Berlin at Christmas time is pure magic, full of lights, shows, stories and moments that bring warmth. Discover the capital's most beautiful winter and Christmas highlights: from nostalgic steam train rides and sparkling worlds of light to magical shows that enchant visitors of all ages. Here you will find the best experiences for your Berlin Advent.
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Tip 1: Be enchanted by the Roncalli Christmas Circus
When Berlin is bathed in a sea of lights in winter, the Roncalli Weihnachtscircus opens its magical doors at the Tempodrom. Here, in the centre of the lively capital, tradition, art and a modern show atmosphere merge into a circus experience full of warmth and poetry.
Look forward to impressive artists who whirl through the air with elegance and ease, to charming characters who will make you laugh and to breathtaking acts such as the famous wheel of death, where the tension is palpable throughout the hall. Roncalli transforms the evening into a feast for the senses, full of thrills, amazement and a touch of nostalgic Christmas magic.
When: 18 December to 4 January 2026
Where: Tempodrom, Möckernstraße 10, Kreuzberg
Tip 2: Celebrate a sparkling Christmas special with the greatest music legends
Berlin in Advent not only shines between lights and markets, the city's stages also shine in their very own festive splendour. When music, glamour and great emotions come together, that special magic is created that makes the capital so unique in winter.
At the "Stars in Concert Christmas Special", you can experience the greatest legends of music history live on stage: Elvis, Adele, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and many more provide unforgettable moments. And when Mariah Carey takes to the stage with "All I Want For Christmas Is You", nobody will be able to stay in their seats. The show is full of energy, glitter and festive joy.
When: 27 November to 28 December
Where: Estrel Berlin, Sonnenallee 225, Neukölln
Tip 3: Immerse yourself in the glittering Christmas Garden in Berlin
When the Berlin winter unfolds its quiet moments, the city shows how much warmth there is in its lights. Between urban hustle and bustle and quiet moments, the Christmas Garden in the Botanical Garden is a place that invites you to marvel, linger and dream.
On your two-kilometre circular route, you will discover artistic light installations, harmoniously coordinated soundscapes and exclusive highlights that have been specially designed for the Christmas Garden Berlin 2025. Each installation tells its own little winter story, sometimes poetic, sometimes playful, and creates moments that you can enjoy with your family, friends or just the two of you.
When: 19 November 2025 to 11 January 2026
Where: Botanischer Garten Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8, Steglitz-Zehlendorf
Tickets for the Christmas Garden
Tip 4: Immerse yourself in the colourful fantasy world
Berlin is a city where bold stories and extraordinary perspectives find their place and this is exactly where the new show Frida und Frida unfolds at Friedrichstadt-Palast. Between colourful lights, artistic freedom and urban diversity, you can expect a story that goes straight to the heart.
Frida follows a girl who is full of creativity, courage and a deep inner glow. When she falls ill and withdraws, she creates a magical friend in her imagination: a radiant, cheerful version of herself. On the world's largest theatre stage, this story comes to life in impressive colours, powerful choreography and poetic images. You will experience an evening full of emotion, hope and inspiring moments.
When: 25 November to 31 January 2026
Where: Friedrichstadt-Palast, Friedrichstraße 107, Mitte
Tickets for the Frida & Frida show
Tip 5: Stroll through the sparkling winter wonderland
Berlin in winter is full of magic, from brightly lit markets to mysterious worlds of light. At FOREST WINTERLIGHTS, a poetic winter wonderland opens up for you, where the hustle and bustle of the city fades for a moment and you can immerse yourself in a sea of light, colour and floating trees.
In the 1,000 square metre Kunsthalle, everything is transformed into a glowing forest landscape. Over 600 trees float above your heads and more than 250,000 lights illuminate the scenery in sparkling colours. You can stroll through the winding paths, marvel, take photos, skate or simply enjoy the moment, a poetic break full of winter magic and Christmas magic that will enchant your senses.
When: 7 November 2025 to 15 February 2026
Where: DARK MATTER, Köpenicker Chaussee 46, Lichtenberg
Tip 6: Magic and acrobatics - experience Cirque du Soleil in Berlin ALIZÉ
Berlin is pulsating with creativity and culture and now you can be part of a very special spectacle: Cirque du Soleil ALIZÉ brings magic and acrobatics in a completely new art form right into the heart of the capital. Experience how reality and illusion merge as you immerse yourself in the invisible world of Acromagic.
On the stage of the Theater am Potsdamer Platz, world-class acrobats, magic nouvelle and holographic effects merge to create a completely new experience: Acromagic. You will be amazed as artists seemingly float weightlessly through the space, invisible forces become tangible and every scene tells a poetic story. This immersive show experience will leave you dreaming, laughing and holding your breath - an evening that blurs the boundaries between reality and illusion.
When: from 26 November
Where: Theatre at Potsdamer Platz, Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1, Mitte
tickets for Cirque Du Soleil ALIZÉ
Tip 7: Experience the Christmas adventures of Bibi & Tina
Berlin in winter is full of surprises and this year Bibi & Tina are waiting to take you into their magical world. On the city's biggest stage, families will experience magical moments, exciting adventures and lots of witchcraft in the centre of Charlottenburg.
On stage, you will accompany Bibi & Tina through an exciting adventure full of friendship, courage and magical moments. The story comes to life with music, dance and colourful costumes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of the popular friends.
After the show, a small Christmas witches' market awaits you in the Spiegelfoyer: the scent of mulled wine, punch and gingerbread will fill the air and you can let yourself be enchanted by the festive atmosphere.
When: 27 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Where: Stage Theater des Westens, Kantstraße 12, Charlottenburg
Tip 8: Immerse yourself in the magical winter world of the fairytale hut
In the middle of the festive city, the Märchenhütte opens its doors once again, an enchanting place where children and adults can immerse themselves in magical worlds and experience the Advent season with all their senses.
During the day, the hut is transformed into a realm full of fantasy: you can listen to exciting stories, create little works of art or discover lovingly designed decorations that bring the winter season to life. Between twinkling lights, cosy warmth and the scent of winter treats, you can laugh, marvel and enjoy little moments of security together. The fairytale hut is the perfect place to awaken your imagination and discover new stories.
When: 14 November to 27 February 2026
Where: Monbijou Theatre, Monbijoustraße 3B, Mitte
Fairytale hut in the Monbijou Theatre
Tip 9: Discover Berlin's sparkling Christmas markets
The scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine is everywhere, fairy lights bathe streets and squares in warm light and you can stroll between the stalls, discover and enjoy. Whether traditional markets, vegan stalls or sustainable Christmas markets, there is something for everyone here.
You can stroll through festively decorated squares, discover handmade gifts, savour the winter at mulled wine and punch stands or sample small treats. Many markets also offer light shows, carousels or musical highlights. You can find a complete overview here so that you can discover the most beautiful markets.
Which Christmas market is right for you
Tip 10: Follow Lucia's trail of lights into the sparkling winter wonderland
Berlin during Advent is full of magical moments and at the MACHmit! museum, Lucia opens her sparkling trail of light for children and families. Here you can discover the world through children's eyes, marvel, play and experience the anticipation of Christmas in a relaxed atmosphere.
Together with Lucia, you can explore sparkling installations, listen to exciting stories and get creative yourself. Little lights twinkle everywhere, the scent of freshly baked goods fills the air and you will see children's eyes light up as they wander through magical rooms full of fantasy. A place to marvel, laugh and enjoy winter moments together.
When: 21 November to 21 December
Where: MACHmit! museum for children, Senefelderstraße 5, Pankow
Tip 11: Ride the steam locomotive into your Berlin Christmas nostalgia
Berlin during Advent has its very own magic and sometimes it takes you straight back in time. When the historic steam locomotive of Dampflokfreunde Berlin e.V. puffs through the city, you'll feel like you're in a classic Christmas film: close up, wrapped up warm and full of anticipation for the festive season.
Climb aboard and experience a Christmas ride that brings tradition to life. While the locomotive steams and whistles, you glide through wintry Berlin in cosy carriages and look out over twinkling lights, snow-covered rooftops or lively districts, depending on the route. Whether as a family outing, a nostalgic journey through time or a romantic Advent highlight: this ride will give you moments you won't soon forget.
When: 29 November to 20 December
Where: from various Berlin railway stations
Steam locomotive friends Berlin
You can find even more tips for Christmas events in our calendar.
We wish you a Merry Christmas.
