The fairy lights have been shining from the houses and trees for several weeks now and snowflakes large and small have been falling from the sky during those days. The year is drawing to a close and the Christmas season has begun.
The microTOOL team would like to wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
It’s my first Christmas at microTOOL and here in Berlin. So I went on a search to find out what makes winter here so special and while collecting magical Christmas memories in a number of places:
Tradition for all senses
One of the highlights of my first winter in Berlin were the numerous Christmas markets dotted around the city. This year there are 92 of them, each with its own unique character. One of the most famous is the Gendarmenmarkt, which is definitely worth a visit with its festively decorated stalls, delicious treats and handmade gifts! I couldn’t just pass the roasted almonds and a few Christmas surprises also found their way under my Christmas tree.
Another impressive market is the Lucia Christmas Market in the Kulturpark Plänterwald, which scores with Scandinavian flair and an enchanting atmosphere.
Ice skating with a view
To enjoy the winter wonderland fully, you should definitely visit one of Berlin’s many ice rinks. The ice rink in front of Charlottenburg Palace is particularly impressive, where you can do your laps in front of the majestic scenery of the palace. Here I was able to make my first tentative attempts on the ice and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Other popular ice rinks can be found at the Neptune Fountain on Alex and Potsdamer Platz. You can skate a few laps to the sound of classical Christmas music and atmospheric lighting. There are even practice sessions for beginners and children. If you still find the ice a little difficult, you can make do with a mulled wine or another Christmas treat from the Christmas market next to it.
Magic of lights at the Brandenburg Gate
Another highlight was the impressive glow of lights that lights up the city during the Advent season, like the glow of lights at the Brandenburg Gate. The famous landmark is illuminated by thousands of lights in the evening hours and provides a breathtaking backdrop for strolls and special snapshots.
Kurfürstendamm and the Unter den Linden shopping street are also transformed into a sparkling fairytale land. An evening stroll along the festively illuminated streets and squares offered me a unique view of the city and its decorated facades.
Christmas concerts and other festive highlights
Berlin offers a wide range of cultural events in the run-up to Christmas, and the traditional Christmas concerts in the Berlin Philharmonie are definitely worth a visit. If you can find the time between Christmas markets and Christmas shopping, you can get in the mood with the numerous Christmas performances in the city’s theatres. For example, “A Christmas Story” by Charles Dickens in the theatre at Frankfurter Tor.
German Christmas cuisine in cosy cafés and restaurants
To warm up in between and banish the winter chill, I recommend a visit to one of Berlin’s cosy cafés and restaurants. There I was able to indulge in hearty specialities such as bratwurst, potato salad and, of course, stollen. A number of cafés, such as SowohlAlsAuch in Prenzlauer Berg, invite you to linger with their inviting atmosphere and delicious pastries.
Berlin has a lot to offer in the run-up to Christmas
The city transforms into a magical place full of lights, music and festive spirit at Christmas time, if you know where to find them. Winter in Berlin doesn’t have to be cold and dark, there are thousands of beautifully decorated places and a varied cultural programme to discover – nevertheless, a hat and scarf won’t hurt.
Exploring Berlin in winter was a huge success for me and who knows, next year I might even have a secret tip or two for you. Berlin has shown me that the run-up to Christmas is more than just a season here – it’s a wonderful journey through the diversity of the city and its multicultural traditions.