Germany, Europe

Berlin in December

Dozens of Christmas markets and a huge New Year's Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate.

GoodCold, highs near 39F (4C), short days

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin — BerlinPhoto: Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Berlin. Dozens of Christmas markets and a huge New Year's Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate.

Weather: Cold, highs near 39F (4C), short days
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Berlin

December is cold, with highs near 39F (4C) and short days, but the city glows with dozens of Christmas markets. Most markets end between December 23 and 31. On December 31, a huge free party and fireworks fill the area around the Brandenburg Gate. Crowds and prices rise around the holidays.

It suits families and couples who love holiday markets and festive lights. Bundle up and plan warm indoor breaks between markets. Note that many shops and sights close on December 25. If you want a quiet, cheap trip, January is calmer. For outdoor life, wait until May or June.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Berlin this month.

Christmas markets

From Gendarmenmarkt to the Spandau old town, markets fill the city with lights, food, and gifts.

New Year's Eve at the Brandenburg Gate

A giant free party and fireworks on December 31. The whole city sets off fireworks too, so wear sturdy shoes.

Charlottenburg Palace market

The market in front of the palace is one of the prettiest in the city, especially after dark.

What to pack for December

A warm winter coat
Warm, waterproof boots
Hat, gloves, and scarf
Hand warmers for evenings at the markets

Our timing tip

Visit the Christmas markets on weekday evenings in early December, before the holiday weekends bring the biggest crowds.

Book Berlin for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Berlin
Opens a hotel search for Berlin in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Berlin
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Berlin
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Berlin for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Christmas markets

Late November through December 23 to 31, varies by market

More than 60 markets, from the Gendarmenmarkt to Charlottenburg Palace and the Spandau old town.

New Year's Eve at the Brandenburg Gate

December 31 every year

A giant free open-air party and fireworks. Also a city full of private fireworks; wear sturdy shoes.

Things to do in Berlin

Full guide

Museum Island

The Pergamon Museum is closed for a multi-year renovation, so check what is open; the Neues Museum and the Alte Nationalgalerie are the reliable stars.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Reichstag dome

Free, but you must register online in advance. Book days ahead in summer; evening slots show the city lit up.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Berlin Wall Memorial

The most complete surviving stretch of the border strip, with a watchtower view. Free and open daily outdoors.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Tempelhofer Feld

Walk or cycle the runways of the old airport. Kite-surfers, barbecues, and community gardens on summer evenings.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Sanssouci Park, Potsdam

Frederick the Great's summer palace, 40 minutes by S-Bahn. Timed tickets for the palace sell out on summer weekends.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

East Side Gallery

The longest remaining stretch of the Wall, painted with murals. Go early before it turns into a selfie queue.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Book the Reichstag dome and major Museum Island tickets online. Walk-up Reichstag visits are rarely possible in season.
Visit Museum Island on weekday mornings, and save Thursday evenings, when some state museums stay open later, for the big galleries.
Stay in Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, or Friedrichshain rather than around Alexanderplatz: better food and a real neighborhood feel.
Check the Berlin Marathon and major trade fair dates before booking a September or October trip; hotel rates can double on those weeks.

Know before you go

Many museums close on Mondays, including several on Museum Island. Plan outdoor memorials and Tempelhof for that day.
Sunday shopping is restricted by law: most shops close, but museums, cafes, and flea markets like the Mauerpark market thrive.
The Pergamon Museum's main building is closed for a multi-year renovation, with partial reopening planned in stages. Check the Staatliche Museen site before planning around it.
Beer gardens, lake beaches, and open-air cinemas are seasonal, roughly May to September.