Christmas In Berlin: Things To Do In Winter

In the land of free flowing beer and pretzels, the German capital, Berlin, is one the most attractive cities for travellers across Europe. Its combination of cutting-edge architecture, vibrant art and a lively atmosphere (regardless of the time of year) are hard to give a miss even if you find yourself here in the winter.

Sightseeing in negative temperatures is one of my least favourite things to do as a traveller, but visiting Berlin in December is what I desired most when I first thought of booking this trip. So why was I saw drawn to this destination? The answer is simple. I wanted to spend Christmas in Berlin. I was ready to fall in love with the Christmas markets and eat my weight in churros.

At this time of the year, the city holds much beauty and charm and is easy to adore between the brisk air and grey skies. The German Christmas Markets in particular, are a cultural attraction every traveller should experience once in their life. The concept of the markets can be enjoyed worldwide, but there is nothing quite like wandering around the ones from where it all began. They are extravagant and over the top, and create a warm setting during the freezing months.

I, of course, cannot ignore the fact that Berlin also obviously gains attention amongst history fanatics, myself included. Its traumatic but relevant past has been the greatest source of interest when discussing influential social events in the recent memory and it’s fascinating walking amongst historic German landmarks that I once only saw on film or in photographs.

The seamless blend of history and modern magic is why should consider spending Christmas in Berlin, even if you’re not a fan of winter travel. There are so many amazing things to do, both indoors and outside, and I would highly recommend the city for a girls trip as well.

Travel and Accommodation In Berlin 

There are so many interesting sites in this city, however, because of its divided past, they are spread all over the place. For this reason, I recommend booking accommodation that is close to different transport links rather than near a specific site.

I stayed at Mikon Eastgate Hotel, which was a 3* hotel with was located near different tramlines and was walking distance to a few places we wanted to explore as well. Its great for a girl’s trip to Berlin because we felt incredibly safe as well.

Eleven Incredible Things To Do In Berlin 

Brandenburg Gate 

The Brandenburg Gate is one of Germany’s best-known landmarks. It is an 18^th-century neoclassical monument build-out of an old city gate that marked the start of the road from Berlin to the town of Brandenburg an der Havel. During winter, the area around the gate is lavishly decorated with fairy lights, and the square in which it stands, holds a giant Christmas tree. A visit here is a pretty wonderful start to celebrating Christmas in Berlin.

The Reichstag 

The Reichstag is a marvellous building home to the German Government and hosts impressive glass domes. I did not manage to go inside because we did not realise you had to book tickets long in advance (which I regret); so make sure you get yours before you travel so you can admire it both from the inside and out. One of the best activities you enjoy while exploring this attraction is having a tea experience in the dome!

Museum Island

I think this was the first time I was bored out of my mind when visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Museum Island is exactly what the name claims – an island of various museums. I’m a sucker for a good museum, the one in Athens comes to mind, but these were completely uninteresting and I really did think I was going to fall asleep standing up. The attraction is on the top of many travel guides for Berlin, but I really do not see the appeal. 

Berliner Dom 

The monumental cathedral perched on Museum Island is a jaw-dropping, spectacular architectural sight both on the inside and out. Climbing to the top offers amazing, panoramic views, and because the sun was still rising slowly when I got here, I was lucky to catch a magnificent sight of the city waking up to the touch of the rays.

I have to warn you, it gets really cold when you’re that high up and might not be one of the best things to do in Berlin in winter, but if you can brave the temperatures, it’ll be one the greatest experiences you’ll have on your visit.

East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is an international memorial for freedom. The massive stretch of the Berlin Wall was commissioned to feature over 100 different paintings from artists all across the world, and even if you know nothing about art (like me!), this is a fantastic place to take a stroll and enjoy the stunning images.

The Topography of Terror 

The famous history museum is found on the site of buildings which during the Nazi regime, held the SS Reich Main Security Office. The permanent exhibition shares the crimes conducted by the Nazis through heart-breaking photographs and documents, and demonstrates the history from the time the Nazis came into power until the end of World War II. Parts of the Berlin Wall also run along the south side of the street outside this building, so you can see it here as well as at the East Side Gallery. This is truly a place of remembrance and warning. 

Holocaust Memorial

Reflect upon one of the most horrendous events in recent human history in a place that was created by Eisenman to make you feel tense and somewhat confused and unsettled. Walk around a maze of blocks of different heights and sizes that seem to symbolise gravestones and trust me when I tell you, this is something you will never forget. 

Checkpoint Charlie 

Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous crossing point between East and West Germany when the Berlin Wall still stood during the Cold War. To be honest though, the giant McDonalds less than 50m away totally ruins the vibe.

Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer / Berlin Wall Monument

The Berlin Wall Monument is a collection of poles (extending for 1.4km) that reflect the time when the Berlin Wall divided Bernauer Straße – the heart of the capital city. It is a unique street for this is where you can see the visible traces of the divides into East and West Germany after World War II.

Charlottenburg Palace 

Charlottenburg Palace is a gorgeous piece of architecture dating over 300 years ago and is the largest palace in Berlin. It is the perfect place to escape the cold and is an unmissable attraction if you are spending Christmas in Berlin because you get to admire how German royalty used to celebrate this holiday for centuries. The best part, however, is the Charlottenburg Christmas Market that takes place right outside the palace. The delicious smells of mulled wine, hot chocolate and churros fill the air, and the palace in lit up in colour to bring more vibrancy to an already splendid time of year.

Christmas Markets

You cannot visit Berlin in December without spending at least a few hours at a Christmas market. There are so many all across the city running at different times, so make sure to check the opening days/times of the ones you may want to visit. However, I would highly recommend the Charlottenburg Christmas Market. It was the highlight of my trip and is considered one of the best in in the city. 

The House of Small Wonder

A Japanese-inspired brunch and pastries cafe that serves delicious cuisine within an airy and lush setting. It is absolutely perfect for a girl’s trip to Berlin as well as for anyone celebrating Christmas in Berlin and hope to escape from the cold streets.

Average Cost For Three Days In Berlin Per Person

Transport (flights from London + local travel): £75

Accommodation: £70 (£240 per double)

Attractions: £50

Food and amenities: £100

Keep In Mind

You will find people walking around near popular tourist sites asking for donations for charities, but do not fall for it. There are signs around all the tourists spots stating that these were all scams.

Christmas in Berlin is great, but remember, you must wake up early because many of the incredible sites are outdoors and there is not enough daylight to get through it all if you start sight-seeing at 11am. 

Practical Information About Berlin

Location: Germany, Western Europe 

National Languages: German

Currency: Euro

Neighbouring Countries: The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.