Christmas & New Years' Eve in Berlin

16 Jan 2024

Illuminated Tauentzienstrasse and a high decorated Christmas tree during Christmas time at Kudamm © Mariia Golovianko

Christmas market, French church and Konzerthaus on the Gendarmmerkt in Berlin, Germany © S.Borisov

Brandenburger Gate in Berlin, Germany © Sven Hansche

The most wonderful time of the year, and don’t let anyone tell you different. Christmas is awesome, a glorious time when the cold weather is forgotten in the face of friendship and festivity, and many cities across Europe excel amongst the winter cheer. How does Berlin get on? Dumb question, Berlin is great whatever the weather, but there is something about Christmas Berlin that really gets the heart going.

Berlin, no Christmas markets and no New Years Eve party and the Brandenburger Gate — Brandenburger Gate in Berlin, Germany © Sven Hansche

Wrap up warm and stay tanked up on the Glühwein, hot mulled red wine, sold at all markets in souvenir mugs. Germans make Christmas a far less commercial holiday than in some other countries, and instead whip themselves into a frenzy with cookie-baking sessions, classical music concerts and opera.

Berlin has about 60 Christmas markets for you to enjoy in November and December 2023. The bigger ones are on Bebelmarkt and the huge ‘Winter world’ at Potsdamer Platz. We prefer it a bit more cosy:

Sophienstraße Christmas Eco-Market

In Mitte's designer and gallery district, the 'eco-friendly' Christmas market takes place on Sophienstraße, one of Berlin's most beautiful streets. Stands sell all manner of useful, eco-friendly and unusual Christmas gifts, of German or fair-trade origin. The market is kept stylish and low-key, and a limited but fine selection of food stands offers crepes, organic Bratwurst, raclette and Glühwein. There's live music, performers, angels, and Santa drops by every day for the children.
Weihnachtsmarkt Sophienstraße, Mitte, S-Bahn Hackescher Markt, U-Bahn Weinmeisterstraße, www.weihnachtsmarkt-sophienstrasse.de.

Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei

Taking its name and influence from the Nordic goddess of light, the Lucia Christmas Market is a festive party with a difference. All things Scandinavian are embraced here, although its stunning location on the grounds of a 19th century brewery adds a distinctly Germanic tinge to the whole thing. It works in every single way, and those looking for a unique Christmas experience in Berlin need look no further. There will be plenty of Scandinavian innovation on show, including a special open air coat heater that must be experienced. A magical location, forward thinking attractions and even a visit from Santa Claus himself make this a must-visit market in the capital.

Berliner Weihnachtszeit at the Rotes Rathaus

One of the oldest and most popular Christmas markets in Berlin (no small feat when you consider the history and popularity of the things here), the Berliner Weihnachtszeit is found just a short walk from Alexanderplatz near to the Town Hall. The heated Glühwein cabins are a genuine work of genius, and the circular ice rink is the largest in the city, not to mention the most entertaining. Skates can be rented, although those bringing their own get to skate for free. Santa comes three times a day, so it must be good! The market opens on November 25 and runs through until January 6, under the watchful eye of a gigantic carousel.

Rixdorf Christmas Market

One of the most beautiful wintertime sights in Berlin and held on the second weekend of Advent, the Rixdorf market, located in a quaint village that was swallowed Berlin's Neukölln district a century ago. This traditional market lit by oil lamps and featuring pony and camel rides strives to recapture the small town feel of old Rixdorf. Running for one weekend only and featuring handmade crafts and other wares sold only by charitable organizations, this piece of old-world Christmas tradition is one attraction not to miss. Richardplatz 28, Neukölln, U-Bahn Karl-Marx-Straße.

The city throws a free, 2km-long party that stretches from the Brandenburger Tor at Pariser Platz all the way to the Siegessäule column in the centre of Tiergarten park. You won't be celebrating alone – up to a million people show up every year, making this the world's largest New Year's Eve party. Note that you can't take large bags, fireworks, glass, large plastic bottles, alcoholic or drinks into the party zone. — New Years fireworks looking over the Spree © cozmicphotos, pb

New Years' Eve

While Christmas might be a mellow affair in Berlin, the days preceding New Year’s suggest a war-torn city that hasn’t quite given up its arms yet – that’s what happens when the corner store sells fireworks to naughty twelve-year-old boys. The city throws a free, 2km-long party that stretches from the Brandenburger Tor at Pariser Platz all the way to the Siegessäule column in the centre of Tiergarten park. You won't be celebrating alone – up to a million people show up every year, making this the world's largest New Year's Eve party. Note that you can't take large bags, fireworks, glass, large plastic bottles, alcoholic or drinks into the party zone. For detailed information see the official page from Visit Berlin.

Clubbing into 2024

After you are done all the kissing and hugging and drove out all evil spirits, find new ones and dive into Berlin's vibrant nightlife. The open-ended nature of New Year's celebrations can create an energetic and festive atmosphere throughout the city. Having a reliable source for information about events and schedules can help visitors plan their night and ensure they don't miss out on any exciting experiences. Our friends from 'The Clubmap' have the most accurate and up-to-date schedule of all clubs and deliver practical tips for those who want to make the most of Berlin's dynamic nightlife scene.