Winter in Berlin

Winter highlights in Berlin

Winter in Berlin is better than its reputation: museums and exhibitions are quieter, cafés feel especially cozy, and the city’s cultural scene is in full swing. Experience magical moments at concerts and theatre performances, and don’t miss Berlin’s latest Cirque du Soleil show Alizé.

If relaxation is what you’re after, Berlin’s wellness oases offer soothing escapes from everyday life. Celebrate an unforgettable New Year’s Eve and welcome the New Year in Berlin. Whether culture, partying, cuisine, shopping or relaxation – Berlin has plenty of exciting highlights in store for you in 2026 as well!

Berlin Panorama Prenzlauer berg — © GettyImages, Foto: spreephoto.de

Berlin 2025

The main events

Schokoladenfabrik Hamam Berlin — © camera4

Wellness in Berlin

Relaxation like in 1001 Nights

The Insel der Jugend in Berlin in winter under blue skies — © Getty Images, Foto: Jrg Farys / EyeEm

12 winter tips for 12 neighbourhoods

Out and about in Berlin

Shopping

Trends that inspire.

11 tips for the best ice skating rinks in Berlin

For ice princesses and snow angels

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.

FAQ: Was Sie an Weihnachten in Berlin wissen müssen

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 Tuesday. 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 7 December and on 21 December.

When are the Christmas markets open?

The Christmas market season traditionally begins on 1 Advent, i.e. at the end of November. But even before that, there are winter markets to get you in the festive mood. The Winterwelt am Potsdamer Platz kicks things off in 2025. You can go tobogganing and drink mulled wine here from 1 November. The Lichtenberger Winterzeit also invites you to join in the festive fun from 1 November. The Winterdays at Nollendorfplatz start on 8 November. From 20 November, you can stroll through the sea of lights in the Christmas Garden in the Botanical Garden Berlin and from 22 November, you can visit the Christmas at the Tierpark. On the RAW grounds, the Historic Christmas market offers stalls, mulled wine and twinkling lights from 14 November. Some large markets are open every day, many of which you can visit right through to January. Others only open on the Advent weekends or take place once during the Advent season. You can find an overview of the Christmas markets including directions and opening times here.

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.

Bode-Museum in wintertime — © visitBerlin, Foto: Sarah Lindemann

Berlin's official tourist ticket

Free public transport in Berlin
Choose from 200 attractions – Savings up to 50%
Free City Guidebook – including map

More than 15m sold tickets

More about the Berlin WelcomeCard

Berlin winter specials: be active & relax

Be active in Berlin in winter. Go ice skating or take a picturesque winter stroll through Tiergarten and Grunewald. If it's too cold outside, we recommend a round of surfing, bouldering or a trip to the trampoline hall. A visit to one of the many interactive museums in Berlin is also the perfect break for families with children on a winter holiday in Berlin. Relaxation can be found in Berlin's saunas or the thermal baths and water parks in the surrounding area.

Christmas 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.