10 Things to Do in Berlin at Christmas

Berlin is one of the most visited cities in Europe throughout the year. However, despite all its museums and everything you can see and do in Berlin, it is precisely during the Christmas season when the city shows its best side.

Enjoy the illuminated city centre, the main neighbourhoods full of Christmas markets, concerts in the most historic locations and plenty of hot and traditional food in the different stalls scattered around the city. If you're already looking forward to planning your next Christmas in Berlin, here are the top 10 things to do this festive season.

One of its greatest traditions during Christmas is the Christmas Markets that are spread throughout Berlin's best neighbourhoods. Throughout the month of December you can buy gifts or Christmas decorations, enjoy food, hot drinks, costumes, crafts and small stages with concerts and live performances. If you go on a tour of Berlin, you will discover these and other emblematic places of the city.

Some of the most important Christmas markets in Berlin are located in:

• Spandau
• Gendarmenmarkt
• Potsdamer Platz
• Charlottenburg, one of the oldest and most classic in the city.

If you don't want to spend time shopping but still want to enjoy the sights, you also have the option of hopping on one of the Berlin sightseeing buses that will take you around the city for about two hours and you can enjoy the lights sitting comfortably and without getting cold.

A great plan for which you have several options, from the regular sightseeing buses to buy your tickets for a Big Bus tour, with two floors and professional guide, or book tickets for the City Sightseeing bus of Berlin for 24h or 48h, and you can get on and off wherever you want.

If you've come to Berlin with children for Christmas you'll soon realise that it's a city designed for all ages. As well as cultural activities such as Christmas concerts, activities and events, there are also places designed for the little ones to have a great time.

One of the best examples of this is Alexanderplatz, a Christmas fair that takes place every year in the famous square in the centre of Berlin, next to the TV tower, and has all kinds of attractions and activities. And you can even book tickets to visit the Berlin TV Tower where you can watch the Christmas lights from above or enjoy lunch or dinner in the revolving restaurant.

If you have come to Berlin in December, let me tell you that during the night of the 25th, although many families are enjoying a nice dinner at home, there are also many restaurants and event venues that organise dinners with shows.

You can try going to some of the most typical restaurants in the city such as the Prater Gaststätte or the Zur letzten Instanz. However, if you're looking for an event in style, there's nothing better than dinner at Charlottenburg Palace and a private tour of Charlottenburg Palace and gardens. Every year they celebrate Christmas with a famous period concert, accompanied by a three-course dinner in true German style and the finest champagne. A luxurious experience to round off a special year.

And what better way to enjoy the Christmas lights but from a different perspective? How? By taking a helicopter flight. The privileged views will make you enjoy from the heights all the most emblematic places of the city such as the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate and other essential monuments.

The Christmas markets, the Christmas lights decorations on these buildings and above all, enjoy an unparalleled experience in such a special time of the year.

During the whole month of December, especially in the last fortnight, there are several emblematic places that organise Christmas concerts. However, if there is one historic site you should visit, it is the Berlin Cathedral, which opens its doors every year to hold a Christmas concert, taking advantage of its incredible acoustics.

Germany is a country full of culture and the birthplace of one of the greatest musicians of all time. That's why the Berlin Cathedral usually has the country's best musicians on that day to perform some of its most important pieces accompanied by a neo-baroque architecture that will leave you open-mouthed. Check the timetable for each year; tickets usually cost around €15. Other places where you can find this type of concert at this time are the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church or Charlottenburg Palace.

The arrival of the new year is always one of the most important moments in cities around the world and Berlin is no exception. The German capital organises the biggest event in the whole country around one of its icons, the Brandenburg Gate.

During the night of January 31st to January 1st, up to two kilometres of street from the Brandenburg Gate to the Victory Column are cordoned off and filled with all kinds of food stalls, stages for concerts and performances and even a big Ferris wheel to enjoy the views of the city centre.

Kurfürstendamm, better known as Ku'Damm, is the most important shopping street in all of Berlin and at Christmas time it takes on a special importance as, from the end of November, the Christmas lights are officially switched on and the whole avenue is filled with lights and decorations on the trees and lampposts.

This area is ideal for shopping for gifts and souvenirs but, in addition, simply strolling around here will get you into the Christmas spirit. Bear in mind that in the winter months the days end very early, so if you're shopping in the area, you'll find the streets full of light when you leave.

The Berlin Botanical Garden is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the German capital, but if you come at Christmas time, it's even more so. During the festive season, the whole garden is filled with magic thanks to a light decoration that perfectly matches the vegetation and the surroundings.

Every year the theme changes and that's why it has become one of the must-see places to experience Christmas in Berlin to the full. In addition to the light decorations, there are guided walks lasting two hours and, at the end, you can find Christmas stalls selling typical Christmas food and decorations. Admission to the Botanical Garden is around €10 and you can easily get there by bus.

If you're in Berlin for Christmas with your little ones, you're in luck because you'll have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas in person. Every year, a Christmas fair is organised at the FEZ in Berlin, with Father Christmas as the grand finale.

This place, which is considered the largest non-profit event space in Europe, gets into the Christmas spirit every year and organises all kinds of activities and events to enjoy the festive season with the whole family. From biscuit and sweet workshops to concerts and, of course, the annual Santa Claus event. Admission is free, so you have no excuse to see this friendly gentleman live.

Who doesn't fancy a hot drink when it gets cold? In Berlin it is very cold and the Germans have the perfect solution for this time of the year, which also has the flavour of Christmas: mulled wine. Also called GlühWein, this famous drink made from red wine, cinnamon, cloves and orange is one of the most typical Christmas drinks.

If you are in Berlin for the festive season, you can't leave without trying it. Whether at the many stalls at the Christmas fairs and markets, or if you prefer to go for a drink in a bar or restaurant, this drink will warm you up for the Berlin nights inside and out and make you feel welcome in this beautiful city.

One of the most popular activities in cold weather is ice skating. Whether you're an expert skater or just want to take a cautious stroll, putting on your skates and sliding down the ice is closely associated with Christmas and Berlin takes it very seriously. Every year they set up several ice rinks around the city.

Some of the most important ones are at Potsdamer Platz, but you can also find others at the various Christmas markets. The best thing about it? These ice rinks are completely free and if you don't find it too crowded you can enjoy a 1 hour ride where you can even go sledding.

Berlin is a city full of sights at any time of the year, but I'm still going to give you a list of tips for going to Berlin at Christmas time so you can make the most of it and avoid any inconveniences:

• Try to book your trip in advance; many people will have had the same idea as you of travelling to Berlin at Christmas, so it's best to book in advance to get good accommodation and avoid the prices going through the roof.
• Make the most of Christmasshopping; during this time of year you can find the best bargains in town at both local shops and big name brands.
• Don't skimp on warm clothes; Christmas in Berlin is beautiful but also freezing, so make sure you wear comfortable clothes that will keep you warm all day.
• Berliners tend to go home during the festive season and the city tends to be quieter than usual in the evenings, so it can be a good time to go for a quiet drink or dinner without the crowds.
• Check the opening times; during the Christmas holidays the opening times of the main tourist attractions such as museums, cathedrals and exhibitions may be affected, so check the opening times before you go.

Berlin is dressed in light and magic during Christmas. If you are thinking of spending a different holiday season and getting to know one of the most important capitals in Europe, don't hesitate and plan your next trip to Berlin.