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 warm up at the Christmas market with mulled wine and hot chestnuts. Our tips for December - and of course also for New Year's Eve.
Tip 1: Christmas markets to suit every taste
Have you already found your favourite Christmas market? Admittedly, with around 80 Christmas markets, 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 the Berlin Christmas markets.
When: throughout December
Where: anywhere in the city
Tip 2: New Year's Eve in Berlin - Celebrate at the Gate
At the turn of the year 2024/2025, there will finally be another big fireworks display at the Brandenburg Gate. Top-class live acts will perform on the large stage, which will be set up directly in front of the Berlin landmark as always. On the party mile between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column, food trucks will provide you with international specialities. Tickets are available now here.
Of course, there are many other ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in Berlin. You can choose between cool parties in the Berlin clubs, glittering parties and balls, a candlelight dinner in a restaurant. The very active can make it to Teufelsberg before the big party at the Berlin New Year's Eve Run.
When: 31 December
Where: anywhere in the city
More New Year's Eve events in Berlin
Tip 3: Get into the festive spirit at the Panettone Festival
To get into the Christmas spirit, the Arena Market in Berlin will be transformed into a paradise for lovers of the Italian Christmas cake panettone. From 11 am to 8 pm, you can expect not only delicious panettone variations, but also festive treats from all over the world, various stands, entertainment for the little ones and lots of surprises. Take part in masterclasses on how to make artisan panettone, attend workshops, enjoy live music and be enchanted by beautiful Christmas choirs.
When: 30 November and 1 December
Where: Arena Berlin, Eichenstraße 4, Treptow-Köpenick
Tip 4: Christmas shopping with a difference
For anyone looking for special Christmas gifts. Here, hand-picked designers and artists present their unique lifestyle products - from fashion and jewellery to art and photography. Enjoy winter street food, mulled wine and the beats of Berlin DJs in a unique atmosphere. Holy Shit Shopping presents itself as an alternative to the conventional Christmas market - and this time in a very special Berlin location: CANK, a temporarily vacant department stores' in Neukölln.
When: 30 November to 1 December. December
Where: CANK, Karl-Marx-Straße 95, Neukölln
Tip 5: The perfect Christmas Dinner
Not just during the festive season, but throughout December, one family meal 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. And if the classic Christmas roast is not for you, why not take a look at the sustainable restaurants and the vegan/vegetarian restaurants.
Christmas restaurants IN BERLIN
Tip 5: Sundays open for business during Advent
No matter how stressful Christmas shopping can sometimes be, it's still somehow part of it. 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 - on 8 and 22 December. So nothing stands in the way of the gift hunt. In addition to shopping, you can also warm up with a hot punch at one of the many Christmas markets in the city.
When: 8 and 22 December from 13:00 to 18:00 December 1 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 time of year better than opulent classical sounds and fairytale melodies. For example with Bach's Christmas Oratorio for Children in Berlin Cathedral, with the Family concert "Das Zauberflötchen" or the Christmas Oratorio in the Philharmonie or with the Christmas concert at the Konzerthaus Berlin. The run-up to Christmas is jam-packed with great performances in churches, concert halls and other venues.
When: the whole of December
Where: In churches and concert halls
More concerts in the Advent season
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 where 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: 2 and 3 December 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Tempodrom, Möckernstraße 10, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Tip 8: Theatre plays for Children and Adults
For children, Christmas is simply a magical time. In addition to all kinds of biscuits and the anticipation of Father Christmas, this includes fantastic stories that transport young and old into another world. In December, many theatres in Berlin perform classic fairy tales and stories.
In Galli Theater the little ones will be amazed by Hansel and Gretel and the Frog King in the play-along edition in December. The Theater an der Parkaue delights in the run-up to Christmas with the "Satanarchaeolügenialkohöllischer Wunschpunsch".
Theatre for children
Tip 9: Christmas time is craft 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. For example, the upcycling workshops at the NochMall or material exchanges in the Haus der Statistik.
There are lots of workshops and craft activities for young crafters in the run-up to Christmas. Many Christmas markets offer fun events. Self-painted or moulded ceramics also make beautiful gifts.
When: Many dates in the run-up to Christmas
Where: P. & C. | STUDIO CERAMICS, Wiebestraße 40, Mitte
Tip 10: Festivals for Film Fans
Recline comfortably in a soft cinema seat: two exciting film festivals invite you in December. "Around the World in 14 Films" presents excellent films that have already screened in Cannes, Venice or at other international festivals but have not yet been shown in Germany.
Christmas film tip: The Winter-Filmfest im Nikolaiviertel shows Feuerzangenbowle several times a day. Of course, you can also warm up with the appropriate drink while watching this classic film starring Heinz Rühmann.
When: 20 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Where: Nikolaikirchplatz, Mitte
Tip 11: Christmas tour through the New Palace
How did the imperial couple and their family spend the festive season in the New Palace in the palace park Sanssouci from 1889 to 1917? This Christmas tour provides the answer to this question. The tour takes you back to a time when the historic walls were still home to royalty. You will find out what was served at the imperial banquet, what was given as gifts and how the emperor and empress and their seven children spent the Christmas season at the New Palace.
When: 23 November to 5 January
Where: Park Sanssouci - New Palace, Potsdam
For even more event tips in December, you can always browse through our tips for every day in Berlin's largest Events Calendar.
