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Spend Christmas in Berlin in 2024 | Sledding, Glühwein, Curling, and More!

Berlin is a lovely destination to come to during the holiday season with its well-known German Christmas markets and ice rinks illuminated by dazzling fairy lights. You are guaranteed to be presented with several holiday activities during the winter in Berlin. Try some delectable wurst, try your hand at curling, stock up on holiday goods in Berlin's renowned department store, and more during Christmas.

Why spend Christmas in Berlin?

Christmas in Berlin - Why Spend Christmas in Berlin?
  • The Christmas markets are a medieval German custom, so some of the best ones can be found at the heart of Berlin. Moreover, this tradition has now been taken up by almost all of Europe.
  • Berlin is renowned for its nightlife, with one of the most thriving party scenes in all of Europe. The gatherings held around Christmas are undoubtedly extremely lively.
  • Belin has many local traditions making Christmas an exciting time for tourists.
  • With Christmas lights all around and residents joining in with the tourists throughout the celebrations, the city looks so full of love and warmth.
  • Berlin offers a wide variety of traditional dishes and drinks at Christmas, making the list of items to try a little lengthier.

Top 10 things to do during Christmas in Berlin

1. Visit the Christmas Markets

Christmas markets and the holiday season go hand in hand, and there are several to pick from in Berlin. These marketplaces, scattered around the city, have been a custom in Germany since the Middle Ages. You're almost certainly going to depart feeling a little happier than when you arrived thanks to the variety of vendors selling handcrafted items, traditional German food, holiday beverages, and so much more.

The best Christmas markets of the season are:

2. See Kurfürstendamm’s Christmas Lights

Known as Ku'damm by the locals, the tree-lined boulevard is decked with fairy lights from late November to early January in the skeletal tree branches. Giant snowmen, Christmas trees, a Santa, and reindeer, all erected and lit up throughout the winter, transform the wide expanse of pavement in the middle of the road into a focal point.

Check out the other places to see Christmas lights:

3. Go Ice Skating

Strapping on a pair of ice skates and gliding around a rink to the tunes of Christmas is a fantastic holiday activity in Berlin. You can either bring a special someone for a delightful (and perhaps hilarious) date or showcase your skating skills with a group of friends. Keep in mind, though, that this activity tends to draw quite a crowd, as it's a popular choice for almost all tourists in the area.

The best places to skate in Berlin are:

4. Go Sledding at the Heart of Berlin

Each year, Potsdamer Platz in Berlin transforms into a Winter World and a festive hub. Right in the heart of Berlin, you can experience the thrill of a 12-meter-high tobogganing run, all while taking in the views of the Brandenburg Gate. Indulge in the warmth of hot spiced wine and savor traditional German and Austrian winter treats in a lively atmosphere complemented by live music, DJs, and more.

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5. Watch the City from Alexanderplatz

At Alexanderplatz, you can discover a carousel, a spooky house, and a Ferris wheel. Don't miss the chance to see the largest walk-through Christmas pyramid in Europe adorned with over 5,000 delightful lights. For a panoramic view of the whole city, head to the summit. On a clear day, this is undoubtedly the top Christmas activity in Berlin, offering a fantastic perspective of the cityscape.

6. Try Curling at Bertolt-Brecht-Platz

If you're reaching your limit on holiday treats, consider a bit of light exercise to balance things out. Head to one of the covered lanes at Bertolt-Brecht-two Platz and give curling a try. It's like a mix of boules and curling, but if the rules seem a bit confusing, no need to stress – there are always experts available to help clear things up.

7. Enjoy a Mug of Glühwein

When the city is blanketed in snow and the temperature drops below zero, few things beat the cozy warmth of a steaming cup of gluhwein (mulled wine). You can easily find this festive drink in Christmas markets, and for an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some infused schnapps. If you're in Berlin, don't forget to check out your favorite bars during Advent – they might just be serving up the perfect drink to keep you toasty in the winter chill.

Best bars to get Glühwein are:

8. Bar hop in Berlin

'Tis the perfect time to rock that authentic Berliner style and hit the Christmas clubs scene! With almost half of the city's folks heading back home or to sunnier destinations, the club queues are shorter than ever. This is your shot to get entry into those clubs that may have turned you away during the bustling season when only a third of hopefuls make the cut. So, gear up, blend in with the locals, and make the most of the festive club vibes!

Great bars and clubs to visit in Berlin are:

9. Hop on Coca Cola’s Xmas Train

In 2024, Berlin will welcome the return of Coca-Cola's beloved Christmas trucks and train. These iconic vehicles have been spreading holiday cheer across Germany since 1997, and are a cherished part of the season, signaling the arrival of festive times. The Coca-Cola Christmas train stops at major German stations like Leipzig Hbf, Frankfurt Hbf, and Hamburg Altona. Alongside the well-loved "Holidays Are Coming" song, they have become widespread symbols of Christmas joy.

10. Attend a Christmas film festival

Looking for something Christmassy but a bit different? Weihnachtsfilmfestival - the Christmas Film Festival - showcases a diverse range of films that explore the holiday theme in creative and intriguing ways. Watch From humor to drama, these films rethink traditional Christmas narratives, pushing the boundaries of storytelling. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the season, missing loved ones, or you’re a devoted film lover, this is the perfect escape for you. Transform the dark winter days into a magical cinematic experience!

Venue for Christmas Film Festival

Visitor tips to spend Christmas in Berlin

  • Plan ahead: Check the Christmas markets schedule ahead of time, as not all of them remain open for the entire season.
  • Carry cash: In Berlin, especially if you’re visiting the Christmas markets, be prepared to use cash instead of credit cards, as most vendors only accept cash. Bring a mix of small notes (€10 and €20) and coins for purchases and possible toilet fees of €0.50 or €1.
  • Understand the German word ‘Pfand’: The word ‘pfand’ (pronounced like ‘fund’ in English) means ‘deposit’ in German. It refers to the fee you’ll encounter when buying gluhwein at most Christmas markets. Remember that you’ll pay a deposit (pfand) for drink mugs at the markets, usually around €3 to €5, and you can keep the mug if you wish.
  • Dress warmly: Dress in layers for warmth in the chilly December temperatures. Don’t forget a scarf, gloves, and a warm hat.
  • Be prepared, and willing, to walk: Winters in Berlin can be quite wet as well as cold. Be sure to wear comfortable, insulated, and waterproof shoes to avoid cold, aching feet.
  • Berlin Welcome Card: Get a Berlin Welcome Card for unlimited public transport and discounts at various sites and museums during your stay. 
  • Hop-on Hop-off bus tours: Hop-on Hop-off Berlin bus tour for a flexible and scenic ride through the city's top landmarks.

Frequently asked questions about celebrating Christmas in Berlin

Yes, traveling to Berlin during the Christmas season is a great idea. Berlin has unrivaled natural beauty, which is significantly enhanced by the Christmas festivities, lights, and snowfall.