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Winter highlights in Berlin

Berlin is particularly beautiful at Christmas: the city shines in festive splendour and the Christmas markets invite you to stroll, feast and be amazed. Glittering shows, concerts and theatre performances provide magical moments.

And for those who long for peace and relaxation, Berlin's wellness oases offer soothing time-outs. Whether culture, indulgence, shopping or relaxation - Berlin unfolds its very special, festive atmosphere during the Advent season.

Of course, this also applies to the evening hours. Enjoy one of the top 10 shows at Christmas time. The best tips for the most beautiful time of year in Berlin.

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

Weihnachtsmarkt-Finder

Find your favorite market in Berlin's neighbourhoods

Read more Winter Market Schlossplatz at Humboldt Forum
Weihnachtsmarkt, Schlossplatz in Mitte
© visitBerlin, Foto: WollenschlaegerGmbH

Winter Market Schlossplatz at Humboldt Forum

19 november 2025 to 04 January 2026 : Arts and crafts, historic fairground rides, all set against the backdrop of the Humboldt Forum and Schlüterhof. With its festively decorated stalls, game stalls and various treats, the new winter market brings the atmosphere of Christmas to Berlin's historic centre.

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Read more WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt
WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt
© visitBerlin, Foto: Wolfgang Scholvien

WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt

24 November to 31 December 2025: This year, the WeihnachtsZauber Christmas Market returns to the Gendarmenmarkt. The WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt is the luxurious offering among Berlin’s Christmas markets: in the arts and crafts tent, artists offer fine crafts indoors and in heated tents fans of gourmet cuisine can feast in a festive ambience.

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Read more Nordische Märchenweihnacht at Schloss Britz
Nordische Märchenweihnacht
© visitBerlin, Foto: Wolfgang Scholvien

Nordische Märchenweihnacht at Schloss Britz

on the first three Advent weekends in 2025 (29/30 November, 6/7 December, 13/14 December): This year the Nordische Märchenweihnacht (Nordic Fairy Tale Christmas) will once again be taking place at Schloss Britz on all four Advent weekend. The historical Christmas market has a Nordic flair and takes you on a Christmas journey back in time to the knights and Vikings of the past.

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Read more Lichtenrade Christmas market (Lichtenrader Lichtermarkt)
Christmas tree decorations
© GettyImages, Bild: George Pachantouris

Lichtenrade Christmas market (Lichtenrader Lichtermarkt)

30. November 2025: Take a trip to the outskirts and get to know Berlin from a completely different perspective. For 40 years now, the Christmas market in Lichtenrade has been held on the first weekend of Advent. Around 90 artists and other exhibitors offer their goods for sale.

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Read more Christmas Market around the Grunewald Church
Pärchen auf dem Weihnachtsmarkt
© GettyImages, Bild: franckreporter

Christmas Market around the Grunewald Church

30 November 2025: Since 1976, families from the villa district in Grunewald have been coming to the Grunewald Church on the first Sunday of Advent. Around the church, 60 stands of non-profit organisations invite you to browse and purchase items at the idyllic Christmas market, providing you with a great opportunity to buy that special Christmas present or souvenir.

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Read more Märchenhafter Weihnachtsmarkt at the Jagdschloss Grunewald
Märchenhafter Weihnachtsmarkt at the Jagdschloss Grunewald
© visitBerlin, Foto: Wolfgang Scholvien

Märchenhafter Weihnachtsmarkt at the Jagdschloss Grunewald

On 6 and 7 December 2025: As every year, the Märchenhafter Weihnachtsmarkt takes place in the courtyard of the castle. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, fairytale fans of all ages can look forward to Christmas in the unique atmosphere in the castle’s romantic courtyard.

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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 after your Christmas shopping.

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.
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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
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Berlin winter specials: be active & relax

You can also be active in Berlin in winter. When it snows, there are some sledding hills for the kids. And some Christmas markets tempt you to go ice skating on glittering ice rinks. Tiergarten and Grunewald invite you to take a winter walk. If it's too cold outside, we recommend a round of indoor 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. Relax in Berlin's saunas or the spas and amusement pools 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. 

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