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Spending the holiday season in Berlin, Germany? We came up with a list of the 7 best ways to spend Christmas in Berlin in 2026. We picked activities you can enjoy on or around Christmas. They are a mix of different experiences that include enjoying Christmas lights, a holiday experience on the water, the world-famous Christmas markets of Berlin, and more.
1. Berlin Christmas Market Tour
As I said, the Christmas markets in Berlin are famous worldwide. And you’ll be able to experience four of Berlin’s best Christmas markets in the Berlin Christmas Markets Tour. The last Christmas market is perhaps the most beautiful Berlin Christmas market of them all, Gendarmenmarkt!
This is a guided tour, so you’ll learn a lot during the tour. It is led by a local guide who speaks perfect English.
So in addition to enjoying the Christmas markets, this is a great way to see Berlin. Places you’ll walk through or see during your walking tour includes:
- The TV Tower
- Alexanderplatz
- Neptune Fountain
- The Red Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus)
- Nikolaiviertel
Included in the cost of the tour is mulled wine or a non-alcoholic version.
You can check for tour availability here:
2. Christmas Garden Berlin
During the holiday season, the Berlin Botanical Garden is transformed into the Christmas Garden Berlin. Over thirty sparkling light installations illuminate the gardens, making a beautiful winter wonderland. Walking around the Christmas Garden Berlin not only gets you in the holiday spirit, but it also makes for wonderful photo opportunities. As you walk through the trail, you can warm up by the fire. This is very family-friendly, with kid-friendly attractions (such as a carousel).
You can check for availability here:
3. Berlin Christmas Markets with Culinary Tour
Want to see the Christmas markets but also considering a culinary tour? Then combine both with the Berlin Christmas Markets with Culinary Tour! Your professional guide will lead you through the highlights of the different Christmas markets throughout Berlin. And along the way, you’ll get to enjoy different tastings. So get ready for some traditional dishes and, of course, Glühwein!
4. Christmas at Tierpark
The popular zoo in Berlin, Tierpark Berlin has also been transformed into a winter wonderland. Weihnachten im Tierpark features over 25 light installations and million of lights. Tierpark also gives guests great photo opportunities in a beautiful Christmas setting. There are also children-friendly attractions here, like an ice skating rink. So it can be a fun family activity or it could be very romantic. Either way, it is a great way to spend the holiday season.
You can check for availability here.
5. Christmas Boat Trip with Mulled Wine and Pastries
A great way to see all the beautiful holiday decorations around Berlin is to do so on the water. You really get a unique perspective of the decorations.
You can do just that on a 2-hour Berlin Advent boat cruise. It takes on a boat decorated for the holiday season. You’ll get to see beautiful Christmas lights from the boat. And you’ll get to enjoy mulled wine, coffee & Christmas pastries, all included in the price of your cruise.
You can check for tour availability here.
6. Christmas in Berlin: Private Experience with a City Guide
As I said earlier, you can get more out of a private tour because of more attention with your guide. And that is a reason why you’d like this private Christmas experience with a city guide. You will also be allowed to customize the itinerary based on what you most want to see. Included in the cost of this tour is a cup of mulled wine, hot chocolate or a soft drink.
7. Nutcracker
Watching the ballet The Nutcracker is a favorite holiday tradition of mine. The great thing about it, too, is that no matter where you are, you can enjoy the story, even if you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language. So it could be a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit and keep your old holiday traditions while on vacation.
You can look for tickets for the Nutcracker at Deutsche Oper Berlin here.