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:
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Tip 1: Explore the Berlin Christmas Markets
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. We have put together some tips on the Christmas markets that are already open for you here:
When: starting the 1st of November 2025
Where: Various places
Tip 2: The skates are waiting: ice skating in Berlin
Ice skating is also a winter highlight in the big city. Maybe you're just learning to skate, want to teach your children or are simply looking forward to doing a few pirouettes on the ice: Grab your skates and explore the ice rink at the Neptune Fountain in front of the Rotes Rathaus, at the Neukölln ice stadium, or on the skating rink under the glittering Forest Winterlights at Dark Matter.
Where: Various locations in Berlin
Tip 3: Take a winter walk
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 4: Strengthen your immune system when you visit the sauna
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
Tip 5: Curtain up for Advent concerts and other Christmas events
Whether it's a circus, concert or glittering show: 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 stages and concert halls, enjoy classics such as The Nutcracker or the Christmas Oratorio, glittering shows in the Friedrichstadt-Palast or breathtaking acrobatics in the Chameleon or with Palazzo in the Spiegelpalast.
Where: Various venues
Tip 6: Visit cosy cafes
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
Tip 7: Go Christmas shopping
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
Tip 8: Visit a museum
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
Tip 9: Celebrating Christmas and the Holidays in Berlin
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
Tip 10: Christmas Carol singing at FC Union
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.
The Christmas singing at the winter market at the former Tempelhof Airport on 14 December from 5 pm is a little smaller, but also wonderfully Christmassy. Registration is required.
When: On 23 December 2025 from 19:00
Where: Stadion an der Alten Försterei: An der Wuhlheide 263, 12555 Berlin.
Tip 11: Take part in the New Year’s Eve Run (Silvesterlauf)
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: 31 December 2025
Where: Register for the New Year's Eve run
