Berlin is the perfect winter wonderland to visit in the winter, especially when the snow blankets the streets and ceilings. It’s the perfect opportunity for winter sports enthusiasts to let off steam and for shopaholics to enjoy themselves. The German capital offers many activities for both locals and visitors.
Here are the must-dos for winter in Berlin – even during the pandemic!
We recommend you to keep an eye on new measures in Berlin regarding the Covid-19. Most of the activities will take place in the 2G model. To know more, go to the official website of the City of Berlin.
Explore the Christmas markets in Berlin
What would Berlin in December look like without its charming Christmas markets? One of the first things to do when you arrive in the city is to head to one of its well known Christmas markets. No matter where you come from – by plane, by train, by bus, or by car – you will be able to reach one of these temporary events on a Donkey bike!
Just imagine… The smell of gingerbread and cinnamon wine dancing in the air, filling you with the nostalgic feeling of Christmas, the carousel music soothing you into full relaxation while the glittering decorations of Berlin’s magical Christmas markets brighten up the night skies. Be sure to bundle up for a festive stroll around the elegant Gendarmenmarkt, where artisans sell handmade nutcrackers and nativity figurines while fire-eaters, jugglers and choirs entertain the crowds.
If you are feeling nostalgic, head to Schloss Charlottenburg to enjoy brass bands, accordion concerts and old-fashioned rides. The huge Spandau market will appeal to children, with its nativity scene featuring real animals. Finally, the Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt (Market of Lucia) will please every visitor who is looking for an alternative atmosphere. The romantic backdrop of the historic building which was a brewery from the 19th century sends you back in time. Some markets start opening in late November and the typical German chalets invade the streets until January.
Admissions to the Christmas markets are normally free to everyone, and only people who are vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 — the so-called 2G rule — are allowed in.
Go to the Markthalle Neun
The Markthalle Neun dates back to the end of the 19th century and is so-called because it was the 9th market out of the 14 that Berlin had at that time. The area reopened its doors in 2011 after a long period of inactivity, and the struggle of associations that supported the development of this historic building caused a series of delays but eventually it was reconstructed. The Markthalle Neun is a place of life that is well appreciated by the locals and tourists! Have lunch at the food court and get lost in the alleys full of multicultural smells and dishes, from the traditional currywurst to Indian food.
Take a stroll in the friendly streets of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
If it’s your first time in Berlin, you will rapidly understand how spread out the city is. Going from one neighborhood to another is pretty convenient thanks to the efficient public transport network or on a Donkey bike. If you rather discover the German capital by foot, head to Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Bergmannstraße, literally « the street of Bergmann », it’s historically the most lively area in the neighborhood. The market stalls offer exotic dishes and vintage clothes shops.
This year, some of the star restaurants invite you to take an afternoon stroll to enjoy mulled wine and other Christmas delicacies – from caviar to potato pancakes. Some of the participating restaurants are renowned Horváth and tulus lutreck on Paul-Lincke-Ufer.
Find handcraft Christmas gifts
Pandemic or not, looking for the perfect gifts is always a fun activity to do in Berlin when Christmas is approaching. Are you looking for some creative ideas for Christmas presents? Avoid the big shopping streets and opt for authentic handcrafted items this holiday season.
You will easily find homemade gourmet food, hundreds of sorts of candies at the quaintly charming Bonbonmacherei, and beautifully packaged almond paste at Königsberger Marzipan. Nostalgic scents of lavender, poppy and cologne also fill the shelves at Parfum nach Gewicht, a 1920s perfumery where the owner still weighs perfumes by the gram on brass scales. Finally, children will undoubtedly love the delicate animals and colored fair trade toys at Barefoot.
Ride a Donkey bike in Reinickendorf
The district of Reinickendorf is full of places to go for a walk or on a bike! In the north of the city, a lot of activities await you . Reach Zeltingerplatz and Ludolfingerplatz via a beautiful 35 min ride and admire the star-shaped streets with urban villas surrounded by beautiful gardens.
In the idyllic Lübars, enjoy the lake and the Jugendfarm, which introduces children to rural life. To the south, the Tegeler See offers boat and sailboat trips as well as stores for a shopping break. Don’t forget Tegel Castle and Tegel Park, where “die dicke Marie”, the oldest tree in Berlin, is enthroned! After this, you will probably need some rest, and the next listed activity to do in Berlin should warm you right up!
Fight the cold in a sauna
When the weather gets nasty, there is nothing like running to Berlin’s delightful spas. At the end of the winter season, the Badeschiff, a former river barge moored on the Spree, is transformed into a space-age sauna, pool and lounge bar in winter. You can lie down on a futon or relax in a steam bath and admire the city lights.
Another possibility is the Sultan Hamam in the Kreuzberg district, which offers a soap scrub and a joint massage to invigorate every spa lover. Alternatively, you can imitate the Berliners and hop on a train to Tropical Islands, a gigantic zeppelin hangar turned amusement park. The lush rainforest, the 32°C Balinese lagoon and the white sandy beaches will make you feel like it’s – almost – summer.
Note that due to new measures, some places listed above might be closed.
Enjoy the cozy night atmosphere
Winter escapades in Berlin are mostly about comfort food, like traditional meals and pastries. Most of the people would usually continue the evening with a touch of coziness, at home or a roaring fire in a brasserie.
For example, you can huddle by the tiled oven of a 17th-century paneled inn at Zur letzten Instanz, where Napoleon once sat. Alternatively, a walk through the gorgeous Tiergarten Park will take you to the red brick arches housing some nice places, where you could pair the tasty home-brewed beer with freshly baked bread. To end your night, don’t miss one of the casual lounge bars, where you can treat yourself to a delicious orange hot chocolate and good music.
Visit the bunkers and basements with Berliner Unterwelten
Weather is not always on your side during the winter season. Therefore, finding indoor activities should be on your bucket list. It does not mean that you have to spend the whole day jumping from cafés to restaurants, and sit all day long!
For instance, an unusual activity to do in Berlin is the guided tour of the bunker and basements of Berlin. The idea may seem a bit surprising like this, but this unique experience is worth it. The association Berliner Unterwelten (which means “Berlin’s Underground World”), composed of history lovers, aims to explore and document the past of Berlin’s underground and to preserve these astonishing areas. And you can even find an art collection in some bunkers!
Stroll through the Mauerpark flea market
If you are not used to the coldness of Berlin winter, bundle up warmly with a quick bike ride and head to the Mauerpark! Located in the district of Prenzlauer Berg, the name of Mauerpark comes from the fact that it was once crossed by the Berlin Wall. Why not going to the flea market by bike?
Today, Mauerpark is a place where a big flea market takes place every Sunday, which gathers both Berliners and tourists. From traditional market food to recycled jewelry, antique decoration objects and art, you can find extremely varied things in this flea market. It’s almost certain that you will not go home without a piece of Mauerpark in your hands!
To add some charm, you can rent wooden sleds and go down the 100 meters long slope with your friends. In addition, this activity is kid-friendly and open-air karaoke contests often take place all year long. Grab a good ginger hot wine and show off your singing skills to the world!
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Berlin
In normal times, Berliners gather for this memorable evening at the Europe’s biggest street party, meaning at Brandenburg Gate. Usually, there should be two days of stage entertainment! Live bands, DJs, the famous countdown to the turn of the year and gigantic fireworks: not only the locals but also people from all over the world go to the Brandenburg Gate for the New Year’s Eve.
For this year unfortunately, only outdoor dance events with up to 1000 people are possible. Dance events indoors have been banned since 8 December 2021. Therefore, the nightclubs will stay closed… but it doesn’t mean that New Year’s Eve in Berlin will be boring! Improvise a good diner with a couple of friends, enjoy delicious drinks and have fun at your place or your friend’s place. Once the party is over, stay safe and ride a Donkey! It’s probably the best way to start 2022!
