A romantic weekend getaway in Berlin this Christmas season

There’s no better way to savour the festive season than a weekend break in the capital of Christmas. Berlin offers the perfect blend of shopping, food and festive fun, alongside a rich palette of art and culture. Enjoy a romantic weekend for two and pick up some truly unique Christmas gifts for loved ones while you’re at it. Discover historic architecture, modern cool and classic Christmas markets in the various neighbourhoods of Berlin.

Day 1: Culture old and new

Kick off your romantic Christmas weekend in the heart of historic Mitte. Crowded with beautiful old buildings and featuring exquisite views over the water, Museum Island is stunning all year round – but add the twinkle of Christmas lights and it takes on a whole new magic. Soak up some art and culture at the Alte Nationalgalerie before taking a stroll across picturesque Monbijoubrücke towards town.

Once you’ve browsed to your heart’s content, treat yourself to another dose of history with a trip to the Berliner Dom. This stunning cathedral by the beautiful Lustgarten is especially breathtaking in its festive finery. It’s a popular spot at this time of year, so make sure you book your ticket in advance if you want to catch a glimpse of its spectacular interior.

Discover outstanding shopping highlights

Once you’re over the river, it’s time for a snoop around the cosy backstreets and boutiques of Berlin’s central district. Browse the selection of quirky homeware at the Hotel ULTRA concept store on Torstraße – and pick up an unusual gift for a fan of avant-garde interiors. For the forward-thinking design aficionado, PLATTE.BERLIN on Memhardstraße is another essential stop. This multi-disciplinary space is home to fashion, sustainability, events and innovation – everything the trend-setting Berliner lives for.

A little further north, at Torstraße 155, there is the Concept Store Hotel ULTRA to discover - numerous fun and practical accessories for your home await you here. Newly engaged couples will also find plenty of stylish inspiration at the elegant Kaviar Gauche Bridal Concept Store in nearby Linienstraße. In between, you can fortify yourself in numerous small cafés and international restaurants along the way or warm up with a coffee while observing the vibrant everyday life in the lively neighbourhood.

Day 2: See the city’s sustainable side

The second day begins with a hearty breakfast. Start the day in the stylish, modern ambience of Frühstück 3000 in Bülowstraße and savour creative, newly interpreted breakfast ideas. Then head off on a varied neighbourhood stroll in Schöneberg. Here you will discover numerous original and sustainable shops - you are sure to find a Christmas gift or two for friends and family.

Just a short walk north of Restaurant Lenzig is the fair fashion store Loveco. You can find the right shoes at Zeha in Belziger Straße. In between, you can fortify yourself with lunch in one of the many cafés and small restaurants.

Attend a magical Advent concert

After a day of shopping for sustainable gifts, put your feet up at an evening concert. Nothing says Christmas like a Tchaikovsky ballet, and festive performances of The Nutcracker and Swan Lake are on at several venues across the city. Alternatively, you can opt for an authentic Berlin Christmas experience with a performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio – a staple of the Advent season in Germany. Another great spot for a classical extravaganza is the opulent Konzerthaus – check out its December programme here. This historic concert hall is located right on Bebelplatz – so make sure to stop by the square’s stunning WeihnachtsZauber Christmas market for a warming glühwein before the show.

Day 3: Berlin favourites in their festive finery

Your romantic weekend in Berlin has some elegant highlights in store for you on Sunday. The best way to start is with a relaxed, extended breakfast at the popular breakfast restaurant Benedict, not far from the beautiful Ludwigkirchplatz.

After breakfast in the west, you’re perfectly positioned for a day exploring the legendary Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard (known as Ku’damm in the Berlin vernacular). Lined with big-name flagship stores, there’s nowhere better to find gifts for loved ones who enjoy the finer things. Marvel at the glittering displays at Bulgari and Cartier or browse modish pieces from the world’s top designers – think Chanel, Gucci and Prada. The street itself is also a highlight in its own right, particularly as evening draws in: its broad pavements are decorated with a ravishing Christmas lights display, which will bathe your shopping trip in a magical glow.

The lesser-known side streets around Ku’damm are equally worth a visit, with quirky boutiques galore to be found on Schlüterstraße, Bleibtreustraße or Uhlandstraße. If you fancy taking home your very own slice of Berlin chic, furniture store STANA BERLIN on Leonhardtstraße is a top stop. And while you’re in the area, you can’t miss the legendary KaDeWe – a luxury department store and cultural icon. Stop by the sixth floor for a delectable coffee break in the opulent food hall.

In the afternoon into the green

Finish your final day with a Berlin Christmas classic: the winter light display at the Botanischer Garten. Grab a mulled wine and immerse yourself in the magical world of the Christmas Garden – a fairytale wonderland that lights up the city’s botanical gardens each year. If you love the open-air festive feels, you’ll also enjoy the Christmas market at Jagdschloss Grunewald on 7–8 December. It’s the perfect place to discover handcrafted gifts and sample some warming winter fare. Those who appreciate the great outdoors can pair their visit to the Jagdschloss Grunewald with a wintry walk through Grunewald forest.

After a jam-packed day of Christmas shopping and culture, round off your romantic weekend getaway with dinner or a nightcap at cosy Châlet Suisse. This gorgeous Swiss-style chalet is nestled near the edge of Grunewald forest and serves a traditional Swiss menu in front of a roaring open fire.