December in Berlin is full of magic and experiences – from festive highlights to impressive new attractions ✓ Get inspired now!
The city is buzzing with Christmas spirit, exciting events, and special places waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a family, an art lover, or a partygoer – Berlin has something for everyone in the last month of the year. Here are the top 5 tips to make your December unforgettable!
1. Above the Rooftops of Berlin – The Berlin TV Tower
How about a little getaway above the rooftops of Berlin? At the Sphere Tim Raue in Berlin’s TV Tower, you can enjoy the wintery view over the capital while indulging in culinary delights. Whether for breakfast, coffee and cake, or dinner – as the restaurant slowly rotates above the city, you’ll experience Berlin from a very special perspective. Especially during the Advent season, when the lights are shining all over the city, the view from above is particularly worth it.
2. Sundays When Stores Are Open
Still need to pick up some Christmas gifts? In December, you’ll have two chances to browse Berlin’s stores – even on Sundays. On December 6 and 20, 2026, many stores and shopping centers will be open. It’s the perfect time to pick up those last-minute gifts and combine your shopping trip with a visit to one of Berlin’s Christmas markets. The permitted opening hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., though actual hours may vary by store.
ℹ️ Sundays When Stores Are Open 📅 December 6 & 20, 2026 📍 Various stores and shopping centers in Berlin 🕰️ Between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. 💵 Free
3. Roncalli Christmas Circus
Experience magic and nostalgia at the Roncalli Christmas Circus at the Tempodrom! Breathtaking acrobatics, poetic performances, and humorous clowning make a visit to the circus a special highlight of the Christmas season. In 2026, the Christmas Circus will be performing in Berlin for the 22nd time, bringing international performers to the stage at the Tempodrom.
ℹ️ Roncalli Christmas Circus 📅 December 17, 2026 – January 3, 2027📍 Tempodrom Berlin 🕰️ multiple shows daily 💵 starting at 37.60 euros
4. Christmas Garden Berlin
When darkness falls, the Botanical Garden comes alive with what is arguably the most dazzling aspect of Berlin’s winter. At the Christmas Garden Berlin, a roughly two-kilometer-long loop trail takes you through a sea of lights and elaborately staged installations. This year also marks a special occasion: the Christmas Garden is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Berlin.
ℹ️ Christmas Garden Berlin 📅 November 18, 2026 – January 10, 2027📍 Berlin Botanical Garden 🕰️ starting at 4:20 p.m., depending on the day, until 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. 💵 depending on the date and ticket category
5. Christmas Markets in Berlin
The scent of mulled wine, string lights, and little wooden huts are simply part of December in Berlin. From nostalgic to modern, you’ll find Christmas markets with very different atmospheres all over the city. The Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace, for example, is particularly atmospheric; with its historic backdrop, numerous stalls, and festive lights, it really sets the Christmas mood. Alternatively, you can visit the Lucia Christmas Market at the Kulturbrauerei or the winter market at the Humboldt Forum.
ℹ️ Christmas markets in Berlin 📅 Throughout December 2026 📍 Various locations throughout Berlin 🕰️ Varies by Christmas market 💵 Many Christmas markets offer free admission
