Tips · Germany
Berlin Christmas Market Trip: What to Prepare Now?
Berlin's Christmas markets usually start at the end of November; a few open earlier. December weather, a 4-day winter plan and what to book early.
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The short answer
According to visitBerlin, the Christmas market season traditionally begins on the first Sunday of Advent at the end of November, with a few markets opening from early November. Dates change every year, so check the official city or tourism information before you book accommodation and transport.
The year-end is a busy season, so book accommodation and transport early. Online booking is required for the Reichstag glass dome, and it is best to buy a timed ticket for Sanssouci Palace in advance.
Christmas markets: when and where
Berlin's Christmas markets usually begin at the end of November (first Sunday of Advent), and a few open from early November. Check end dates and market locations in official information before you go.
Market dates and locations change every year. Before you book accommodation and transport, and again just before you leave, check the official city or tourism information.
Good places to see in the same season include the Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz, open 24 hours a day, and Mitte, home to Museum Island and Berlin Cathedral.
December weather and what to wear
These are 1991–2020 normals from Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), Berlin-Tempelhof station: average high / average low / monthly rainfall.
December is cold, with highs of 4°C and lows around 0°C. November has highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C, and January highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Monthly rainfall is 42mm in November, 44mm in December and 48mm in January.
With temperatures close to freezing, pack a warm coat, a hat, gloves and a scarf. Browsing the markets can mean long stretches outdoors, so warm shoes help too.
- November: 8°C / 3°C / 42mm
- December: 4°C / 0°C / 44mm
- January: 4°C / -1°C / 48mm
A 4-day winter plan
This follows the guide's 4-day itinerary. Day 1: FEX from the airport to Hauptbahnhof and check in → the Reichstag glass dome (booked in advance) → Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz → a walk along Unter den Linden.
Day 2: Museum Island (Nefertiti in the Neues Museum; closed Mondays) → Berlin Cathedral and the dome walkway → evening around Hackescher Markt. The Pergamonmuseum is officially set to reopen on 4 June 2027.
Day 3: S-Bahn to Nordbahnhof for the Berlin Wall Memorial (Documentation Center Tuesday-Sunday) → Warschauer Straße for the East Side Gallery → evening in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Day 4: bus M45 to Charlottenburg Palace and the Ku'damm, or a day trip to Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam with an ABC ticket.
Winter opening hours and closing days
Charlottenburg Palace is open 10:00-16:30 in November and December, closing earlier than from April to October (10:00-17:30). If you plan to visit Sanssouci Palace in winter, check its hours in the official information.
The Neues Museum, Charlottenburg Palace, Sanssouci Palace and the Wall Memorial's Documentation Center are closed on Mondays. Plan always-open places like the Brandenburg Gate or the Wall's outdoor exhibition for Mondays.
According to visitBerlin, shops are closed on Sundays apart from a few exceptions such as airports and railway stations. Some small shops and cafés accept cash only, so carry some euro notes and coins.
What to book early and getting around
The year-end is a busy season, so book accommodation and transport as early as you can. The Reichstag glass dome is free but requires online booking, and Sanssouci Palace uses timed entry with limited daily numbers, so buying online in advance is recommended. Paid accommodation carries a 7.5% city tax.
From the airport, the FEX takes about 23 minutes to Hauptbahnhof. The airport is in fare zone C, so you need an ABC single ticket (€5.00). Within the city an AB ticket is enough: a single costs €4.00 and a 24-hour ticket €11.20. The 72-hour WelcomeCard costs €39.50 (AB).
Always validate paper tickets from machines before riding. Check official information on entry requirements before you go.
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FAQ
When do Berlin's Christmas markets open?
They usually begin on the first Sunday of Advent at the end of November, and a few open from early November. Dates change every year, so check the official city or tourism information before booking.
How cold is Berlin in December?
Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) 1991–2020 normals for Berlin-Tempelhof station give December highs of 4°C and lows around 0°C. Bring a warm coat, a hat and gloves.
What should I book first?
Book accommodation and transport first. Online booking is required for the Reichstag glass dome, and a timed ticket for Sanssouci Palace is best bought in advance.
Do any places close earlier in winter?
Charlottenburg Palace is open 10:00-16:30 in November and December. Many museums and palaces close on Mondays, so check when you plan your days.
Related reading
ⓘ Photo credits
- Reichstag building · Jörg Braukmann / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Mt Moiwa observatory · Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Christmas market lights in Germany · Eremeev / CC BY-SA 3.0