In December 2026, Berlin offers a magical Christmas experience centered around historic, festive markets like Gendarmenmarkt, Charlottenburg Palace, and Rotes Rathaus. Top activities include skating at Alexanderplatz, enjoying Glühwein (mulled wine), admiring Kurfürstendamm's lights, and exploring museums, keeping in mind that shops close early on Dec 24 and stay shut on Dec 25-26.
While many German towns are festive, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is widely considered Germany's ultimate Christmas Town because it feels like a year-round fairytale, complete with medieval walls, cobblestone streets, numerous Christmas shops, and the famous year-round Christmas Museum (Käthe Wohlfahrt) and Reiterlesmarkt. Other top contenders include Dresden for its historic Striezelmarkt and multiple markets, and Quedlinburg for its enchanting medieval atmosphere and Advent calendar.
Where is the best place to stay in Berlin for Christmas?
The best location to stay during Advent time in Berlin is the southern part of the Mitte district. And to be more precise, the areas around Alexanderplatz or Mitte. Both areas are very well-connected to the rest of the city. You'll get in no time even to the distant Weihnachtsmärkte (using the S-Bahn and U-Bahn).
3 days in Berlin give enough time to explore key landmarks, follow the city's history across centuries, and enjoy the kind of food locals eat every day. Berlin doesn't slow down, but it still gives room to move through museums, neighborhoods, and open-air sights without pressure.
The best things to do in Berlin in December include visiting the city's famous Christmas markets, such as Gendarmenmarkt and Rotes Rathaus, exploring world-class indoor attractions like Museum Island, and enjoying festive experiences like ice rinks, winter cruises on the Spree, and Christmas lights tours.
Is the Rhine or Danube better for Christmas markets?
The choice between Rhine and Danube Christmas markets depends on your preference for atmosphere: the Rhine offers a fairytale, cozy experience with castles and medieval towns (Cologne, Strasbourg), while the Danube provides grander, imperial city markets in major capitals (Vienna, Budapest, Prague) and a better chance for snow, with itineraries often giving more time in port. Rhine cruises focus on German/Alsatian charm and denser markets, whereas Danube cruises blend iconic cultural capitals with festive markets, often feeling more like a "real winter" holiday, though Rhine markets can be more crowded.
Places 1–3: Germany's Biggest & Most Famous Christmas Markets
Nuremberg – Christkindlesmarkt. Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is one of the world's most famous Christmas markets and truly embodies traditional German festive culture. ...
Christmas markets are one of the most famous and beloved German holiday traditions. Berlin offers a wide variety of Christmas markets all over the city, with different ambiances catering to all kinds of visitors.
Quedlinburg, with its cobblestone streets and half- timbered houses, is like stepping into a medieval Christmas card. The town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, brims with history, dating back over a thousand years.
While the Danube is a little more scenic than the Rhine, particularly along Austria's Wachau Valley, both rivers have relatively flat bike paths that stretch for miles. Wine lovers will also enjoy both itineraries.
Are there areas in Mitte to avoid at night? While Mitte is mostly safe, it's best to stick to well-lit streets and main squares at night. Avoid isolated alleys or deserted streets after dark.
Kreuzberg was one of Berlin's poorest districts until the fall of the wall in '89. Since then, gentrification has taken hold. It still retains its cool personality, and is now hugely popular among many kinds of people.
