There’s really no denying it any more: The most wonderful time of the year has begun. The city shines in white and bright colours, every corner smells of sweet treats and Christmas carols can be heard in many places. Berlin has a very special charm at Christmas time and it is not without reason that it is one of the most popular times for a city trip to our enchanting capital. Let yourself be infected by the magic of Christmas and discover with us what makes Berlin so special at Christmas time.
Christmas markets
What could be nicer than taking a leisurely stroll through the Christmas market and being enchanted by the wonderful Christmas atmosphere? With a glass or two of mulled wine or children’s punch, a delicious bratwurst or a sweet crêpe in your hand, the Christmas season becomes even more enjoyable.
It will come as no surprise to you that there is a huge selection of Christmas markets in Berlin. Near our boutique hotel you will find some of the city’s most beautiful. For one, there is the fairytale Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace, which probably has one of the most beautiful settings. Secondly, the famous Christmas market at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is just a stone’s throw away from Louisa’s Place.
Almost every district of Berlin has its own Christmas market and each one is definitely worth a visit. However, we would particularly like to recommend the following Christmas markets to you:
Köpenick, the Christmas island
Spandau Christmas market
Christmas feast at Grunewaldsee
Historic Christmas market on the RAW site
Lucia Christmas market in the Kulturbrauerei brewery
Christmas market in the zoo
Christmas Garden
WeihnachtsZauber am Gendarmenmarkt (taking place this year on Bebelplatz)
No matter which one you choose, your visit is guaranteed to be a wonderful experience!
(Last minute) Christmas gift shopping
At the Christmas markets, you have the opportunity to buy all kinds of gifts and handmade items. But if you want to do some more shopping or treat yourself to something fancy, Berlin is also a true Eldorado for shopping enthusiasts.
For example, you could take a stroll along the Ku’damm, which is right on the doorstep of our hotel. Here you will find upmarket boutiques, well-known fashion chains, small souvenir shops and the world-famous KaDeWe department store. Or you can go shopping in one of the chic shopping centres such as Alexa, the Mall of Berlin or WILMA. You are guaranteed to find everything your shopping heart desires in these malls.
Incidentally, the 2nd and 4th Sundays in Advent are open Sundays in Berlin – so there’s no excuse for not being able to shop for presents.
We also recommend a trip to the Designer Outlet Berlin for anyone looking for high-quality gifts without spending a fortune. A beautifully designed village awaits you just outside Berlin, where you can shop and feast until you drop. The outlet village is a little out of town, but it’s well worth a visit.
Christmas time but only with Christmas dinner
What do people actually eat in Berlin at Christmas? Opinions are always divided on this question. For many Berliners, the classic Christmas Eve meal is simply potato salad with sausages. Whether before unwrapping presents or while watching a Christmas film – this popular Christmas meal always works and is so wonderfully simple.
Alternatively, other classics such as duck, goose or raclette also make it onto the Christmas table in Berlin. On 25 December, things often get really hearty again with roast goose, roulades, fish or fondue. And as there is almost always something left over, there is often a delicious leftover meal on 26 December.
Atmospheric Christmas concerts
At Christmas time in Berlin, of course, it’s not all about food, presents, mulled wine and shopping. There are also numerous cultural events that are well worth a visit.
If you like music and Christmas, you will love the atmospheric Christmas concerts in Berlin. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, where several concerts are performed at once, or the Christmas concert of the Rundfunkchor Berlin in Berlin Cathedral are particularly enjoyable. Something very special awaits you at the Staatsballett. Swan Lake is performed here on five evenings. You should not miss it. We can also recommend Christmas & Miracles at the Philharmonie Berlin. The fairytale opera by the Brothers Grimm is an absolute highlight for families with children.
The famous Christmas pickle
Have you ever heard of the Christmas gherkin? This funny tradition brings a lot of joy and smiles to many households at Christmas. The idea is that a gherkin is hidden in the Christmas tree. Whoever finds it first gets an extra present and lots of luck for the coming year.
Nowadays, the Christmas gherkin is usually a Christmas tree bauble with a gherkin look, but some people also hide a real gherkin in the tree. It’s not entirely clear whether this is a German tradition that has spilled over into America or an American one – we think it’s super funny either way.
Would you like to come to Berlin for Christmas? We look forward to welcoming you to our boutique hotel in Charlottenburg. Discover our benefits for direct bookers now.