The cosmopolitan city of Berlin captivates everyone who visits it. During the winter months – and especially at Christmas – it takes on a magical charm that will make you want to return again and again.
Discover the best things to do in Berlin at this special time of year with its Christmas markets and much more. Look out!
The best of winter
Museum Island
Berlin is the city of museums. If you’re interested in the cultural side of Berlin, we recommend you visit Museum Island, which is the largest museum complex in the world, as well as being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It’s home to places of great historical and artistic importance such as the Old Museum, the New Museum, the Pergamon Museum, the Bode Museum, and the Old National Gallery. More modern museums such as the Jewish Museum and the DDR Museum are also worth a visit.
Opposite Museum Island you’ll find the Humboldt Forum, a spectacular new space for art, culture and science, featuring rich, ultra-modern architecture.
If you prefer to spend the day shopping, there are several shopping centres such as the Mall of Berlin, with around 300 shops, bars and restaurants, and The Playce, with around 90 shops and a wide range of traditional German food products.
And speaking of gastronomy, Berlin is a pioneering city in sustainable cuisine. It has a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, organic and zero-emission restaurants. Explore the street stalls and sample the iconic currywurst with a typical German beer.
Christmas markets
Charlottenburg Palace
Berlin is home to a large number of Christmas markets that create a magical atmosphere in the streets at this time of year.
At the foot of the impressive Charlottenburg Palace is a large Christmas market with numerous cabins, which is being held for the last time this year. Children can visit Father Christmas and stroll through the streets with the scent of traditional dishes such as candied apples and mulled wine.
The Spandau Market can be found in the heart of the historic city centre until 22 December. This market’s impressive local craft stalls have been delighting visitors for 40 years.
If you prefer to escape the bustling city centre and enjoy a market in the countryside, the Advent Market at the Domäne Dahlem is the perfect place. It houses more than 50 stalls with handmade products and culinary delights, such as nougat, marzipan and chestnuts, among others. There are also activities for the little ones, such as a candle-making workshop, bag painting or pony riding. Great fun!
The Berliner Weihnachtszeit is one of the most diverse markets in Berlin. In addition to the traditional stalls, it has an ice rink, carousels and a 50-metre-high ferris wheel.
The luxurious WeihnachtsZauber, with fine crafts, an extensive entertainment programme and gourmet gastronomy, takes place on Bebelplatz until 31 December. Until now, the market has been held at the iconic Gendarmenmarkt, but due to construction work, it will be held at this new location until 2024.
Last but not least, the Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei is entirely devoted to Nordic culture. We recommend you try a glass of the famous Swedish Glögg or the Kanelbullar, a cinnamon cake.
Wellness
Hamam Sauna
The German capital also caters for those who need a few days of relaxation to reconnect with their inner selves.
The Vabali Spa Berlin, located in the heart of the city centre, has more than 20,000 square metres of facilities and a stunning design. Teleporting to Bali itself is possible in its many treatment and massage rooms.
The Olivin Sauna in Pfefferberg is not far behind. It’s known for the beauty of its inner courtyard – an unanticipated bamboo garden set amidst the architecture – where you can relax on sun loungers even in the colder months.
The Hamam Sauna is a Turkish bath exclusively for women, and a great example of oriental wellness where you can benefit from different treatments such as body scrubs or bubble baths.
As you can tell, visiting Berlin in the colder months is anything but boring! So what are you waiting for?
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