter and reminiscing about the carefree Christmas days of your childhood. You can let it all out when singing Christmas songs and really get into the festive spirit.
For example, on these occasions:
- Sing along! - Christmas singing for young and old at the Komische Oper, 1 December 2025
- The big Berlin Christmas - RUDELSINGEN at the Admiralspalast, 2 December 2025
- Christmas singing at Tempelhof Airport, 14 December 2025
For even more event tips in December, you can always click through our tips for each day in Berlin's biggest event calendar.
